NEWSLETTER
Every year is a reminder of how important February 10 is to me. For starters, it’s my grandmother’s 93rd birthday. I plan on delivering flowers to her senior citizen facility at some point this morning.
In addition, it was on this date in 2004 when Kanye West’s College Dropout was released. I could write a thousand words about that album, but all you need to know is that I consider it to be the most influential of my life. If you get a chance, give it a listen. You might enjoy it.
• Leading off with something for your listening pleasure:
So…should #DaBears make a move for Carson Wentz or not?
🎙️@AdamHoge & @adamjahns discuss the pros & cons of such a trade with @kfishbain as the rumors continue to swirl.
⬇️ Stream / Subscribe ⬇️
Apple https://t.co/wvriAnq0UF
Spotify https://t.co/Hilp0aoJ7W pic.twitter.com/Vd0sDjdSgj— The Athletic Chicago (@TheAthleticCHI) February 9, 2021
• Talking through the Carson Wentz thing reveals arguments for and against a pursuit of the Eagles quarterback. In addition to hitting peaks in 2018, there was a high level of competence from 2017-19. All things considered, I feel as if that stretch of play would be enough for me to kick the tires on an asking price. But that 2020 season was nothing short of a disaster. Between injuries and inefficient play, stomaching a Wentz acquisition after that would be tough.
• No pressure: But Bears GM Ryan Pace is on Chris Roling’s list of NFL GMs whose jobs are on the line with this offseason. Pace is on the final year of his deal, so this offseason is one where he can’t miss. Not only does he have to nail the next quarterback, but needs along the offensive line, at wide receiver, and at a couple of spots on defense must also be addressed.
• Hmm…
"With Matthew Stafford you sort of know what you're getting. With Carson Wentz you have no idea what you're getting. … If I were the Bears or Colts [with the No. 20 and No. 21 pick], I'd pay that. That's it." – Peter King on @dpshow
— Andrew Perloff (@andrewperloff) February 10, 2021
• I’m not comfortable with the Bears sending a first-round pick to take on Wentz’s contract and roll the dice on upside while inheriting a fair amount of risk. Then again, it’s more valuable to the Bears to send this year’s pick than it would be to send a pick in 2022. Imagine if things bottom out, Pace and Matt Nagy are jettisoned, and that pick ends up being a top-5 selection. Good luck brining on a new GM and head coach facing an up-hill climb without a first-round pick.
• I don’t like that two guys on this list are rumored as being shopped, while a third used has been the Bears’ starting QB since 2017:
Highest rate of negatively graded plays this season:
🔻 Carson Wentz
🔻 Drew Lock
🔻 Gardner Minshew
🔻 Mitchell Trubisky pic.twitter.com/I2swPzLA1H— PFF (@PFF) February 10, 2021
• Let’s be honest with each other: There was a sense of relief that came with the Bears’ season ending after one playoff game. And yet, I’ll miss watching Akiem Hicks put in work on Sundays at noon:
Akiem Hicks: Professional Man Mover
📹: via @The_Dream99’s IG story pic.twitter.com/T5nl3K7ckw
— Bleacher Nation Bears (@BN_Bears) February 9, 2021
• A look at some impactful Bears during Black History Month:
Lovie Smith. Willie Thrower. Eddie Macon. George Taliaferro.
Four former Bears who pioneered & helped pave the way for diversity & players today.https://t.co/wrZxCGV0BG
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) February 9, 2021
• It’s not the only way to win, it’s just the only way Bears fans have seen them win:
Just because the 1985 Bears won the Super Bowl with a dominating defense doesn't mean that's the only way to win in a title in Chicago
— Matt Eurich (@MattEurich) February 9, 2021
• I’ve been known to say this about Patrick Mahomes, so I’m glad someone else said it (thus, confirming my feelings):
Bucs receivers were amazed by Mahomes' magic act 🤯@CGtwelve_ | @MikeEvans13_ pic.twitter.com/HmKuEiVeYt
— NFL Films (@NFLFilms) February 9, 2021
• The NFL lost one of its best writers and reporters on Tuesday when Terez Paylor died unexpectedly at age 37. Bears Head Coach Matt Nagy recently spoke to Paylor, so it’s fitting that he is the one to issue this statement:
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) February 10, 2021
• The outpouring of Terez Paylor tributes serves as a reminder to tell folks you love them while you have a chance. You never know when it’ll be your last:
Spent Tuesday thinking about Terez Paylor. Shared endless calls with those who knew him. Cried a lot, laughed a little — and came away knowing I’m just one of a great many who will miss Terez forever. If you never met him, give me a moment to tell you why. https://t.co/wsnv1Iyrng
— Charles Robinson (@CharlesRobinson) February 10, 2021
https://twitter.com/davidphotokc/status/1359299272542420992
More on the life of the great Terez Paylor from @mellinger.https://t.co/bDQ8sCc4Rx
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 10, 2021
For my friend. I love you Terez pic.twitter.com/V4Lkm6AKDN
— Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) February 9, 2021
• NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport still believes Washington’s football team is in the market for a QB. In the meantime, they re-upped with the quarterback who started the team’s playoff loss to the Bucs:
The Washington Football Team has agreed to terms on a 2-year extension for QB Taylor Heinicke, sources say, worth $8.75M. There are also incentives depending on how many games he starts. Real security for their resilient QB who started and impressed in the playoff game.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 10, 2021
• Some shuffling of the deck chairs on the Vikings’ ship:
The #Vikings have officially named Klint Kubiak as Offensive Coordinator.
📰: https://t.co/TM5kZA6EqY pic.twitter.com/Y1FiAP49j4
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) February 9, 2021
Andrew Janocko, who served as WRs coach in 2020, has been named the #Vikings QBs coach.
📰: https://t.co/zrN5z5DJyS pic.twitter.com/lBKDBAZ5Sy
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) February 9, 2021
The #Vikings have added Keenan McCardell (@KeenanMcCardell) as WRs coach.
McCardell served in the same role for the Jacksonville Jaguars from 2017-2020.
📰: https://t.co/QRdlYek6F8 pic.twitter.com/WQQGobq8aw
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) February 9, 2021
The #Vikings have added Sam Siefkes (@CoachSiefkes) as a defensive quality control coach.
Siefkes was formerly the defensive coordinator and inside linebackers coach at Wofford (2018-20) and defensive coordinator for UW-Platteville (2016-17). pic.twitter.com/kLKqbG9op2
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) February 9, 2021
• The Lions patching things up with Calvin Johnson has been long overdue:
#OnePride pic.twitter.com/A7XCYiiUqt
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) February 9, 2021
• Detroit hiring Antwaan Randle El to a coaching position is enough of a reason to share this:
