I hope everyone gets a chance to experience watching their favorite baseball team in person this summer. Maybe it’s the sunshine, fresh air, and reuniting with old friends, but the in-stadium vibes are through the roof. As if one needed more incentive to get vaccinated, in-person ballpark feels provide another.
The Bears are encouraging people to get the COVID-19 vaccine. As a reminder, outdoor sports venues can operate at 60 percent capacity starting later in May. Just in case you were already dreaming about a Soldier Field trip this fall/winter.
• “We’ll know” when it’s Justin Fields’ time to start. In the meantime, Chicago’s football team needs to get its act together when it comes to the offensive line. Because when (notice that I say when) Fields gets the ball, giving him a clean pocket to work with is a top priority:
https://twitter.com/PFF_College/status/1394382216461959170
• Fields is at the top of a list with some good company when it comes to throwing in a clean pocket. It’s easy to get lost in th sauce when thinking about Fields’ athleticism and highlight runs. HOWEVER, it’s the pocket presence and playmaking in that fact of his game that is truly eye-catching. Getting a QB who can do both is dreamy.
• OPE!
Regardless of your personal evaluation of Justin Fields as a player, it seems clear that passing on a quarterback — any first-round quarterback — was a massive, value-destroying error for the Carolina Panthers. https://t.co/aNiAO2rQzo
— FiveThirtyEight (@FiveThirtyEight) May 17, 2021
• Down for a deep dive? Johnathan Wood (Da Bears Blog) explores how much Fields’ arrival can upgrade the Bears’ QB room, while also serving up a reminder that Chicago shouldn’t force him into action just because he presents an instant improvement. Fields’ high ceiling should make the Bears act with some caution when it comes to their development plan.
• Call it a hunch, but I think we’ll see more Tarik Cohen in the slot this year:
Here's a look at the top 5⃣ running backs with the highest rate of aligning slot or wide over the last three seasons.
*Among 37 RBs, min. 1,000 offensive snaps pic.twitter.com/eK2ie2xsXe
— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) May 17, 2021
• And it makes sense, too. The Bears refurbishing their running backs room with Damien Williams and Khalil Herbert doesn’t necessarily push Cohen out the door. Instead, we should view these additions to the backfield as an opportunity to diversify Cohen’s portfolio. Being able to line him up in a variety of different areas is something that we know has unlocked Matt Nagy’s offense previously. But having backfield depth allows for more of that kind of mix-and-match possibilities. Not to mention the creation of mismatches that could get Cohen on linebackers in open space.
• What’s a lil’ competition?
https://twitter.com/PFF_Fantasy/status/1394080976737902594
• Perspective:
Rookie @khyiristonga highlights his Polynesian values and the significance of representing his culture. #AAPIHM pic.twitter.com/5NdM6Mvm72
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) May 17, 2021
• Shot:
“Can’t wait till week 1 so all these lame ass Bears fans can stfu about they number 2 wr.”
– Los Angeles Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey pic.twitter.com/BdAP1L5kU2— Daniel Greenberg (@ChiSportUpdates) May 18, 2021
• Chaser:
CaN’T WaIt tIlL WeEk 1 sO AlL ThEsE LaMe aSs bEaRs fAnS CaN StFu aBoUt tHeY NuMbEr 2 wR pic.twitter.com/C3G8OEAtuP
— Bleacher Nation Bears (@BN_Bears) May 18, 2021
• What a weird way to admit you’re not about that action against WR1. But go off, good sir…
• For your listening pleasure:
On the latest Under Center podcast, we're going over how the rookies looked at the Bears minicamp over the weekend, featuring @ThatsDavis @AdamHoge and @strobes312 https://t.co/PgcB4w9gW9
— Justin Fields Talk (@NBCSBears) May 17, 2021
• It’s Four Horsemen reunion:
The 4 Horsemen Still Kicking Ass! WOOOOO! pic.twitter.com/RW1WAjSLzT
— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) May 17, 2021
• An important leap is a step toward football for all being more than a tag line:
https://twitter.com/Broncos/status/1394336479510401025
“Kelly is a rising star in the NFL, and we’re fortunate to add someone of her caliber to the Denver Broncos."
GM George Paton on hiring Kelly Kleine as Exec. Director of Football Ops/Special Advisor to the GM: pic.twitter.com/rpehugrmjz
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) May 17, 2021
Congrats @kellykleine for taking another step. You created the opportunity and most importantly YOU did the work!
We talk Kelly, George Paton & Rick Spielman on #GMFB Well done @Broncos and @Vikings #NFL @WomensSportsFdn @WomenLeadersCS pic.twitter.com/KYx8zrHAvt— Scott Pioli (@scottpioli51) May 18, 2021
• This is a fun read:
Great story about how @NBCSports wooed the @NFL's biggest regular season game in years. https://t.co/wAg9wiFBga
— Jason Barrett (@sportsradiopd) May 17, 2021