NEWSLETTER
The last two times I’ve seen a Chicago sports event in Wisconsin, I saw the Bears cough up a 20-0 lead and was witness to the Cubs giving away a 7-0 lead in four innings. So, perhaps I should not cross that border for a while (if ever).
• NFL training camps open THIS MONTH, and I am smiling just thinking about it. The return to football is around the corner. And when it comes to the Chicago Bears, it marks the return of legitimate camp battles for starting jobs and increasing responsibilities. Starting gigs at center and right guard can be won on the offensive side of the ball. Defensively, we know the Bears will have new starters at slot and outside corner. But let’s not overlook depth spots on the roster that are up for grabs. Sometimes, the best battles occur under the radar.
• For instance, who will settle in behind Cole Kmet and Jimmy Graham at tight end? Jesper Horsted, J.P. Hotz, and Jake Butt have work to do. Who will emerge among the receivers behind Allen Robinson II and Darnell Mooney? Chicago brought in Marquise Goodwin and Damiere Byrd in free agency, but also chose Dazz Newsome with a draft pick. They’ll need to impress in order to upend returning players such as Anthony Miller, Javon Wims, and Riley Ridley. How will things shake out along the defensive line behind Akiem Hicks and friends? Will someone emerge as a serviceable ILB3 behind Roquan Smith and Danny Trevathan? Uncertainty often makes folks feel uneasy. But as far as these Bears battles are concerned, I find myself filled with intrigue.
• Adam Jahns of The Athletic comes through with more than two dozen storylines worth following when training camp opens:
14 storylines I’ll be watching when Bears training camp begins https://t.co/0BrqCLI3bY
— Adam Jahns (@adamjahns) June 30, 2021
• He’s right:
People assume you not working out if you don’t record it lol
— Anthony Miller (@AnthonyMiller_3) June 25, 2021
• I didn’t realize it until Mike Florio mentioned it, but four of the five first-round quarterbacks have yet to sign their rookie deals. Or, to frame it in a different way, Justin Fields is the only first-round rookie QB who has put pen to paper to sign their deal. It feels GREAT to not have to worry about that. Not that there should be much haggling, but we know first-hand from the Roquan Smith experience that minor details need ironing out at times.
• Speaking of Fields, this probably interests the card collectors out there:
Here’s a look at Bears QB Justin Fields’ rookie trading card from @PaniniAmerica pic.twitter.com/B4UpD3VIiF
— BearsWire (@TheBearsWire) June 29, 2021
• The Bears asked fans for their favorite moments from when the team was rocking their orange unis, and I must say this one sticks out for me:
• I’m not gonna lie — these are clean:
https://twitter.com/TheAthletic/status/1410423904095543297
• Cryptic and accurate:
Crazy we never know what the future holds
— Davante Adams (@tae15adams) June 29, 2021
• I hear that Vegas is a great place to start a future. And I think Derek Carr would back me up on it.
• It was good to hear from Jonathan Toews again:
Jonathan Toews Is Back! And He Explains Exactly What Happenedhttps://t.co/rb4jw02wlx
— Bleacher Nation Blackhawks (@BN_Blackhawks) June 30, 2021
• Trust me when I tell you that trading up in the draft has its perks:
The Bulls Are Reportedly Prepared to Trade Into the First Round on Draft Nighthttps://t.co/UniKhkSISF pic.twitter.com/X7cpw4lIYn
— Bleacher Nation Bulls (@BN_Bulls) June 30, 2021
