NEWSLETTER
The story behind Tyson Alualu’s return to Pittsburgh is pretty wild:
Crazy backstory: Tyson Alualu was going to sign with the #Jaguars, but couldn’t make the trip after testing positive for COVID, per sources. He’d built his dream home in Pittsburgh, has kids in school, and with 10 days to think, he decided to stay. https://t.co/oeVQv9W2ie
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 27, 2021
Alualu came to terms on a two-year contract worth $6 million with the Jaguars at the outset of free agency. But when he tested positive for COVID-19, Alualu was unable to go to Jacksonville to sign the contract. After getting some time to think it over and reflect on some things, Alualu came to the conclusion that he wanted to stay with the Steelers.
I’m not sure if this is one of those “everything happens for a reason” scenarios. But given how things unfolded, this feels like one of those things were a certain set of starts had to be in alignment for it to happen. In any case, it’s one heckuva story.
• Players on one-year “prove it” deals are often hungry and have going for them: They are hungry and trying to prove they can stay healthy. New Bears cornerback Desmond Trufant checks both boxes. Trufant has had injury shortened years in each of the last two seasons. But prior to that, Trufant had just one season in which he missed more than one game. He played in all 16 games in each of his first three seasons, missed seven games in 2016, but then missed just one game over the next two seasons. Trufant recognizes the importance of health, but still struggles to understand what happened last year (via the Bears’ official website):
“It was a down year for me. I was in and out of the lineup. I couldn’t do what I wanted to do. I made some plays, but it wasn’t good enough, wasn’t up to my standard because I wasn’t in the lineup. It was just one of those years. It’s hard to explain.”
• I don’t imagine it is difficult to relate with Trufant’s sentiment: “It was just one of those years. It’s hard to explain.” Certainly not after the last calendar year we’ve all lived through.
• Let’s not make the mistake of ignore prospects from a school because it’s not a football school or some previous Bears prospect floundered after being selected from that place. It’s an easy way to miss out on talented players. After all, the greatest player to ever suit up for the Bears was a running back out of Jackson State.
• I present all that to say: Duke football, eh?
The #Bears will have two representatives at Duke’s Pro Day on Monday.
— Zack Pearson (@Zack_Pearson) March 27, 2021
• Mostly known as a basketball school, the Blue Devils’ football squad has some players. Pass-rusher Chris Rumph is one to keep an eye on (and not just because the Bears hired his dad to coach up the defensive line). Defensive back Michael Carter has experience as a safety, outside cornerback, and in the slot. Tight end Noah Gray garners some positive reviews as a pass-catcher who could be snagged on Day 2 or 3 in the NFL Draft. In other words, it’s not as this group is devoid of talent.
• The Fighting Illini have some ballers among the draft-eligible prospects:
IOL Kendrick Green, Illinois (6-foot-2, 305)
▪️ 4.85s 40-yard dash (99th percentile)
▪️ 2.18s 20-yard split (97th)
▪️ 1.69 10-yard split (97th)▪️ 36” vertical (99th)
▪️ 9’11” broad (100th)E X P L O S I V E
— Austin Gayle (@PFF_AustinGayle) March 23, 2021
https://twitter.com/theMMQB/status/1372392166761193473
Man, I really enjoyed this conversation with @JoshBhebhe. Hope folks get a chance to check out the story above.
What a path he's taken. A few clips below.
Here's Josh Imatorbhebhe on the dunk in eighth grade that triggered everything we see today, a "life-altering moment." pic.twitter.com/Riw5kDI8DG
— Tyler Dunne (@TyDunne) March 24, 2021
• Yes, I realize the Bears already signed Damien Williams to be their RB2. And I understand there will be some hesitance to draft anyone who played their college ball at North Carolina. But Javote Williams is a joy to watch with the ball in his hands:
https://twitter.com/PFF_College/status/1375947920537702407
• I’m sure glad the Titans aren’t on the Bears’ schedule for this year, because Derrick Henry is working out crazy:
https://twitter.com/AtoZSports/status/1375472854381252610
• It’s intriguing that Louis Riddick shared this throw …
https://twitter.com/LRiddickESPN/status/1375838397990854656
• … but I’ve seen Mitchell Trubisky do similar more often:
Trubisky going DEEP to Mooney. Only 6% of his passes have gone for 20+ yards this year, T-2nd lowest among QBs.#DaBears pic.twitter.com/ms9Ixvkwaw
— Inside Edge NFL (@IE_NFL) January 3, 2021
Remember the play vs. HOU when Cole Kmet went full beast mode? Well, the #Bears ran it again (slightly different with motion), but this time Mitch Trubisky has more time and throws a perfect pass to Jimmy Graham for 16 yards. Graham and Darnell Mooney essentially switched roles. pic.twitter.com/QSI9iFYPJE
— Nicholas Moreano (@NicholasMoreano) December 21, 2020
• Those are the types of throws that are football thirst traps for QB-parched teams. They entice you with with what could be, but it never happens often enough to make it last.
• Toothbrushes, kids books, and LED lanterns are among your Deals of the Day at Amazon. #ad
