Updated Mack Odds, Soldier Field Beer Cycles, Fuller Gets Embarrassed, and Other Bullets

Things weren’t looking great for the Chicago Bears earlier in the week when some oddsmakers (who didn’t even have the Bears among the possibilities) listed the Green Bay Packers as the favorites to land Khalil Mack. But since then, the Bears have popped up as a real possibility on the rumor mill and the oddsmakers were left to update their board:

The Bears having better odds than the Raiders at this point is wild. But as Mack’s holdout from Raiders camp continues into the preseason, the chances of the two sides splitting up increases. The Raiders had a holdout issue with left tackle Donald Penn which ended in late August, then led to a pay raise for Penn in September. Clearly, the Raiders know how to put an end to this. But will they?

  • The Chicago Bears’ brief Colorado getaway ends tonight with a game against the Denver Broncos that kicks off at 8 p.m. central time. Just a tip: You might want to get in an afternoon nap if you want to take in the full four quarters of preseason action.
  • Kyle Fuller flashed with a pick-six in last week’s preseason shindig against the Bengals and it would be nice if he could do it again. Especially after being taken to school by Broncos receiver Emmanuel Sanders during Thursday’s practice:
  • https://twitter.com/RyanCBS4/status/1029765867247165440

  • One thing is for certain: Playing cornerback in the NFL means you better have a short memory.
  • It sounds like Broncos Head Coach Vance Joseph wants to play his starters into the second quarter with his first-team players. “I’m looking at about a quarter, quarter and a half with our ones,” Joseph said, via the Broncos’ official website. “Our twos will play until we see progress. We’ll play our threes late.”
  • From a Bears perspective, we’re looking forward to seeing an extended look at the first-team offense. The Bears’ first-unit ran eight plays and literally didn’t gain any net yardage. In fact, the Bengals held the Bears to negative yardage (-1). So not only does this group need reps, it also needs to show literal progress … as in moving the ball down the field.
  • And while we’d love to see some sort of offensive explosion tonight, let’s make one thing clear: The Bears shouldn’t put anything on tape that will catch the Packers’ eye for Week 1. I thought the Bengals made a mistake in showing a fake punt look in last week’s preseason game because it put something on film for every special teams coach in the league. Working on improving timing, chemistry, rounding things into form, and staying healthy are the top priorities when it comes to preseason football. But we shouldn’t overlook the idea that teams should be looking to keep as much of their schematic advantage as possible during the preseason.
  • But still … we’d like to see, more than anything, Allen Robinson and Anthony Miller continue to develop a rapport with Mitch Trubisky. We don’t need to see it all at once, but a taste here and there would do wonders for all parties. Especially since we know Trubisky’s hope is to stretch the field vertically once he gets to use the full offense.
  • It would also be a sign of progress to see Trubisky in sync with his center. Bad snaps have been a mild annoyance this summer and things really need to be cleaned up in that area if the Bears’ offense is going to take off. A bad snap can derail a drive as easily as a penalty or a drop. And after seeing all three on one drive last week against the Bengals, not having a repeat performance in that regard would be huge for the Bears’ offense – even if it’s something that isn’t going to show up in a box score.
  • At least there is stability at left tackle. Bears Radio play-by-play voice Jeff Joniak chimes in with some thoughts on Charles Leno Jr., the Bears’ starting left tackle who has worked his way into a quality starter. Finding stability at that position hasn’t been easy, but Leno has been reliable (and quite good) since being installed as the team’s left tackle in 2015. So while he isn’t flashy, Leno is still productive. And considering the issues elsewhere on the line, it’s encouraging that left tackle isn’t one of them.
  • SportsCenter’s Twitter tried to dunk on Bears backup QB Chase Daniel, but Anthony Miller wasn’t having any of it:
  • https://twitter.com/AnthonyMiller_3/status/1030526568227983360

  • At minimum, that should buy Miller a few extra targets if he’s working with Daniel and the second unit tonight.
  • Over at NBC Sports Chicago, JJ Stankevitz writes about one of the team’s more intriguing long-shots. John Franklin III is best known as a standout on “Last Chance U” which is fitting because this feels a lot like a last chance for the former quarterback and wide receiver who is trying to make the conversion to defensive back. The Bears’ secondary is loaded with young talent in a similar position to that of Franklin, so it’s very much an up-hill climb. Frankly, I’d like to see Franklin with the ball in his hands as a return specialist. His speed stands out and it could be an asset if used properly. We’ll see how his playing time unfolds tonight and the rest of the preseason.
  • I’m looking forward to seeing how this looks at Soldier Field at some point this season:
  • https://twitter.com/KariVanHorn/status/1030479993095090177

    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

    Chase Young to Sign 1-year Deal with Saints as Another DE Goes Off the Board

    If you were looking for the Chicago Bears to reunite Montez Sweat and Chase Young, I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news. Young, a free-agent pass rusher who would've made sense as a Bears offseason target, is reportedly...

    The Bears Turned Down a Better Trade Offer to “Do Right” By Justin Fields

    Even with the Justin Fields situation resolved by way of Saturday’s trade between the Bears and Steelers, I still found myself coming back to this Ryan Poles quote from Combine Week. The bold emphasis is mine (and you’ll see why...

    More D-Line Help: Bears Add Byron Cowart to Defensive Mix

    More defensive line help is on the way for the Chicago Bears. On Saturday, the Bears added to their mix of defensive linemen by signing defensive end Jake Martin. And because the job of building out a 90-player offseason roster...

    Poles Plan, Sorting Through Fields Mess, What are the Steelers doing? And Other Bears Bullets

    The first Monday of the post-Justin Fields era is here and Bears fans are still coming to grips with it. I get it. Lost in the weekend haze was the Bears burying a trade of their former starting quarterback in...

    Chicago Bears 7-Round Mock Draft 3.0

    In the wake of the Justin Fields trade and week one of free agency, things are starting to take shape, so let’s fire up the PFF Draft Simulator and try to sort out the rest of the 2024 roster with...

    Ryan Pace, Darnell Mooney, and Kirk Cousins are Central Figures in NFL Tampering Investigation

    In news that has nothing to do with the Chicago Bears trading Justin Fields, a pair of former Bears (and someone the Bears are quite familiar with) find themselves in the middle of an NFL tampering investigation. Ryan Pace, Darnell...

    Justin Fields Trade Fallout (And Other Bears Bullets)

    Usually, I reserve Sunday's Bears Bullets to be a dumping ground for things I didn't get to in a given week. But today is different (and for obvious reasons). Here is what you missed in case you spent all day...

    Here’s What Ryan Poles Had to Say About the Justin Fields Trade

    The Justin Fields trade is still oh, so very fresh. Here is what Chicago Bears General Manager Ryan Poles had to say about the trade in a statement issued by the team: We have engaged in multiple trade conversations in...

    It’s Over: Justin Fields Traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers

    So long, old friend. May the Force be with you. The Justin Fields trade is happening. So says NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, who is reporting it and sharing the news on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/1769131145688461483 UPDATE (7:45 PM CT): It's officially...

    Justin Fields Says Goodbye and Thank You

    That Justin Fields trade sure is something. ICYMI: The Bears and Steelers have reportedly agreed on a deal to send Fields from Chicago to Pittsburgh in exchange for a 2025 sixth-round pick. And while it could become a fourth-rounder based...

    Latest News

    Nuggets vs. Timberwolves Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats and Best Bets – Tuesday, March 19, 2024

    The Minnesota Timberwolves (47-21) are underdogs (+7) as they try to build on a three-game win streak when they host the Denver Nuggets (47-21) at 9:00 PM ET on Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at Target Center. The game airs on...

    Mavericks vs. Spurs Predictions, Best Bets and Odds – Tuesday, March 19, 2024

    Southwest Division opponents square off when the Dallas Mavericks (39-29) visit the San Antonio Spurs (15-53) at AT&T Center, tipping off at 8:00 PM ET on Tuesday, March 19, 2024. The Mavericks are 8.5-point favorites in the game, the fourth...

    Pelicans vs. Nets Predictions, Best Bets and Odds – Tuesday, March 19, 2024

    The Brooklyn Nets (26-42) will try to break a three-game losing streak when they host the New Orleans Pelicans (41-26) on Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at Barclays Center as 8.5-point underdogs. The matchup airs at 7:30 PM ET on YES....

    Nuggets vs. Timberwolves Predictions, Best Bets and Odds – Tuesday, March 19, 2024

    The Minnesota Timberwolves (47-21) are 7-point underdogs as they try to extend a three-game winning streak when they host the Denver Nuggets (47-21) on Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at Target Center. The contest airs at 9:00 PM ET on NBA....

    Canucks vs. Sabres Prediction: Live Odds, Stats, History and Picks – Tuesday, March 19, 2024

    The Vancouver Canucks are -198 on the moneyline against the Buffalo Sabres (+164) on Tuesday, with this game being played at Rogers Arena in Vancouver.Canucks vs. Sabres Favorite, Moneyline, TotalFavorite: Canucks (-198)Underdog: Sabres (+164)Total: 6Best Canucks vs. Sabres Promo Codes[lasso...

    OH MY: ANTHONY EDWARDS JUST HAD THE BEST DUNK OF THE YEAR

    Anthony Edwards has done it again. The emerging Minnesota Timberwolves superstar jammed the most impressive poster dunk of the season against the Utah Jazz on Monday night. Pushing the pace in transition during the third quarter, Edwards passed the ball...

    De’Aaron Fox Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Grizzlies – Monday, March 18, 2024

    To beat his 3-point prop, De'Aaron Fox must make three from beyond the arc on Monday, when his Sacramento Kings face the Memphis Grizzlies, tipping off at 10:00 PM ET.De'Aaron Fox's Three-Pointer Prop Odds vs. the GrizzliesDe'Aaron Fox's over/under for...

    Malik Monk Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Grizzlies – Monday, March 18, 2024

    Will Malik Monk make three 3-pointers when the Sacramento Kings face the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday at 10:00 PM ET? If so, he'll beat his prop for the game.Malik Monk's Three-Pointer Prop Odds vs. the GrizzliesMalik Monk's over/under for three-pointers...

    Bogdan Bogdanovic Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Lakers – Monday, March 18, 2024

    At 10:30 PM ET on Monday, it'll be the Atlanta Hawks against the Los Angeles Lakers, with Bogdan Bogdanovic needing three trifectas to beat his 3-pointer prop.Bogdan Bogdanovic's Three-Pointer Prop Odds vs. the LakersBogdan Bogdanovic's over/under for three-pointers in this...

    Anthony Davis Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Hawks – Monday, March 18, 2024

    The Los Angeles Lakers face the Atlanta Hawks at 10:30 PM ET on Monday, and one of the 3-pointer over/unders available for this clash requires just one make from Anthony Davis.Anthony Davis' Three-Pointer Prop Odds vs. the HawksAnthony Davis' over/under...

    more bears news