Will Lance Briggs Return This Week? And Other Bullets

Dec 18, 2013

Feeling a bit under the weather, so I apologize in advance for the abbreviated content today.

As relayed by many (including Mark Potash of the Sun-Times) Lance Briggs said on his radio show that he thinks he’ll be cleared to return this weekend. Obviously a player saying that about himself is a lot different than an actual medical clearance, but it’s certainly a lot better than if that player said he didn’t think he’d be returning. If Briggs is cleared, I think that’s an instant upgrade; I think an 80% Lance Briggs might still be the best linebacker on the roster.

ESPN’s Eagles beat writer Phil Sheridan writes that Philadelphia defensive coordinator Bill Davis thinks that facing the Chicago offense will be their “biggest challenge of the season.” I’m not sure that too many opposing defensive coordinators have said that before. As I noted on Twitter, going purely off of yards gained/allowed, the Bears are the 7th-ranked offense and 27th-ranked defense, while the Eagles are 2nd in offense and 30th in defense. Both offenses can score. I think this game will be similar to the Dallas game; if the Chicago defense can force even one or two extra stops it might be all the offense needs. (Having written all of this, it will probably finish 6-3.)

As ESPN Chicago’s Michael C. Wright reports, the Bears waived safety Sean Cattouse. He was brought up from the practice squad and active against Minnesota a few weeks ago, but hadn’t appeared since then. Wright also notes that the Bears had former Panthers safety Sherrod Martin and former Packers safety Jerron McMillan in for a workout; I’d think it’s a safe bet that they sign someone to fill the roster spot. Wright also mentioned that the Bears worked out offensive tackle Michael Ola, who spent the previous two seasons playing for the Montreal Allouettes of the CFL, so Marc Trestman is obviously familiar with him.

I missed this when CSN Chicago’s Evan Moore first brought it up last week, but back in 2009 Chris Low of ESPN’s SEC Blog profiled Alshon Jeffery and his recruitment. In the piece (fascinating as a whole, as well) there’s an anecdote about Lane Kiffin, then the Tennessee head football coach, who apparently told Alshon that if he went to South Carolina, “he would end up pumping gas for the rest of his life.” First of all, whenever I read recruiting stories, I want to take a shower. (Pete Carroll’s tactics also play a role in this story.) Second, hard to be more wrong. I hadn’t heard this story until I saw this clip from yesterday’s Dan Patrick Show, in which Alshon didn’t seem to appreciate the question about the story. Hard to blame him.

Pro Football Focus has this look at the Bears game from Sunday. They note that Shea McClellin has performed very poorly this year, against both the run and the pass. (As best exemplified by this play, in which he completely lost his containment. There’s a reason the Browns ran their two wildcat plays right at him.) He just doesn’t seem to know what’s going on out there, which is dangerous as the Bears attempt a run at the postseason. With Shea’s physical gifts, pursuing the run and holding backside containment assignments should be a strength; he’s fast enough to prevent opposing running backs from getting to the edge. But not if he has zero awareness.

Bill Barnwell’s Thank You for Not Coaching column is up on Grantland; no praise or criticism for Marc Trestman this week, although he does make mention of an aggressive Chip Kelly call. Considering the strengths and weaknesses of the Bears and the Eagles, I think we might see quite a few aggressive fourth down calls from Chip on Sunday.

written by

Brett Taylor

Brett Taylor is the Lead Cubs Writer at Bleacher Nation, and you can find him on Twitter at @BleacherNation and on LinkedIn here. Brett is also the founder of Bleacher Nation, which opened up shop in 2008 as an independent blog about the Chicago Cubs. Later growing to incorporate coverage of other Chicago sports, Bleacher Nation is now one of the largest regional sports blogs on the web.

more bears news

Chicago Bears

Chicago Bears 2024 NFL Draft Fits: Defensive Linemen

The 2024 NFL Draft begins Thursday. Chicago Bears General Manager Ryan Poles, Assistant GM Ian Cunningham, Head Coach Matt Eberflus, and others will put their heads together to come up with a winning plan for the team’s four picks (Nos....

Luis C. Medina

Apr 24, 2024

Chicago Bears

And Now Penei Sewell Has Signed a MASSIVE Extension With The Lions

Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes is hard at work today! It's fitting that just a day before the 2024 NFL Draft kicks off in Detroit, the Lions have locked up two franchise, homegrown cornerstones just hours apart. This morning,...

Matt Rooney

Apr 24, 2024

Chicago Bears

Take a Look at the New Chicago Bears Stadium Renderings

The Chicago Bears unveiled plans for their downtown lakefront stadium proposal on Wednesday. And as you might expect, it is very kind on the eyes: https://twitter.com/ChicagoBears/status/1783185834490888461 The Bears even gave the project a code name — The Burnham Park Project: The...

Luis C. Medina

Apr 24, 2024

Chicago Bears

Amon-Ra St. Brown Signs MASSIVE Extention With Lions

We have a new highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL! According to a report from NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, the Lions have made Amon-Ra St. Brown the richest wideout in the NFL with a four-year, $120 million contract extension...

Matt Rooney

Apr 24, 2024

Joe alt notre dame bears offensive line target NFL Draft

Chicago Bears

We’re just over 24 hours from the NFL Draft, and all I can say is finally. Finally, we’re done with the speculation. I’ll never forget the Bears Twitter Civil War of 2024 centered around the Caleb Williams vs. Justin Fields...

Patrick K. Flowers

Apr 24, 2024

Picks

Maple Leafs vs. Bruins NHL Playoffs First Round Game 4 Prediction: Live Odds, Stats, History and Picks – Saturday, April 27, 2024

The bookmakers are expecting a close contest between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Boston Bruins on Saturday in Toronto, with the Maple Leafs given moneyline odds of -110 and the Bruins at -110.Maple Leafs vs. Bruins Favorite, Moneyline, TotalFavorite: Maple...

Data Skrive

Apr 24, 2024

How to Watch

Mariners vs. Rangers: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

On Thursday, looking for a series sweep, Caleb Raleigh and the Seattle Mariners (12-11) face Adolis Garcia and the Texas Rangers (12-12), with first pitch scheduled for 2:35 PM ET at Globe Life Field.If you're planning on watching this game,...

Data Skrive

Apr 24, 2024

How to Watch

How to Watch Padres vs. Rockies: Live Stream or on TV

The San Diego Padres (13-13), with Randy Vasquez on the mound, visit the Colorado Rockies (6-18) who will counter with Dakota Hudson, at 3:10 PM ET on Thursday.If you're planning on watching this game, keep reading for TV and streaming...

Data Skrive

Apr 24, 2024

NFL

2024 Las Vegas Raiders Big Board: Potential First-Round Fits Including Tackle & Cornerback

The desert heat is rising in Las Vegas, and so are the expectations for the Raiders. The 2024 NFL Draft is rapidly approaching, and the Silver and Black hold the 13th overall pick. Will they prioritize shoring up the offensive...

Alec Bohm and the Philadelphia Phillies (15-9) visit Elly De La Cruz and the Cincinnati Reds (13-10) on Thursday in a rubber match, with first pitch at 1:10 PM ET.Keep reading to find out all the details on how to...

Data Skrive

Apr 24, 2024

Will Lance Briggs Return This Week? And Other Bullets

Read More

more bears news

Latest News

more bears news

Most Popular

Most Popular

Latest News

Most Popular

Most Popular