2019 Rivers vs. 2018 Trubisky, CB Depth Needs, Long Enjoys Retirement, and Other Bears Bullets

Not that I needed confirmation that my kitchen skills are #elite, but my grandma devoured the cheesecake I made for her birthday. I’ll gladly accept the lack of leftovers knowing that she enjoyed the heck out of her snack.

  • Adam Hoge of WGN Radio presents an interesting angle here:
  • Philip Rivers’ 2019 season looks like the beginning of an end-of-career decline. The raw numbers took a tumble from 2018 to 2019, and some of the deeper dive stuff via Pro Football Reference’s data is concerning. For example … Rivers threw more interceptions (16) than touchdowns (13) when facing a “normal rush.” When given more than 2.5 seconds in the pocket, he threw more interceptions (14) than touchdowns (9). When facing divisional foes, his teams went winless as he threw more interceptions (12) than touchdowns (7). And his numbers against the NFC North last year (67.4% completion rate, 2 TD, 5 INT, 82.1 rating) weren’t all that inspiring.
  • Essentially, a bet on Rivers is one where a team is rolling the dice on the 2019 season being a blip on the radar. A bet on Trubisky could be viewed as one that is a wager on 2018 being a reachable baseline. It’s a pretty fascinating discussion.
  • Chris Emma (670 The Score) has a preview of how the QB market is shaping up for Bears-related options. And at least there are some viable alternatives available to help keep this window of contention open with a signal caller who can serve as a backup, while also having the ability to carry a team through rough waters should its starter be unable. Options are good. Let’s embrace options.
  • Here’s reminder of the quarterbacks who are on the cusp of free agency this offseason:
  • Tom Brady, Drew Brees, and Philip Rivers are the old guard. Perhaps there is one more year of elite football for a signal caller at an advanced age. And if you’re a believer in that type of magic, I’m willing to hear your arguments. Dak Prescott is a proven passer in the prime of his career. Based on his age and numbers he has put up in the Dallas pressure cooker, he probably should be the most sought-after free agent of the bunch. But shouldn’t he have been signed to an extension by now? Teddy Bridgewater, Jameis Winston, Ryan Tannehill and Marcus Mariota are former first-round picks who have had some semblance of success at points throughout their careers, but not enough to secure long-term deals with their original teams. And then there’s Case Keenum, the typical journeyman quarterback who often finds himself on this list, landing an ideal spot as a backup somewhere, then playing meaningful games because Option A is injured or ineffective.
  • And to think, Field Yates’ list doesn’t include the likes of Andy Dalton, Cam Newton, or Nick Foles — three potential cap casualties who could be on borrowed time with their current respective franchises.
  • There is plenty of time to dive through all of these options between now and the start of the offseason But just know that the Bears are well-positioned to rebuild their quarterbacks room with a veteran who can bring competition to Halas Hall, mentor Trubisky, and start in a pinch should QB1’s play be ineffective or sidelined due to injury.
  • We — as a collective — should probably keep in mind that Trubisky has missed time due to injuries in each of the last two seasons. And that, had it not been for the timing of the injuries that included extended stretches of time off, Trubisky would have missed more than three games over the last two seasons.
  • It’s never too early to remind folks that Bears defenders will have to deal with PFF’s four highest-graded receivers in 2020:
  • The Bears have three talented corners under contract for 2020 with two-time Pro Bowler Kyle Fuller, the steady veteran leadership of Prince Amukamara, and the surprisingly impactful Buster Skrine in the slot. But just as there is no such thing as having too much pitching in baseball, I am of the belief there is no such thing as too much secondary depth. All things considered, Chicago should look into drafting a starting-caliber corner in the upcoming draft. Maybe two. And possibly a safety partner for Eddie Jackson.
  • It’s good to know Bears history:
  • Now, THIS is how you enjoy retirement:
  • https://twitter.com/Ky1eLong/status/1226910587558539265?s=20

  • Pretty sure doing this while under an NFL contract would have been frowned upon. So, good on Kyle Long for living his full life.
  • This is art:
  • https://www.instagram.com/p/B8UDcu6l7K-/

  • I was today years old when I learned that one of Illinois’ Supreme Court Justices was once a Bears kicker:
  • One of the outstanding reporters in the city is leaving the beat:
  • Having worked in the same newsroom as Rich Campbell once upon a time, I can confirm that he was a real good one and will be missed on the beat.
  • Good Amazon Deals of the Day today, including Instant Pot, cast iron cookware, and karaoke machines! #ad
  • 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

    Heat vs. Trail Blazers Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats and Best Bets – Friday, March 29, 2024

    The Portland Trail Blazers (19-54) are heavy underdogs (+14.5) as they attempt to break an eight-game losing streak when they visit the Miami Heat (39-33) at 8:00 PM ET on Friday, March 29, 2024 at FTX Arena. The matchup airs...

    Cavaliers vs. 76ers Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats and Best Bets – Friday, March 29, 2024

    The Cleveland Cavaliers (44-29) take the court against the Philadelphia 76ers (39-34) as 7.5-point favorites on Friday, March 29, 2024 at 7:30 PM ET on NBCS. The matchup has an over/under of 210 points.Cavaliers vs. 76ers OddsCavaliers odds to win:...

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

    The New York Knicks (44-28) are heavily favored (-10) to continue a three-game winning streak when they visit the San Antonio Spurs (17-56) at 8:00 PM ET on Friday, March 29, 2024 at AT&T Center. The contest airs on BSSW....

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

    The Detroit Pistons (12-61) are 2.5-point underdogs as they attempt to turn around an eight-game losing streak when they visit the Washington Wizards (14-59) on Friday, March 29, 2024 at Capital One Arena. The matchup airs at 7:00 PM ET...

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

    The Los Angeles Lakers (41-32) will attempt to extend a five-game winning streak when they hit the road to play the Indiana Pacers (41-33) on Friday, March 29, 2024 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse as just 2.5-point underdogs. The game airs at...

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

    The Western's top two teams, the Denver Nuggets (51-22) and the Minnesota Timberwolves (50-22), hit the court at Ball Arena on Friday, March 29, 2024 at 9:00 PM ET on ALT. The Nuggets are favored by 6.5 points at home....

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

    The Golden State Warriors (38-34) play the Charlotte Hornets (18-54) as double-digit, 11.5-point favorites on Friday, March 29, 2024 at 7:00 PM ET on NBCS. The over/under is set at 218 in the matchup.Warriors vs. Hornets OddsWarriors odds to win:...

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

    The Los Angeles Clippers (45-27) visit the Orlando Magic (42-30) after winning three road games in a row. The Clippers are favored by only 1 point in the contest, which starts at 7:00 PM ET on Friday, March 29, 2024....

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

    The Chicago Bulls (35-38) are favored by 5.5 points against the Brooklyn Nets (28-45) on Friday, March 29, 2024 at 7:30 PM ET. The matchup airs on NBCS. The matchup's over/under is 215.Bulls vs. Nets OddsBulls odds to win: -218Nets...

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

    Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks (43-29) are 1.5-point underdogs against De'Aaron Fox and the Sacramento Kings (42-30) Friday, March 29, 2024 at Golden 1 Center. The matchup begins at 10:00 PM ET on NBCS. The over/under for the matchup...

    more bears news