NEWSLETTER
Even though I made plans to do so, I didn’t get around to watching The Many Saints of Newark on Saturday. But I did get a full night of sleep, which put me in a position to wake up early enough to grab some game day snacks from Lincoln Square’s Apple Fest. Who likes pie for breakfast?
• How’s this for Sunday morning optimism?
https://twitter.com/PFF_Fantasy/status/1444014753643483138
https://twitter.com/PFF_Fantasy/status/1444316994874982407
• The Chicago Bears’ quarterback and top receiver both have the most favorable matchups. There is no excuse not to score points today. Period.
• ICYMI: Justin Fields is getting the start at quarterback for the Bears. It’s a decision that officially hit the wires last night, but NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport tweets the team knew earlier in the week. Andy Dalton’s knee continues to limit his practice time. And without practice time or a clean bill of health, it’s tough to put Dalton back in the starting lineup. Rapoport hints Dalton could be ready next week, but was vague in doing so. A strong performance by Fields could further complicate whatever decision-making process the Bears are in right now. Because why not add bedlam to a chaotic situation?
• While the Bears announced Fields as their starter, no public decision was made regarding its offensive play-caller. Although, if I had to make a guess based on history, I would wager on Bill Lazor getting those duties today. Previously, if Nagy was asked about it and was planning on retaining play-calling duties, he’d say as much. And when he was asked about handing them off last year, he said everything was on the table before giving it up for Lazor. I have aa hunch that history repeats itself after this week’s episode of putting it all on the table.
• With that in mind, I think it’s a good time to re-read this from last year about Bill Lazor as a play-caller. Much like last year, the Bears don’t need to re-invent the wheel. Prioritize rhythm and tempo. Give the quarterback time to read the defense with quick play calls that get him to the line. Chicago had 33 occasions in which it snapped the ball with less than 10 seconds on the play clock in Week 2 against Cincinnati. One week later, it happened 23 more times in Cleveland. That’s 56 times in two games. Or to put it differently, this has happened on 54.3 percent of the Bears’ offensive plays. Unacceptable!
• And to think, Nagy wouldn’t have to give up his baby if he could stack plays like this together:
• On the other side of the ball, Sean Desai’s defense has been sneaky good. This group came into Week 4 ranking 12th in total yards and 19th in points allowed. Admittedly, that is a significant drop-off from what we have grown accustomed to seeing from Chicago’s unit. However, they are 9th in Football Outsiders’ DVOA metric. So, clearly something is working was this group really hasn’t fallen off a cliff as was the expectation by some. And while I suppose there is still time for things to go off the rails, that things haven’t begun on a bad foot is a testament to players’ pride and Desai’s work with his returning players. Kudos to them. Let’s keep this energy against the Lions.
• Some worthwhile PFF rankings entering Week 4:
→ Jaylon Johnson has the site’s fourth-best coverage grade among cornerbacks, while Deon Bush checks in at 22nd among the 80 qualifying safeties. Gotta love seeing that home-grown talent shine.
→ On the other end of that equation, Akiem Hicks (16th), Robert Quinn (37th) and Khalil Mack (38th) all check in among the top third of graded players in terms of pass-rushing grade. It’s worth noting that pass-rush excellence and secondary success work hand-in-hand. If the big guys are getting home up front, the defensive backs tend to get more opportunities for a feast. Since they’re going up against a Jared Goff team that is 0-10 when not getting plays from Sean McVay, today would be a good one to capitalize on the quality of work from the two most important parts of the defense.
→ Hey, now! The Bears aren’t bad against the run, so let’s not leave that out. Bilal Nichols comes in 27th of 122 interior defensive linemen in terms of PFF’s run-defense grade. Outside linebacker Jeremiah Attaochu comes in at 24th of 103 edge defenders. Stopping the run and pressuring the quarterback were two of three keys to football success, per the ranting os the late great Doug Buffone. Unfortunately, since Big Doug’s passing, they haven’t consistently been able to lock in the third part of that equation — running the ball.
• David Montgomery was averaging 4.5 yards per carry against the Lions last year. Get him the dang ball!
• Feed Monty, then watch Justin Fields and Allen Robinson II take advantage of favorable matchups.
• How can you not root for Jaylon Johnson?
• Rock the vote:
Vote for your favorite @ChicagoBears players!
Submit your picks in the HOF Ford Fan Vote: https://t.co/ehKdUM7m02#PFHOF22 | #DaBears pic.twitter.com/aDos1vW7Wm
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) October 3, 2021
• Something for Bears fans:
https://twitter.com/obvious_shirts/status/1444420453540433925
• The Sunday night show is gonna be lit:
https://twitter.com/Buccaneers/status/1444633328666042371
Tonight at our house. pic.twitter.com/dLp9WySXVp
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) October 3, 2021
• I’m here for baseball chaos:
The Final Day of the MLB Regular Season Could Bring Us Maximum Postseason Chaos – https://t.co/ctYOJMrc08 pic.twitter.com/vlftGdRf4C
— Bleacher Nation (@BleacherNation) October 3, 2021
• Love reading about the Bulls building early chemistry:
A Great Blend of Athleticism and IQ, Lonzo and LaVine, and Other Bulls Bulletshttps://t.co/eCOc1YWghN
— Bleacher Nation Bulls (@BN_Bulls) October 2, 2021
