Football Returns! Baldy Says Don’t Sleep, Dr. Belichick, Arlington Meeting, BoJack Invests, Eberflus Effect, and Other Bears Bullets

After a 202-day layoff, football games that count for something in the standings begin TODAY:

Are you ready for some football?

  • While millions of eyes are set to tune in to Thursday’s NFL premier, I’m angling to be at the Chicago Bears Community Meeting in Arlington Heights. I say angling because part of me is convinced it’s going to be a madhouse free-for-all. But I’m mentally preparing myself for it. Anyway, the meeting is set to start at 7 p.m. at John Hersey High School’s gymnasium. This is being framed as “an informational community meeting to discuss the potential purchase and possible development of Arlington Park.” We already began seeing renderings earlier in the week, and I’m looking forward to seeing how much the Bears can (and will) expand on what we’ve already been given. More on the Arlington project from the Bears here.
  • No, I haven’t picked a place just yet. But your suggestions to this point have been solid (based on my research). Keep ’em coming:
  • When it comes to on-the-field matters, the Bears are just 3 days away from kicking off their regular season with a game against the 49ers. Yippee!
  • And for what it’s worth, Cairo Santos approves of the Bears’ grass swap at their current residence. Santos says of the old surface (in the Sun-Times): “The other one, the grass got ripped out too easily. It just became a sandy field that they spray-painted green.” I audibly laughed reading this line.
  • Meanwhile, Head Coach Matt Eberflus — who was a driving force behind getting new turf at Soldier Field for Week 1 — thinks it’ll give the Bears a competitive advantage. “We think it’s going to be a fast surface,” Eberflus said, via 670 The Score’s Chris Emma. “Which lends to help us out … We want a fast team.”
  • It is absolutely wild that the Bears have had turf issues FOR DECADES, and that all it took to straighten it out was Eberflus (just eight months on the job) saying “This ain’t it!” for Soldier Field to get its act together. Why didn’t Dave Wannstedt, Dick Jauron, Lovie Smith, Marc Trestman, John Fox, or Matt Nagy think of this? I mean, I can understand why Trestman didn’t think of it because I’m convinced his mind looked like this when it was put into action …
  • … but I can’t understand why the others didn’t think of it!

  • While Simpsons references are fresh on my mind, we gotta stop paying attention to the Dominque Foxworth types who say the most absurd things to get clicks and social engagements. Once upon a time, there were consequences for speaking out of pocket. But now, that stuff is being rewarded. It shouldn’t. Instead, we should give it the Paul Anka treatment:
  • Guarantee void in Tennessee!

  • At minimum, this should be our reply every time something ridiculous is said:
  • On the one hand, I wish the Bears’ offensive line was set in stone. But on the other hand, I like the process the team went about this summer in trying to figure out what combination of five players represents the best it could put out there for Week 1. Teven Jenkins should be part of that mix in one way or another. Like Jacob Infante, I am also excited to see what Jenkins can do (should he be given a full slate of snaps at right guard):
  • I wonder if there is a happy medium in which Lucas Patrick plays, but Jenkins also gets a fair share of snaps. Perhaps this coaching staff would re-visit a process its predecessors used in developing James Daniels in an attempt to slow-play Jenkins’ development. If you’ll recall, Daniels was in a time-share with Eric Kush at the start of the 2018 season. Daniels, a second-round pick who had spent time at guard and center collegiately, wasn’t in the starting lineup. But starting in Week 4, he began getting a growing number of snaps with each week. And by Week 7, he was a starter getting a full share of the snaps at left guard. Maybe the Bears can do this with Jenkins playing Daniels’ role and Lucas Patrick reprising the role of veteran placeholder for the youngster with upside.
  • Even if the Bears went down that path, I still think the best five for this line right now (from left to right) is Braxton Jones, Cody Whitehair, Patrick (at center), Jenkins (at right guard), and Larry Borom. Maybe down the line we’ll see Alex Leatherwood play himself into consideration. But we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it.
  • In the meantime, we’re bracing for Sam Mustipher’s return to the starting lineup — especially with Justin Fields telling reporters (h/t ESPN’s Courtney Cronin) that he has yet to take a snap from Patrick this week. I’m not sure how a lineman’s hand is healthy enough to grasp an oncoming defender boring in at full speed and strength but not healthy enough to snap. But if Patrick isn’t healthy enough to snap, maybe he should sit until he is ready to be a full participant in that regard.
  • There is something about Brian Baldinger’s straight-forward analysis that keeps me coming back for more:
  • Say what you want about Eddie Jackson, but he is a real one:
  • Bill Belichick is undoubtedly the greatest NFL coach in league history. But it feels as if this offseason turned him into a mad scientist. This post from WEEI’s Khari Thompson has me curious as to what Emperor Palpatine Belichick is cooking. From the article:
  • “Right now, I feel like I’m watching Bill Belichick pouring ingredients into a solution, swirling them around and waiting to see if it blows up in his face.

    He’s been tinkering to find a championship football formula for almost 30 years as a head coach, and he’s done it more often than any coach in NFL history. (Of course, it helps when you get to use the full-fledged GOAT protocol for a few of them.)

    The challenge: every single season is different. The experiment is never perfectly repeatable year from year to year, even when said GOAT was involved. Now, with limited funding at his disposal and a less-than-elite set of ingredients, he’s going off-script and trying things most sane people wouldn’t.

    He’s not most people, after all. He’s Bill Belichick, M.F.S. (Mad Football Scientist).”

  • For your scheduling purposes: Only 46 days until the Bears and Pats square off on Monday Night Football. And as an added bonus, it’ll get the ManningCast treatment.
  • We probably should’ve seen this coming after last week’s reporting:
  • But at least we’re getting some clarity. And I suppose it is good news that Lonzo Ball is in Chicago getting evaluated. Maybe the proximity is a sign that more good news is on the horizon.
  • Wait … WHAT!?
  • News from the health front: I received my COVID booster shot yesterday. And I feel good today. Moreover, I didn’t have any issues yesterday. All in all, that’s a whole bunch of good news for yours truly. I find myself sharing this today because I’ve shared the good and bad from my health since we’ve entered COVID times. And while the NFL has lifted COVID-inspired restrictions, the coronavirus lingers. The folks at WGN News have details on how you can get the boosters. Here’s to good health on (and off) the field in 2022 (and beyond).
  • 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

    Rome Odunze Has a Visit With the Bears Coming Soon

    If you aren't already familiar with Rome Odunze's name or game, your time will come. The University of Washington wide receiver is one of the top prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. At this point of the year, I've officially...

    Matt Eberflus Opens a Window to the Chicago Bears Draft Plans

    NFL coaches are notoriously tight-lipped. And in his first two seasons as Bears head coach, Matt Eberflus has been no different. But every once in a while you'll catch Eberflus peel back the curtain and provide some insight regarding the...

    What Does a Chicago Bears NFL Draft Trade Down Look Like?

    You'd think we'd be well-versed in trade-back options after months of wondering what kind of haul it would take for the Bears to move off taking quarterback Caleb Williams with the first pick of the 2024 NFL Draft. But trading...

    D-Line Thoughts, Caleb, GM Seth Rollins, Pack Votes No, and Other Bears Bullets

    Cubs and White Sox opening day is today today. March Madness resumes with the Fighting Illini playing in the Sweet 16 later tonight. SIU, my alma mater, is reportedly hiring a "Coach Nagy" to lead its basketball team. And what...

    Dan Campbell is Happy To See Justin Fields Leave the NFC North

    There was no escaping the mixed emotions from Chicago Bears fans when the Justin Fields trade went down earlier this month. But there were none of that from Detroit Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell. Heck, I'd argue there was just...

    Another Pass Rusher Signs Elsewhere: Jadeveon Clowney Lands With the Panthers

    Another day. Another pass rusher signing. And another defensive lineman going to a team that isn't the Chicago Bears. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport was the first with the news of Jadeveon Clowney signing with the Carolina Panthers. Meanwhile, ESPN's...

    Malik Nabers Might’ve Run His Way Out of the Chicago Bears Draft Spot

    Today was LSU's Pro Day and Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles was scheduled to be in attendance, per The Athletic's Adam Jahns. Assuming Poles made his flight, he got a good look at the likes of quarterback Jayden Daniels, as...

    Goodell on Bears Stadium Deal, No to Hard Knocks? More Old Friends Go to Steelers, and Other Bears Bullets

    I keep forgetting that I have a Starbucks gift card from Christmas that has gone unused to this point. Maybe I'll remember it next time I go out for coffee. A big shout out to PFF Brad, who made the...

    Ryan Poles Was Pissed Off By RGIII’s Comments About Caleb Williams Situation

    When I saw them pop up, RGIII's comments suggesting Caleb Williams pull an Eli Manning and refuse to play for the Chicago Bears were met with an eye-roll, audible groan, and immediate dismissal before moving onto more pertinent topics. But...

    Bears Stadium Update: Kevin Warren Reiterates Plans to Build in Downtown Chicago

    It sure is starting to sound like Arlington Heights fumbled the bag when it comes to locking in Arlington Park as the future home of a Chicago Bears stadium. While meeting with the media at the NFL owners meetings in...

    Latest News

    Diamondbacks vs. Rockies: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

    The Arizona Diamondbacks, with Merrill Kelly on the mound, square off against the Colorado Rockies (who will counter with Cal Quantrill) in their first game of the season, at 9:40 PM ET on Friday.Keep reading to find out all the...

    Guardians vs. Athletics: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    The Cleveland Guardians, led by Jose Ramirez, take on Brent Rooker and the Oakland Athletics in their first game of the season, at 9:40 PM ET on Friday.Keep reading to see how to watch the Cleveland-Oakland matchup in the article...

    How to Watch Mariners vs. Red Sox: Live Stream or on TV

    Julio Rodriguez and the Seattle Mariners square off against Rafael Devers and the Boston Red Sox in their season opener on Friday, with first pitch at 9:40 PM ET.The article below will provide you with everything you need to watch...

    Padres vs. Giants: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    At PETCO Park on Friday, the San Francisco Giants (0-1) face Fernando Tatis Jr. and the San Diego Padres (2-1) at 9:40 PM ET.If you're intending to watch this game, keep reading for streaming and TV options for the San...

    Dodgers vs. Cardinals: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

    On Friday, Mookie Betts and the Los Angeles Dodgers (2-1) play Paul Goldschmidt and the St. Louis Cardinals (0-1), with first pitch scheduled for 10:10 PM ET at Dodger Stadium.See how to watch the Los Angeles-St. Louis matchup below.When is...

    OMG: Michael Busch Scored the 9th Inning, GO-AHEAD Run, Because He Just Never Stopped Running

    That was absolutely incredible. To all the little kids out there, when your coach tells you to never stop running, this is why. Rookie Cubs 1B Michael Busch (the guy the Cubs got from the Dodgers this offseason to be...

    Astros vs. Yankees: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    Cristian Javier will get the ball for the Houston Astros (0-1) when they host the New York Yankees (1-0), with Carlos Rodon on the mound, on Friday. First pitch is at 8:10 PM ET.Keep reading to see how to watch...

    Rays vs. Blue Jays: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

    Aaron Civale will get the start for the Tampa Bay Rays (0-1) when they host the Toronto Blue Jays (1-0), with Chris Bassitt on the mound, on Friday. First pitch is at 6:50 PM ET.Keep scrolling to find out all...

    Enhanced Box Score: Rangers 4, Cubs 3 – March 28, 2024

    It took exactly one day for the Cubs' ace to sustain what may be a significant injury, for their closer to blow a save, for the umpires to significantly impact the outcome of a critical play (this time in the...

    Justin Steele Injury Update: New Classification, MRI Tomorrow, IL Stint Coming? Steele and Counsell Speak

    A significant update on Justin Steele came from Craig Counsell tonight after the Cubs extra innings loss in Texas. In short: Yes, a stint on the Injured List is likely for Justin Steele. But we still don't know how severe...

    more bears news