NEWSLETTER
The first back-yard projector movie night went off without a hitch. That was expected. What was unexpected was watching an hour worth of 90’s movie trailers on YouTube after the end of 10 Things I Hate About You. I’m already looking forward to doing it again. (Michael: I low-key love watching movie trailers. I’d consider going to a theater and doing nothing but watching a ton of new movie trailers … like when there’s a vaccine.)
• This is an eye-opening story:
More on Vikings’ LB Cameron Smith preparing to have open heart surgery:https://t.co/nF0i6E0xPb
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 9, 2020
• ESPN’s Courtney Cronin reports Vikings linebacker Cameron Smith will miss the 2020 season because he is undergoing open-heart surgery. The procedure came as a result of doctors discovering Smith’s heart condition after a positive COVID-19 test. Smith, 23, was a fifth-round pick by the Vikings in 2019 and played five games as a rookie last season. Heart issues are nothing to take lightly. So here’s to wishing Cameron Smith best wishes on his surgery and recovery.
• At the other end of the news spectrum:
Some end-of-week good news: NFL launches point of care COVID-19 testing, a potential game-changer that could significantly enhance the possibility of a full and complete 2020 season https://t.co/PKeGC2Mjek
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) August 8, 2020
• Point-of-care testing — or testing that can be done without being sent to a lab — is an important step forward. PFT’s Mike Florio writes the league believes that point-of-care testing is 97 percent accurate, according to the testing’s vendor. That’s up from the 80-85 percent range. And while it might not be high enough for the league to lean on this solely, that we’re at this point is a sign of general progress. If point-of-care tests can match the 99 percent accuracy rate of lab testing, then it would be an even bigger step. Here’s to progress continuing to be made.
• In search of an underdog rooting interest in Bears camp? Bleacher Report’s Chris Roling offers up linebacker Rashad Smith, who signed as an underfed free agent. Smith was a tackling machine at Florida Atlantic, taking home the 2019 Boca Raton Bowl Defensive MVP award to cap his college career. During his time at FAU, Smith racked up 316 total tackles, 31 tackles-for-loss, 11.5 sacks, seven interceptions, two forced fumbles, and six recoveries. Depth at inside linebacker is questionable. But if the Bears can develop one unearthed as a college free agent, it would be great.
• Stop me if you’ve heard this one before:
George Godsey says Adam Shaheen has great range but is a motivated prospect. Needs to stay healthy.
— Joe Schad (@schadjoe) August 8, 2020
• This might be tough for some Bears fans, but it would be in Chicago’s best interests to root for Adam Shaheen to do well. Yes, I understand there is a portion of the fanbase that is understandably bitter with how Shaheen’s time in Chicago played out. But the conditional draft pick the Bears received from the Dolphins in the trade could hinge on how well the 2017 second-rounder performs. So, at minimum, Bears fans should hope Shaheen plays early, often, and productively.
• For all the clamoring for Jameis Winston, seeing him check in one percentage point below Mitchell Trubisky in this category is something:
Lowest % of accurate passes since 2016:
➤ Ryan Fitzpatrick – 57%
➤ Mitchell Trubisky – 56%
➤ Carson Wentz – 56%
➤ Jameis Winston – 55% pic.twitter.com/cLz3NeWavY— PFF (@PFF) August 8, 2020
• Way to go, Bears:
The teams that have done the best job from 16 to 19 of having drafted players stick in the league through this summer are the colts (67% more than expected), Falcons (52%), Bears (39%). Rams (37%), Chargers (28%)
— Jason_OTC (@Jason_OTC) August 9, 2020
• If only the Bears had more draft picks who could help these numbers.
• *JAWS theme intensifies*
https://www.instagram.com/p/CDrD1GYFDtu/
• Some love for Bears Hall-of-Famer Ed Sprinkle:
Hall of Famer Charley Trippi thought highly of Class of 2020 member Ed Sprinkle.#PFHOF20 | @ChicagoBears pic.twitter.com/8p4ePIpBdI
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) August 9, 2020
• This is art:
The Washington Football Team announced its new hashtag was #1932 but didn't realize that you can't hashtag numbers. pic.twitter.com/LWMayqxnqO
— Michael David Smith (@MichaelDavSmith) August 9, 2020
• A-Rob getting feisty:
Hate to say this, but Giannis leaving Milwaukee lol
— Allen Robinson II (@AllenRobinson) August 9, 2020
• Three of these signal callers are on the Bears’ 2020 schedule:
Most completions under pressure in 2019:
1. Matt Ryan – 108
2. Philip Rivers – 95
3. Carson Wentz – 94
4. Jared Goff – 88 pic.twitter.com/NI2VSymaHp— PFF Fantasy & Betting (@PFF_Fantasy) August 9, 2020
• Michael Jordan for QB1 … who says no?
In the 1990s heyday of the NBA, as the Chicago Bulls won six titles, the world’s top basketball league was secretly thinking of starting a football league. https://t.co/Nqzzlra7V0
— WSJ Sports (@WSJSports) August 9, 2020
• At least someone is playing in Soldier Field this year:
Chicago Fire announce their first six games in the return of the MLS regular season including 3 games at Soldier Field. First home game is August 25th. #CFFC
— Zack Pearson (@Zack_Pearson) August 8, 2020
• Books, sheets, vacuums, scales, and more are your Deals of the Day at Amazon. #ad
