One Last Explanation For What Happened Against The Lions and Other Bullets

Between your readership and three football games on deck, I’m thankful for a lot on this Thanksgiving morning.

Here’s hoping everyone enjoys their Thanksgiving meals and the presence of loved ones during the holiday season. Turkey comes and goes, but friends and family are here forever.

  • Here’s hoping this is the last time we’ll have to offer up the reminder that the Chicago Bears sent Mitch Trubisky on a drive that could have ended with a game-winning touchdown or game-tying field goal without two of the team’s top playmakers. Offensive Coordinator Dowell Loggains was the latest to attempt an explanation for why this happened, writes ESPN Chicago’s Jeff Dickerson. If you’ll recall, the Bears’ head coach tried his hand at it not once, but twice. Loggains cited the responsibilities and difficulties of being a tight end in a two-minute offense and said he wanted to give Adam Shaheen enough of a role to build his confidence without putting too much on his plate. Fair enough.
  • The way the offense opened up against the Lions proved to be a sign that Bears coaches were open to change. And it definitely sounds like Loggains might be willing to throw a few more plays in Shaheen’s direction. “And as he keeps growing that way, we’ll keep expanding that package for him,” Loggains said. “Each week is always a little bit different in how you’re going to match up. But Adam has done a really good job. You guys have asked me in the past about his production. He’s going to be a really good player. He is.”
  • It would be nice if the Bears had a big-bodied wide receiver on the outside who could command a double team and open up the middle for a tight end like Shaheen or underneath for a running back like Tarik Cohen. The Bears allowed that player to walk away in free agency without any compensation when they refused to place the franchise tag on Alshon Jeffery last winter. Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune has the details of Jeffery’s departure from Chicago and arrival in Philadelphia. Jeffery has six touchdowns in 10 games with the Eagles after hauling in just six scores in his last 22 games with the Bears. Carson Wentz has definitely embraced Jeffery’s arrival in the City of Brotherly love, posting a 96.2 passer rating (with no interceptions!) when targeting the ex-Bears standout.
  • Tease alert: We’ll spend some time on Friday dissecting the similarities between Wentz and Mitch Trubisky through the lens of Philadelphia’s rebuild from the Chip Kelly saga. Philly.com’s Zach Berman writes those in search of perspective regarding Wentz’s development from Year 1 to Year 2 need to look no further than the Bears’ rookie quarterback for details.
  • Among the similarities between Wentz and Trubisky’s rookie seasons is the need for help on the outside. Ideally, the Bears match the blueprint set forth by the Eagles so we can see Trubisky take another step forward. Wide receiver DeMarcus Ayers isn’t likely to be the one who breaks out and becomes That Guy for a young, developing quarterback. But the Bears signed the former Pittsburgh Steelers receiver to the practice squad, according to NFL reporter Aaron Wilson. If you’ll recall, Bears receiver Dontrelle Inman was on the injury report with a groin injury. It’s possible Ayers is nothing more than depth help in case of an emergency.
  • New Bears kicker Cairo Santos spoke to the Chicago media for the first time since signing with his new team on Monday. Pressing all the right buttons upon arrival, Santos shared a story about the time former Bears kicker Robbie Gould reached out to him when he was struggling:
  • Elsewhere in the league, Cleveland Browns receiver Josh Gordon returned to practice and looked good for a player who hadn’t laced ’em up since December 26, 2014. Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com has the details surrounding Gordon’s return. Quarterback DeShone Kizer is already looking forward to working with Gordon, who led the league with 1,646 receiving yards and scored nine touchdowns in 2013. However, Gordon can’t return to game action until December 3 – which could put him on the field when the Bears and Browns square off later in the month.
  • There is a good chance Adam Thielen makes history for the Minnesota Vikings today. Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports Thielen needs just 84 yards to become the first Vikings receiver since Sidney Rice to gain 1,000 receiving yards. He fell 33 yards short in 2016, but it looks like that eight-year drought won’t see a ninth year. Thielen is a testament to hard work, precise route running, and having sure hands. He was an undrafted free agent who wasn’t even invited to the NFL’s Scouting Combine back in 2013. Still, Thielen clawed his way onto the roster of his childhood rooting interest and is so close to joining his idol Cris Carter in the 1,000-yard receiving club.
  • Revis Island is moving to the heartland of America. Ian Rapoport reports the Kansas City Chiefs have signed Darrelle Revis to a two-year contract which pays him the league minimum up front with the possibility of $10 million in 2018. If Revis makes the 2018 roster, the $10 million becomes guaranteed.
  • A Milwaukee brewery which offers free beer until the Green Bay Packers score is probably having second thoughts. The Bavarian Bierhaus handed out somewhere between 275-300 cups of free beer last Sunday when the Packers were shut out by the Baltimore Ravens, according to WTMJ-TV in Milwaukee. Yes, that’s the same Ravens team the Bears beat in Baltimore for Trubisky’s first win. And yes, that’s the same Packers team (led by Brett Hundley) that defeated the Bears at Soldier Field in the first game coming out of the bye. Great, now *I* need a free beer.
  • Looking for that game-winning play for your backyard football game before or after (and if you’re adventurous, during) your Thanksgiving meal? ESPN’s Matt Bowen has you covered with four plays he drew up with you in mind.
  • 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.

    more bears news

    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,...

    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...

    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...

    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...

    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...

    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...

    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...

    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...

    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...

    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...

    Latest News

    Reds vs. Angels Probable Starting Pitchers – April 20

    The Cincinnati Reds (10-9) host the Los Angeles Angels (9-11) for a home game at Great American Ball Park on Saturday. First pitch is at 6:40 PM ET.The probable starters are Graham Ashcraft (2-1) for the Reds and Patrick Sandoval...

    Braves vs. Rangers Probable Starting Pitchers – April 20

    After winning their past five games, the Atlanta Braves (13-5) host the Texas Rangers (11-10) at Truist Park on Saturday at 7:20 PM ET.The probable pitchers are Charlie Morton (1-0) for the Braves and Nathan Eovaldi (1-1) for the Rangers.Braves...

    Orioles vs. Royals Probable Starting Pitchers – April 20

    The Kansas City Royals (13-7) and the Baltimore Orioles (12-7) square off at Kauffman Stadium on Saturday at 7:10 PM ET.The probable starters are Corbin Burnes (2-0) for the Orioles and Cole Ragans (0-1) for the Royals.Orioles vs. Royals Pitcher...

    Playoffs Begin, Locker Clean Out, Summer Thoughts, and Other Blackhawks Bullets

    The 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs begin today. It's the most exciting time of year for 16 cities in the NHL because every one of them -- yes, even the Islanders and Capitals -- have a chance to win it all....

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

    The Cleveland Guardians (14-6) are set to take on the Oakland Athletics (8-12) Saturday at 6:10 PM ET, airing on NBCS-CA. The Guardians are listed as -170 favorites by oddsmakers, while the underdog Athletics have +141 odds for the contest.Cleveland's...

    Phillies vs. White Sox Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Saturday, April 20, 2024

    Following a two-homer game last time out, Alec Bohm leads the Philadelphia Phillies (12-8) into action as -320 favorites against the Chicago White Sox (3-16). First pitch from Citizens Bank Park at 6:05 PM ET on Saturday, live on NBCS-PH.Zack...

    Phillies vs. White Sox Probable Starting Pitchers – April 20

    The Philadelphia Phillies (12-8) look to add to a four-game winning streak as they host the Chicago White Sox (3-16) at 6:05 PM ET on Saturday.The probable starters are Zack Wheeler (0-3) for the Phillies and Mike Soroka (0-2) for...

    Guardians vs. Athletics Probable Starting Pitchers – April 20

    The Oakland Athletics (8-12) visit the Cleveland Guardians (14-6) for a road game in Cleveland on Saturday. The contest begins at 6:10 PM ET.The probable pitchers are Logan Allen (2-0) for the Guardians and Alex Wood (0-1) for the Athletics.Guardians...

    FanDuel Promo Code for $150 Bonus, NBA Playoff Odds, and More for Saturday

    It's that time of the year again – playoff season in the NBA kicks off TODAY, promising months filled with relentless excitement! New users are in for a treat with an amazing FanDuel promo code offer. By signing up today,...

    Knicks vs. 76ers: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

    In Game 1 of the opening round of the NBA Playoffs, the New York Knicks will go up against the Philadelphia 76ers.In their last time out, the Knicks won on Sunday 120-119 against the Bulls in overtime. The 76ers' last...

    more bears news