Bears Offseason: Has Lovie lost the team?
Nathan Vasher is the latest Bear to withdraw from the offseason's voluntary workout program, joining recently demoted Lance Briggs and Thomas Jones. What's going on in Lake Forest? Who's his agent? Vasher is two years away from free agency so he really has no leverage, so I really don't understand what's to be gained by sitting out.
Last week, I was listening to the talking heads on the radio and one of them was insisting that the players have lost respect for coach Lovie Smith, and Lovie in turn looks like an amateur with his demotions. I thought it was crap at the time, a Mariotti-esque ratings-grabber with no basis in fact. Now I'm starting to wonder. Did you hear all the players jump to Lovie's defense last week after he demoted Briggs and Jones? Me neither. I did hear a few guys, namely Brian Urlacher, stress that the workouts are voluntary and the players shouldn't be punished for skipping out. Hmmm.... It's WAY to early to say that Lovie has lost the team, but a pattern is definitely forming and it's something to look out for.
This sucks. Last year's team was a breath of fresh air, and I'm really looking forward to the 2006 season. The latest from Halas Hall is starting to put a damper on my hopes, though. If Lovie loses the team and one or two injuries hit, the next thing you know a ball will bounce off Leon Johnson's head (wherever he is, the ball will find him) and all of a sudden we're looking at another 4-12. The 2002 Bears were the very definition of the word "Buzzkill." If they wilt like that again this year, more or less nullifying last season's success, I seriously might stop watching football. Well, not seriously, but you get the idea.
Right the ship, Lovie. Your point was made, let the kids come out of Time Out.