A Dad Plays a Cruel Christmas Prank and Other Bullets

 

BearWaveGood morning, and welcome to gameday, friends. In a matter of hours, we’ll know for sure whether the Bears can get over the Packer hump and into the postseason. Obviously a big day, and accordingly I have a lengthy post coming soon, detailing the opinions I have that won’t be changed by today’s game, regardless of the outcome. So here are some quick early bullets to fill the gap from my post yesterday afternoon.

  • Since the inception of this site, I’ve had the pleasure of reading CBS Chicago’s Adam Hoge. He’s quickly become one of my favorite follows, and his notes column from Friday afternoon has some great info. First, regarding Earl Bennett’s ongoing absence while dealing with a family situation, Hoge notes that if he does miss today’s game (and the fact that he hasn’t practiced all week is not a good sign for his participation) it will be up to Eric Weems and Marquess Wilson to fill the void. Weems is a solid special teamer, and a decent all-around player. Wilson has some actual potential, and he’s played more on offense this year. But Wilson is a rookie; I’m not sure if that will factor into the playing time equation. It’s also possible that the Bears throw some different stuff at the Packers, and I guessed yesterday that if Earl can’t play, we might see some sets with Michael Bush and Matt Forte on the field at the same time, with Forte lining up as a receiver.
  • Hoge also has an interesting scheduling note. First, he cites a source who told him that if the Bears do make the playoffs, they’d likely play on Saturday. (Which would be an NBC game.) He also notes that if the Bears lose and Detroit wins, the Bears would finish third in the division. That might not mean much now, but it would have some scheduling implications for next season. That’s not the sort of silver lining that makes up for a season ending loss to Green Bay, so hopefully it doesn’t end up mattering at all.
  • Deadspin had this video, purporting to show a Bears-fan dad giving his Bears-fan daughter the cruelest gift of all: a Packers jersey. It was a prank, of course. The daughter’s reaction is just about exactly what mine would be, except I might cry more.
  • Dueling media reports with regards to the Texans head coaching job. The normally rock-solid dynamic duo of Chris Mortenson and Adam Schefter (Adam is Robin) reported that the Texans and Penn State coach Bill O’Brien were closing in on a deal. CBS Sports then published a report citing their own Jason La Canfora that indicated that a deal is not that close at all, and that the Texans are still interested in interviewing other candidates, including Ken Whisenhunt. It’s rare that two national reports are so at odds; also, the normal caveats about how this could be a leverage ploy from both sides are in play here, as well. We’ll have to see how it plays out, although if both Mortenson and Schefter were both very wrong, I’d be surprised. Conspicuously absent from either report is Lovie Smith, who was reportedly the first candidate to interview for the job.
  • We’re mere hours away now.

    Time to Bear Down.

    written by

    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 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....

    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,...

    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...

    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...

    Chicago Bears 2024 NFL Draft Fits: Offensive 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....

    Stadium Stuff, Rome and Caleb, New Bears Hires, and Other Bears Bullets

    The 2024 NFL Draft is just one day away. Soon, we'll get to hear those magic words: "The Chicago Bears are on the clock." And they'll mean something! ICYMI: The Bears, who are set to have a press conference at...

    Ian Cunningham is Getting an Extension From the Bears

    Ian Cunningham is set to stick around for a little while longer. The Chicago Bears assistant general manager is getting some years tacked on to his contract, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. No details on how many more years are...

    The Bears Are Expected to Ask For Some Public Money For New Stadium

    If you have followed pro sports stadium projects in the past, then you probably are aware that taxpayers tend to end up footing a hearty chunk of the bill. And while the Chicago Bears have not yet made public their...

    Bears GM Ryan Poles Isn’t Necessarily Looking to Trade For More Draft Picks

    Ryan Poles has done well in creating a bevy of picks in each of his first two NFL Draft classes as Chicago Bears general manager. And even though the Bears have a league-low four picks in this week's NFL Draft,...

    Chicago Bears 7-Round Mock Draft: 4.0

    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...

    Latest News

    Guardians vs. Red Sox: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

    Triston McKenzie takes the mound for the Cleveland Guardians (17-7) when they host starter Chase Anderson and the Boston Red Sox (14-11) at 1:10 PM ET on Thursday.Keep scrolling to find out all the details on how to watch Cleveland...

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

    The bookmakers are expecting a close game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Boston Bruins when they meet on Saturday at 8:00 PM ET, with the Maple Leafs at -112 on the moneyline, and the Bruins at -108.Maple Leafs vs....

    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,...

    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...

    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...

    Twins vs. White Sox: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    The Minnesota Twins (9-13), led by Ryan Jeffers, host Gavin Sheets and the Chicago White Sox (3-20) at 1:10 PM ET on Thursday.If you're intending to watch this game, keep reading for streaming and TV options for the Minnesota-Chicago matchup.When...

    Astros vs. Cubs: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    Justin Verlander takes the ball for the Houston Astros (7-17) when they visit starter Javier Assad and the Chicago Cubs (14-9) at 2:20 PM ET on Thursday.Keep reading to see how to watch the Houston-Chicago matchup below.When is Astros vs....

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

    Cole Ragans will take the mound for the Kansas City Royals (14-10) when they host starter Jose Berrios and the Toronto Blue Jays (13-11) in a rubber match on Thursday, with first pitch at 2:10 PM ET.If you're trying to...

    Yankees vs. Athletics: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

    Juan Soto and the New York Yankees (17-8) host Abraham Toro and the Oakland Athletics (9-16) on Thursday, with first pitch at 7:05 PM ET.If you're intending to watch this game, keep reading for TV and streaming options for the...

    Dansby Swanson with a First Inning Three-Run Homer

    For the second straight night, the Cubs are jumping all over the Astros in the first inning. After a couple hits from Nico Hoerner and Ian Happ to get things going, Michael Busch hit a sac fly, Christopher Morel walked,...

    more bears news