I’m in a group chat that is passionately debating this thing I wrote at our sister site BN Bulls:
The pros of adding a player of Russell Westbrook’s caliber are undeniable. But the red flags are real and concerning. In the end, all I know is that the impact of adding star power can be felt everywhere from the front office, to the field, and all the way down to the fan base.
But good luck finding a consensus on what the Bulls should do.
Simply da best:
It makes me chuckle to think that there was some push-back against the Bears trying to trade for this guy. Should’ve been a slam-dunk, no-doubt-about-it move. Frankly, I’m glad the Bears made it. That’s the move we’ll point back to and note that it changed everything we thought about the Bears, their front office, and their trajectory. Those moves don’t come around too often, so it’s impossible to argue against making them when the opportunity presents itself.
How about a trade for a superstar kicker? Bleacher Report tabs a trade for Robbie Gould as the one move the Bears should make before the 2019 season kicks off. Again, no argument here! The Bears still don’t have a reliable kicker in camp, but at least they have a competition that’s about to start up. Out west, the 49ers don’t have Gould and aren’t sure when he’ll show up (or even if he will). Not having stability in the kicking game could undo a lot of what San Francisco has done to position itself as a team on the rise. Wouldn’t you hate to see that happen to someone else?
One last thought that can’t escape my brain is that much like the Bears had before trading for Khalil Mack, the Bulls have a handful of young players you would love to add a star to their mix. The Bears put themselves in that position by drafting well, and have since continued to bring in talent through the draft. Supplementing a high-paid defense with a cost-controlled offense means you have to draft well on that side of the ball.
I’m loving the love David Montgomery continues to get from league analysts and insiders. The latest bit comes from Lance Zierlein, who lists Montgomery as a leading candidate to win the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year award. Zierlein believes the Bears’ third-round pick might be the “safest” runner in the draft because of his size, toughness, and creativity. Montgomery might not begin the year in the starting lineup, but there should be ample running room with that skillset, a strong offensive line, and Mitch Trubisky’s projected growth.
Larry Mayer (ChicagoBears.com) expresses his belief that wide receiver is the deepest position on the Bears’ roster as we approach training camp. With Allen Robinson, Taylor Gabriel, Anthony Miller, Cordarrelle Patterson, Marvin Hall, Riley Ridley, Javon Wims, and Emanuel Hall in the mix, there isn’t much of an argument against Mayer’s case. This is a far more talented group than the one the Bears went to camp with in 2015, 2016, or 2017. Credit GM Ryan Pace for righting some wrongs after taking some missteps along the way earlier in his career when he was trying to build a wide receivers room.
Fun facts are fun:
We need to stop thinking about the rushing game as a running back only department. The Bears had rush attempts from multiple running backs, several receivers, two quarterbacks, and even a tight end. Adding Cordarrelle Patterson only adds to the intrigue and mystery that comes with each snap in Matt Nagy’s offense. The more opposing defenses have to account for, the easier it will be for Trubisky to throw over the top and strike with big plays.
You know what to do, Bears Nation:
https://twitter.com/ChicagoBears/status/1148381251708964864
Another good read from Will Larkin of the Chicago Tribune:
This series has opened my eyes to stories about Bears players I didn’t previously know. Reading has been an absolute treat.
Amazon’s running a bunch of Prime deals of the day in advance of Prime Day, so there’s a bunch to check out over there if you’re a Prime member or thinking about becoming one.
IT HAPPENED:
https://twitter.com/BN_Bulls/status/1148428520357605377
OOH. Baseball trade rumor:
NEWSLETTER
