NEWSLETTER
So long as things go smoothly this week, at this time next week, we’ll have results of MLB games to talk about. Win, lose, or draw, I need those conversations in my life again.
• The Chicago Bears’ social media team ended the week on a strong note, unveiling its annual “Meet The Rookies” video series on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. We took a look at cornerback Jaylon Johnson’s inspiration, pass-rusher Trevis Gipson’s desire to learn, and tight end Cole Kmet’s living the dream of being a local product playing for the team he grew up rooting for as a child. And in what is a tradition unlike any other, freshening up on the class’ top rookies has me more excited for football than I was previously. Bring on football (in a safe manner, of course)!
• In search of a start date for football? Look no further, friends:
NFL clubs just received this email with reporting dates.
Training camp is on. pic.twitter.com/lya1JtxW4o
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 18, 2020
• Alright! We have dates to latch onto now. Bears rookies (and those elsewhere) are scheduled to show up to camp on July 21. That’s this upcoming Tuesday for those of you who aren’t in front of a calendar. Quarterbacks are slated to check in to camp on July 23 (Thursday). And the rest of the players are due in on July 28. And for the sake of clarity, that’s the Tuesday after next.
• No Bears make Chris Roling’s list of undrafted free agent rookies with the best chance of making NFL rosters. However, there is a decent chance that one running back makes the cut. Artavis Pierce and Napoleon Maxwell will be worth keeping tabs on this summer. After all, someone has to fill in a role on the depth chart behind David Montgomery and Tarik Cohen.
• Some polls for you, the Bears fan:
Which offensive player are you most looking forward to hearing about at #Bears training camp?
— Bleacher Nation Bears (@BN_Bears) July 18, 2020
Which defensive player are you most looking forward to hearing about at #Bears training camp?
— Bleacher Nation Bears (@BN_Bears) July 18, 2020
• I hope to have more polls in the coming days, even if I wish Twitter’s polls weren’t so limiting. There are so many other more options, and frankly, “other” just doesn’t do it any justice. Nevertheless, I’m looking forward to the results and replies that are on the horizon.
• Over at Windy City Gridiron, Jacob Infante offers up some possible first-time Pro Bowlers if things go well this season. Few predictions will be as bold as NFL.com’s Marc Sessler putting Anthony Miller as the guy who could make a Pro Bowl appearance out of nowhere.
• Bears play-by-play voice Jeff Joniak and analyst Tom Thayer break down the speed options at wide receiver, as well as what’s happening with the team’s running backs:
• I hope Ted Ginn Jr. still has some juice.
• A reminder of what speed does to opposing defenses:
Watch this route from Ted Ginn Jr. #ThatsWhatSpeedDo pic.twitter.com/w2o6Fj1xlP
— Bleacher Nation Bears (@BN_Bears) May 1, 2020
Yes, I understand that Ted Ginn Jr. is 35. And I realize the limitations that come with a receiver entering his 14th year as a pro. But Ginn still has PLENTY of speed to burn.https://t.co/j9hgmC2rQjpic.twitter.com/OU4RYxx4lI
— Bleacher Nation Bears (@BN_Bears) May 7, 2020
• Bears-Chiefs? Bears-Raiders? For me, the only acceptable answer here is one that includes the Bears:
https://twitter.com/nflnetwork/status/1284472993058566144?s=20
• It could be the Patriots, Bills, Jets, Dolphins, Ravens, Steelers, Browns, Bengals, Texans, Titans, Colts, Jags, Broncos, or Chargers for all I care. So long as the Bears are in it, I’ll be 100 percent into the Super Bowl matchup and consider it a dream scenario!
• Going back to speed for a moment, good luck to the Bears defensive backs who have to cover Chris Godwin in Week 5:
Chris Godwin's best play from every game in 2019! @CGtwelve_ pic.twitter.com/TcHJub5Os5
— NFL (@NFL) July 18, 2020
• A statement from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in the wake of the passing of Congressman John Lewis:
— Roger Goodell (@nflcommish) July 18, 2020
• A different form of entertainment at Soldier Field tonight:
Tickets available for TONIGHT's entertainment at @SoldierField – South Lot! $55 per car includes 90min live music set AND the movie screening! (plus a bonus bucket of free popcorn too!) *up to 6ppl per car* https://t.co/pUYCMd2qVS pic.twitter.com/iOmpkaVP0U
— CHI-Together: Drive-in Movies & Music (@chi_together) July 18, 2020
• I can’t believe Jim Boylen is still the Bulls’ coach:
Here’s a Bunch of Jim Boylen Quotes That Prove He Isn’t the Guy for the Job (Fun, Right?!)https://t.co/54vDt67fKK
— Bleacher Nation Bulls (@BN_Bulls) July 17, 2020
