Bears sign DT Andrew Billings

For all things Chicago Bears

Moderator: wab

User avatar
wab
Mod
Posts: 29805
Joined: Sun Nov 02, 2008 12:49 pm
Has thanked: 127 times
Been thanked: 1956 times

Yogi da Bear wrote: Thu Mar 16, 2023 5:06 pm Flus and Poles are so full of crap. Here's what they said at the beginning of the month as to what they look for in defensive linemen:
Bears general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus met with the media at the NFL Scouting Combine, where they discussed exactly what they’re looking for in a defensive lineman.

“Violence. Tenacity. Length,” said Poles.
“Big, long and fast,” said Eberflus.
And then they sign this guy: 6'1, 311 pounds. Basically, a bowling ball in pads. Not that I'm against the signing. In fact, I quite like it. For sure, he'll help at least around the goal line. Hell, maybe he can even stop the Hurts scrum. Knock them all down like bowling pins. lol But good God, how much further away can he be from their self-proclaimed attributes they're looking for?
He’s pretty athletic and has like 34in arms. But yeah, he doesn’t really fit the “build” profile that they always talk about.
User avatar
dplank
Hall of Famer
Posts: 12025
Joined: Tue Nov 29, 2016 9:19 am
Has thanked: 1201 times
Been thanked: 2138 times

Sounds like Mike Pennel Part Deux.
User avatar
crueltyabc
Hall of Famer
Posts: 5119
Joined: Mon May 04, 2009 7:36 pm
Location: Dallas TX
Has thanked: 79 times
Been thanked: 226 times

Thank fucking God. Maybe last year was a fluke or maybe he figured it out. Either way I bet he’s better than Pennell

xyt in the discord chats
User avatar
Z Bear
MVP
Posts: 1656
Joined: Fri Apr 13, 2018 10:45 am
Has thanked: 21 times
Been thanked: 141 times

Well we now have two DTs have have seen live action in the NFL, so there is that.
User avatar
Hoog
Player of the Month
Posts: 386
Joined: Sun Dec 29, 2019 4:51 pm
Has thanked: 41 times
Been thanked: 69 times

Very much like this signing. Really solid run defender who had a really nice year for Vegas. Not fancy but effective. Had him on my depth list this morning.
User avatar
southdakbearfan
Head Coach
Posts: 4600
Joined: Wed Jul 20, 2011 11:23 pm
Location: South Dakota
Has thanked: 763 times
Been thanked: 328 times

Yogi da Bear wrote: Thu Mar 16, 2023 5:06 pm Flus and Poles are so full of crap. Here's what they said at the beginning of the month as to what they look for in defensive linemen:
Bears general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus met with the media at the NFL Scouting Combine, where they discussed exactly what they’re looking for in a defensive lineman.

“Violence. Tenacity. Length,” said Poles.
“Big, long and fast,” said Eberflus.
And then they sign this guy: 6'1, 311 pounds. Basically, a bowling ball in pads. Not that I'm against the signing. In fact, I quite like it. For sure, he'll help at least around the goal line. Hell, maybe he can even stop the Hurts scrum. Knock them all down like bowling pins. lol But good God, how much further away can he be from their self-proclaimed attributes they're looking for?
What you want in a draft pick and what you know you are getting in an established nfl vet can be two different things.
RichH55
Hall of Famer
Posts: 7942
Joined: Tue Nov 29, 2016 4:23 pm
Has thanked: 511 times
Been thanked: 598 times

crueltyabc wrote: Thu Mar 16, 2023 6:01 pm Thank fucking God. Maybe last year was a fluke or maybe he figured it out. Either way I bet he’s better than Pennell

That would be my guess as well

Anti-Poles folks Im surprised they even think he'll be as good as Pennell - huge growth!
User avatar
wab
Mod
Posts: 29805
Joined: Sun Nov 02, 2008 12:49 pm
Has thanked: 127 times
Been thanked: 1956 times

Billings and Pennell are two very different players.
TheWorldBreaker
MVP
Posts: 1117
Joined: Thu Jan 17, 2013 9:57 pm
Has thanked: 30 times
Been thanked: 120 times

Yogi da Bear wrote: Thu Mar 16, 2023 5:06 pm Flus and Poles are so full of crap. Here's what they said at the beginning of the month as to what they look for in defensive linemen:
Bears general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus met with the media at the NFL Scouting Combine, where they discussed exactly what they’re looking for in a defensive lineman.

“Violence. Tenacity. Length,” said Poles.
“Big, long and fast,” said Eberflus.
And then they sign this guy: 6'1, 311 pounds. Basically, a bowling ball in pads. Not that I'm against the signing. In fact, I quite like it. For sure, he'll help at least around the goal line. Hell, maybe he can even stop the Hurts scrum. Knock them all down like bowling pins. lol But good God, how much further away can he be from their self-proclaimed attributes they're looking for?
He has 33 inch arms. Arm length is more significant than height for defensive linemen and usually what they’re primarily referring to.

Aaron Donald is also 6’1 for reference. Think they wouldn’t sign him if he were available?

If they draft Kancey and his 30 inch arms, you can kill them. But a 6’1 1T with 33 inch arms is not the guy to do it on.
RichH55
Hall of Famer
Posts: 7942
Joined: Tue Nov 29, 2016 4:23 pm
Has thanked: 511 times
Been thanked: 598 times

TheWorldBreaker wrote: Thu Mar 16, 2023 9:03 pm
Yogi da Bear wrote: Thu Mar 16, 2023 5:06 pm Flus and Poles are so full of crap. Here's what they said at the beginning of the month as to what they look for in defensive linemen:



And then they sign this guy: 6'1, 311 pounds. Basically, a bowling ball in pads. Not that I'm against the signing. In fact, I quite like it. For sure, he'll help at least around the goal line. Hell, maybe he can even stop the Hurts scrum. Knock them all down like bowling pins. lol But good God, how much further away can he be from their self-proclaimed attributes they're looking for?
He has 33 inch arms. Arm length is more significant than height for defensive linemen and usually what they’re primarily referring to.

Aaron Donald is also 6’1 for reference. Think they wouldn’t sign him if he were available?

If they draft Kancey and his 30 inch arms, you can kill them. But a 6’1 1T with 33 inch arms is not the guy to do it on.
Solid post
User avatar
IE
Hall of Famer
Posts: 12500
Joined: Mon Nov 03, 2008 8:46 am
Location: Plymouth, MI
Has thanked: 523 times
Been thanked: 700 times
Contact:

Billings was PFF's 16th ranked interior DLineman last years. Our ex-guy Tonga was like 13th.

That was one of Poles' decisions I didn't really like - but accepted given the new regime's stated desire for certain types of players. Is Billings really that different than Tonga? Both are more run stuffers than pass rushers. Regardless, Tonga rates a bit higher in both.

I think this is sort of admitting the Tonga mistake. Nobody's perfect.
2023 Chicago Bears... emerging from a long hibernation, and hungry!
User avatar
The Cooler King
Hall of Famer
Posts: 5005
Joined: Wed Dec 18, 2019 11:07 pm
Has thanked: 1203 times
Been thanked: 346 times

IE wrote: Fri Mar 17, 2023 1:54 pm Billings was PFF's 16th ranked interior DLineman last years. Our ex-guy Tonga was like 13th.

That was one of Poles' decisions I didn't really like - but accepted given the new regime's stated desire for certain types of players. Is Billings really that different than Tonga? Both are more run stuffers than pass rushers. Regardless, Tonga rates a bit higher in both.

I think this is sort of admitting the Tonga mistake. Nobody's perfect.
Tonga mistake cuts a little extra deep because both franchises did a Tonga - Watts effective swap. And a division rival.

Heck add Smith-Marsette and Shelley (despite diff position). Though Marsette was a key tank captain that one game 😂

Oh well. Not dwelling on it.
User avatar
wulfy
MVP
Posts: 1550
Joined: Mon Apr 13, 2020 5:51 pm
Has thanked: 128 times
Been thanked: 271 times
Contact:

The Cooler King wrote: Fri Mar 17, 2023 2:13 pm
IE wrote: Fri Mar 17, 2023 1:54 pm Billings was PFF's 16th ranked interior DLineman last years. Our ex-guy Tonga was like 13th.

That was one of Poles' decisions I didn't really like - but accepted given the new regime's stated desire for certain types of players. Is Billings really that different than Tonga? Both are more run stuffers than pass rushers. Regardless, Tonga rates a bit higher in both.

I think this is sort of admitting the Tonga mistake. Nobody's perfect.
Tonga mistake cuts a little extra deep because both franchises did a Tonga - Watts effective swap. And a division rival.

Heck add Smith-Marsette and Shelley (despite diff position). Though Marsette was a key tank captain that one game 😂

Oh well. Not dwelling on it.
Smith-Marsette enabled DJ Moore to be a Bear! :D :D :D
User avatar
Arkansasbear
Head Coach
Posts: 4817
Joined: Tue Jun 16, 2020 10:41 am
Has thanked: 457 times
Been thanked: 655 times

The Cooler King wrote: Fri Mar 17, 2023 2:13 pm
IE wrote: Fri Mar 17, 2023 1:54 pm Billings was PFF's 16th ranked interior DLineman last years. Our ex-guy Tonga was like 13th.

That was one of Poles' decisions I didn't really like - but accepted given the new regime's stated desire for certain types of players. Is Billings really that different than Tonga? Both are more run stuffers than pass rushers. Regardless, Tonga rates a bit higher in both.

I think this is sort of admitting the Tonga mistake. Nobody's perfect.
Tonga mistake cuts a little extra deep because both franchises did a Tonga - Watts effective swap. And a division rival.

Heck add Smith-Marsette and Shelley (despite diff position). Though Marsette was a key tank captain that one game 😂

Oh well. Not dwelling on it.
Maybe we should go back through all the game balls and horns threads and vote for a tank captain from each game. We could end up with an MVT - Most Valuable to Tanking. :evilgrin:
User avatar
The Cooler King
Hall of Famer
Posts: 5005
Joined: Wed Dec 18, 2019 11:07 pm
Has thanked: 1203 times
Been thanked: 346 times

Arkansasbear wrote: Fri Mar 17, 2023 3:44 pm
The Cooler King wrote: Fri Mar 17, 2023 2:13 pm
Tonga mistake cuts a little extra deep because both franchises did a Tonga - Watts effective swap. And a division rival.

Heck add Smith-Marsette and Shelley (despite diff position). Though Marsette was a key tank captain that one game 😂

Oh well. Not dwelling on it.
Maybe we should go back through all the game balls and horns threads and vote for a tank captain from each game. We could end up with an MVT - Most Valuable to Tanking. :evilgrin:
Oh geeze so many strong contenders. Smith-Marsette, St Brown, and Santos all immediately come to mind for specific high leverage failures. Mustipher has to get some overall award though. And the refs in the Fins game.
User avatar
The Cooler King
Hall of Famer
Posts: 5005
Joined: Wed Dec 18, 2019 11:07 pm
Has thanked: 1203 times
Been thanked: 346 times

wulfy wrote: Fri Mar 17, 2023 3:07 pm
The Cooler King wrote: Fri Mar 17, 2023 2:13 pm
Tonga mistake cuts a little extra deep because both franchises did a Tonga - Watts effective swap. And a division rival.

Heck add Smith-Marsette and Shelley (despite diff position). Though Marsette was a key tank captain that one game 😂

Oh well. Not dwelling on it.
Smith-Marsette enabled DJ Moore to be a Bear! :D :D :D
Smith-Marsette tanked so Fields and Co. could fly
🥲
Middleguard
MVP
Posts: 1667
Joined: Fri Aug 31, 2012 5:10 pm
Has thanked: 34 times
Been thanked: 120 times

Don't forget muff specialist Velus.
TheWorldBreaker
MVP
Posts: 1117
Joined: Thu Jan 17, 2013 9:57 pm
Has thanked: 30 times
Been thanked: 120 times

IE wrote: Fri Mar 17, 2023 1:54 pm Billings was PFF's 16th ranked interior DLineman last years. Our ex-guy Tonga was like 13th.

That was one of Poles' decisions I didn't really like - but accepted given the new regime's stated desire for certain types of players. Is Billings really that different than Tonga? Both are more run stuffers than pass rushers. Regardless, Tonga rates a bit higher in both.

I think this is sort of admitting the Tonga mistake. Nobody's perfect.
Tonga is taller but has shorter arms and smaller hands, so he fits their length profile.

He’s also a power lifter that hit 2K in the Big 3 at 18 and looks more powerful on tape. I could have my Bears colored glasses on and viewing all the new Bears players in the best light but I don’t think so on this.
User avatar
Heinz D.
MVP
Posts: 1040
Joined: Fri May 06, 2022 4:29 pm
Location: Tri-State area
Has thanked: 947 times
Been thanked: 158 times

wab wrote: Thu Mar 16, 2023 3:08 pm I think Walker is the 3T.
I highly doubt that.

I also think that guy isn't on the team yet...
dplank wrote: Thu Mar 16, 2023 5:19 pm Sounds like Mike Pennel Part Deux.
Have to disagree with you. He's actually a pretty good player. Pennell, on the other hand...
My mother's love was inexplicably linked to kickball.
TheWorldBreaker
MVP
Posts: 1117
Joined: Thu Jan 17, 2013 9:57 pm
Has thanked: 30 times
Been thanked: 120 times

Heinz D. wrote: Fri Mar 17, 2023 4:55 pm
wab wrote: Thu Mar 16, 2023 3:08 pm I think Walker is the 3T.
I highly doubt that.

I also think that guy isn't on the team yet...
dplank wrote: Thu Mar 16, 2023 5:19 pm Sounds like Mike Pennel Part Deux.
Have to disagree with you. He's actually a pretty good player. Pennell, on the other hand...
Walker played outside and inside and had the most success inside, so I think they’ll rotate him in at 3T.
User avatar
Heinz D.
MVP
Posts: 1040
Joined: Fri May 06, 2022 4:29 pm
Location: Tri-State area
Has thanked: 947 times
Been thanked: 158 times

TheWorldBreaker wrote: Fri Mar 17, 2023 4:59 pm Walker played outside and inside and had the most success inside, so I think they’ll rotate him in at 3T.
You're probably right, based on Poles' comments. But, if he ends up being a starter, he won't be the starting 3T.

As I said earlier, I don't think that guy is on the team yet.
My mother's love was inexplicably linked to kickball.
RichH55
Hall of Famer
Posts: 7942
Joined: Tue Nov 29, 2016 4:23 pm
Has thanked: 511 times
Been thanked: 598 times

IE wrote: Fri Mar 17, 2023 1:54 pm Billings was PFF's 16th ranked interior DLineman last years. Our ex-guy Tonga was like 13th.

That was one of Poles' decisions I didn't really like - but accepted given the new regime's stated desire for certain types of players. Is Billings really that different than Tonga? Both are more run stuffers than pass rushers. Regardless, Tonga rates a bit higher in both.

I think this is sort of admitting the Tonga mistake. Nobody's perfect.
I thought Tonga was a mistake too - it happens
RichH55
Hall of Famer
Posts: 7942
Joined: Tue Nov 29, 2016 4:23 pm
Has thanked: 511 times
Been thanked: 598 times

I think it's just a nice value signing - that we aren't allowed to acknowledge because we have to act like Poles did nothing this offseason for......reasons?
User avatar
The Cooler King
Hall of Famer
Posts: 5005
Joined: Wed Dec 18, 2019 11:07 pm
Has thanked: 1203 times
Been thanked: 346 times

RichH55 wrote: Fri Mar 17, 2023 9:03 pm I think it's just a nice value signing - that we aren't allowed to acknowledge because we have to act like Poles did nothing this offseason for......reasons?
You're being kind of dramatic about this shtick I think Rich.
RichH55
Hall of Famer
Posts: 7942
Joined: Tue Nov 29, 2016 4:23 pm
Has thanked: 511 times
Been thanked: 598 times

The Cooler King wrote: Fri Mar 17, 2023 9:19 pm
RichH55 wrote: Fri Mar 17, 2023 9:03 pm I think it's just a nice value signing - that we aren't allowed to acknowledge because we have to act like Poles did nothing this offseason for......reasons?
You're being kind of dramatic about this shtick I think Rich.
Could be - have to compare me to Larry Borom then!

I - for the record - have been a fan of this offseason
User avatar
Shadow
Assistant Coach
Posts: 686
Joined: Sun Aug 07, 2022 11:47 am
Has thanked: 77 times
Been thanked: 144 times

I was big Tonga fan. He did everything they asked him to do last year (dropped weight, learned a new defense, gave it his all= HITS) and they cut him. I was flabbergasted. I thought he was going to be the next Israel Idonije and change his body every year to fit the Bears needs and be a solid Bea for years. If Billings can be that type of guy, count me in. Hope he gives his all, is a great teammate and a leader in the locker-room. What more could you ask fort?
A new Era begins in the NFC North!

Sadly, it does not involve the Bears.... :frustrated:
User avatar
Grizzled
Hall of Famer
Posts: 5552
Joined: Sun Dec 08, 2019 3:55 pm
Has thanked: 605 times
Been thanked: 485 times

Tonga, Pennell, now Billings playing 1T. Billings is a good player but should have just kept Tonga, who was re-upped by the Viqueens.
Drafts are like snowflakes, no two are alike.
User avatar
Noots
Assistant Coach
Posts: 592
Joined: Mon Nov 03, 2008 8:49 am
Location: ABQ
Has thanked: 132 times
Been thanked: 257 times

[quote=Middleguard post_id=331004 time=1679089678 user_id=1245]
Don't forget muff specialist Velus.
[/quote]


Muff Specialist. Wow, that’s a nickname to be proud of. :D
User avatar
IE
Hall of Famer
Posts: 12500
Joined: Mon Nov 03, 2008 8:46 am
Location: Plymouth, MI
Has thanked: 523 times
Been thanked: 700 times
Contact:

Noots wrote: Sat Mar 18, 2023 10:38 am
Middleguard wrote: Fri Mar 17, 2023 4:47 pm Don't forget muff specialist Velus.

Muff Specialist. Wow, that’s a nickname to be proud of. :D
In '23 we all want a muff-less VJJ
2023 Chicago Bears... emerging from a long hibernation, and hungry!
User avatar
Yogi da Bear
Head Coach
Posts: 2499
Joined: Mon Jan 22, 2018 4:43 pm
Has thanked: 209 times
Been thanked: 359 times

IE wrote: Sat Mar 18, 2023 10:47 am
Noots wrote: Sat Mar 18, 2023 10:38 am


Muff Specialist. Wow, that’s a nickname to be proud of. :D
In '23 we all want a muff-less VJJ
Does this mean he has to be a celebate cunt? lol
Post Reply