The Bears Will Be Better If Youth Is Served and Other Bullets

Jun 19, 2018

A strange night of baseball at Wrigley Field (sans baseball) because of a rain delay (that didn’t have much rain) and a power outage (seriously, it happened) has led to a rare batch of weekday morning Bullets. I couldn’t make it up if I tried.

Albert Breer’s piece at SI.com’s The MMQB has the latest on Andrew Luck’s latest attempt to bounce back from injury, but also features a look at an interesting Mike McCarthy methodology. The Packers head coach apparently eases up on veteran players (with 6+ years experience) during minicamps, which allows younger players more opportunities to show off. McCarthy’s angle is that he sees it as a chance for some of his younger players to step into leadership roles and earn the respect of the teammates around them.

Considering how NFL rosters are constructed with loads of talent on their first contracts, it’s an interesting method that accelerates the learning curve. The Bears have only four projected starters with six or more years of NFL experience, so Chicago’s camps probably have a similar vibe. As for what’s happening in Green Bay, McCarthy says it began in 2016 – a season in which the team went 10-6, won the division, knocked off the team with the NFC’s best record, but lost in the conference title game.

Allen Robinson is one of the younger veterans on the new-look Bears, and Chris Emma of 670 The Score writes about how the Bears’ new No. 1 receiver is geared up and ready to go. Emma caught up with Robinson on Monday at Wrigley Field, where Robinson expressed excitement about being in a sports hotbed. “Being down here for the first time, getting acclimated to the sports culture here is awesome,” Robinson said. “I’ve never played or lived in a city like this as far as from a sports town. There’s so much culture.”

Let’s go back to the Bears (as a big picture project) for a moment, as browsing through their roster serves as a reminder of how young this team looks to be at some important positions. The Bears have 14 projected starters who will still be in their rookie contracts in 2018. If this group can help turn around the Bears, it will be a testament to what GM Ryan Pace has done in the draft.

Of that group of 14 players, there are 11 who were drafted in the last three seasons. Step back and think who this group of players has replaced. Just think back at who those Week 1 starters in 2015 were when this rebuild started. The only players remaining on the team that suffered defeat at the hand of the Packers in Week 1 are Kyle Long, Kyle Fuller, Adrian Amos, Sherrick McManis, and Patrick O’Donnell. So much turnover. So much young talent. It’s hard to imagine the Bears will be worse despite the wide-ranging changes.

I had some fun answering your questions during Monday’s delay and think we should do that as a group again sometime soon. Perhaps next time, I’ll have a better feel for the team’s future. Making predictions is fun, because you can always give yourself the “At least you tried” cake after you put your neck on the line … even if you’re wrong.

I still find myself hesitant to go there at this point, though I tried to answer questions regarding the team’s record and postseason aspirations. There’s no doubt the Bears should be better. A new set of decision-makers and playmakers on offense, coupled with the return of nearly every major player from a top-10 defense should make for an improved overall product. But as we’ve discussed before, everyone else in the NFC North can also stake a claim to being improved.

My gut feeling (on the morning of June 19) tells me there is a path to an 8-8 record. The Bears have seven games on their schedule against teams that finished below .500 last year. Of course, that includes two against a Green Bay team that finished 7-9 in 2017, but figures to be among the early favorites for Super Bowl contention with a healthy Aaron Rodgers. There are still some winnable games on the schedule.

We’ll take a deep dive into the potential road to .500 at some point this summer. But what stands out for now is a set of five games against teams that finished below .500 last year that don’t have a perennial MVP candidate under center and two games against teams that figure to be starting rookie quarterbacks. On the surface it gives the Bears – given that they can live up to the buzz they have built this offseason – a fighting chance at .500.

Bears fans who read this site who also happen to be fans of the Chicago Bulls basketball squadron are probably familiar with the turn of phrase “Do Your Job” that was popularized by wildly popular former coach Tom Thibodeau. It’s a mantra Thibodeau pretty much borrowed from friend/Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick from the time the two crossed paths while in Boston. Well, be prepared to do hear plenty of it with former Belichick assistant Matt Patricia coaching the Lions. Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports the phrase that pays is now on a prominently featured sign in the team’s facility.

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

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,...

Luis C. Medina

Apr 19, 2024

Chicago Bears

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...

Luis C. Medina

Apr 19, 2024

Chicago Bears

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...

Luis C. Medina

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Bears

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...

Luis C. Medina

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Bears

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...

Ryan Noonan

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Bears

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...

Luis C. Medina

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Bears

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...

Matt Rooney

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Bears

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...

Luis C. Medina

Apr 17, 2024

Chicago Bears

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...

Luis C. Medina

Apr 17, 2024

Chicago Bears

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...

Luis C. Medina

Apr 17, 2024

MLB Prop Bets

Astros vs. Nationals Probable Starting Pitchers – April 20

The Washington Nationals (8-11) play at home against the Houston Astros (7-14) at Nationals Park. The game is set to start at 4:05 PM ET on Saturday.This contest's pitching matchup is set, as the Astros will send Ronel Blanco (2-0)...

Data Skrive

Apr 20, 2024

MLB Prop Bets

Diamondbacks vs. Giants Probable Starting Pitchers – April 20

The Arizona Diamondbacks (10-11) and the San Francisco Giants (9-12) match up on Saturday at 4:05 PM ET. The contest will take place at Oracle Park.This contest's pitching matchup is set, as the Diamondbacks will send Zac Gallen (3-0) to...

Data Skrive

Apr 20, 2024

MLB Prop Bets

Dodgers vs. Mets Probable Starting Pitchers – April 20

The New York Mets (11-8) take on the Los Angeles Dodgers (12-10) on the road at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, with first pitch at 4:05 PM ET. The Mets enter the game with a five-game winning streak.This contest's pitching matchup...

Data Skrive

Apr 20, 2024

MLB Prop Bets

Pirates vs. Red Sox Probable Starting Pitchers – April 20

The Pittsburgh Pirates (11-9) look to end to a four-game skid as they host the Boston Red Sox (11-10) on Saturday at 4:05 PM ET.The probable pitchers are Mitch Keller (2-1) for the Pirates and Kutter Crawford for the Red...

Data Skrive

Apr 20, 2024

Picks

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

Bryan De La Cruz leads the Miami Marlins (4-16) into Saturday's matchup with the Chicago Cubs (12-7) on a two-game homer streak. His Marlins are underdogs for the contest, however, with oddsmakers naming the Cubs as -158 moneyline favorites. The...

Data Skrive

Apr 20, 2024

Picks

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

The Detroit Tigers (11-9) will look to Kerry Carpenter, after his four-hit game last time out, to lead them in a matchup with the Minnesota Twins (6-12) on Saturday at 2:10 PM ET on BSN. The Tigers are +114 underdogs...

Data Skrive

Apr 20, 2024

Picks

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

Willson Contreras (12 games) will look to add to his hitting streak when the St. Louis Cardinals (9-11) and Milwaukee Brewers (12-6) meet Saturday at 2:15 PM ET, live on BSWI from Busch Stadium. Contreras and the Cardinals are favored...

Data Skrive

Apr 20, 2024

MLB Prop Bets

Best MLB Prop Bets Today, April 20, 2024

The MLB's 16-game slate today is not one to miss. The contests include the Baltimore Orioles taking on the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium.If you're looking for MLB prop bets for today's games, we're here to help. Scroll down...

Data Skrive

Apr 20, 2024

Picks

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

The New York Yankees (14-6), led by Juan Soto on a two-game home run streak, are -137 favorites on the moneyline to defeat the Tampa Bay Rays (11-10). First pitch is set for 1:05 PM ET Saturday, live from Yankee...

Data Skrive

Apr 20, 2024

MLB Prop Bets

Yankees vs. Rays Probable Starting Pitchers – April 20

The Tampa Bay Rays (11-10) go on the road at Yankee Stadium against the New York Yankees (14-6) at 1:05 PM ET on Saturday.The Yankees will give the ball to Nestor Cortes Jr. (1-1, 4.50 ERA), who is eyeing win...

Data Skrive

Apr 20, 2024

The Bears Will Be Better If Youth Is Served and Other Bullets

Read More

more bears news

Latest News

more bears news

Most Popular

Most Popular

Latest News

Most Popular

Most Popular