NEWSLETTER
I’m spending the lsat day of my age 34 season at Wrigley North. It’s only fitting that the final day of a wild and most turbulent year watching the Cubs during their roughest stretch of this season. Right?
• I realize Drew Brees and Philip Rivers retired, but Kirk Cousins EIGHTH? We need to discuss this:
The top-10 QBs in the NFL, per @PFF_Eric
What does your top 10 look like? pic.twitter.com/DMa87wrYXd
— PFF (@PFF) June 29, 2021
• In the interest of fairness, Cousins’ numbers are not bad. Since joining the Vikings, Cousins is averaging 4,142 yards, 31 TD, and 10 INT while completing 69 percent of his passes, and posting a 103.6 passer rating. All things considered, there isn’t a Bears fan who wouldn’t take those numbers from their quarterback. But if Cousins was legitimately top-10 good, would the Vikings have spent draft night pushing so hard to trade up with hopes of taking Justin Fields? I mean, if Cousins is top-10 good now, what does that say about Fields’ future?
• A collection of Bears sacks of Kirk Cousins for your viewing pleasure:
I can't get over the #Vikings' first possession and how much it sums up their season.
* 1st down: Dozier gets bullied, three Bears DL converge at Cousins for a sack
* 2nd and 16: Run up the middle for no gain
* 3rd and 16: Another run
* Punt. Bears scored a TD five plays later pic.twitter.com/6ep67wGxns— Will Ragatz (@WillRagatz) December 21, 2020
#Bears Roquan Smith with a big sack on #Vikings QB Cousins on 3rd and long.
Thus far, this Bears D is manhandling this high powered Vikings O. pic.twitter.com/QQaRnsFqQX
— Lawrence Owen (@Colts_Law) November 17, 2020
• I’m digging the conversation here from Larry Mayer, who discusses some of his favorite top tandems in Bears history. We’re talking about more than a century’s worth of options, so there is plenty to offer up. And, sure, most of the best duos in the bunch are on the defensive side of the ball. Here’s hoping 10 years from now that we can add Justin Fields-Darnell Mooney to the mix.
• Maybe we’ll look back at a Jaylon Johnson-Eddie Jackson tag team as something worthwhile. Over at 670 The Score, Chris Emma writes about Johnson embracing the challenges that lie ahead in his second season. There will be no shortage of WR1s who could give Johnson fits in 2021. A small sampling: Cooper Kupp, Odell Beckham Jr., Davante Adams (twice), Chris Godwin, Mike Evans, DeAndre Hopkins, Justin Jefferson (twice), DK Metcalf … I could go on, but won’t. Thankfully, Johnson appears ready to prove he is worthy of CB1 status.
• Not that you needed a reminder, but Bleacher Report serves one up, reminding us that the Greg Olsen trade to the Panthers was one of the worst since the turn of the century. That the Bears used draft capital from that trade to acquire Brandon Marshall is of little consolation.
• Set your DVRs (or VCRs, if that is still a thing):
https://twitter.com/nflnetwork/status/1410221592337022976
• No, I don’t expect Allen Robinson II to break news in his NFL Network cameo this evening. However, I’ve been enjoying the cut of Robinson’s jib while following him on social media. He is active, vocal, and opinionated. Players with honest opinions and a willingness to share them will always grab my attention. Bonus points for playing with the Bears.
• Somehow … Aaron Rodgers returned:
Write a horror story for your industry using just four words
— Morning Brew ☕️ (@MorningBrew) June 29, 2021
• There is as good chance the Bears see Andrew Whitworth on his last opening day. Pro Football Talk reports the Rams left tackle told Chris Long that this season is “probably” his last. Whitworth, who turns 40 in December, already has 15 sessions under his belt and is as accomplished as they come. Four Pro Bowl campaigns, two first-team All-Pro nominations, and 10 seasons in which he didn’t miss a start is impressive stuff. He also has a touchdown catch from Carson Palmer on his résumé:
This game also included now @Rams Offensive Tackle Andrew Whitworth catching a touchdown from Carson Palmer.
Maybe Madden should raise his catch rating. pic.twitter.com/XXLgIxvEHd
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) July 15, 2019
• I think the Supplemental Draft is neat because it exposes me to new names and a league quirk, while also providing a different lane for players to make it into the NFL. But as Tom Pelissero reports, this marks the second consecutive season it isn’t happening.
• Outdoor tools, lanterns, and bed linens are all among the Deals of the Day at Amazon. #ad
• This has nothing to do with football, but I’m looking forward to having something worth watching this fall while waiting for Justin Fields to start games of consequence:
