NEWSLETTER
I spent more time looking for a movie to watch last night than watching the movie I chose. Am I the only one who does this? There is no way I’m the only one who does this (right?).
• In previous years, we have been graced by Kyle Brandt’s presence for the Bears’ preseason finale. I’m not sure if that is still in the works for this season. But if it is, I’m all for giving him the floor for four quarters of this:
“What do you want to see from Justin Fields in the preseason finale???”
I’m starting to lose my composure on this. I regret nothing. pic.twitter.com/KR0q3cQive
— Kyle Brandt (@KyleBrandt) August 25, 2021
• If it’s any consolation, Kyle, at least Justin Fields will get an opportunity to work with that first-string offensive line. Sure, I’d like to see Fields throwing to Allen Robinson II and Darnell Mooney. I would even be OK with Fields handing it off to David Montgomery just so he can get that experience. But we shouldn’t underestimate the importance of working with that line, learning their intricacies, and getting a feel for that group. Even if it is just for some snaps in an exhibition game.
• Rodney Adams, his story, and his arc is something else, so I encourage you to read this today:
Rodney Adams — inspired by his newborn daughter and his late mother — has impressed Bears coaches as the wide receiver fights for a roster spot.https://t.co/RhXLsVYAeH
— Chicago Tribune Sports (@ChicagoSports) August 26, 2021
• Not that Adams’ roster spot was dependent on Javon Wims, but the Bears waiving Wims this morning really clears things up in that regard.
• I imagine whomever takes up back-of-the-depth-chart receiver roles will have to accept special teams responsibilities. After watching Wims’ failures in punt coverage in person last week, I imagine that also played a role in today’s cut. Because, as much as we’d like to think about the double-punch and the drop as moments that pushed this into motion, Wims could’ve won a job out of camp by putting those moments behind him and excelling on the field. It simply didn’t happen for him. At minimum, it won’t happen for him in Chicago.
• You’ll want to take some time to check out the interview Erik Kramer did with The Shawn and Maya in the Morning Show on Sports Zone Chicago. Kramer’s life arc has taken so many twists and turns over the years. Thinking about the things he has been through, and it’s honestly a miracle he is alive to speak on it. Here’s to things getting better for him as he continues to live his life.
• For your listening pleasure, Jay Cutler, Tom Waddle, and Marc Silverman reunite in podcast form:
Podcast is out. Thanks @TWaddle87 and @WaddleandSilvy. Awesome show. @natebargatze next week. Check it out wherever you watch your podcasts pic.twitter.com/8urFdD6ann
— Jay Cutler (@JayHasTweets) August 25, 2021
• The Packers are turning to some former Bears for some depth health, signing defensive lineman Abdullah Anderson and cornerback Stephen Denmark (Aaron Wilson). Nothing like having spies on the other side of the Cheddar Curtain.
• Teddy Bridgewater emerges as QB1 in Denver, with Vic Fangio explaining the situation in a way only he can. “We have two good quarterbacks — two quarterbacks we can win with,” Fangio said, via Pro Football Talk. “Unfortunately, you can’t play two.” How does that saying about having two quarterbacks means you have none go again? My brain is a bit hazy this morning.
• Honey Badger makes some good points:
As the game begins to change, as a player it’s important to incorporate analytics in your study. Some teams use it more than others but it can give you the opportunity as a defender to get ahead of the offense.. make more plays… critical situations…. Bigger impact.
— Tyrann Mathieu (@Mathieu_Era) August 25, 2021
• Bills receiver Isaiah McKenzie posted a letter from the NFL fining him nearly $15,000 for not wearing a mask in the facility. As a player who hasn’t taken the COVID-19 vaccine, McKenzie is subject to fines as part of the agreement between the NFL and NFLPA regarding COVID protocols. Moving forward, McKenzie will be subject to increased discipline for repeat violations. To that end, it would be really bad for teams to miss key players for regular season games out of a player’s spite for following rules in place for player health and safety.
• And, for the record, it’s not as if the NFL is going out of its way to pick on the Bills or McKenzie. NFL Network insider Tom Peliserro tweets: The NFL has sent written warnings to roughly 120 players leaguewide and fined 25 players for refusal to wear a mask and/or Kinexon tracking device since the start of training camp, per source. All fined $14,650, the standard amount for a first offense under NFL-NFLPA protocols.
• Dog stuff, coffee stuff, clothes, and more are your Deals of the Day at Amazon. #ad
• The arrow is pointing way up for the Bulls:
Bulls Had One of the Best Offseasons in the Leaguehttps://t.co/RqyjukPar9
— Bleacher Nation Bulls (@BN_Bulls) August 25, 2021
• I don’t care if you have to switch to all home games to save money on the light bill in order to afford the contract. Do what must be done to bring Nicholas A. Castellanos home:
Nick Castellanos “Is Likely to Opt Out” of Reds Deal and Become a Free Agent After the Season – https://t.co/yi0xTkcSVG pic.twitter.com/RIrHHaMrZs
— Bleacher Nation (@BleacherNation) August 25, 2021
