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

Sounds Like Caleb Williams and the Bears Are Already Hashing Out His Rookie Deal

The latest from NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero is QB-heavy. And if you're a fan of the Chicago Bears, you will want the section dedicated to Caleb Williams. There is all sorts of good stuff about his play style, background,...

Luis C. Medina

Apr 19, 2024

Chicago Bears

QB Friendly Bears, New Lions Threads, Tottenham-bound, and Other Bears Bullets

I'll say this about Taylor Swift: Surprise dropping a double album (with the second installment dropping at 1 a.m. CT) prepared me for how to best piece together Bears content at an unholy hour next week while simultaneously trying to...

Luis C. Medina

Apr 19, 2024

Chicago Bears

What About Byron Murphy II as a Bears Target With the No. 9 Pick?

I'm starting to wonder if maybe University of Texas star Byron Murphy II fits the bill as a Chicago Bears draft target.. In his latest at NBC Sports Chicago, Bears insider Josh Schrock wonders if Chicago's football team could be...

Luis C. Medina

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Bears

One Pundit Thinks Trading Up to Draft Joe Alt Makes Sense For the Bears

The idea of the Chicago Bears drafting a butt-kicking offensive tackle is something that continues to pop up. Perhaps Notre Dame's Joe Alt is something on the team's radar. NFL Network draft guru Daniel Jeremiah opines Alt could be someone...

Luis C. Medina

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Bears

Chicago Bears 3-Round Mock Draft: Exploring Potential Picks To Surround Caleb Williams

The winds of change are howling through Halas Hall. After years (decades) of searching, the Chicago Bears appear set to finally land their franchise quarterback, Caleb Williams, with the top overall pick. This signals a new era for the Bears, but the...

Ryan Noonan

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Bears

Draft Day is Coming, NFC North QB Prospect Watch, Crews, Warren, and Other Bears Bullets

The Chicago Cubs finished a winning road trip with a series win against the defending NL champs. Taylor Swift has a new album that drops at 11 p.m. CT. And the Chicago Bears will usher in a new quarterback era...

Luis C. Medina

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Bears

2024 NFL Mock Draft: How Will Quarterback Chaos Unfold In First Round?

Only one week remains until the biggest event of the NFL offseason — the 2024 NFL Draft. Caleb Williams is going first overall unless something totally unexpected happens. But outside of that, there are still so many questions left to...

Matt Rooney

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Bears

Chicago Bears Mock Draft Trade Proposals Seem to Target One Particular Position

I had a great visit with my therapist today. Between that and an afternoon cold brew, I've got enough in me to power through an evening Bears post. Let's dig into some recent mock drafts that are giving off a...

Luis C. Medina

Apr 17, 2024

Chicago Bears

Sounds Like the Bears Will Consider Taking Brock Bowers If They Stay at No. 9

For all the discussion about the big three wide receivers who could be on the Chicago Bears radar on NFL Draft weekend, a different high-profile pass-catcher is apparently garnering some interest from the team. All-American tight end Brock Bowers had...

Luis C. Medina

Apr 17, 2024

Chicago Bears

Bears Hire Ted Crews as Special Advisor to President Kevin Warren

The Chicago Bears continue building out their organizational staff around President Kevin Warren. And their latest addition arrives to Halas Hall with three Super Bowl rings in tow. The team announced the hiring of Ted Crews, who has spent the...

Luis C. Medina

Apr 17, 2024

Picks

Yankees vs. Rays Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Saturday, April 20, 2024

Amed Rosario (11 games) will look to add to his hitting streak when the Tampa Bay Rays (11-10) and New York Yankees (14-6) meet Saturday at 1:05 PM ET, live on YES from Yankee Stadium. Amed Rosario and the Rays...

Data Skrive

Apr 20, 2024

MLB Prop Bets

Yankees vs. Rays Probable Starting Pitchers – April 20

The Tampa Bay Rays (11-10) go on the road at Yankee Stadium against the New York Yankees (14-6) at 1:05 PM ET on Saturday.This contest's pitching matchup is set, as the Yankees will send Nestor Cortes Jr. (1-1) to the...

Data Skrive

Apr 20, 2024

MLB Prop Bets

Twins vs. Tigers Probable Starting Pitchers – April 20

The Minnesota Twins (6-12) host the Detroit Tigers (11-9) on Saturday after a streak of five losses. First pitch is at 2:10 PM ET.The probable starters are Bailey Ober (0-1) for the Twins and Reese Olson (0-2) for the Tigers.Twins...

Data Skrive

Apr 20, 2024

MLB Prop Bets

Cubs vs. Marlins Probable Starting Pitchers – April 20

The Miami Marlins (4-16) face off against the Chicago Cubs (12-7) on the road on Saturday beginning at 2:20 PM ET.This contest's pitching matchup is set, as the Cubs will send Javier Assad (2-0) to the mound, while Jesus Luzardo...

Data Skrive

Apr 20, 2024

MLB Prop Bets

Cardinals vs. Brewers Probable Starting Pitchers – April 20

The St. Louis Cardinals (9-11) square off against the Milwaukee Brewers (12-6) on Saturday at Busch Stadium at 2:15 PM ET.The probable starters are Miles Mikolas (1-2) for the Cardinals and D.L. Hall (0-1) for the Brewers.Cardinals vs. Brewers Pitcher...

Data Skrive

Apr 20, 2024

How to Watch

Padres vs. Blue Jays: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

The San Diego Padres (11-11), led by Fernando Tatis Jr., host Justin Turner and the Toronto Blue Jays (11-9) on Saturday at 8:40 PM ET.Keep reading to find out all the details on how to watch San Diego take on...

Data Skrive

Apr 20, 2024

NBA Picks

Nuggets vs. Lakers Predictions, Best Bets and Odds: NBA Playoffs Game 1 – Saturday, April 20, 2024

The Denver Nuggets and the Los Angeles Lakers square off to tip off the opening round of the NBA Playoffs. The Nuggets are favored by 7 points in the matchup, which will be broadcast on ABC at 8:30 PM ET....

Data Skrive

Apr 20, 2024

NBA Prop Bets

Best NBA Prop Bets Today – Saturday, April 20, 2024

Today's NBA playoff schedule has four quality competitions on the docket. Among those contests is the Phoenix Suns playing the Minnesota Timberwolves.One of the most fun ways to wager on the NBA is via NBA player prop bets. There are...

Data Skrive

Apr 20, 2024

How to Watch

Diamondbacks vs. Giants: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

Ketel Marte and the Arizona Diamondbacks (10-11) visit Michael Conforto and the San Francisco Giants (9-12) on Saturday, with first pitch at 4:05 PM ET.If you're trying to watch this game, keep reading for streaming and TV options for the...

Data Skrive

Apr 19, 2024

How to Watch

Dodgers vs. Mets: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

On Saturday, Gavin Stone will start for the Los Angeles Dodgers (12-10) versus Jose Butto and the New York Mets (11-8), with first pitch scheduled for 4:05 PM ET at Dodger Stadium.Keep scrolling to find out all the details on...

Data Skrive

Apr 19, 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