Commitments, commitments, commitments.
Or in this case, noncommitments.
It’s been kind of fun watching John Fox and Ryan Pace emerge from the cocoon and appear at the scouting combine.
Now the real work begins. I imagine after a brief honeymoon period, where they both enjoyed coming on board together, they probably went “Holy [bleep]! Have you seen this roster?”
Welcome to Chicago, Ryan Pace and John Fox. And no, you’re not imagining it. That cupboard is bare.
All that offensive talent, it turns out, is a little slow. Yeah, they’re big. But there’s not one burner in the group. Not one guy who can stretch a defense and open things up underneath. I wondered why everyone was getting tackled the same time the ball got there.
I see Fox is “noncommittal on Jay Cutler.” Yeah, that’s how I’d play it except for one thing. There is no one else. Sure, you can look at the draft and free agency, but that grass is not greener. Best bet: Give him a defense and a running game. Then say goodbye in a couple of years.
I see Pace and Fox met with Josh McCown. Love it! Sure, bring him back. That saves us a draft pick right there in finding a backup.
Now the dirty work. The defense. We’re now officially switching to a 3-4. The last time we played a 3-4 was … there was no last time.
I’m wondering if Pace and Fox took one look at that defense and again went “Are you kidding me? Did Phil Emery think these guys were talented? Let’s blow it up and start over.”
Maybe they will. Somehow, with a 3-4, Shea McClellin will have yet another shot to prove himself. So will Jon Bostic. Wow, those guys are lucky. They get to hit the reset button.
Rejoice anyway, Chicago. Pitchers and catchers have reported for light workouts. And there’s even a guy on the Blackhawks roster named Kyle Cumiskey. No relation to Charles Comiskey, of course.
And one more bullet dodged: Carmelo Anthony out for the season with knee surgery.
I consider it my duty to say, you know, I told you so.
Bag Boy is a RedEye special contributor.
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