Bears Blitz

Published by Bob Warja on May 15, 2011
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears

The Bears helped themselves in the draft, upgrading on both sides of the line. Offensive tackle Gabe Carimi and defensive tackle Stephen Paea should solidify two areas of obvious need for the Bears going forward.

So QB Jay Cutler will be better protected. That’s certainly a good thing after having been sacked more times than Pamela Anderson last year.

But what about a legitimate No. 1 wide receiver for him to throw to? To have a strong-armed QB without a legitimate weapon would be like a gun with no ammo.

In other words, it would be a damn shame.

That’s why the Bears simply must try to sign WR Sidney Rice.

Sure, the Bears have gotten tougher in the trenches, but there is also an undeniable need for playmakers in the Mike Martz offense in 2011.

And that need wasn’t addressed in the draft.

A big, fast athletic option for Cutler to throw to is absolutely a requirement if 2011 is going to finally be the year that he lives up to the hype.

Look, Johnny Knox is certainly speedy, and he came within an eyelash of a 1,000 yard season in 2010. But his routes are inconsistent and he lacks the ability to go get the ball in traffic.

And as great as Devin Hester is returning punts and kicks, he just isn’t that good at running routes, getting open and catching passes.

Earl Bennett may be the slot receiver for the Bears as a possession-type of wideout, but they lack that serious threat that opposing teams defenses have to gameplan for each week. 

Sidney Rice, come on down, you can be the guy if the price is right.

Yes, Rice is currently a restricted free agent; or, rather, he would be if a collective bargaining agreement was in place.

But once the lockout is lifted, Rice is expected to obtain unrestricted status if the league returns to the way it awarded free agency prior to the 2010 season.

And, if that happens, Minnesota Vikings beat writer Judd Zulgad guesses that Rice will not be back.

Agent Drew Rosenhaus has already made it clear that Rice, as a four-year veteran, will test the market if granted unrestricted free agency as expected.

While he will be one of the most sought after receivers out there, Bears GM Jerry Angelo has proven before that when he targets a guy, he can beat everyone to the punch and go get his man.

Similar to how the Bears pursued Julius Peppers last offseason, they need to strike quickly with a rich offer in hand for Rice.

It makes too much sense for it not to happen.

Rice is still only 24 and showed difference-making ability late last season after recovering from hip surgery. And if you have any fear that the hip will be a long-term issue, allow Vikings GM Rick Spielman to ease those concerns. 

“I’m sure if we felt any concerns medically that we wouldn’t be discussing extensions with him,” said Spielman. (Source: Tom Pelissero on Twitter).

Think about this, Bears fans. Cutler not only gets the weapon he needs, but they weaken a division opponent at the same time.

And, let me repeat an important point here: the man won’t be 25 until September.

Meanwhile, Rice has been very productive when healthy.

In 2009, he caught 83 balls for 1,312 yards and eight touchdowns. He also looked good after coming back from injury, averaging 16.5 yards per catch with 17 receptions and a couple of touchdowns.

Memo to Angelo: You and Cutler are joined at the hip. The trade is your legacy with the Bears. To not surround him with the best talent money can buy would be foolish.

So don’t be a fool, Jerry. You improved the line, now go get a real, honest-to-goodness receiver. Then there won’t be any excuses anymore.

For if you don’t, you’ll never know what could have been. And that would be a damn shame.

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