Identifying Strengths and Weaknesses, Why Bears Approved Raiders Move, Failed Physicals, and Other Bullets

The Chicago Bears made their signing of cornerback B.W. Webb official:

Webb brings some semblance of depth and competition to a cornerbacks room that is starting to get crowded. And if Webb makes the team out of training camp, perhaps he could be part of a great trivia answer some day.

  • It has been nearly six years since the Bears traded Greg Olsen for a draft pick because he didn’t fit offensive coordinator Mike Martz’s vision of a tight end. Not only did Martz’s vision turn out to be wrong (have you seen what tight ends have evolved into in recent years?), he is out of the league while Olsen thrives in Carolina. The Bears could make amends for that massive oversight in this draft, which is deep at tight end. Chris Emma of CBS Chicago writes difference-making tight ends will be available throughout the draft. O.J. Howard leads the pack, and while it would be considered a reach to take him there — or would it? — several others could be impact players at the position from Week 1.
  • Or the Bears could pass on the position altogether and instead focus on team weaknesses. Chris Roling of Bleacher Report assesses the Bears’ strengths and weaknesses. And to be honest, it’s a bit troublesome seeing the weaknesses listed as quarterback, wide receiver, cornerback, and safety when the Bears signed quarterbacks Mike Glennon and Mark Sanchez, wide receivers Kendall Wright and Markus Wheaton, cornerbacks Prince Amukamara and Marcus Cooper, and safety Quintin Demps. Surprisingly, tight end, offensive line, defensive line, and linebackers were listed as strengths. And that’s despite health questions surrounding players like Zach Miller, Kyle Long, Pernell McPhee, Lamarr Houston, Danny Trevathan, and others. The Bears’ strength at running back isn’t even a question.
  • The Raiders’ move from Oakland to Las Vegas received overwhelming approval, but the path wasn’t always unobstructed. ESPN Chicago’s Jeff Dickerson reports that Bears chairman George McCaskey had concerns about moving the team to Las Vegas. Among them were the sustainability of Vegas having a team, gambling concerns, future population estimates, and more. Evidently, McCaskey heard enough answers that pleased him for a yes vote.
  • Not mentioned among the pros of the Raiders moving to Las Vegas is the relocation fee the NFL owner’s pocket in the process. Because of the three relocations that have been announced since the start of 2016, USA Today estimates the other 29 teams have collected more than $50 million. No wonder these relocation movements pass with flying colors.
  • Ego Ferguson returns to the unemployed column after it was reported on Wednesday that he failed his physical. The failed physical cost Ferguson his roster spot with the Green Bay Packers, who claimed him after the Bears released him on Friday.
  • New Bears are playing numbers game:
  • While Ian Rapoport reports retirement might be Jay Cutler’s only option this offseason, one of his former backups signed a new deal with the Miami Dolphins. David Fales became the third quarterback who threw a pass for the Bears in 2016 to sign with another team, re-connecting with former offensive coordinator Adam Gase who is now the head coach of the Miami Dolphins. Fales joins Brian Hoyer and Matt Barkley — both of whom signed with the 49ers earlier this offseason.
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    written by

    Luis C. Medina, who you can find on Twitter at lcm1986, has been covering the Chicago Bears at Bleacher Nation since 2017. Since then, he has written about 3 head coaches, 5 play-callers, and 11 starting quarterbacks. Previously, Luis wrote about the Cubs and MLB at BN (2015-16) and worked in the Chicago Tribune sports department (2011-16). He also co-hosted a Cubs postgame show, Outside the Ivy, in 2019.

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