Matt Barkley

[richig07]

Okay, I realize how dumb I look after about six hours ago I would have told you Matt Barkley was a complete and utter joke. However, what do you honestly think the odds are that Barkley plays well enough to at least get a chance to compete for the job next season?

Again, in disbelief that I'm even bringing this up, but outside of that red zone INT. I thought he played a VERY formidable game (against a solid D too), that we all know could have been far bigger if our WR's even played at a semi-serviceable level.

Interested as to where you guys stand with Barkley after this performance. Do not get me wrong, I am CERTAINLY not going to sit here and say that I think Matt Barkley is our guy now. However, I think he played well enough that we do have something to look forward to watching the rest of the season.

San Fran seems like another game that he could play well in, and have a good shot at winning.

 

[Beengay fudgepackers]

He might be a good back up. I still don't want him starting. Tennessees pass defense is downright awful. I think his success is more a part of the defenses shortcomings. I hope I'm wrong though.

 

[richig07]

He might be a good back up. I still don't want him starting. Tennessees pass defense is downright awful. I think his success is more a part of the defenses shortcomings. I hope I'm wrong though.

Even so... That's still a very good performance for an NFL starting debut. Put it this way, if we had drafted a QB in the first round this past off-season and he had that EXACT performance that Barkley had today in his first career start. We'd be pretty darn happy about that.

It was more the way he handled the pressure when Tennessee brought it. He seemed quite unphased. He never panicked, eyes downfield, stepped into his throws and hit his mark more often than not.

Were there a couple throws that need to be better? Heck yes. However... that goes back to my first point. We have to keep in mind that this isn't a vet who has been around. This was his first NFL start. He's only going to improve with more reps.

I think he did enough to warrant us tuning and watching with a little optimism that we'll have something to look forward to for the next few weeks. That's for sure.

 

[noonthirtyjoe]

I'm shocked by how good Barkley played. i never even considered it a possibility. If he keeps it up? then sure.

 

[Beengay fudgepackers]

Even so... That's still a very good performance for an NFL starting debut. Put it this way, if we had drafted a QB in the first round this past off-season and he had that EXACT performance that Barkley had today in his first career start. We'd be pretty darn happy about that.

It was more the way he handled the pressure when Tennessee brought it. He seemed quite unphased. He never panicked, eyes downfield, stepped into his throws and hit his mark more often than not.

Were there a couple throws that need to be better? Heck yes. However... that goes back to my first point. We have to keep in mind that this isn't a vet who has been around. This was his first NFL start. He's only going to improve with more reps.

I think he did enough to warrant us tuning and watching with a little optimism that we'll have something to look forward to for the next few weeks. That's for sure.

I'm not getting my hopes up until DCs get more tape on him and he continues to succeed.

 

[richig07]

I'm not getting my hopes up until DCs get more tape on him and he continues to succeed.

Well, yeah. More than fair enough to say. I mean, I'm with you. I am by ZERO means saying Barkley will or should be our QB moving forward. I am not even saying he should get a shot at the job in next year's camp for that matter. I just think his performance vs Tennessee adds a newfound SMALL semblance of excitement to an other-wise disastrous season.

Then, while it doesn't yet make him a serious contender for the Bears 2017 QB job. It does, let us say... creek open another possible door, for the Bears to entertain going through when making the decision.

Put it this way, this time last week. I honestly didn't care if I ever watched another Bears game this year. Now I'm intrigued, if only to see how Barkley fairs. That's a good thing, IMO.

 

[richig07]

I'm shocked by how good Barkley played. i never even considered it a possibility. If he keeps it up? then sure.

Yeah, to say I'm shocked, is an understatement. I would have been "shocked" if he simply just didn't completely suck. The fact he played well, is mind-blowing to me. I watched him in his one appearance with Philly and in that GB TNF game. He was horrible in both, and he wasn't much better in any pre-season action I saw him in either.

 

[anotheridiot]

bears had 11 drops in the first 10 games this season, they had 10 drops yesterday. I guess receivers need to get used to the ball hitting them in the chest. You took alot about an asinine chip kelly offense and a college coach making the player fit what you consider a perfect system, not the kid from USC that was mumbled about going earlier than the third round.

 

[Payton]

I'd be fine going with Hoyer and Barkley next season if there is no one in the draft that we particularly want... We are definitely NOT a QB away from competing, so draft smart, muddle through with these two at QB next season (And if by chance one takes the bull by the horns and looks good, then yippee!!!), and look at a QB next off-season...

JMO.

 

[wood20ks]

Lets see what happens rest of the season before I make my thought present.....but yes,he was surprisingly very good I thought.

Although we should have won that game easily,the wrs did leave us a top 4 pick.............

 

[wood20ks]

I'd be fine going with Hoyer and Barkley next season if there is no one in the draft that we particularly want... We are definitely NOT a QB away from competing, so draft smart, muddle through with these two at QB next season (And if by chance one takes the bull by the horns and looks good, then yippee!!!), and look at a QB next off-season...

JMO.

I`m kind of on the fence of entertaining Cousins myself................But lets see after the season is over and group the draftees,free agents together,then I`ll decide what I`d really like to see,,,,,,,,,,,,,

 

[beardown07]

I'd be fine going with Hoyer and Barkley next season if there is no one in the draft that we particularly want... We are definitely NOT a QB away from competing, so draft smart, muddle through with these two at QB next season (And if by chance one takes the bull by the horns and looks good, then yippee!!!), and look at a QB next off-season...

JMO.

You really think we are that far away from being competitive? I mean, take away the the glaring record, and let's look at other factors. A couple of "could've been" wins, (Jax, Indy, Giants, yesterday) and things "could've" been quite different for this team. Our D is ranked 9, I believe a saw before yesterday's game, and that's with no real presence in the secondary besides Amos. We have 15 people on IR (I expect them to announce that Trevathan is done) That is unheard of. Not many teams could overcome that.

I think a QB, a couple of DB's, maybe a new starter on the o-line, and some additional depth on both lines and the team has as much of a chance as anyone.

A bounce here, a catch or two there...they could easily be 5-6 right now, or even better, as who knows what a few of those losses turned wins would do for confidence en sech.

I think the difference between winning teams and losing teams is marginal, at best.

 

[NCChiFan]

I need to see him in 4-5 more games this year. Honestly, liked Connor Shaw before he went down in the preseason. Heck, lets see what happens in the draft and pre season F/A signings, but it is looking more an more like Jay is history as far as being a Chicago Bear.

 

[Payton]

You really think we are that far away from being competitive? I mean, take away the the glaring record, and let's look at other factors. A couple of "could've been" wins, (Jax, Indy, Giants, yesterday) and things "could've" been quite different for this team. Our D is ranked 9, I believe a saw before yesterday's game, and that's with no real presence in the secondary besides Amos. We have 15 people on IR (I expect them to announce that Trevathan is done) That is unheard of. Not many teams could overcome that.

I think a QB, a couple of DB's, maybe a new starter on the o-line, and some additional depth on both lines and the team has as much of a chance as anyone.

A bounce here, a catch or two there...they could easily be 5-6 right now, or even better, as who knows what a few of those losses turned wins would do for confidence en sech.

I think the difference between winning teams and losing teams is marginal, at best.

Do you honestly think we are that close to being a Championship contender?

If not, then what is the point of "being competitive"? To be stuck in that mediocre range getting the 13 overall pick and not being able to make much head way?

I'm just saying that we should not get desperate for THE answer at QB this offseason if there doesn't appear to be an answer that we are confident in... Shore up other weaknesses. Go into the season with Hoyer, Barkley (Yeah, and Shaw too... Why not?) and if none of them perform like we need, address QB next season. I think we are more than a player away here and am willing to be patient if there is a plan at least.

 

[anotheridiot]

Lets see what happens rest of the season before I make my thought present.....but yes,he was surprisingly very good I thought.

Although we should have won that game easily,the wrs did leave us a top 4 pick.............

I actually thought there was a chance Fales was going to start the second half, or at least play the second half. They must really hate that guy. Reminds me of one of those Football movies where the coach treated the backup like shit until he needed the backup.

 

[NCChiFan]

Do you honestly think we are that close to being a Championship contender?

Who has a clue? You know we now lead the NFL with players on IR? 15 is tied with someone else, now that Danny T is done for the year, that puts us on top sole possession with 16! Woot?

Edit: Rotoworld is reporting "Bears ILB Danny Trevathan has been diagnosed with a ruptured right patellar tendon, and is done for the season." And then you need to account for the two knuckle heads out for PED infractions.

 

[noonthirtyjoe]

If we found a gem in Barkley then we could use that early pick on a difference maker or trade down for more picks. That would solidify QB and Play maker. But to think Barkley is the answer is just down right stupid. This guy can't play at this level and may be the absolute worse QB ever trotted out by the Bears. Or I'm completely wrong like I was this week. Naw I can't be wrong Barkley sucks monkey balls. You guys need to wake up. Just to think I'm excited to see Barkley play this week sickens me and tells me I need help. You guys too. If only we had a board we could go to, to talk about our infliction and support each other.

 

[averagejoe]

BARKLEY
To me, Barkley passed the eye test.
He made good throws for positive yards.
The drops were clearly on the receivers and backs. Not Barkley.

As some have echoed above, I'd like to see him in a couple more games though.
Chad Hutchinson looked decent in one game too. We know how that turned sour.
Maybe it's a Chicago curse?
But to stay on topic, yes, I think the play of Barkley was very positive.


CONTENDERS?
Seems like when we gained any momentum this season, we'd have a key injury. Or set of injuries.
On both sides of the ball.
I look at this a positive for the team too.
Who can fill the void? Who is stepping up? Who is not? We're establishing depth.

The Bears' roster got younger this season.
We may have the youngest roster in the division?
And while the Lions and Vikes may be battling it out for the divisional crown, neither looks solid IMO.
The Pack seem out of tune also.

Not considering the NFC East, there are only 5 other NFC teams with a winning record.
The opportunity is there.


SHAW
What's the latest on Connor Shaw?
Has anyone heard anything?

I really liked what I saw from him in preseason.
He was marching the offense down the field against a 3rd-string Chiefs defense.
Was making great reads, making even better throws. Then he broke his leg.

Hoyer came in as his relief and stalled. Threw at least 2 passes away because he couldn't handle the same pressure that Shaw was doing well against.

 

[beardown07]

BARKLEY
To me, Barkley passed the eye test.
He made good throws for positive yards.
The drops were clearly on the receivers and backs. Not Barkley.

As some have echoed above, I'd like to see him in a couple more games though.
Chad Hutchinson looked decent in one game too. We know how that turned sour.
Maybe it's a Chicago curse?
But to stay on topic, yes, I think the play of Barkley was very positive.


CONTENDERS?
Seems like when we gained any momentum this season, we'd have a key injury. Or set of injuries.
On both sides of the ball.
I look at this a positive for the team too.
Who can fill the void? Who is stepping up? Who is not? We're establishing depth.

The Bears' roster got younger this season.
We may have the youngest roster in the division?
And while the Lions and Vikes may be battling it out for the divisional crown, neither looks solid IMO.
The Pack seem out of tune also.

Not considering the NFC East, there are only 5 other NFC teams with a winning record.
The opportunity is there.


SHAW
What's the latest on Connor Shaw?
Has anyone heard anything?

I really liked what I saw from him in preseason.
He was marching the offense down the field against a 3rd-string Chiefs defense.
Was making great reads, making even better throws. Then he broke his leg.

Hoyer came in as his relief and stalled. Threw at least 2 passes away because he couldn't handle the same pressure that Shaw was doing well against.

Shaw's injury was gruesome. I'd be shocked if he were ready to go next year. Honestly, I would not be terribly shocked if he never played again.

Too bad too, cuz that kid had some moxie.

 

[richig07]

You really think we are that far away from being competitive? I mean, take away the the glaring record, and let's look at other factors. A couple of "could've been" wins, (Jax, Indy, Giants, yesterday) and things "could've" been quite different for this team. Our D is ranked 9, I believe a saw before yesterday's game, and that's with no real presence in the secondary besides Amos. We have 15 people on IR (I expect them to announce that Trevathan is done) That is unheard of. Not many teams could overcome that.

I think a QB, a couple of DB's, maybe a new starter on the o-line, and some additional depth on both lines and the team has as much of a chance as anyone.

A bounce here, a catch or two there...they could easily be 5-6 right now, or even better, as who knows what a few of those losses turned wins would do for confidence en sech.

I think the difference between winning teams and losing teams is marginal, at best.

Agreed. This team is so much closer than people think. The D is legitimately a player or two away from stepping up towards the top units of the league.

We have pieces in place offensively, especially with our interior line when Long, Sitton and Whitehair are all healthy. No idea what happens with Jeffery, but if he sticks around our WR's are certainly solid. Howard looks like a future pro bowler.

I'd say a QB could ABSOLUTELY make us VERY competitive.