The Bears have made their own contributions to the changing landscape, making some swift, bold, and controversial personnel decisions in the past 5 days. First saw the departure of stalwart Tight End (and team leader in TD receptions for 2010) Greg Olsen, who was promptly traded to the Carolina Panthers. Next came a scattering of signings of all the 2011 Draft picks (Gabe Carimi, Stephen Paea chief among them), and some eyebrow raising free agent acquisitions of busts/has-been's, in the form of Roy Williams, Vernon Gholston, Sam Hurd, Chris Spencer, and Marion Barber. The Bears also retained some of their "core" in Anthony Adams and Corey Graham, while also assuring Matt Forte that signing Forte to a long term extension is a top priority.
It is more than safe to say however, that none of those moves are what Bear fans are talking about today. That topic belongs to Olin Kreutz, and the inability of the Bears to reach an agreement with him for 2011.
As far as the particulars, the Bears appeared to be offering $500,000 less than what Olin wanted ($4.5 million). While at first glance it doesn't sound like much, but judging by statement by both Olin and Jerry Angelo, it ultimately wasn't about the money. From Olin's standpoint, he believes the Bears made it clear they didn't want him back. Jerry Angelo, in what was a very candid media session, let it be known that while it was time to move on, he is grateful for Olin's contributions stating, "Long after I'm gone, Olin will be the one who will be remembered".
Both men get approving thumbs up from me, in terms of not taking it personal and remaining classy.
Is this the right move for the Bears to make? Yes.It.Is.
Forget the fact that Olin is 34 years old. Forget the fact that Olin has been a Bear since Dave Wannestedt was head coach. Forget the fact that Olin hasn't made a Pro-Bowl since 2006. Even if you dismiss those three facts, it still remains painfully clear that Olin has been regressing as a player for the past three seasons. Last season was particularly galling, as time after time Olin was blown off the ball, or was seen numerous times looking around for someone to block even though the penetration had already gone right past him. Even though most strident defenders of Kreutz, acknowledge that he can't play anymore.
The most common defense of retaining Kreutz involves the word "leadership". That's the first word people choose to use when it comes to expressing their outrage. Here's the problem with that: leadership has nothing to do with blocking. Leadership is only as good as your performance on the field. There's no question that Olin knows his assignments, does his homework, and keeps other players in line among other things. There's a big difference between those responsibilities, and executing on the field however. For the past three seasons, Olin has not been getting it done and the Bears had to draw the line somewhere.
What are the Bears going to do at Center now? Well the short answer is Chris Spencer as of today, until someone better shows up on the radar. Will Spencer, or this mystery center be any good? I can't answer yes or no, but that's HARDLY enough justification for bringing back a veteran who can't play anymore.
Either way though, the Bears are making strong statements as an organization, in terms of what they wish to do. They are buying in to what Mike Martz wants on offense, lock stock & barrel. I find this quite surprising, since it was only after they got away from Martz's version of Air Coryell did the Bears start moving the ball consistently in 2010. Despite of what I may think of that organizational decision, the Bears are re-committing to it regardless.
Most importantly, I'd be remiss to not acknowledge the end of the Olin Kreutz era with the Bears with a bit of sentiment. Olin has been an important face of this franchise's identity. Olin has more than exuded all the traits and qualities that Bear fans have come to associate themselves with: Great football player, plays through pain, and has a mean streak that is completely unafraid of anyone. Olin will always be a Chicago Bear legend, and have a special place in my Bears memory bank.
I wish him well, and I hope when he hangs it up, he will remain part of the Bears organization in some capacity. Judging by how the 85 Bears are still treated like royalty among Bear fans, I suspect Olin will be around...
* Oh and before I forget David Haugh, Jay Hilgenberg was coming off a Pro-Bowl year when the Bears parted ways him in 1991. Kreutz is not. Jay Hilgenberg also played two more years for two more seasons after the Bears cut ties with him. Didn't exactly come back and bite the Bears did it? Probably not a good example to try and back up your point.
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