Pagano Gets Egged for the Crack Cancer Challenge, Tricky Kicks, Stroll Down Memory Lane, and Other Bullets

Brett shared some pretty big news yesterday, announcing our brand new partnership with Obvious Shirts. You might be familiar with these shirts, especially if you’ve seen my personal Twitter profile avatar.

It’s worth noting they have Bears-themed shirts, too:

You can take advantage of a nifty sale this week by using the code BLEACHERNATION to receive 20 percent off (also: free shipping and free returns!). Follow Obvious Shirts on Twitter and Instagram. Happy shopping, friends! And Go Bears!

  • I remember watching this replay a dozen times (at least) in 2001, but never have I ever seen it from this angle:
  • Let’s set the scene. The Bears were 5-1 and rolling until the Browns came in and opened up what was a 21-7 lead after three quarters. So how did the Bears climb all the way back and win this one? Last-minute touchdown passes from Shane Matthews to Marty Booker and James Allen sent the Bears and Browns to overtime, then Mike Brown returned a tipped interception 16 yards for the game-winner. But seriously, how did Shane Matthews (never one to be known to have a rocket for an arm) muster enough oomph! on that one? Or better yet, how did James Allen end up in the right place at the right time? So many questions.
  • Take a trip down memory lane and re-visit the box score from this game. Dick Jauron was coaching the Bears and was opposed by Butch Davis. There was still hope for Tim Couch at this point. Anthony Thomas was going to be the next great Bears running back.Courtney Brown was going to be a star on the defensive side of the ball for Cleveland. Paul Edinger and his cork-screw kicking style was taking the world by storm. Oh, what a time to be alive.
  • These are some of the more fun names you’ll find in that box score: Dez White, D’Wayne Bates, Blake Brockermeyer, Ted Washington, Keith Traylor, Warrick Holdman, Walt Harris, Jerry Azumah, R.W. McQuarters.
  • Wait, how were the Browns not better? Davis had Bruce Arians as his offensive coordinator, Chuck Pagano as his secondary coach, Todd Bowles as an assistant to Pagano. What happened here, guys?
  • I was today years old when I learned that Pete Carmichael (currently the Saints Offensive Coordinator and a name who pops up from time-to-time when head-coach openings pop up) was an offensive assistant under John Shoop on Jauron’s staff.
  • This should be good:
  • Recent history hasn’t been too kind to the Bears, who just ended a lengthy active playoff drought, haven’t been to the Super Bowl since losing in XLI, and haven’t won it since XX. And yet, this franchise has countless memorable moments that helped build the fandom to what it is today. As someone who once dug into Tribune archives as an employee and subscriber, I’m looking forward to being taken back down memory lane.
  • Mitch Trubisky is a Pro Bowl quarterback. Those words bring so many good vibes to my mind:
  • Ali Bhanpuri (NFL.com) runs down the greatest quarterbacks to ever suit up for the NFC North’s four teams, but I have a feeling the Bears’ representative will need to be updated in a few years. Just call it a hunch.
  • Four Bears show up on Field Yates’ (ESPN) list of top-100 fantasy players. Tarik Cohen (52nd) and Allen Robinson (60th) are the highest ranking Bears, with Mike Davis (92nd) and David Montgomery (95th) sliding in on the back end. The Packers and Lions each have three top-100 guys, while the Lions check in with just two. Slackers.
  • BOOM! CRACK!
  • Uhhhh, sign this guy up:
  • An update on the Jets’ GM search that includes Bears front office exec Champ Kelly:
  • Fishing gear, workout supplies, and dog food are among your Deals of the Day at Amazon today.
  • I never thought I’d be around to read this headline, but here we are:
  • 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

    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,...

    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...

    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...

    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...

    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...

    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...

    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...

    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...

    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...

    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...

    Latest News

    FAA Reportedly Investigating How a Passenger on Colorado Rockies Team Flight Was Seen Accessing the Cockpit

    If you do this job long enough, it's really wild to see the range of topics that can somehow become attached to sports. That is to say, I did not envision myself at some point writing about flight safety, cockpit...

    Mariners vs. Rockies Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Friday, April 19, 2024

    The Seattle Mariners (9-10) will put their three-game win streak to the test when they visit the Colorado Rockies (4-15) Friday at 8:40 PM ET on ROOT Sports NW. Sportsbooks consider the Mariners -139 favorites to extend their streak, while...

    Padres vs. Blue Jays Probable Starting Pitchers – April 19

    The San Diego Padres (11-10) host the Toronto Blue Jays (10-9) on Friday to kick off a three-game series at PETCO Park. The matchup starts at 9:40 PM ET.The Padres will give the nod to Matt Waldron (0-1, 3.14 ERA),...

    Giants vs. Diamondbacks Probable Starting Pitchers – April 19

    The San Francisco Giants (9-11) face the Arizona Diamondbacks (9-11) at home at 10:15 PM ET on Friday.The Giants will look to Blake Snell (0-2) against the Diamondbacks and Jordan Montgomery.Giants vs. Diamondbacks Pitcher Matchup and Game InfoWhen: Friday, April...

    Dodgers vs. Mets Probable Starting Pitchers – April 19

    The New York Mets (10-8) bring a four-game winning streak into a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers (12-9) at 10:10 PM ET on Friday.This contest's pitching matchup is set, as the Dodgers will send Yoshinobu Yamamoto (1-1) to the...

    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,...

    Alex Caruso Expects to Play Against Miami

    Alex Caruso could be missing a foot and would probably still suit up for a do-or-die game. The Chicago Bulls' defensive anchor told ESPN's Jamal Collier that he expects to play in tonight's Play-In Tournament game against the Miami Heat....

    Brewers vs. Cardinals Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Friday, April 19, 2024

    Willson Contreras will look to extend his 11-game hitting streak when the St. Louis Cardinals (9-10) take on the Milwaukee Brewers (11-6). The Brewers are listed as -118 favorites on the moneyline for the contest, which starts at 8:15 PM...

    Orioles vs. Royals Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Friday, April 19, 2024

    Two of the league's top power hitters meet Friday when the Baltimore Orioles (12-6) and Kansas City Royals (12-7) take the field at 7:40 PM ET, live on BSKC. Gunnar Henderson has six home runs for the Orioles (-138 favorites...

    Twins vs. Tigers Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Friday, April 19, 2024

    One team will end a losing skid when the 6-11 Minnesota Twins (four-game losing streak) and the 10-9 Detroit Tigers (two-game losing streak) meet Friday at 8:10 PM ET. The Twins have been set as -151 favorites by sportsbooks for...

    more bears news