pittmike wrote:
There has to be some fundamental issue that needs explanation after the season ends regarding the offensive blocking. The line and TEs can't just be called bad. There has to be a reason other than injury to Long that explains last year to this year. Last year there was great play and contract extensions were being passed out like crazy.
The OT have both been like an old car you are trying to squeeze another 10K miles out of. Each year they end up being OK enough where you address some other priority and feel that you can live with them one more season. The car broke down this year.
Now, I think both of them can be league average. However, with these two you absolutely must have a TE on your roster who can block. One of the two of them need help virtually every play. For some unknown reason the Bears decided to take a 30 year old career OT and have him drop weight for conversion to TE. Then they chose not to back him up with a sure thing in case the experiment did not work. Sowell ended up sucking at TE and that bitch Burton had no fortitude to even try to be good at it.
Here is what I would do: Sign Nick Vannett in free agency. He's 6'6", 260 and has played for three teams that know something about blocking TE in Ohio State, Seahawks and Steelers. He's still young and was pretty well regarded as an all around TE four years ago in the draft (he's disappointed as a receiver). Bring Burton back. His nerves can now be relieved of blocking duties and he did show ability as a pass catcher last year. Then, draft a guy in the middle rounds. My personal favorite is Kmet.