NEWSLETTER
Getting the full Wrigley experience last night put me a bit behind the 8-ball today. However, it was worth every minute to be out with the gang last night.
• Kori Rumore of the Chicago Tribune runs down the Bears’ proposed stadium moves since 1971. There are so many fun historical anecdotes in the piece. None more than the April 1975 quote from Mayor Richard J. Daley: “They can use the name Arlington Heights Bears, but they’ll never use the name Chicago if I’m mayor.” That sneaks in as my top throwback reference, just ahead of a look back at McDome. If you know, you know.
• It’s wild to think about how many people didn’t like the idea of the Bears playing in a dome 30 years ago who would want it as part of whatever the Bears’ next home happens to be.
• I think Cole Kmet likes the idea of playing in Arlington Heights:
I literally could be playing in my backyard….
— Cole Kmet (@ColeKmet) June 17, 2021
• For what it’s worth, I also like the idea of a new stadium. A building with new amenities. Something modern that is a state-of-the-art facility that would be the crown jewel of professional football stadiums. Chicago deserves this as much as it does as winning team. Imagine a new-look Bears franchise that is annually the class of the NFC North playing in a sparkling new facility. That’s the stuff dreams are made of, my friends.
• Jaylon Johnson enjoyed his trip to Wrigley Field last night:
https://twitter.com/NBAxJay1/status/1406050295302569988
• I’m looking forward to seeing what shakes out at cornerback this summer. Jaylon Johnson’s gig is a lock. But the rest of the group has work to do before claiming a position. For what it’s worth, GM Ryan Pace and his staff have done a surprisingly good job unearthing worthwhile defensive backs. Prince Amukamara was a nice stop-gap free agent signing. Cre’Von LeBlanc and Bryce Callahan were superb in the slot. Kyle Fuller’s development under their watch should be taken into consideration. And when you throw in the safeties, then you can have reason to trust the coaches and front office to get this position right. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not wholly certain about this position group. But I have good feelings based on recent history.
• The Bears are gonna have fun with this:
https://twitter.com/ChicagoBears/status/1405933332538576896
• THREAD:
To this point, I’ve been impressed by Justin Fields’ overall comfort and calm. Understands the steepness of his developmental climb. Has a focus to lock in on needed improvements. Seems supremely confident about where the work and talent will propel his journey.
— Dan Wiederer (@danwiederer) June 18, 2021
I’d be stunned if Fields didn’t start at some point in 2021. At that point, the hope is to turn him loose for 10 years.
— Dan Wiederer (@danwiederer) June 18, 2021
• I love when the folks at Bleacher Report get the creative juices flowing for mock trade offers. Chris Roling has an idea for a summertime Bears trade. It would send receiver Anthony Miller to the Patriots for a 2022 second-round pick. Considering Miller’s short-comings and the fact that he is in the final year of his rookie deal, netting a second-round pick for a player who spent the offseason on the trade block feels like a tremendous bargain. Then again, this could be the year Miller pieces it all together. And if that happens, dealing a second-round pick for a post-hype sleeper would look like a steal on the Patriots end. At minimum, it’s fun to think about.
• Here’s hoping Miller can hone in on his talents and make the most of the opportunities that present themselves. When Miller is on, he runs crisp routes and makes spectacular plays look easy. But when Miller struggles, drops ensue, the routes are less sharp, and it makes things easier on the defense. No matter who is quarterbacking this team, Miller needs to play up after three uneven years.
• Who says no to a proposal of 1st and 2nd round picks in 2022, plus a 2023 1st rounder for Aaron Rodgers? Probably the Packers, right? This feels light. Green Bay probably wants something it could use now in terms of a young player still on their rookie deal. But maybe that won’t be available. As Bears fans know all too well from the Khalil Mack deal, these types of trades don’t happen overnight.
• Throw it back:
A very young Jim Nantz on the call. I didn’t even realize until halfway through the video that it’s him. https://t.co/f9lHpB7Q0l
— Matt Clapp (@DaBearNecess) June 18, 2021
• Batteries, books, and underwear are among your Deals of the Day at Amazon. #ad
