Dodgeball, Juggling, Putting, You Name It – The Bears Are Having FUN and Other Bullets

May 21, 2019

I have mixed feelings about leftovers (Michael: Oh, not me. I’m a huge leftovers guy – everything besides french fries is great on Day 2). But snacking on leftover shredded pork really hits the spot.

That wacky ~~Joe Maddon~~ Matt Nagy is at it again:

We do things a little differently than everyone else. ¯_(ツ)_/¯ pic.twitter.com/vPbUHEWWQ8

— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) May 21, 2019

Larry Mayer of the Bears’ official website has details of the team’s “Monday Funday” ahead of OTAs starting up. Events included an obstacle course, balancing a baseball bat in your palm, hitting a goalpost with a thrown ball from 55 yards away, juggling tennis balls, dodgeball, and coaches running sprints across the width of the field, and more. It sure beats lifting weights and sitting through meetings, doesn’t it? “It’s always fun when you go into a team meeting and you’re about to get ready for your lift and coach says, ‘We’re scrapping it,'” Kyle Long explained, via Mayer. “The mood immediately goes up. We’re lucky to have coach Nagy and to be able to do stuff like this. He’s got his finger on the pulse of the team. He does a great job.”

There is no denying it at this point. Since his arrival, Nagy has had a strong feel for his team and it showed last year with how everything was handled – from the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. As if you needed any more reasons to feel good about this team moving forward.

There is no quantifying how much being a “fun” team made the Bears good last year, but it can’t hurt to take a relaxed approach to things when the time is right. Keeping it loose and fun was something Nagy drove home last season in his first year as Bears head coach and I figured he would keep the good times rolling moving forward. Good for him, we need more fun in our football lives.

If you thought Khalil Mack was scary coming off the edge, imagine him as QB2:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BxtEkMJlQN4/

Mack isn’t going to take QB snaps this fall (wink-wink, nudge-nudge) but there is no time better than the present to dive into what offensive trends the Bears participated last year. Johnathan Wood of Da Bears Blog has perspectives on how certain personnel groups and formations were used in 2018.

On the other side of the ball, Eddie Jackson was nothing short of superb last season:

Eddie Jackson's 2018 season was one for the ages, leading the Bears defense in overall and coverage grade pic.twitter.com/g5yrX5E96O
— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) May 20, 2019

I’m glad Tom Thayer made the cut because he is one of the best offensive linemen in team history, and a darn good color analyst on the radio:

#8️⃣4️⃣: Tom Thayer#Top100Bears pic.twitter.com/zzsPOs7cYT

— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) May 20, 2019

Doug Plank also made the top-100 list, which is great. But the guy who was the inspiration behind the 46 defense should have probably been higher:

#9️⃣9️⃣: Doug Plank#Top100Bears pic.twitter.com/6OoyJkjpjN

— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) May 20, 2019

There are some curious names on this list:

Early #fantasyfootball season-long fades vs. ADP:

Antonio Brown
Mark Ingram
Tyler Boyd
Tarik Cohen
Larry Fitzgerald
Eric Ebron
David Njoku
Drew Brees
Emmanuel Sanders

— Evan Silva (@evansilva) May 20, 2019

I don’t know if you want to fade Tarik Cohen as a fantasy player because he figures to get a fair number of snaps as a pass catcher and rusher, but I suppose I can envision a scenario where he gets over-drafted. So long as Cohen gets consistent touches, he should be an easy weekly starter in the FLEX spot with RB2 potential in PPR leagues.

Books are awesome:

Ready, Get Set, Go! #DaBears LB @RoquanSmith1 shares his love of books w/ students at St. Bruno School. pic.twitter.com/uzgU5X4KtB

— Chicago Bears (@BearsOutreach) May 21, 2019

When you’re the Bears, your centennial jerseys are allowed to be different from everyone else’s:

Good look at how all NFL teams except the Bears will be wearing the NFL 100 centennial logo on their jersey collars this season. Bears will have regular NFL logo instead, along with their own team centennial jersey patch. (h/t @aydendomico2) https://t.co/HH0xmDj10g
— Paul Lukas (@UniWatch) May 19, 2019

Office gear, tools, and Zero Gravity chairs (OK, that’s a concept that’s new to me) are among the Deals of the Day today at Amazon.

Welcome to the party, pal:

Pros and Cons of Trading for Lonzo, Picking 7th (Again), Multiple Anniversaries, and Other (First-Time!) Bullets https://t.co/8stCekEKtw pic.twitter.com/ucjzeFqQk8

— Bleacher Nation Bulls (@BN_Bulls) May 20, 2019

The Bulls didn’t win last week’s draft lottery, but there should be no shortage of storylines to follow leading up to the upcoming NBA Draft. So with that in mind, BN Bulls is tipping off at the right time.

Brett really captured the spirit of the thing here as he used “metaphorical, chef-inspired, masterfully-crafted, artisanal dong punch” to describe last night’s Cubs game:

A Nearly Perfect Dong Punch https://t.co/6f6BGX0PsY pic.twitter.com/Gznwdr9GO5

— Bleacher Nation (@BleacherNation) May 21, 2019

And a sincere thanks to those of you who reached out and congratulated me on my upcoming appearance on “Outside The Ivy,” which is NBC Sports Chicago’s Cubs-centric, interactive, fan-driven, show which will air after select 7 p.m. CT games. Our first show is Wednesday. Tune in!

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

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

Chicago Bears

I Don’t Hate Trading Up, Cairo Reaches Out, Jed Chimes In, and Other Bears Bullets

Maybe it's just me, but Wednesdays are starting to feel like the new Mondays. Ick. There are just 8 days until the 2024 NFL Draft. We're almost there, friends. We've almost made it. The best pre-draft stat you'll see comes...

Luis C. Medina

Apr 17, 2024

Johnny newton Illinois Illini bears draft target

Chicago Bears

The Bears Had Eyes on Illini DT Johnny Newton Today

Even though the Chicago Bears have plugged several notable holes this offseason, one biggie remains. And it leaves me to ask a pertinent question: Who wants to play the 3-technique defensive tackle role? Perhaps Illinois' Johnny Newton is the answer....

Luis C. Medina

Apr 16, 2024

How to Watch

Mariners vs. Rockies: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

The Seattle Mariners (9-10), who will give the ball to Emerson Hancock, visit the Colorado Rockies (4-15) with Dakota Hudson on the hill, Friday at 8:40 PM ET.Find out how to watch the Seattle-Colorado matchup below.When is Mariners vs. Rockies...

Data Skrive

Apr 18, 2024

NFL

Pittsburgh Steelers 3-Round Mock Draft: Exploring Potential Picks Along The Offensive Line

Pittsburgh Steelers 3-Round Mock Draft - The decision is far from easy. On the one hand, a strong offensive line is the bedrock of any successful team, and the long-term benefits are undeniable. On the other hand, a game-changing offensive weapon could breathe...

Ryan Noonan

Apr 18, 2024

How to Watch

Twins vs. Tigers: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

In a series opener on Friday, Ryan Jeffers and the Minnesota Twins (6-11) play Riley Greene and the Detroit Tigers (10-9), with first pitch scheduled for 8:10 PM ET at Target Field.The article below will provide you with everything you...

Data Skrive

Apr 18, 2024

How to Watch

How to Watch Orioles vs. Royals: Live Stream or on TV

The Baltimore Orioles (12-6), with Dean Kremer on the mound, visit the Kansas City Royals (12-7) who will hand the ball to Alec Marsh, at 7:40 PM ET on Friday in a series opener.See how to watch the Baltimore-Kansas City...

Data Skrive

Apr 18, 2024

How to Watch

Brewers vs. Cardinals: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

On Friday, William Contreras and the Milwaukee Brewers (11-6) begin a series against Brendan Donovan and the St. Louis Cardinals (9-10) at Busch Stadium, with first pitch scheduled for 8:15 PM ET.The article below will provide you with everything you...

Data Skrive

Apr 18, 2024

NBA Picks

Pacers vs. Bucks Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats and Best Bets for NBA Playoffs Game 1 – Sunday, April 21, 2024

The Indiana Pacers are slight 1-point favorites heading into Game 1 of the opening round of the NBA Playoffs against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on Sunday, starting at 7:00 PM ET on TNT. The matchup's over/under is set...

Data Skrive

Apr 18, 2024

NBA Picks

Mavericks vs. Clippers Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats and Best Bets for NBA Playoffs Game 1 – Sunday, April 21, 2024

The Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Clippers meet to start the first round of the NBA Playoffs. The Mavericks are favored by 1.5 points in the contest, which will be broadcast on ABC at 3:30 PM ET. The matchup...

Data Skrive

Apr 18, 2024

NBA Picks

Knicks vs. 76ers Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats and Best Bets for NBA Playoffs Game 1 – Saturday, April 20, 2024

The New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers take the court to start the opening round of the NBA Playoffs. The Knicks are favored by 3 points in the matchup, which will be broadcast on ESPN at 6:00 PM ET....

Data Skrive

Apr 18, 2024

NBA Picks

Heat vs. Bulls Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats and Best Bets for NBA Playoffs Game 1 – Friday, April 19, 2024

The Chicago Bulls are slight 1.5-point underdogs heading into Game 1 of the opening round of the NBA Playoffs against the Miami Heat at FTX Arena on Friday, tipping off at 7:00 PM ET on ESPN. The matchup's over/under is...

Data Skrive

Apr 18, 2024

How to Watch

Phillies vs. White Sox: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

The Philadelphia Phillies (11-8), led by Trea Turner, host Gavin Sheets and the Chicago White Sox (3-15) at 6:40 PM ET on Friday in a series opener.If you're trying to watch this game, keep reading for TV and streaming options...

Data Skrive

Apr 18, 2024

Dodgeball, Juggling, Putting, You Name It – The Bears Are Having FUN and Other Bullets

Read More

more bears news

Latest News

more bears news

Most Popular

Most Popular

Latest News

Most Popular

Most Popular