I get to watch my alma mater (SIU) play football today without having to drive 6+ hours to do so. Sure, I miss Carbondale’s charms. And I’d like to get back for a visit soon. But a game against Northwestern (which might as well be in my back yard since Evanston is a stone’s throw away from where I am on the North Side of the city) is so wonderfully convenient. Go Dawgs!
This was a beautiful thing from Teven Jenkins…
… but the explanation from Jenkins to NBC Sports Chicago reporter Josh Schrock is even better. From the article:
“I was handing (Arik) Armstead over to Sam (Mustipher),” Jenkins told NBC Sports Chicago of the play. “I know my responsibility, like I said with my eyes, my responsibility goes right to (helping) Larry (Borom). I saw Bosa start to make an inside move. I said to myself, ‘if he comes inside, I have to give him a good hit.’ I went over there and I gave him a good pop. I looked down at him and I just see Larry get on top of him. I was like, ‘Oh, damn!'”
It boggles the mind when I think about Jenkins being just a little more than a month into playing right guard. The ability to turn your blocking instincts into a big-time block is impressive on its own. And when you consider the player’s experience (or lack of it), it really puts it into perspective.
I understand why the Bears put Jenkins in a rotation with Lucas Patrick. No, I don’t necessarily agree with it. I’m a trial by fire guy. But I get it. Firstly, it gives the veteran a shot at easing his way back into the lineup without sticking him at center before he is ready to roll. But it also provides Jenkins an opportunity to build his way toward being a full-time guard. Jenkins has been through the rigor this offseason. Putting too much on his plate too soon might be a mistake. But if he can string together solid reps at a relatively new position, it won’t be long before the team makes him a full-timer at right guard.
On the other side of the line of scrimmage, the Bears have a rotational rookie who is making splashes:
Brad Biggs’ latest at the Tribune dives into Dominique Robinson, who was giving off big Mark Anderson vibes in his debut. For those who are unfamiliar, Anderson was a Bears fifth-round pick in the 2006 NFL Draft. And as a rookie, Anderson blew up with 12 sacks, 9 tackles-for-loss, and 9 QB Hits in what was a year in which he was runner-up in the AP’s Defensive Rookie of the Year voting. Robinson has some work to do before he goes full 2006 Anderson, but he sure looks like the newest late-round find for this franchise.
In assessing the Week 1 performances of this year’s rookie class, NFL media’s NextGen Stats Team highlighted the 10 best rookie debuts in Week 1. The list features two Bears and includes Robinson. And it goes beyond the tackles and sacks. For example, Robinson came up with 6 total defensive stops (tied for most among rookies last week). He also came through with a 22.2% defense stop rate (leading all players with at least 20 snaps) and an 18.2 QB pressure percentage (2 QB pressures on 11 pass rushes). Whether you’re an eye-test user or a metrics maven, it’s an impressive start for Robinson. Aaron Rodgers better know where No. 91 is at all times.
In search of a fantasy sleeper for Sunday? Maybe Bears RB Khalil Herbert is a guy to consider? Maurice Moton (Bleacher Report) lists Herbert as back who isn’t owned in a ton of leagues who could put up surprising numbers. That Packers rushing defense coughed up 126 ground yards to the Vikings in Week 1. And while Patrick has David Montgomery as one of his Three Bears to keep eyes on when the game gets going, perhaps Herbert has some FLEX appeal.
A pseudo update on Velus Jones Jr.’s troublesome hamstring:
That isn’t encouraging in the slightest. However, there is no reason to rush a speedster of Jones’ caliber back from a leg injury. It would make no sense at all. I’d encourage the Bears to continue taking a cautionary route in all of this. The last thing they should be aiming to do is push Jones harder than necessary and risk further complication.
LULZ:
Now, *THIS* is art:
Something for your listening pleasure to get you through part of your Saturday:
Jim McMahon wants your follow on Twitter:
Today in “even that guy is getting an extension” is 49ers punter Mitch Wishnowsky getting a four-year extension that ESPN insider Adam Schefter reports will pay San Fran’s big boot up to $13 million. Wishnowsky put on a show in Week 1, with 3 of his 4 punts landing inside the 20 and pinning the Bears deep. Clearly, the 49ers saw that performance and wanted to lock him in before his value skyrocketed.
After taking some brutal hits, it sure sounds like Chargers QB Justin Herbert dodged serious injury:
Of course, that’s easy for me to say — they’re not my ribs.
If you’re into watching college prospects who could be future Bears draft targets, then Windy City Gridiron’s Jacob Infante has you covered ahead of college football Week 3:
Tomorrow is today for Hayden Wesneski, the Cubs rookie pitcher set to make his first major-league start as the Northsiders look for their fifth consecutive win:
Let’s remember some Bulls guys with Eli:
Ope!
NEWSLETTER
