Mitch Trubisky is “Obsessed with Being Great” and Other Bullets

Reading this tweet made me feel things and I wanted to share it with you, so you can also feel things:

Is it time for training camp to open up yet or what?

  • Chicago Bears GM Ryan Pace touched on a number of topics during his meeting with the media on Wednesday at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. Dan Wiederer of the Chicago Tribune rounds up some of Pace’s most intriguing quotes in his first public thoughts since hiring Matt Nagy as the team’s new head coach. We’ve touched on some of the most important issues from Pace’s media session including the latest on Kyle Fuller, possible extensions for Adrian Amos and Eddie Goldman, Mike Glennon’s future, and spending in free agency.
  • I’m glad I’m not the only one who heard it, but Pace definitely had a little extra pep in his step during his meeting with the media. The Tribune’s David Haugh describes the Bears’ GM as someone who sounded like he was undergoing a fresh start at a new job rather than one coming off a dreadful three-year run. It definitely seems like there is some new energy in the building. Pace even used words like “transparent” when answering questions … and actually answered questions without sounding like a man trying desperately to avoid sharing team secrets. I can dig it.
  • It’s not out of the realm of possibilities that the Bears will spend some money in free agency to add a backup quarterback to the mix. But don’t worry, the days of spending $18.5 million in guaranteed cash on a backup will soon be behind us. Colleen Kane of the Tribune writes the team will be “really mindful” about who they surround Trubisky with as his backups. A reunion with Mark Sanchez could be on the horizon, while Chase Daniel (who has ties to Matt Nagy from their time with the Chiefs) could also be on the team’s radar.
  • Nagy also hinted at the possibility of using the draft as an option, telling the Tribune: “We just have to see how this whole thing plays out in the next few weeks and months. Ryan and I have a direction and a way we think we’re going to go, but we’ll keep that between us.”
  • After hiring Mark Helfrich as the offensive coordinator and Harry Hiestand to coach the offensive line, the Bears should have a good idea of what a quality developmental quarterback prospect will look like. Both Nagy and Helfrich are long-time quarterback whisperer types, so it would be wise to take advantage of that and start developing quarterbacks like the New England Patriots have in recent years.
  • Then again, this guy could be available for minimal cost:
  • If getting the quarterback position right was the Bears’ top priority when drafting Trubisky and arming him with suitable pass-catching weapons is at the top of the shopping list a year later, then bringing down opposing quarterbacks should probably be next on the list of needs. Over at NBC Sports Chicago, John Mullin believes the Bears are in desperate need of a pass-rush presence after parting ways with Willie Young. Mullin is definitely on to something here because the only edge rushers on the roster are Leonard Floyd, Isaiah Irving, and Howard Jones. Only Floyd is a proven starter, and even then, he has missed a chunk of time due to injuries in each of the last two seasons. Still, the Bears’ plans are coming into the clear with their recent releases of Floyd and Pernell McPhee – get younger, get healthier, and – hopefully – get better.
  • Over at Pro Football Weekly, Hub Arkush writes the honeymoon period is over for Pace … just as it begins with his head coach. Timing is weird, but I get the angle here. For Nagy (and the Bears) to be great, Pace has to show improved judgment as an evaluator of talent. The Bears need to make better decisions in free agency and in the draft in order for all of this to work. Impact players needed to be added in free agency at key positions that don’t have much returning talent such as wide receiver and on the edge with pass rushers. Playmakers need to come by way of the draft, primarily in the first round where the jury is still out on Kevin White, and to a lesser extent with Floyd and Trubisky. Get it right and the turnaround can begin instantly.
  • Speaking of free agency, I want to believe there’s something here:
  • https://twitter.com/NBCSBears/status/969015059748933632

    (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

    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

    Rome Odunze Has a Visit With the Bears Coming Soon

    If you aren't already familiar with Rome Odunze's name or game, your time will come. The University of Washington wide receiver is one of the top prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. At this point of the year, I've officially...

    Matt Eberflus Opens a Window to the Chicago Bears Draft Plans

    NFL coaches are notoriously tight-lipped. And in his first two seasons as Bears head coach, Matt Eberflus has been no different. But every once in a while you'll catch Eberflus peel back the curtain and provide some insight regarding the...

    What Does a Chicago Bears NFL Draft Trade Down Look Like?

    You'd think we'd be well-versed in trade-back options after months of wondering what kind of haul it would take for the Bears to move off taking quarterback Caleb Williams with the first pick of the 2024 NFL Draft. But trading...

    D-Line Thoughts, Caleb, GM Seth Rollins, Pack Votes No, and Other Bears Bullets

    Cubs and White Sox opening day is today today. March Madness resumes with the Fighting Illini playing in the Sweet 16 later tonight. SIU, my alma mater, is reportedly hiring a "Coach Nagy" to lead its basketball team. And what...

    Dan Campbell is Happy To See Justin Fields Leave the NFC North

    There was no escaping the mixed emotions from Chicago Bears fans when the Justin Fields trade went down earlier this month. But there were none of that from Detroit Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell. Heck, I'd argue there was just...

    Another Pass Rusher Signs Elsewhere: Jadeveon Clowney Lands With the Panthers

    Another day. Another pass rusher signing. And another defensive lineman going to a team that isn't the Chicago Bears. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport was the first with the news of Jadeveon Clowney signing with the Carolina Panthers. Meanwhile, ESPN's...

    Malik Nabers Might’ve Run His Way Out of the Chicago Bears Draft Spot

    Today was LSU's Pro Day and Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles was scheduled to be in attendance, per The Athletic's Adam Jahns. Assuming Poles made his flight, he got a good look at the likes of quarterback Jayden Daniels, as...

    Goodell on Bears Stadium Deal, No to Hard Knocks? More Old Friends Go to Steelers, and Other Bears Bullets

    I keep forgetting that I have a Starbucks gift card from Christmas that has gone unused to this point. Maybe I'll remember it next time I go out for coffee. A big shout out to PFF Brad, who made the...

    Ryan Poles Was Pissed Off By RGIII’s Comments About Caleb Williams Situation

    When I saw them pop up, RGIII's comments suggesting Caleb Williams pull an Eli Manning and refuse to play for the Chicago Bears were met with an eye-roll, audible groan, and immediate dismissal before moving onto more pertinent topics. But...

    Bears Stadium Update: Kevin Warren Reiterates Plans to Build in Downtown Chicago

    It sure is starting to sound like Arlington Heights fumbled the bag when it comes to locking in Arlington Park as the future home of a Chicago Bears stadium. While meeting with the media at the NFL owners meetings in...

    Latest News

    Rome Odunze Has a Visit With the Bears Coming Soon

    If you aren't already familiar with Rome Odunze's name or game, your time will come. The University of Washington wide receiver is one of the top prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. At this point of the year, I've officially...

    Matt Eberflus Opens a Window to the Chicago Bears Draft Plans

    NFL coaches are notoriously tight-lipped. And in his first two seasons as Bears head coach, Matt Eberflus has been no different. But every once in a while you'll catch Eberflus peel back the curtain and provide some insight regarding the...

    How to Watch Braves vs. Phillies: Live Stream or on TV

    The Atlanta Braves, with Spencer Strider on the mound, take on the Philadelphia Phillies (who will counter with Zack Wheeler) in their opening game of the season, at 3:05 PM ET on Friday.Keep reading to find out all the details...

    Jonas Valančiūnas Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Bucks – Thursday, March 28, 2024

    On Thursday at 8:00 PM ET, the New Orleans Pelicans play the Milwaukee Bucks, and Jonas Valančiūnas' 3-pointer prop for this clash requires just one trey.Jonas Valančiūnas' Three-Pointer Prop Odds vs. the BucksJonas Valanciunas' over/under for three-pointers in this game:...

    Top 25 College Basketball Picks and Best Bets: March 28

    The Illinois Fighting Illini and the Iowa State Cyclones hit the court in one of four games on the college basketball slate on Thursday that include a ranked team.How to Bet on Top 25 Games[lasso rel="draftkings-promo-1" id="299003"]Top 25 Games for...

    What Does a Chicago Bears NFL Draft Trade Down Look Like?

    You'd think we'd be well-versed in trade-back options after months of wondering what kind of haul it would take for the Bears to move off taking quarterback Caleb Williams with the first pick of the 2024 NFL Draft. But trading...

    Diamondbacks vs. Rockies Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Thursday, March 28, 2024

    The Arizona Diamondbacks begin their season as -226 favorites in a home tilt against the Colorado Rockies on Thursday at 10:10 PM ET, live on ARID.Arizona's Zac Gallen and Colorado's Kyle Freeland have been named the starters for this contest.Diamondbacks...

    Mariners vs. Red Sox Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Thursday, March 28, 2024

    The Seattle Mariners start their season as home favorites (-155) in a matchup with the Boston Red Sox on Thursday at 10:10 PM ET, live on NESN from T-Mobile Park.Seattle's Luis Castillo and Boston's Brayan Bello have been named the...

    Guardians vs. Athletics Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Thursday, March 28, 2024

    The Cleveland Guardians look to start their season with a win as road favorites (-145) in a season-opening matchup with the Oakland Athletics. First pitch is on Thursday at 10:07 PM ET on NBCS-CA, live from Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum.Cleveland's Shane...

    Damian Lillard Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Pelicans – Thursday, March 28, 2024

    Will Damian Lillard make four 3-pointers when the Milwaukee Bucks face the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday at 8:00 PM ET? If so, he'll beat his prop for the game.Damian Lillard's Three-Pointer Prop Odds vs. the PelicansDamian Lillard's over/under for...

    more bears news