Legendary Praise For Jackson, Mack and DWade Link Up Courtside, Ditka Update, and Other Bullets

Today is commonly referred to as Small Business Saturday, a proverbial retail holiday sandwiched between Black Friday and Cyber Monday where shoppers are encouraged to get out and support local businesses. And while I often shop locally, I always try to find myself supporting my favorite local joints on this particular day. At the top of my list this year are Amy’s Candy Bar, which has my favorite snack – chocolate-covered gummy bears. Yum!

  • WGN reports Bears legend Mike Ditka was hospitalized in Florida after suffering a heart attack earlier in the week. Ditka has had health issues in the past, including a heart attack in 1988 (and returned to coaching shortly after the incident) and a stroke in 2012. And at age 79, he should probably be mindful of his well-being. Father time stops for no one.
  • The latest from NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport:
  • There is no smooth transition to be made here, but here’s a video that will bring a smile to your face:
  • The best holidays are the ones that are free from family drama and feature good food, friends, and football.
  • I dropped an Ed Reed comp on Eddie Jackson in this Friday piece because I can’t recall another safety who had high-end ball skills, a flair for the dramatic, and the knack for making big plays in opportune moments. So to see Jackson pay homage to the legend had me feeling some type of way:
  • As did Ed Reed’s response:
  • In case you’re unfamiliar with Reed’s résumé, hang with me here for a minute because it’s a doozy. Reed was a nine-time Pro Bowler, five-time first-team All-Pro, 2004 AP Defensive Player of the Year, and a Super Bowl Champion. He led the NFL in interceptions three time, had seven seasons in which he collected five interceptions or more, forced 11 fumbles, recovered 13, and scored nine defensive touchdowns in 12 seasons. Reed is an all-time great and future Hall of Famer whenever his time comes up. So while I think it would be foolish to say Eddie Jackson is the second coming of Ed Reed, I believe it’s understandable to see how Jackson’s flashes are reminiscent of a player who came before him. That’s as good as it gets.
  • To be clear, Jackson has a ways to go before he reaches Reed’s stratosphere, but you can see a path to him being that type of impact player. But if that’s what’s on deck, then sign me up.
  • it’s an impressive one. … If that’s what’s on deck, then sign me up.
  • Jackson is on his way to a Pro Bowl, as is star pass-rusher Khalil Mack. Brian Baldinger’s breakdowns are informative, entertaining, and much-needed after a game that saw Mack neutralized – at least to the un-trained eye. Mack was held without a sack for the first time since Week 7, collected just one tackle, and came up with only one quarterback hit. But watch how Mack still impacts a game without needing to completely take it over:
  • I’ve often read and heard about Mack having a LeBron-like impact on his team. And while some see it as the ability to take over and dominate, I also see it in Mack’s ability to facilitate for his teammates the way James’ presence creates open shots for jump shooters. Sometimes, the beauty in sport is in the game within the game.
  • Speaking of basketball goodness, this was a cool gesture by the Bulls:
  • Just don’t get any ideas, Bulls. He’s busy until February.
  • Gotta love when one great player shows love for another:
  • Did you pick up that conversation? Wade: “You know my Sundays are made when you win.” Mack: “We’re gonna keep rolling for you, bro.” YEP, I’ve got goosebumps.
  • It will be criminal if Akiem Hicks isn’t joining Jackson and Mack at the Pro Bowl because he continues to be a monster who wrecks opponents at (and behind) the line of scrimmage:
  • Celebrating a big win with your alma mater is one way to celebrate a Victory Friday. Well done, Anthony Miller:
  • #BearsTwitter has grown into a thing this year and I’m totally here for it. And you better believe I’m here for #AtBears breathing life into it all. Spice Adams turning #BearsSingToAnything and the Bears (and their most creative fans) picking it up was everything we needed to get through Friday:
  • https://twitter.com/CHIBears247/status/1065994042599706625

    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

    Washington State vs. Illinois Women’s Basketball: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    Two hot teams meet when the Washington State Cougars (21-14) host the Illinois Fighting Illini (17-15) on April 1, 2024. The Cougars will put their three-game win streak on the line against the Fighting Illini, who have won three straight.On...

    Villanova vs. Penn State Women’s Basketball: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

    The Villanova Wildcats (21-12) will try to extend a three-game winning streak when they host the Penn State Lady Lions (22-12) on April 1, 2024. The Lady Lions have also won three games in a row.In its previous game, Villanova...

    Brewers vs. Mets Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Friday, March 29, 2024

    The Milwaukee Brewers are moneyline favorites (-110) to begin their season with a road win over the New York Mets on Friday at 1:40 PM ET, live on SNY.Freddy Peralta takes the mound for Milwaukee while Jose Quintana is New...

    Braves vs. Phillies Probable Starting Pitchers – March 29

    The Philadelphia Phillies (0-0) host the Atlanta Braves (0-0) in an Opening Day game at 3:05 PM ET on Friday.The Braves will look to Spencer Strider against the Phillies and Zack Wheeler.Braves vs. Phillies Pitcher Matchup and Game InfoWhen: Friday,...

    Suns vs. Thunder Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats and Best Bets – Friday, March 29, 2024

    Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder (50-22) are 2.5-point underdogs against Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns (43-30) Friday, March 29, 2024 at Paycom Center. The game starts at 8:00 PM ET on KSBI. The matchup's point total is...

    Brewers vs. Mets Probable Starting Pitchers – March 29

    The Milwaukee Brewers (0-0) begin their 2024 season with a road matchup against the New York Mets (0-0) on Friday, with first pitch at 1:40 PM ET.The Brewers will give the nod to Freddy Peralta versus the Mets and Jose...

    Cavaliers vs. 76ers Predictions, Best Bets and Odds – Friday, March 29, 2024

    The Philadelphia 76ers (39-34) are 8-point underdogs against the Cleveland Cavaliers (44-29) at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on Friday, March 29, 2024. The game starts at 7:30 PM ET on NBCS. The matchup's point total is set at 212.5.Our computer predictions...

    Heat vs. Trail Blazers Predictions, Best Bets and Odds – Friday, March 29, 2024

    The Portland Trail Blazers (19-54) will attempt to end an eight-game losing streak when they visit the Miami Heat (39-33) on Friday, March 29, 2024 at FTX Arena as heavy, 14-point underdogs. The contest airs at 8:00 PM ET on...

    Rockets vs. Jazz Predictions, Best Bets and Odds – Friday, March 29, 2024

    The Utah Jazz (29-44) will try to end a seven-game losing streak when they host the Houston Rockets (37-35) on Friday, March 29, 2024 at Vivint Smart Home Arena as 7.5-point underdogs. The contest airs at 9:30 PM ET on...

    Bulls vs. Nets Predictions, Best Bets and Odds – Friday, March 29, 2024

    The Chicago Bulls (35-38) hit the court against the Brooklyn Nets (28-45) as 5.5-point favorites on Friday, March 29, 2024 at 7:30 PM ET on NBCS. The matchup has an over/under set at 214.5 points.Before you place an informed wager...

    more bears news