header-emailNEWSLETTER
BN Chicago Bears Here Comes the Hype, Who....

Here Comes the Hype, Who Wants to Lead? Smith-Njigba, and Other Bears Bullets

Luis C. Medina Luis C. Medina
Jun 29, 2022
Chicago Bears

There are few songs that get me in a good headspace like “Can’t Tell Me Nothin'” by Kanye West.

  • In lieu of coffee this morning, I hooked this tweet directly to my veins:

  • On top of assuming WR1 duties, Darnell Mooney has positioned himself this offseason to be a vocal leader. And, frankly, I love it. We’ve previously discussed examples of Justin Fields stepping up in his leadership role this offseason, which is a welcome development. Who knew it would be easier to lead when you weren’t sitting behind Andy Dalton on the depth chart? But Fields can’t lead alone. This is where someone like Mooney can step up and lend a helping hand.

  • Mooney isn’t just a hype man. Remember, Mooney was making strides as a vocal leader and locker room presence when things were hitting a rough patch last season. And when spit hit the fan at the height of the drama, Mooney carried on professionally in a way that others should’ve been following. The Bears have a keeper with Mooney. And as the elder statesman and top dog of the wideouts, he’ll have everyone’s attention going into camp.

  • To be clear, there aren’t enough rah-rah hype words to make the Bears an instant Super Bowl contender. But because football is a game where effort and energy is needed at every turn, all good teams have those types of players who push everyone to be better. And a team like the Bears that is clawing from the bottom needs as many as it can get. It might not translate into wins right away, but leadership from Fields and Mooney could at least get the Bears heading in the right direction.

  • Loved feeling the love from Kyle Long yesterday. They don’t make ’em like him any more:

  • If you were looking forward to a potential splash trade acquisition of Terry McLaurin, I’m sorry to deliver the disappointing news of his extension in Washington. But if it is any consolation, one way-too-early mock draft has the Bears targeting a different Ohio State product. One who has bonkers numbers (surpassing McLaurin, in this case):

  • On the one hand, the idea of the Bears being bad enough to pick second makes me itchy. But on the other hand, so long as Fields proves to be worthy of building around, adding a dynamic receiver could be a game-changer moving forward. We’ll see how the cookie crumbles in due time.

  • For your enjoyment:

  • Are you the giving type? Then this might be for you:

  • “Tomorrow” is “today” … so here is the latest on Deshaun Watson’s disciplinary hearing, which enters its second day:

  • The NFL continues to push for an indefinite suspension that is (at a minimum) a year long, but would come with an opportunity to apply for re-instatement after the one year is up. Meanwhile, Watson’s representation and the NFLPA are pushing for a much shorter sentence. It is possible the two sides could settle this before retired judge Sue L. Robinson comes through with a decision. In the end, I feel as if the ruling comes down by Friday. Not that I’m wearing a tinfoil hat on my head this morning, but I wouldn’t put it past the league to want to try to bury this on a Friday ahead of a three-day weekend.

  • I guess this is something worth keeping in mind as this stuff shakes out:

  • If the Bears can add a reputable center in free agency, then I have faith Artūras Karnišovas can do the same for the Bulls:

  • I feel bad for Mike Trout:

  • If only Mike Trout had teammates like Nico Hoerner, who went out and put up a three-hit game and now owns a .304/.338/.422 slash line that comes with a 110 wRC+ and 2.3 WAR. He is good. And I didn’t think he had *THIS* in him. Kudos to him for proving me wrong. There is no shame in missing a player assessment every now and again. It is humbling. But also, fun to watch. All of this should serve as a reminder to Bears fans that development isn’t always linear. Now, who wants to have a surprise mini-breakout for Chicago’s football team?

  • Alex DeBrincat’s presence was one of the reasons I was willingly turning into Blackhawks games last season, so I hope they don’t trade him:

    • Read More

    written by

    Luis C. Medina

    Luis C. Medina, who you can find on Twitter at lcm1986, has been covering the Chicago Bears at Bleacher Nation since 2017. Since then, he has written about 3 head coaches, 5 play-callers, and 11 starting quarterbacks. Previously, Luis wrote about the Cubs and MLB at BN (2015-16) and worked in the Chicago Tribune sports department (2011-16). He also co-hosted a Cubs postgame show, Outside the Ivy, in 2019.

    more bears news

    Chicago Bears

    Amon-Ra St. Brown Signs MASSIVE Extention With Lions

    We have a new highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL! According to a report from NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, the Lions have made Amon-Ra St. Brown the richest wideout in the NFL with a four-year, $120 million contract extension...

    Matt Rooney Matt Rooney
    Apr 24, 2024
    Joe alt notre dame bears offensive line target NFL Draft
    Chicago Bears

    Chicago Bears 2024 NFL Draft Fits: Offensive Linemen

    The 2024 NFL Draft begins Thursday. Chicago Bears General Manager Ryan Poles, Assistant GM Ian Cunningham, Head Coach Matt Eberflus, and others will put their heads together to come up with a winning plan for the team’s four picks (Nos....

    Luis C. Medina Luis C. Medina
    Apr 24, 2024
    bears stadium soldier field
    Chicago Bears

    Stadium Stuff, Rome and Caleb, New Bears Hires, and Other Bears Bullets

    The 2024 NFL Draft is just one day away. Soon, we'll get to hear those magic words: "The Chicago Bears are on the clock." And they'll mean something! ICYMI: The Bears, who are set to have a press conference at...

    Luis C. Medina Luis C. Medina
    Apr 24, 2024
    Chicago Bears

    Ian Cunningham is Getting an Extension From the Bears

    Ian Cunningham is set to stick around for a little while longer. The Chicago Bears assistant general manager is getting some years tacked on to his contract, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. No details on how many more years are...

    Luis C. Medina Luis C. Medina
    Apr 24, 2024
    soldier field bears stadium
    Chicago Bears

    The Bears Are Expected to Ask For Some Public Money For New Stadium

    If you have followed pro sports stadium projects in the past, then you probably are aware that taxpayers tend to end up footing a hearty chunk of the bill. And while the Chicago Bears have not yet made public their...

    Luis C. Medina Luis C. Medina
    Apr 23, 2024
    Bears GM Ryan Poles
    Chicago Bears

    Bears GM Ryan Poles Isn’t Necessarily Looking to Trade For More Draft Picks

    Ryan Poles has done well in creating a bevy of picks in each of his first two NFL Draft classes as Chicago Bears general manager. And even though the Bears have a league-low four picks in this week's NFL Draft,...

    Luis C. Medina Luis C. Medina
    Apr 23, 2024
    Bears 7-Round Mock Draft 4.0
    Chicago Bears

    Chicago Bears 7-Round Mock Draft: 4.0

    We’re just over 24 hours from the NFL Draft, and all I can say is finally. Finally, we’re done with the speculation. I’ll never forget the Bears Twitter Civil War of 2024 centered around the Caleb Williams vs. Justin Fields...

    Patrick K. Flowers Patrick K. Flowers
    Apr 24, 2024
    Seattle Seahawks 1st Round Mock Draft
    Chicago Bears

    There is a Growing Consensus on How Bears Will Use the No. 9 Pick

    As part of his latest NFL Draft notebook, CBS Sports NFL insider Jonathan Jones shares what he has heard about the Chicago Bears plan on doing with the No. 9 pick. "Sources around the league seem to believe the Chicago...

    Luis C. Medina Luis C. Medina
    Apr 23, 2024
    Bears 2024 NFL Draft Rome Odunze Bears 7-Round Mock Draft
    Chicago Bears

    Things You Love to See: Rome Odunze and Caleb Williams are Already Getting Along

    Caleb Williams will be the starting quarterback for the Chicago Bears next season. We've known that for some time, and it will become official on Thursday. The only question that remains is who's joining him? There's a strong chance that...

    Patrick K. Flowers Patrick K. Flowers
    Apr 23, 2024
    marvin harrison jr bears 2024 NFL draft target
    Chicago Bears

    Chicago Bears 2024 NFL Draft Fits: Wide Receivers and Tight Ends

    The 2024 NFL Draft begins Thursday. Chicago Bears General Manager Ryan Poles, Assistant GM Ian Cunningham, Head Coach Matt Eberflus, and others will put their heads together to come up with a winning plan for the team's four picks (Nos....

    Luis C. Medina Luis C. Medina
    Apr 23, 2024
    More Posts

    Latest News

    Chicago Blackhawks

    San Jose Sharks Fire Head Coach David Quinn

    When you finish with the worst record in the NHL, it's hard to keep your job. Even when the front office strips your roster to the bare bones, apparently. And on Wednesday, David Quinn found out the San Jose Sharks...

    Tab Bamford Tab Bamford
    Apr 24, 2024
    Picks

    CJ McCollum Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Thunder – NBA Playoffs Game 2, Wednesday, April 24, 2024

    On Wednesday at 9:30 PM ET, the New Orleans Pelicans play the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 2 of the opening round of the NBA playoffs, and CJ McCollum's 3-pointer prop for this clash requires four trifectas.CJ McCollum's Three-Pointer Prop...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    Apr 24, 2024
    Picks

    Brandon Ingram Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Thunder – NBA Playoffs Game 2, Wednesday, April 24, 2024

    At 9:30 PM ET on Wednesday, in Game 2 of the opening round of the NBA playoffs, it'll be the New Orleans Pelicans against the Oklahoma City Thunder -- with Brandon Ingram needing to connect only once from beyond the...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    Apr 24, 2024
    Picks

    Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Pelicans – NBA Playoffs Game 2, Wednesday, April 24, 2024

    Shai Gilgeous-Alexander needs to make two 3-pointers to beat his prop when the Oklahoma City Thunder meet the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday at 9:30 PM ET, in Game 2 of the opening round of the NBA playoffs.Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's Three-Pointer...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    Apr 24, 2024
    Cubs Farm Report
    Chicago Cubs

    Cubs Farm Report | April 24, 2024: Kevin Alcántara Cannot Miss Right Now

    Name a player hotter than Kevin Alcántara right now. Go ahead, I'll wait. (He's already raking again today. Literally as I type this.) More on Alcántara's big day and the Smokies home run parade last night in today's Cubs Farm...

    Patrick K. Flowers Patrick K. Flowers
    Apr 24, 2024
    Chicago Cubs

    Oof: Blake Snell to the Injured List Just Three Horrible Starts into His Giants Career

    Just three starts into his San Francisco Giants career, Blake Snell is heading to the injured list with a left-adductor strain. Oof. You hate to even say it — and who really knows if this was related — but early...

    Michael Cerami Michael Cerami
    Apr 24, 2024
    Picks

    Padres vs. Rockies Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Wednesday, April 24, 2024

    The San Diego Padres (13-13) are set to take on the Colorado Rockies (6-18) Wednesday at 8:40 PM ET, airing on SDPA. The Padres are listed as -158 favorites by bookmakers, while the underdog Rockies have +133 odds for the...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    Apr 24, 2024
    The Houston Texans first pick is No. 42 in the 2024 NFL Draft.
    NFL

    Houston Texans 3-Round Mock Draft: Prioritizing a Strong Defense

    The Houston Texans killed the NFL Draft last year, selecting the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and Defensive Rookie of the Year with back-to-back picks, and they also drafted a solid wide receiver in Tank Dell. Houston also had...

    Jennifer Eakins Jennifer Eakins
    Apr 24, 2024
    Chicago Bears

    Amon-Ra St. Brown Signs MASSIVE Extention With Lions

    We have a new highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL! According to a report from NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, the Lions have made Amon-Ra St. Brown the richest wideout in the NFL with a four-year, $120 million contract extension...

    Matt Rooney Matt Rooney
    Apr 24, 2024
    Picks

    Blue Jays vs. Royals Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Wednesday, April 24, 2024

    The Toronto Blue Jays (13-11) visit the Kansas City Royals (14-10) at 7:40 PM ET Wednesday for a sluggers' duel between two of the best home-run hitters in baseball. Daulton Varsho has racked up six homers this season (No. 7...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    Apr 24, 2024
    More Posts

    more bears news

    Amon-Ra St. Brown Signs MASSIVE Extention With Lions

    Joe alt notre dame bears offensive line target NFL Draft

    Chicago Bears 2024 NFL Draft Fits: Offensive Linemen

    bears stadium soldier field

    Stadium Stuff, Rome and Caleb, New Bears Hires, and Other Bears Bullets

    Ian Cunningham is Getting an Extension From the Bears

    Bears 7-Round Mock Draft 4.0

    Chicago Bears 7-Round Mock Draft: 4.0

    soldier field bears stadium

    The Bears Are Expected to Ask For Some Public Money For New Stadium

    Bears GM Ryan Poles

    Bears GM Ryan Poles Isn’t Necessarily Looking to Trade For More Draft Picks

    Seattle Seahawks 1st Round Mock Draft

    There is a Growing Consensus on How Bears Will Use the No. 9 Pick

    Bears 2024 NFL Draft Rome Odunze Bears 7-Round Mock Draft

    Things You Love to See: Rome Odunze and Caleb Williams are Already Getting Along

    marvin harrison jr bears 2024 NFL draft target

    Chicago Bears 2024 NFL Draft Fits: Wide Receivers and Tight Ends

    More Posts

    Most Popular

    Most Popular

    REPORT: Cubs to DFA Garrett Cooper

    REPORT: Cubs Are Calling Up Matt Mervis and Hayden Wesneski

    Cubs Farm Report | April 23, 2024: Studs and Duds of the Week

    Cubs with a Flurry of Roster Moves Involving SIX Players

    Oh, Come On: Cody Bellinger Lifted Mid-Game with an Apparent Injury (UPDATE: X-Rays Negative)

    Kyle Hendricks Departs the Rotation By Way of the Injured List

    South Side Horror Show (and Campfire Milkshakes), Alzolay and Evolving Relief Roles, and Other Cubs Bullets

    Enhanced Box Score: Cubs 7, Astros 2 – April 23, 2024

    Latest News

    San Jose Sharks Fire Head Coach David Quinn

    CJ McCollum Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Thunder – NBA Playoffs Game 2, Wednesday, April 24, 2024

    Brandon Ingram Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Thunder – NBA Playoffs Game 2, Wednesday, April 24, 2024

    Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Pelicans – NBA Playoffs Game 2, Wednesday, April 24, 2024

    Cubs Farm Report

    Cubs Farm Report | April 24, 2024: Kevin Alcántara Cannot Miss Right Now

    Oof: Blake Snell to the Injured List Just Three Horrible Starts into His Giants Career

    Padres vs. Rockies Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Wednesday, April 24, 2024

    The Houston Texans first pick is No. 42 in the 2024 NFL Draft.

    Houston Texans 3-Round Mock Draft: Prioritizing a Strong Defense

    Amon-Ra St. Brown Signs MASSIVE Extention With Lions

    Blue Jays vs. Royals Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Wednesday, April 24, 2024

    Twins vs. White Sox Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Wednesday, April 24, 2024

    Cubs vs. Astros Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Wednesday, April 24, 2024

    Rangers vs. Mariners Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Wednesday, April 24, 2024

    Jaylen Brown Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Heat – NBA Playoffs Game 2, Wednesday, April 24, 2024

    Jayson Tatum Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Heat – NBA Playoffs Game 2, Wednesday, April 24, 2024

    More Posts

    Most Popular

    Most Popular

    REPORT: Cubs to DFA Garrett Cooper

    REPORT: Cubs Are Calling Up Matt Mervis and Hayden Wesneski

    Cubs Farm Report | April 23, 2024: Studs and Duds of the Week

    Cubs with a Flurry of Roster Moves Involving SIX Players

    Oh, Come On: Cody Bellinger Lifted Mid-Game with an Apparent Injury (UPDATE: X-Rays Negative)

    Kyle Hendricks Departs the Rotation By Way of the Injured List

    South Side Horror Show (and Campfire Milkshakes), Alzolay and Evolving Relief Roles, and Other Cubs Bullets

    Enhanced Box Score: Cubs 7, Astros 2 – April 23, 2024

    21 Play Responsibly
    Gamble Aware West Virginia
    Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.