Cohen Cashes In (But Not at A-Rob’s Expense), Some Love for Castillo’s Crew, Lawrence Throws Darts, and Other Bears Bits

Putting last night’s Cubs-Twins game on the outdoor projector was a good test in how much I could take sitting outside in the fall. The game stunk. But I have confidence that I’ll be able to pull off a Star Wars marathon at some point during autumn.

•   ICYMI: The Bears agreed to a contract extension with a key member of their offense while you were sleeping. No, it’s not Allen Robinson. Instead, it’s Tarik Cohen. The running back/slot receiver/return specialist/Wildcat QB received a three-year extension that keeps him in his jack-of-many-trades role. I am generally hesitant to pay running backs. But one as valuable and flexible as Cohen is someone worth keeping around. Yes, I realize his 2019 stunk. But the offense stunk in general. And when the quarterback and play caller aren’t maximizing the talent around them, then everyone suffers. Hence, the perception in some circles that a Cohen extension is out of whack.

•   To be clear, Cohen’s extension has nothing to do with Robinson’s deal. That Chicago locked in a Cohen extension before getting Robinson’s deal done isn’t a sign that they aren’t prioritizing its top receiver. It’s evident the team has been in contact with both regarding extensions. However, Cohen’s deal is a smaller one — in terms of length, guarantees, and dollars — so it makes sense that it was pushed through before a Robinson deal was finalized.

•   Speaking of Robinson, the Bears are determined to keeping him around for a while. So much so, they rebuffed trade offers for Robinson in the wake of his use of social media to voice his displeasure with the state of The Bears are determined to keep Robinson around for a while. More from NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport:

From @NFLGameDay: The #Bears don't want to trade WR Allen Robinson. They want to make him a member of the organization for a long time. Talks restarted this week. pic.twitter.com/jJ6fTCwfWP

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 20, 2020

•   Elsewhere in the world of Bears pass-catchers, Jimmy Graham’s off-field interests are unique:

•   Some love for the Bears offensive line, whose solid play last Sunday shouldn’t go under-appreciated because Mitchell Trubisky’s fourth-quarter heroics stole the headlines. I want to see a lot more of this on Sunday (and beyond!):

oh Juan Castillo you beautiful, beautiful bastard pic.twitter.com/NT489UBina

— Matt Carstensen (@BearsNerd) September 17, 2020

Most Expected Rushing Yards per Attempt
Team Offense, Week 1

1. Bears (5.6)
2. Titans (5.0)
3. Jaguars (4.7)
4. Eagles (4.7)
5. Steelers (4.7)

These offenses created the most opportunity for rushers at the moment of handoff according to our new Expected Rushing Yards model.

— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) September 17, 2020

Better late than never, here are team pass block win rates from Week 1.

Obvious stunner is the Eagles. Haven't had a chance to watch the game back, but guessing the NGS note that 7 of 8 Wentz sacks came when he held ball for 4+ seconds had something to do with it. pic.twitter.com/xqsh2QHrqN

— Seth Walder (@SethWalder) September 17, 2020

•   Last week, the Bears teamed a top-5 pass-blocking effort with elite run-blocking. More please!

 

•   I think the juice is worth the squeeze here:

PointsBet Illinois Bears vs. Giants Today:

1. Only at PointsBet IL…. you can bet the Bears as +89 point dogs today!

2. Public Bets report per PointsBet:

– 73% of the spread handle is on the Bears
– Over-Under Bets = 82% on the over

GO: https://t.co/pFF4pzbwlu pic.twitter.com/YqWiTOCVN3

— Bleacher Nation Bears (@BN_Bears) September 20, 2020

•   The Bears will be styling with their traditional home threads this afternoon:

Our turf. Our home blues.#NYGvsCHI | #DaBears pic.twitter.com/yV6BObptFR

— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) September 20, 2020

•   Trevor Lawrence can sling it:

Another beauty. pic.twitter.com/FXAFumV59F

— Jordan Reid (@JReidNFL) September 19, 2020

•   If the Bears’ kicker search goes into 2021, then might I suggest bringing in this Louisville kicker:

https://twitter.com/RJ_Writes/status/1307484945959485449?s=20

•   Long live the Peanut Punch:

https://twitter.com/peanuttillman/status/1307448032632344576?s=20

•   Encouraging news:

Thousands of tests.
Zero cases.

Well done, @NFL @NFLPA
19 more of those, please. https://t.co/OBcso4k6T8

— Rich Eisen (@richeisen) September 20, 2020

•   Get well soon:

Sources: NFL senior VP of officiating Al Riveron missed Week 1 because of coronavirus, but is back in command central today.https://t.co/SCxagPtVgm

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 20, 2020