d00kd00k

Clark speaks out
By: Jason Klabacha

Date: May 10, 2006

The Bears tight ends have been heavily criticized this off-season. Starter Turdmond Clark doesn’t shy away from the blame for the lack of production from the position, but says others were also responsible.

"We all share the blame for not getting the tight end the ball last year," Clark told the Chicago Tribune.

Clark is also referring to the quarterbacks and coaching staff. The frustration is understandable considering he’s seen his numbers steadily decline since signing with the Bears as a free agent in 2004. He caught 44 balls in his first year win Chicago but the total dropped to 24 each of the past two seasons.

During his tenure in Chicago, Clark has come up with some spectacular catches yet at times has dropped easier opportunities.

Playing in a run oriented offense has forced the six-foot-3, 254-pounder to improve his blocking. Still rightly or wrongly, most look at the receiving stats when judging a tight end. Although Clark was voted as a third alternate to the Pro Bowl, there were 14 tight ends in the NFC that had more receptions.

"We're asked to do more than catch the ball, and that has been the big issue," Clark said. "We need a tight end who catches the ball. That's how I make my money—by catching the ball! When I came into the league, I came in as a receiver. So I'm what people are looking for. We just have to get more of it."

With a passing game that ranked 31st it’s clear the Bears need playmakers to emerge on offense. While the team failed to address tight end with any of their seven selections, undrafted free agents Tim Day and Cooper Wallace could bring much needed depth to the position.

Despite the new blood on the roster, Clark continues to have confidence in his game.

"I didn't make [the NFL] by chance. I made it by hard work and being one of the better tight ends in the league,” he said. “I wasn't voted as an alternate for the Pro Bowl for nothing. My peers see what I do. What the media has to say and what the unknowing public has to say doesn't affect me."

The question is can Clark have an impact on the offense?

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from NFL Films at SB41: Colts defensive line coach John Teerlinck can be heard saying: ''Stay alive on this guy. He's scared to death.'' ... that "guy" is Turnoverasaurus Rex Grossman.

GrossPeanuts

Isn't this an old article, or did they just use that old quote @ the bottom there?

greylion

First of all he needs to not get injured early in camp and miss the whole damn thing. If one of the two FA TE prospects could make the roster and develop into a pass catching TE, then at least I'd consider it a slight improvement of the position. One of them better be able to beat out Gabe Reid?

Clark is a favorite whipping boy of me, but I hope he has a better year than the last 2.

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If you can't break your nose at it, it ain't a sport.

greylion

Down to Five


Brian Urlacher By: Jason Klabacha

Date: May 10, 2006

The NFL is truly a game of constant change. Jerry Azumah’s retirement coupled with trading Mike Green this off-season leaves just five members from the 2001 NFC Central champions still on the roster. See who they are and what player is the next most likely to go.


Patrick Mannelly is often overlooked and underrated because he’s a long snapper. However, he’s among the best in the game and is the active leader in games played with the Bears at 125.

Olin Kreutz is a five-time Pro Bowl center and leader of the offense. On most teams the quarterbacks takes the role, but the instability at the position has made Kreutz the unquestioned king of the locker room. He has two years left on his current deal and will likely get an extension at some point.

Brian Urlacher is on his way to a Hall of Fame career. Before the age of 28, he has gone to five Pro Bowls and won Defensive Player of the Year honors. The fact is, he should be coming into the prime of his career and the talent around him should help ease the pressure. He’s signed through 2011 and the odds are in favor of him retiring a Bear.

Mike Brown has battled injuries the past two seasons, but the Bears record with him (10-4) over that stretch compared to without him (6-12) tells the story. Although he aging faster than some players, he still has enough in the tank to be a playmaker for the defense. If his doesn’t prove he can stay on the field this season, Brown is a potential salary cap causality down the road. He’s currently signed through 2008.

Brad Maynard joined the team as a free agent in 2001. Despite the difficult kicking conditions, he has been one of the most reliable punters in the game since coming to Chicago. However, last season he struggled with his distance and hang time.
Of the group, Maynard is the mostly likely candidate to be the next player to leave town. Thanks to an extension last off-season he’s under contract through 20010 with base salaries of $775,000, $875,000, $925,000, $1.03 million and $1.27 million. A hefty amount for any punter, especially one who struggled down the stretch last season.

The Bears have been openly critical of Maynard and signed Joel Stelly to compete with him in training camp. If the undrafted free agent out of Louisiana-Monroe can out kicks Maynard, the numbers will dictate the veteran will be the odd man out.

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If you can't break your nose at it, it ain't a sport.

d00kd00k

article was posted today, so must be an old quote. but it's first time i read that quote. i guess turdmond is still resting on his laurels from a non-merited invite to the pro bowl.....the only bowl he belongs in is a toilet.

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from NFL Films at SB41: Colts defensive line coach John Teerlinck can be heard saying: ''Stay alive on this guy. He's scared to death.'' ... that "guy" is Turnoverasaurus Rex Grossman.

imported_DarthGator

am I the only one that cant wait for this piece of **** to get cut?

d00kd00k

i think my editing of his name from desmond to turdmond in the article, should show you my feelings about him.

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from NFL Films at SB41: Colts defensive line coach John Teerlinck can be heard saying: ''Stay alive on this guy. He's scared to death.'' ... that "guy" is Turnoverasaurus Rex Grossman.

dabayrz

it's a new article but old quotes...

there was an article in the tribune about a week ago...

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drkcldrsn

But he went to the probowl dammit!!!!!!!!!

Naw Clark can block ok but its frustrating as hell to see him drop some easy passes that he deflects into the air and gets picked off.....I am getting tired of seeing other teams starting to wise up and actually utilize the TE position while the Bears GM states "Hey we havent had a TE since Ditka why waste a draft pick on one....."

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Pass it underneath? You know who the **** I am?!? Im Rex Grossman Biatch!!
-Rex Grossman

WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT!!
- Me after the Sopranos series finale

I killed Harry Potter....