OL Orlando Pace (7-time Pro Bowler, Super Bowl Champion, CFB HOF, NFL HOF)

[Buckskin86]

Nothing imminent between Ravens, Pace
No deal is expected soon with Orlando Pace, but the Ravens are still believed to be the front-runners for landing the free-agent offensive tackle.

Pace visited with team officials Thursday. If he signed with the Ravens, he would start at right tackle. The Ravens likely would release Willie Anderson.

The Ravens were Pace's first free-agent visit.

Ravens Insider: Nothing imminent between Ravens, Pace - The inside scoop and analysis on the team from The Baltimore Sun's Ravens columnist and Ravens beat writer. - baltimoresun.com

 

[Buckskin86]

Buyer beware of Pace? ~ March 24, 2009
Ravens work out Terps' Heyward-Bey; schedule Utah's Sean Smith for a visit
By Aaron Wilson
( [email protected] )

OWINGS MILLS -- As the Baltimore Ravens contemplate whether to sign free agent offensive tackle Orlando Pace after meeting with him last week at their training complex, there's one primary, pivotal question surrounding the seven-time Pro Bowl blocker.

How much football does the 33-year-old former St. Louis Rams star have left in him?

After enduring a string of injuries over the past few seasons, including a torn thigh muscle and a damaged knee ligament last year following a season-ending shoulder injury the previous year, Pace's medical history is a potential red flag. No deal appears to be imminent with Pace at this point, but the Ravens are still regarded as the top contender to sign the former top overall draft pick.

"I think Orlando has broken down physically," said Tom Marino, a retired NFL scout who worked for the Rams, New Orleans Saints, Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants and the Chicago Bears, in a telephone interview Monday afternoon. "When I watched him play last season, he couldn't do certain things that he could do easily in the past that made him the great player he was. He really didn't look anything like the same player anymore.

"He had some problems with counter moves and different things and was out-quicked on so many things. He really didn't play very well. There's no question in my mind that the Rams would have loved to have traded him because he wasn't the answer anymore. I don't think he has much left."

Pace is considered one of the most dominant blockers to play in the NFL over the past dozen years but hasn't made it through an entire season without missing a game since 2005.

The former Ohio State star suffered a shoulder injury in the opening game of the 2007 season that sidelined him for the entire season. A torn left triceps cost him half of the 2006 season.

Pace missed two games last season. The Rams recently cut him after 154 career starts, a transaction that saved them $6 million against the salary cap.

"To me, Orlando's the greatest left tackle I've ever seen," Marino said. "He made it look effortless. He had strength, athleticism, everything you need. He was a complete neutralizer on the left side. He could do it all. He has worked his butt off to get healthy, but he just didn't play well last year. Maybe the Ravens could get him going again."

If the Ravens were to sign Pace, they would likely install him as their starting right offensive tackle. Such a move would probably trigger the release of veteran offensive tackle Willie Anderson.

Pace has always played left tackle, but offensive tackles aren't required to be quite as quick on the right side. At 6-foot-7, 325 pounds, Pace is probably big enough to play the position and grapple with big defensive ends.

"I think he could play there as far as drive blocking and being able to get extension with his hands," Marino said. "But from what I saw last year, he really struggled with every aspect of it. When he was with the Mets late in his career, I remember how Willie Mays let ordinary guys throw fastballs by him.

"Father Time does catch up with everyone. Orlando may surprise me and be able to do something, but I have a hard time thinking he could still play. That's just my opinion. He could certainly prove me wrong, but the games I watched it was like someone else was wearing Orlando Pace's jersey."

Baltimore Ravens News - Buyer beware of Pace?

 

[Buckskin86]

OT Pace to meet with Bears
Posted: News | NFL.com Staff

Free-agent OT Orlando Pace is meeting with the Chicago Bears on Monday, reports NFL.com?s Steve Wyche. The only other team Pace has met with since being cut by the St. Louis Rams is the Baltimore Ravens.

Pace hit the open market earlier this month after being released by the Rams in a move that saved St. Louis $6 million in cap space.

After placing John Tait on the reserve/retired list and losing free agent John St. Clair to the Browns, the Bears are looking for depth at offensive tackle.

Chris Williams, the team?s first-round pick in 2008, saw little action as a rookie, but is expected to play a bigger role next season.

NFL.com Blogs ? Blog Archive OT Pace to meet with Bears ?

 

[Buckskin86]

'Coop' speaks at Smoker
Former Buckeyes coach covers such topics as golf to The Team Up North
By BRIAN GADD ? Staff Writer ? March 31, 2009

ZANESVILLE - Ohio State Buckeyes fans are apt to bring up the negatives like years of futility against The Team Up North when one hears the name John Cooper.

But what they fail to realize is that Cooper is the second-winningest coach in Buckeyes history, and he loves to tell and recall stories from his Scarlet and Gray days in Columbus.

He did just that Monday night before hundreds of local fans at the annual Amrou Grotto Past Monarchs Smoker at Prophets Park.

"People are great all over. There are always a few people who bring up Michigan, but mainly everybody wants to hear some stories," said Cooper, while he was busy signing autographs Monday night. "I really enjoy it. Hearing stories is what it's all about."

Whether its Tim Dunn noting that he met Cooper at Zanesville Country Club last summer, or Bob Kessler and Randy Coconis talking about their collective golf games, or another fan who was at OSU's big win over LSU in Cooper's first year at the helm - "I went up into the stands and was waving the flag, trying to fire people up" - you could tell the negative is thrown out the door where Cooper is concerned.

"I love coming over here to Zanesville, golfing at the country club with Bob Kessler, going over to Longaberger," Cooper said. "It's just a lot of fun."

Putting golf aside for the moment, Cooper said while offenses come and go in college football - "They are running the spread and now we're back to the single wing all over again, the kids haven't changed at all."

"They still want to be the best, they still want to win championships. It's just that they are so much bigger, stronger and faster now," he said. "I'm a consultant with the (Cincinnati) Bengals now, and I was over at the Scouting Combine looking at this offensive lineman. He was like 290 and people were saying he was too small. And I think, the Buckeyes had a John Hicks and he was, what 268? Antoine Winfield was like that for me. People said he was too little. But then he's in the NFL and he goes to the Pro Bowl."

'Coop' speaks at Smoker | zanesvilletimesrecorder.com | Zanesville Times Recorder

 

[Buckskin86]

Originally posted: March 31, 2009

Quick, someone tell the Bears that Orlando Pace is better than John St. Clair and Chris Williams
I?m here for the fun . . .

Suddenly, the Bears are interested in Orlando Pace.

?Bout time. After growing the John St. Clair legend, the Bears seem forced to consider signing a good free agent.

St. Clair allowed almost 10 sacks in 16 starts last year. Pace, for all the bashing over his health when I suggested the Bears sign him upon his release by the Rams, started 14 games and allowed only two sacks. He?s only one year older than St. Clair and far better.

Far better, too, than Chris Williams, the Bears? textbook No. 1 draft pick who came pre-injured. I mean, the people who ripped me for wanting the Bears to sign the seven-time Pro Bowler apparently favor protecting their quarterback with a guy who has proven nothing and got hurt 20 minutes into his pro career.

Pace would make the Bears? left side better. He would make Kyle Orton safer. He would allow Williams to make his rookie mistakes at right tackle. He would allow the Bears to draft a wide receiver in the first round.

It makes so much sense that I just can?t see the Bears doing it.

Quick, someone tell the Bears that Orlando Pace is better than John St. Clair and Chris Williams | Rosenblog

 

[Buckskin86]

Chicago Bears trying to sign tackle Orlando Pace
By Vaughn McClure | Tribune reporter
April 1, 2009

The Bears have made signing Orlando Pace a priority and intend to leave him at left tackle if he joins the team, according to an NFL source.

Pace, who played 12 seasons with the St. Louis Rams before becoming a salary-cap casualty last month, visited Halas Hall on Monday. Agent Kennard McGuire said Pace "had a very good and productive" visit.

McGuire declined to discuss specifics in relation to a contract offer. Pace reportedly has an offer from Baltimore.

If Pace signs, the Bears probably would start him at left tackle and shift Chris Williams to the right side. Pace was selected to seven Pro Bowls at left tackle. He likely would have been the Rams' starting left tackle in 2009 had they not opted to save $6 million in cap space.

Chicago Bears trying to sign tackle Orlando Pace -- chicagotribune.com

 

[brodybuck21]

Chicago Bears trying to sign tackle Orlando Pace -- chicagotribune.com

as a Green Bay fan all I have to say about this is....

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

 

[Buckskin86]

Bears eyeing Pace as left tackle for this season
By Brad Biggs on April 1, 2009

The 33-year-old is a seven-time Pro Bowl performer and while he's missed 25 games over the last three seasons because of injury, he was out of only two games last season. Acquiring Pace would instantly give the Bears more freedom at the top of the draft. They could look at a wide receiver, defensive lineman or perhaps even a quarterback. Pace would come in and give the team three tackles and while general manager Jerry Angelo would be wise to look for a developmental tackle, he could wait until the second or third round.

Agent Kennard McGuire said in a text message that Pace's visit to Halas Hall Monday went very well. Pace didn't meet with the offensive coaches, though, as they were out of the building on vacation. He did receive a physical.

The Chicago Tribune reported that the club is seeking to sign Pace and install him immediately at left tackle, a move that would send Chris Williams to right tackle and make the newly signed Kevin Shaffer the swing tackle. Williams, the first-round pick a year ago, has been projected as the starting left tackle. He would have been that last season had he not gone down with a back injury an hour into the second day of training camp.

Making Pace the left tackle makes sense. It's the only spot he has played. Williams is hardly entrenched at this point. Plenty of standout left tackles have started on the right side. Jonathan Ogden spent his first season in Baltimore playing right tackle before becoming the dominant left tackle of his era. Jordan Gross was a right tackle in Carolina before last season. That didn't stop him from landing more than $30 million guaranteed from the Panthers. John Tait played both positions in Kansas City and with the Bears. Fact is, Williams might be more sturdy as a run blocker on the right side. That's at least the take of one pro scout who has written a report on Pace for the last three seasons for his club.

"Orlando still has it pass protection-wise,'' the scout said Wednesday afternoon. ``As far as pass sets and pass blocking, yeah. But his run blocking is declining seriously. He doesn't come off the ball well on runs, he doesn't sustain well. If you wan to just throw the ball, he'll be fine. I gave him a decent grade. I wrote him up again this year for us. I just think his fire is gone. That's what I've seen the last three years.''

Bears eyeing Pace as left tackle for this season - Inside the Bears

Newsome: Ravens could still sign Pace ~ April 2, 2009
Team in "discussions" with Rolle
By Aaron Wilson
( [email protected] )

OWINGS MILLS -- The Baltimore Ravens could still wind up landing free agent offensive tackle Orlando Pace, according to general manager Ozzie Newsome.

The former St. Louis Rams starter visited the Ravens, took a physical and was offered an undisclosed contract figure, but the seven-time Pro Bowl blocker didn't jump on the deal.

Pace, 33, has since visited the Chicago Bears, who can offer him the opportunity to play his natural left tackle position.

With Jared Gaither entrenched on the left side in Baltimore, Pace would play right offensive tackle. If Pace is signed, it probably trigger the release of veteran tackle Willie Anderson.

"Yes would be the simple answer," Newsome said Wednesday at a draft luncheon when asked if the Ravens could still sign Pace. "Yes that opportunity, it could happen. We still have some active deals going on right now. Someone could accept a deal while I'm in here talking to you all."

However, Pace has an extensive recent history of injuries.

Baltimore Ravens News - Newsome: Ravens could still sign Pace

 

[BB73]

The Bears and Pace have agreed to trerms, per SportsCenter. He'll be blocking for new QB Jay Cutler.

 

[3074326]

Bears agreed to terms with Pace. No link, it's being reported on ESPN. Big day for the Bears.

EDIT: You son of a.. :p

 

[souL]

Bear down, Chicago Bears!

 

[Buckskin86]

Daily double: Bears get Orlando Pace
By Brad Biggson April 2, 2009
Talk about a huge day for the Bears' offense.

If Orlando Pace can be as effective as Ruben Brown was when he energized his career with a move to the Bears, the offensive line just improved considerably.

A little more than an hour after trading fopr Pro Bowl quarterback Jay Cutler, the Bears agreed to terms with Pace, the veteran left tackle who is a seven-time Pro Bowl performer, on Thursday in a move that not only reshapes the line but likely changes the plans of general manager Jerry Angelo 23 days before the NFL draft.

Pace will sign a two- or three-year contract and will be inserted as the starting left tackle meaning that 2008 first-round draft pick Chris Williams will have to stave off newly signed veteran Kevin Shaffer to claim a starting job at right tackle. Pace, 33, missed 25 games over the last three seasons but started 14 last season and cleared a physical when he visited the team on Monday. Agent Kennard McGuire praised the visit and it led to quick negotiations.

The Bears won out over the Baltimore Ravens, who initially pursued him when he was cut loose by the St. Louis Rams, and who had an offer on the table for more money. Pace, it seems, wanted to remain in the Midwest and felt comfortable with his relationship with coach Lovie Smith, who was the defensive coordinator of the Rams for three seasons. The Pace thing just came together for the Bears as his visit to Halas Hall came when offensive coaches were scheduled to be on vacation. Wide receivers coach Darryl Drake was spotted in Las Vegas earlier in the week.

Baltimore, it is believed, planned to play Pace at right tackle after Jared Gaither stepped in successfully at left tackle last season in place of Jonathan Ogden, long a rival of Pace's as the finest left tackle in the league. The opportunity to remain at left tackle could have played a part in the decision.

Pace is considered a better pass blocker, and that will allow the Bears to perhaps get a better run blocker in Williams or Shaffer on the right side. A lot of teams are right-handed when it comes to running the football. The depth chart looks much different than it did when minicamp ended two weeks ago and free-agent pickup Frank Omiyale, originally signed to play left guard, was running at right tackle with Williams on the left side. There were no backups in place.

Daily double: Bears get Orlando Pace - Inside the Bears

 

[Buckskin86]

THE NEW BLOCKER

Orlando Pace should shore up Chicago Bears at tackle
Future Hall of Famer agrees to three-year deal
By Vaughn McClure | Tribune reporter
April 3, 2009

Lost in the hysteria of the Jay Cutler trade Thursday was the Bears' acquisition of another player with Pro Bowl credentials.

Veteran left tackle Orlando Pace, released by the Rams last month after 12 seasons in St. Louis, agreed to a three-year, $15 million contract with the Bears. He will be paid $6.1 million for the 2009 season, according to a league source.

Pace, a seven-time Pro Bowler, is expected to start at left tackle next season and allow Chris Williams, last year's first-round pick, to shift to right tackle.

"Orlando looks at this as a tremendous opportunity, to continue his career with such a historic franchise," agent Kennard McGuire said. "He just feels like this is the perfect situation for him."

Pace, 33, had a history with Bears coach Lovie Smith dating back to Smith's days as the Rams' defensive coordinator. Although Pace encountered some injury woes during the last few years, the Bears figured the future Hall of Famer could help keep Cutler off the ground.

"We really feel that it gives us a very good offensive line now," Bears general manager Jerry Angelo said. "We've had some real good success with veteran players.

"He expressed to us on his visit that he wants to play and continue to play. And he feels his health is probably as good as it has been in a while."

Orlando Pace should shore up Chicago Bears at tackle -- chicagotribune.com

Pace may quicken success for O-line
7-time Pro Bowler to start at left tackle, reconfiguring lineup
April 3, 2009
BY BRAD BIGGS [email protected]

Talk about a huge day for the Bears' offense: A little more than an hour after trading for Pro Bowl quarterback Jay Cutler on Thursday, the Bears agreed to terms with Orlando Pace, a seven-time Pro Bowl left tackle, in a move that not only reshapes the line, but also likely changes general manager Jerry Angelo's draft plans.

If Pace can be as effective as Ruben Brown was when Brown re-energized his career with a move to the Bears, the offensive line just improved considerably.

Pace will sign a three-year contract and will start at left tackle, meaning 2008first-round pick Chris Williams will have to stave off recently signed veteran Kevin Shaffer to claim a starting job at right tackle.

Pace, 33, missed 25 games over the last three seasons but started 14 last year for the St. Louis Rams and cleared a physical when he visited Halas Hall on Monday. Agent Kennard McGuire praised the visit, and it led to quick negotiations.

''He had a tremendous relationship with [coach Lovie Smith],'' McGuire said. ''That was an element.''

Pace may quicken success for O-line :: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: Bears

 

[calibuck]

Great News for Da Bears! I wonder if it was Lovie that said to Orlando "O-H", and then Orlando replied "I-O" or vice versa? And then Lovie said 'You Da Man for Da Bears."

:gobucks3::gobucks4:

 

[Buckskin86]

Cutler's protector Pace: 'I can still play at a high level'

M. Spencer Green, AP

New Bears tackle Orlando Pace said his relationship with coach Lovie Smith helped him decide to sign with Chicago instead of Baltimore.

LAKE FOREST, Ill. (AP) ? Seven-time Pro Bowler and new Chicago Bears tackle Orlando Pace feels comfortable and healthy for the first time in years.
The former St. Louis Rams star met with reporters Wednesday at Halas Hall after signing last Thursday for $15 million over three years with the Bears. The 6-foot-7, 325-pounder arrived quietly, on the same day quarterback Jay Cutler signed with Chicago.

"One thing about injuries is when you're injured you have a new desire to play football, a new love for the game, a renewed love for the game," said Pace, who the Rams waived earlier in the offseason. "So I'm really excited to be here because I think the Bears offer different challenges for myself also.

"So I think it'll be good for me and my career."

Pace missed eight games in 2006 after tearing his left tricep, and missed 15 games in 2007 with a torn right labrum and rotator cuff. Last year, the 33-year-old former Ohio State star missed two games with a sprained knee.

"When you're released as a player, you want to go out and prove that you can still do it, and I think that was my situation," Pace said. "I wanted to come out here and prove that I can still play at a high level and do it for years and without any setbacks. So I'm excited about the opportunity."

Cutler's protector Pace: 'I can still play at a high level' - USATODAY.com

Orlando Pace chose Chicago Bears to play for winner
He also gets to stay at familiar left tackle spot
By Vaughn McClure | Tribune reporter
April 9, 2009

Left tackle Orlando Pace, with a Super Bowl ring to his credit, longed to rejoin a winner after the St. Louis Rams won just five games the last two seasons. Both Baltimore and Chicago offered him the opportunity.

So Pace could have lined up with rookie quarterback sensation Joe Flacco and joined a veteran Ravens core that includes middle linebacker Ray Lewis. Instead, he opted for the familiarity he had with Bears coach Lovie Smith from their years when Smith was the Rams' defensive coordinator.

"For me, it was a comfort level," he said. "No disrespect to Baltimore. They did a great job in recruiting me. But just from knowing Lovie, I think it made the transition easy."

The Bears acquiring Jay Cutler didn't hurt the cause, although Pace agreed to terms with the Bears before the announcement of the Cutler trade.

"That was almost like icing on the cake," Pace said.

Orlando Pace chose Chicago Bears to play for winner -- chicagotribune.com

Change of place may be just what Bears' Pace needs
BEARS | Ex-teammate Warner says move will rejuvenate OT
April 9, 2009
BY MIKE MULLIGAN [email protected]

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner has been sacked 236 times in his career, so he knows something about blind-side pass protection. Warner also has played for three NFL teams, so he knows something about new beginnings. And he directed the St. Louis Rams' ''Greatest Show on Turf'' to a Super Bowl title after the 1999 season, so he knows plenty about new Bears tackle Orlando Pace.

''When I was with him, he was as good as anybody in the game,'' Warner told the Sun-Times on Wednesday. ''We knew every week that we didn't have to worry about anybody on his side of the ball. You know he can handle them, whether it's strength-wise -- he's just big and strong -- or whether it's athleticism -- he could move at his size. It was a tremendous comfort zone as a quarterback to not have to worry about that and just play.''

Change of place may be just what Bears' Pace needs :: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: Bears