Go Get Camp Tickets, Heed Eberflus’ Warning, Steelers Game as Fields Turning Point, and Other Bears Notes

Heads up! Bears training camp tickets are now available through Ticketmaster. They’re free … and can be accessed via this link from the team. Good luck! And I can’t wait to see you out at Halas Hall.

  • We’re just 20 days removed from the end of mandatory full-squad minicamps. And only 21 days away from the first open training camp practice. Hopefully, the next three weeks see the Bears smooth out some off-the-field issues that have popped up over the last three weeks. ICYMI: Receiver David Moore was reportedly arrested in Texas on July 4. This news comes weeks after linebacker Matthew Adams was arrested on firearm possession. Moreover, it is the third off-field incident this offseason involving a new Bears player, as wideout Byron Pringle also had a legal matter after a reckless driving arrest. Ugh. Three unnecessary arrests is three too many.
  • I don’t necessarily care that these are low-level free agent signings on one-year deals. Or that they aren’t high-profile names seen as building blocks for the future. But I do care about setting a bad precedent. It’s not like I can blame GM Ryan Poles for the these issues. It’s not as if Moore, Adams, or Pringle had lengthy arrest records before arriving in Chicago. There weren’t bright red flags strongly hinting not to sign these players. But at some point, the GM needs to make it known that this is unacceptable. This is a learning moment for the first-year GM. And I hope the lessons are made clear and obvious sooner (and not later).
  • That two of these incidents have happened since Head Coach Matt Eberflus made this statement eats at me (bold emphasis mine):
  • The summer for these guys is gonna be important. And the message I said after practice to them was to come back lean, fit, and strong. Obviously, I left them with ‘get your track shoes on’ – like I started my first press conference – because we’re going to be running once we get to training camp. Training camp’s not to get in shape, you should already be in shape. You should be ready to go for training camp, because we’re blowin’ and goin’ from Day 1. And then just to be safe. Be careful who you hang around and be mindful of that, and where you are. And to be safe during the vacation, this little time-off break we have before training camp.

  • Be careful, safe, and mindful of your surroundings. It’s the little things. The carelessness that led to each of these arrests bugs me. I realize players aren’t perfect. They’re human. And humans make mistakes along the way in their lives. But c’mon, man.
  • OK, how’s this for a palate cleanser?
  • Ahhhh … that throw gave me feelings. As did Fields’ showing in that game. More, please.
  • Shout out to ESPN’s Michele Steele for coming through with a deep pull, citing legendary Chicago writer Mike Royko:
  • A pleasant surprise: Bleacher Report’s Maurice Moton gives the Bears 2017 NFL Draft class a “C” grade. Generally speaking, five years out is the best time to grade drafts fairly. Even still … Moton gives the Bears a better grade than I probably would’ve if given the assignment. Eddie Jackson and Tarik Cohen providing All-Pro performances in 2018 really boosts this class. And despite Mitchell Trubisky falling short of the expectations that come with being the second overall pick (and first QB taken in his class), he still had a Pro Bowl and led the team to two playoff appearances in three years. And yet, I’ll always remember that draft as one that was full of missed opportunities. Even if you take Patrick Mahomes off the table, missing opportunities to draft all-world receiver Cooper Kupp (instead of Adam Shaheen) and All-Pro defensive back/return ace Desmond King (instead of Jordan Morgan) still stick in my craw.
  • Eddie Goldman joins the list of ex-Bears currently on the Falcons. The others: Damiere Byrd, Eddie Goldman, Germain Ifedi, Nick Kwiatkoski, Cordarrelle Patterson, Teez Tabor, Elijah Wilkinson, and Damien Williams. On top of that, Atlanta is also home to Ryan Pace, Phil Emery, Dave Ragone, Charles London, Michael Pitre, Ted Monachino, and Jon Hoke. Sheesh. That Week 11 Bears-Falcons tilt in Atlanta is fixin’ to be one heckuva reunion.
  • This is a conversation that really happened hours before Aaron Rodgers’ first tattoo was showcased online:
  • While NBC Sports Chicago’s Josh Shrock explores the potential impact Baker Mayfield’s trade to the Panthers could have on the Bears, PFT’s Michael David Smith unearths Panthers OC Ben McAdoo’s feelings about his new QB that he shared *BEFORE* the 2018 season (via the NY Post):
  • “I didn’t see a lot of pro-style football in his college tape. And if you’re short you have to be able to make up for it some way, somehow, and personality doesn’t do that. I didn’t think he was a great athlete. This guy is kinda like a pocket quarterback that is short and with small hands, that’s what I worry about.”

  • Ah, well, now McAdoo gets to see that personality first-hand when Panthers camp kicks off later this month. Good luck dealing with that drama, Ben.
  • Oh, this should be good:
  • Puck drop on the NHL Draft is tonight. And as Tab writes over at BN Blackhawks, we’re about to see who Kyle Davidson really is as a general manager.
  • Also, please be sure to follow our Blackhawks/NHL coverage on Twitter, Facebook, and online.
  • Chris Sale is an absolute menace:
  • I really wasn’t into adding Rudy Gobert to this Bulls team. But after seeing what they did (and didn’t do) to kick off the offseason, I wonder if bringing on Gobert would’ve been worth it. Over at BN Bulls, Eli explores the Bulls’ involvement in Gobert trade talks.
  • It’s that time of the year, friends:
  • written by

    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

    Bears Rookie Minicamp Takeaways: Caleb Williams and the Best of the Rest

    I've said it, and I'll continue to say it: this chapter of Chicago Bears football feels different. Perhaps it's because the last time we did this, we were in a pandemic, and when the Bears jumped up to No. 11...

    Jared Goff Becomes the Highest-Paid Lion Ever!

    The Detroit Lions have been busy in recent weeks securing their core after a run to the NFC title game last season. Jared Goff became the latest player to get a new deal in Detroit, and he became the highest-paid...

    Antoine Winfield Jr Signs Record-Breaking Extension

    The Buccaneers have made Antoine Winfield Jr the highest-paid defensive back in the history of the NFL. On Monday afternoon, Winfield Jr and Tampa Bay agreed to a four-year, $84.1 million deal. It also guarantees the Bucs' star $45 million....

    Bears Sign 6 Players After Rookie Minicamp Weekend Tryouts

    The Chicago Bears offseason roster churn continues. In addition to their five-player draft class headlined by Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze (plus nine more players who were signed as undrafted free agents), the Bears have signed six free agents who...

    They’re No. 1: Bears Wide Receivers Room Ranks as NFL’s Best

    One of my biggest frustrations with the Ryan Pace regime was how the former Chicago Bears general manager didn't invest in wide receiver upgrades the way you'd expect a team building around a young quarterback should. Meanwhile, his replacement, Ryan...

    The Cost of Being a Football Fan (And Other Bears Bullets)

    In yet another reminder that nothing in life is free, the folks at Awful Announcing put the total cost to access NFL games this season projects to be $855.86. With 272 games on the NFL schedule, that comes out to...

    Rome Odunze Missed Saturday’s Bears Rookie Minicamp Practice

    I was rounding up this morning's set of Bears Bullets when I saw this note from the Chicago Tribune's Dan Wiederer on rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze sitting out Saturday's practice with hamstring tightness and I knew I had to...

    A New Tight End, Day 2 Camp Pics and Vids, Edge Market Developing, and Other Bears Bullets

    It's Mother's Day today. And while my mother passed away in 2017, I try to use this day to remember and honor her memory. Do something nice for the moms in your life today. You only get one. Chicago Bears...

    Caleb to Rome, First Day Notes, Big LSU Bet Is Off, and Other Bears Bullets

    I'm off to Springfield to play the role of Uncle Lu this weekend, so we'll have an abridged version of Bears Bullets today. Caleb Williams survived his first practice as Chicago Bears QB1. And all was right with the football...

    Tory Taylor is the First Bears Draft Pick to Sign Their Rookie Deal

    There will be no punter hold out this summer. Tory Taylor is officially locked in: https://twitter.com/chicagobears/status/1789283410294321438?s=46&t=9_XcB6r0ywNyv4WuAOFkLA The Chicago Bears announced Tory Taylor’s signing on Saturday morning. And in doing so, made him the first of the team’s five 2024 NFL...

    Latest News

    Las Vegas Aces vs. Phoenix Mercury: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    The Las Vegas Aces face the Phoenix Mercury on Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 10:00 PM ET in the season opener for both teams. The matchup airs on ESPN2 and ESPN+.Watch the WNBA all season long on Fubo!How to Watch...

    Seattle Storm vs. Minnesota Lynx: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    The Minnesota Lynx take on the Seattle Storm at Climate Pledge Arena on Tuesday, May 14, 2024. The game, the first of the 2024 season for both teams, tips at 10:00 PM ET on ESPN3, BSNX, FOX13+, and Prime Video.Watch...

    Phillies vs. Mets Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Tuesday, May 14, 2024

    The Philadelphia Phillies will take the field against the New York Mets (19-21) on Tuesday. The game begins at 1:10 PM ET on SNY, with the Phillies listed as -140 favorites on the moneyline.Aaron Nola starts for Philadelphia while Jose...

    Phillies vs. Mets Probable Starting Pitchers – May 14

    The New York Mets (19-21) play on Tuesday in Queens against the Philadelphia Phillies (29-13). First pitch is at 1:10 PM ET.This contest's pitching matchup is set, as the Phillies will send Aaron Nola (4-2) to the mound, while Jose...

    Celtics vs. Cavaliers Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats and Best Bets for Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 5 – Wednesday, May 15, 2024

    The Boston Celtics are massive 15.5-point favorites in a decisive Game 5 of the second round of the NBA Playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers at TD Garden on Wednesday, tipping off at 7:00 PM ET on TNT. The Celtics have...

    Thunder vs. Mavericks Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats and Best Bets for Western Conference Semifinals Game 5 – Wednesday, May 15, 2024

    The Dallas Mavericks are 4.5-point underdogs in Game 5 of the second round of the NBA Playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center on Wednesday, tipping off at 9:30 PM ET on TNT. The series is tied 2-2....

    Nuggets vs. Timberwolves Predictions, Best Bets and Odds: Western Conference Semifinals Game 5 – Tuesday, May 14, 2024

    The Denver Nuggets and the Minnesota Timberwolves meet in Game 5 of the second round of the NBA Playoffs. The Nuggets are favored by 4.5 points in the contest, which airs on TNT at 10:30 PM ET. The over/under in...

    Knicks vs. Pacers Predictions, Best Bets and Odds: Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 5 – Tuesday, May 14, 2024

    The Indiana Pacers are slight 2.5-point underdogs in Game 5 of the second round of the NBA Playoffs against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday, tipping off at 8:00 PM ET on TNT. The series is...

    New York Liberty vs. Washington Mystics: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    The Washington Mystics go up against the New York Liberty at St. Elizabeths East Entertainment and Sports Arena on Tuesday, May 14, 2024. The game, the first of the 2024 season for both teams, tips at 7:00 PM ET on...

    Connecticut Sun vs. Indiana Fever: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    The Indiana Fever go up against the Connecticut Sun at Mohegan Sun Arena on Tuesday, May 14, 2024. The game, the first of the 2024 season for both teams, tips at 7:30 PM ET on ESPN2 and ESPN+.Watch the WNBA...

    more bears news