Example of poor journalism and a coach on Koolaid
Bears coach Lovie Smith: Clock ticking for Cedric Benson
Tribune reporter Dan Pompei sits down with Smith, who clearly isn't thrilled with the team's rushing attack
April 2, 2008, 11:35 PM CDT
PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Bears coach Lovie Smith offered a strong endorsement for Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama during
a breakfast with the media at the NFL meetings Wednesday. His endorsement for running back Cedric Benson wasn't quite as strong.
After an omelet and fresh fruit at the Breakers Hotel, Smith revealed he and Obama have spoken.
"He's a big Bears fan," Smith said. "He even has some advice on the quarterback situation."
Then, without solicitation, Smith said, " I hope he wins the election. I'm a big Barack Obama fan. I believe in his plan for the future."
Some Bears fans might be more concerned about Smith's plan for Benson. In a conversation that lasted about 50 minutes, Smith talked more about Benson than anything.
The running game
Asked if the Bears need a starter at halfback, Smith said in reference to Benson and Adrian Peterson,
"We didn't get No. 1 running back-type production most of the year. Do I think the players we have there can do it? Yes, I think they can."
He said Benson continues to rehab from a broken leg and should be ready to participate in the off-season program at some point.
While being clear he was not laying all the blame on Benson, Smith said he does not want to see the same Benson he saw in 2007.
"We weren't pleased with … our running game last year," he said. "We haven't made that a secret. It's the off-season, so we're looking at ways to improve. … There are a lot of good running backs coming out of the draft."
Smith called Benson a "hard worker," but indicated he would like to see the former Texas star lose weight in an effort to gain quickness.
"You look at some of those things and change your body up," he said. "You maybe play at a lighter weight. You do some things differently."
He said he believes Benson is very motivated in part because of the way last season went for him but he also said it's time for him to live up to expectations.
"There comes a time when you need to produce," Smith said. "That's where he is. It's as simple as that."
What seems certain is the Bears will bring in competition for Benson—probably from the draft. But …
"It's probably better getting linemen earlier [in the draft]," Smith said. "More running backs have turned out later in the draft than have offensive linemen or even defensive linemen."
On competition for playing time
Smith did not want to declare any player a starter this early in the off-season.
But when the Bears line up for their off-season team workouts, Smith indicated John St. Clair would take the first rep at right tackle and Terrence Metcalf would take the first rep at right guard.
He also said Josh Beekman would be in the mix for playing time.
Smith also addressed the absence of proven playmakers on offense, expressing confidence in wide receivers Devin Hester and Mark Bradley, as well as tight ends Desmond Clark and Greg Olsen.
"Whenever you lose a playmaker, it's a little unsettling," he said, apparently referring to the departed Bernard Berrian.
"But I still like what we have on our roster. … The cupboard isn't totally bare, but we need to look to elevate our game even a little more."
On Devin Hester's future
"I think Devin Hester can pretty much be what he wants to be," Smith said. "Can he be a three-down receiver? Definitely."
Smith said the plan is to have Hester return fewer kicks, but will use him on special teams on a limited basis.
"You have to be realistic to know he can't do it all," Smith said.
Smith indicated Danieal Manning could help the Bears on kick returns, and mentioned restricted free-agent receiver Rashied Davis as another possible return man.
Yet that doesn't mean we have seen the last of Hester the return man.
"We're in a game and we need a play and they're kicking the ball off to us, there is a good chance you are going to see him back there," Smith said. "They're punting the ball to us and we need a big play, no matter what part of the game, there is a good chance you are going to see him back there."
Not on the defensive
There are fewer questions on defense, but Smith said he expects Mike Brown to move to free safety after playing strong safety last season. Brown has played free in the past.
The move could have ramifications for Manning, who is considered a better free safety than strong. Smith said he expects Manning to compete at strong safety with Brandon McGowan, Kevin Payne and Adam Archuleta. He also left open the possibility the Bears could add a safety in the coming months.
Smith also said defensive lineman Israel Idonije will be given a longer look.
"There are a few players on our roster who I feel haven't gotten a great opportunity to play," Smith said. "One of them is Israel Idonije. … We're thinking about letting him play more tackle. He can be a 275-pound guy or a 300-pound player with [low] body fat. So we need to get him involved a little bit more."
The dweeb should be moved to the classified section, for writing that....er..forget that, if a journalist can't keep the details straight, they should stick to trolling for beach worms.
As for Lovie, his myopia is getting seriously old.
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Example of poor journalism and a coach on Koolaid
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