Cohen-Excitement, Fangio’s Comfort with Nagy, Bears Positions of Need, and Other Bullets

Jan 19, 2018

I’m looking forward to the highlight video of the Bears’ top runs in 2018 being twice as long as they were last season. Alas, we’ll settle for 96 seconds of some of the Bears’ best work in the ground game from 2017:

Offensive Coordinator Mark Helfrich is the one top assistant hired by the Bears this offseason who doesn’t have any NFL experience. Still, Nagy saw “a perfect fit” in Helfrich for the Bears offense moving forward. “Not just the run game and the things that they do off of that, but just knowing how to develop quarterbacks and handle quarterbacks,” Nagy explained. “It’s such an important position in this league and it’s a delicate position that has to be done the right way. It was a slam dunk the second I knew he was interested and got to talk football with him and people skills. It was a no-brainer.”

Helfrich’s extensive history as a quarterback whisperer of sorts likely helped his cause more than anything. He coached quarterbacks at Boise Sate (1998-2000), Arizona State (2001-05), Colorado (2006-08), and Oregon (2009-12). The Bears’ coaching staff under Fox didn’t have much experience with quarterback development, but with Nagy, Helfrich, and the expected return of Dave Ragone, the Bears are in a better spot to develop Mitch Trubisky than they were at this time last year.

Over at Scout.com’s Bear Report, Jeremy Stoltz breaks down film from Nagy’s first two drives as the Chiefs’ offensive coordinator. The personnel will be different when Nagy does his thing with the Bears, but the aggressive approach after being gifted good field position is encouraging. Kansas City put up 31 points in a loss, but Alex Smith posted a 135.9 rating, threw for 366 yards, and four touchdowns as a more vertical offense led to a better offensive showing than the Chiefs had grown accustomed to.

Even though he was passed over for the Bears’ head coaching job, Vic Fangio was comfortable enough with Nagy and the team’s overall direction to stick around, writes Chris Emma of CBS Sports Chicago. Fangio explored his options as a free agent, but never closed the door on a return to the Bears. After playing the waiting game and watching potential landing spots hire other coordinators, Fangio returned after finding Chicago to be a comfortable situation for him.

It would have been understandable had Fangio chosen to go elsewhere. For the second time in four years, Fangio was passed up for a head coaching job for a relatively inexperienced candidate each time. But Fangio said he doesn’t take it personal and doesn’t think he’s less qualified despite not getting the promotion to the top of the coaching ranks. Now, Fangio returns to a defense that ranked in the top 10 in scoring defense and yards allowed, but could be doing better.

New Special Teams Coach Chris Tabor shared an interesting nugget during Thursday’s press conference:

Chris Tabor said the #Browns did not scout Tarik Cohen before the draft last year. “He did not come across my desk."

— Adam Hoge (@AdamHoge) January 18, 2018

Tabor got a first-hand look at Cohen during the Browns’ regular season meeting with the Bears in Week 16 and it shows that the new guy can’t wait to get his hands on Cohen to mold him into an improved return specialist. Cohen struggled at times in the return game, which was to be expected from a rookie who wasn’t asked to be a special teams performer at North Carolina A&T. Tabor has experience getting the best out of return specialists, most notably Josh Cribbs.

Cribbs was a three-time Pro Bowler for the Browns in 2007, 2009, and 2012. He was also a first-team All-Pro nominee in 2009, a year in which he racked up 1,542 kick return yards and scored four return touchdowns — including three kickoffs. Cribbs picked up 12,169 return yards (punt and kickoff) and scored 11 touchdowns in eight years with the Browns. While he didn’t get the kind of offensive snaps Cohen received as a rookie, it’s OK to dream on Cohen parlaying his skills into a Pro Bowl appearance or two in the years to come if Tabor’s tutelage pays dividends.

Also, this is one heck of a comp:

Tabor on #Bears returner Tarik Cohen: "I think he's a dynamic player." Calls him a young Darren Sproles. Says he was afraid of him when he played against Cohen Dec. 24.
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) January 18, 2018

Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic zeroes in on the Bears’ top four position needs heading into the 69th Senior Bowl. Wide receiver is at the top of the list, but needs at cornerback, edge rusher, and offensive line (guard/tackle) also project to be positions of need at this time. Free agency can (and ultimately, will) change things. But this gives us a clearer picture of what the team’s most immediate offseason needs will be.

We discussed a number of the top wide receivers who will participate in the Senior Bowl next week. And while the Bears don’t have the advantage of coaching in it this year, there will be players plucked from this group who will be immediate contributors for some teams.

Steve Palazzolo recently shared Pro Football Focus’ second mock draft, which features one Senior Bowl participant going first overall. As for the Bears, PFF’s Palazzolo sent Texas offensive lineman Connor Williams to Chicago with the eighth pick. To be clear, PFF’s mock draft are based on what they would do as a given team’s general manager and not what they think or hear will happen. Through that lens, a case can be made for Williams as a top-10 pick and the first offensive lineman off the board. Even though Williams was limited to just 332 snaps because of an injury, he’s been a stellar in pass protection and a strong lead blocker in the running game. Considering Bobby Massie has just one year left on his deal, it would make sense for the Bears to make the tackle opposite of Charles Leno Jr. a strength and further improve the offensive line in front of Trubisky and Jordan Howard.

written by

Luis C. Medina

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

Chicago Bears

Watch Out For the Cardinals and Chargers as Possible Bears Trade Partners

'Tis the season for dot-connecting. And if you are a Chicago Bears fan, you might want to keep tabs on what is happening between your favorite team's current first and ninth picks. ESPN's Adam Schefter names the Arizona Cardinals and...

Luis C. Medina

Apr 16, 2024

Washington Commanders 7-Round Mock Draft

Chicago Bears

The Washington Commanders Are Hosting a Pre-Draft QB Group Date

The MMQB's Albert Breer shares an anecdote about the Washington Commanders pre-draft process. Washington, which holds the second pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, is hosting a bunch of quarterbacks for top-30 visits this week. Together. In the same place....

Luis C. Medina

Apr 16, 2024

Chicago Bears

The Bears Are Back, Caleb, Verse, Goff, Biles, and Other Bears Bullets

Thin Lizzy's "The Boys Are Back In Town" played in a loop in my head on Monday as I thought about the Chicago Bears strolling into Halas Hall to start the offseason training program. This is what it looked like...

Luis C. Medina

Apr 16, 2024

chop robinson penn state NFL draft bears target

Chicago Bears

Chop Robinson is Reportedly Visiting the Bears

Chop Robinson is more than a cool name. He was also a productive edge defender for the Penn State Nittany Lions. And, today, NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reports that Chop Robinson is visiting with the Chicago Bears — today. That's...

Luis C. Medina

Apr 15, 2024

Dadrion Taylor-Demerson bears 2024 NFL Draft target

Chicago Bears

Dadrion Taylor-Demerson is Taking a Top 30 Visit with the Bears

We're adding Dadrion Taylor-Demerson to the list of players who are coming down to Halas Hall for a top-30 visit with the Chicago Bears. Chris Emma has the scoop on the Texas Tech defensive back's upcoming trip to the greater...

Luis C. Medina

Apr 15, 2024

Chicago Bears

Caleb Williams is Already Having Fun With Bears Fans

The 2024 NFL Draft in 10 days. And even though Caleb Williams isn't a Bear just yet, the presumptive No. 1 pick in the upcoming draft is already already getting acclimated with Bears Twitter. And in an endearing way, too....

Luis C. Medina

Apr 15, 2024

Chicago Bears

First Phase Begins, Brisker Keeps Receipts, Whitehair Goes to Vegas, Receiver News, and Other Bears Bullets

Happy TTPD Week to those who observe. The Chicago Bears are one of 25 NFL teams that begin voluntary workout programs today. Huzzah! As pointed out in this post from the NFL highlighting the Bears (and the other 24 teams)...

Luis C. Medina

Apr 15, 2024

Chicago Bears

Bagent Goes to Work, Small School Prospect Watch, Stuart Scott Doc Coming, and Other Bears Bullets

Is it just me or are weekends getting shorter as I'm getting older? As s often the case on Sundays, this Sunday set of BN Bears Bullets features a mess of things that I bookmarked during the week but never...

Luis C. Medina

Apr 14, 2024

NFL draft bears 4. Arizona Cardinals – Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State

Chicago Bears

Would You Trade Up to Draft Marvin Harrison Jr.? And Other Bears Bullets

Saturday's forecast in Chicago has temperatures getting into the low 70s. So, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to try to breeze through this set of Bears Bullets so I can get some fresh air. Adam Rank got the wheels...

Luis C. Medina

Apr 13, 2024

Chicago Bears

Bears to Host Jared Verse on a Top-30 Visit

Momma, there goes that man's name again. Jared Verse is firmly on the Chicago Bears radar. And soon, they'll get to know the Florida State pass rusher more intimately whenever he makes his way to Halas Hall: https://twitter.com/Schultz_Report/status/1778918914983969222 NFL reporter...

Luis C. Medina

Apr 12, 2024

NBA Prop Bets

Zion Williamson Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Lakers – Tuesday, April 16, 2024

On Tuesday at 7:30 PM ET, the New Orleans Pelicans meet the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Play-In Tournament, and Zion Williamson's 3-pointer over/under for this matchup requires just one triple.Zion Williamson's Three-Pointer Prop Odds vs. the LakersZion Williamson's...

Luis Escalante

Apr 16, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Jed Hoyer on Seiya Suzuki’s Injury and Timeline (And a Tiny Bit of Optimism)

Last season, before the first Cactus League game of the year (on February 25), Seiya Suzuki injured his oblique and missed all of Spring Training. From there, he needed 42 days before he began his Minor League rehab assignment (on...

Michael Cerami

Apr 16, 2024

How to Watch

Tigers vs. Rangers: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

The Detroit Tigers (9-7), with Tarik Skubal on the mound, host the Texas Rangers (9-8) who will counter with Dane Dunning, at 1:10 PM ET on Wednesday.Keep reading to find out how to watch the Detroit-Texas matchup in the article...

Sam Russell

Apr 16, 2024

2024 Geico 500 Odds from Talladega Superspeedway

Betting

Geico 500 Odds from NASCAR Talladega Superspeedway: Bet this Bottom of the Board Longshot

Get ready for white-knuckle racing and unpredictable finishes as NASCAR descends on the legendary Talladega Superspeedway. Let's check out the 2024 GEICO 500 odds from the track nicknamed "Dega" by fans. Talladega's high banks and long straightaways create thrilling pack...

Brian Twining

Apr 16, 2024

NBA Prop Bets

Stephen Curry Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Kings – Tuesday, April 16, 2024

Stephen Curry needs to make six 3-pointers to beat his prop when the Golden State Warriors play the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday at 10:00 PM ET, in the NBA Play-In Tournament.Stephen Curry's Three-Pointer Prop Odds vs. the KingsStephen Curry's over/under...

Luis Escalante

Apr 16, 2024

NBA Prop Bets

Domantas Sabonis Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Warriors – Tuesday, April 16, 2024

The Sacramento Kings meet the Golden State Warriors at 10:00 PM ET on Tuesday, in the NBA Play-In Tournament, and one of the 3-pointer props available for this matchup requires only one trey from Domantas Sabonis.Domantas Sabonis' Three-Pointer Prop Odds...

Luis Escalante

Apr 16, 2024

NBA Prop Bets

Klay Thompson Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Kings – Tuesday, April 16, 2024

Klay Thompson's Golden State Warriors meet the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday at 10:00 PM ET in the NBA Play-In Tournament, and to beat his 3-point over/under, he must make four from beyond the arc.Klay Thompson's Three-Pointer Prop Odds vs. the...

Luis Escalante

Apr 16, 2024

NBA Prop Bets

Jonathan Kuminga Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Kings – Tuesday, April 16, 2024

At 10:00 PM ET on Tuesday, in the NBA Play-In Tournament, it'll be the Golden State Warriors against the Sacramento Kings -- with Jonathan Kuminga needing to connect just once from beyond the arc to beat his 3-pointer prop.Jonathan Kuminga's...

Luis Escalante

Apr 16, 2024

NBA Prop Bets

De’Aaron Fox Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Warriors – Tuesday, April 16, 2024

On Tuesday at 10:00 PM ET, the Sacramento Kings meet the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Play-In Tournament, and De'Aaron Fox's 3-pointer prop for this matchup requires four triples.De'Aaron Fox's Three-Pointer Prop Odds vs. the WarriorsDe'Aaron Fox's over/under for...

Luis Escalante

Apr 16, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Downtown Ben Brown, Bad Ben Brown, Big Ben Brown – Whatever You Call Him, He Was Awesome Again

The Chicago Cubs have played 16 games so far this season. Of those 16 games, a Cubs starter has made it through 6.0 innings of work exactly three times: (1) Shota Imanaga against the Rockies in the home opener, (2)...

Michael Cerami

Apr 16, 2024

Cohen-Excitement, Fangio’s Comfort with Nagy, Bears Positions of Need, and Other Bullets

Read More

more bears news

Latest News

more bears news

Most Popular

Most Popular

Latest News

Most Popular

Most Popular