What to Watch on Bears-less Sunday, Celebrating TEs, GB’s OL Problems, an OSU WR’s TD, and Other Bears Bullets

College football wagering took me to the shed in the early going, but some late rallying was a highlight of what might’ve been the last gorgeous Saturday of the 2022 calendar year. I hope everyone enjoyed it! Just as I hope you soak it all in with another Bears-less Sunday today.

  • Today is the day we celebrate tight ends:
  • It is fitting that we celebrate Tight End Day during Mike Ditka’s birth month, especially since it was the Bears Hall of Famer who revolutionized the position. I find it unfortunate that the Bears haven’t had an X-factor at the position in a while. It is particularly disturbing after taking into consideration how many assets (cash, cap space, and draft picks) they’ve poured into addressing the position. There is still some hope Cole Kmet can piece it together. And what better time than when the Bears’ receiving corps is lacking.
  • How many TEs are scoring TDs in today’s games?
  • As a football neutral, this is the game I’m most looking forward to watching:
  • On the one hand, I have minimal interest in watching teams like the Texans and Panthers, but Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine pegs them to be among the teams who will shape the 2023 NFL Draft. And if you’re a Bears fan, there is a non-zero chance you’re already looking at big boards, mock drafts, and player rankings. There is no shame in that. Knowledge is power!
  • Marvin Harrison Jr. isn’t draft eligible until 2024, but that isn’t stopping me from sharing this:
  • CJ Stroud is really making a case to be this draft class’ QB1. I hope Justin Fields plays well enough to where we’re not discussing Stroud as a possible Bears draft target. But if push comes to shove, Stroud is creating a tremendous prospect profile.
  • While there have been whispers of a Bears O-line shuffle, Chicago’s football team isn’t alone in discussing changes. Check out what is happening in Green Bay:
  • The Packers having line trouble has me groveling over how little pressure the Bears got on Aaron Rodgers in Week 2. Especially after seeing the Giants and Jets knock him around. Hindsight is what it is, but looking back at it makes me realize how much of a missed opportunity that was at the time.
  • Guess we could call this the Return of the Mac:
  • It sounds as if Matt Eberflus thinks Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe are two peas in a pod. I probably wouldn’t go that far, but I think I know what he is getting at in terms of prepping for scheme over individual:
  • On the other side of the spectrum, one high profile QB won’t be under center this week:
  • This is not going to be a season Russell Wilson remembers fondly when he looks back at his career:
  • The Bears are the healthiest team in the league:
  • Don’t forget to set your fantasy lineups. And don’t forget to include Christian McCaffrey, who is suiting up for the 49ers just days after his trade from the Panthers. (ESPN)
  • Elsewhere on the Panthers front, the trade block might be closing up:
  • Everyone has a price. But if two firsts isn’t getting it done for stud pass-rusher Brian Burns, then I struggle to envision a scenario where receiver DJ Moore goes on the trade block. And I’m not sure I’d want the Bears to move multiple first-round picks in a deal like that — although, I always like to hear everyone out and keep my options open.
  • At least some other trade options could become available?
  • This would make a ton of sense for the Rangers to pursue the former Sox standout (and possible Cubs free agent target):
  • A rare highlight from last night’s Bulls loss:
  • An early bright spot for the Blackhawks:
  • 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

    2024 NFL Mock Draft: How Will Quarterback Chaos Unfold In First Round?

    Only one week remains until the biggest event of the NFL offseason — the 2024 NFL Draft. Caleb Williams is going first overall unless something totally unexpected happens. But outside of that, there are still so many questions left to...

    Chicago Bears Mock Draft Trade Proposals Seem to Target One Particular Position

    I had a great visit with my therapist today. Between that and an afternoon cold brew, I've got enough in me to power through an evening Bears post. Let's dig into some recent mock drafts that are giving off a...

    Sounds Like the Bears Will Consider Taking Brock Bowers If They Stay at No. 9

    For all the discussion about the big three wide receivers who could be on the Chicago Bears radar on NFL Draft weekend, a different high-profile pass-catcher is apparently garnering some interest from the team. All-American tight end Brock Bowers had...

    Bears Hire Ted Crews as Special Advisor to President Kevin Warren

    The Chicago Bears continue building out their organizational staff around President Kevin Warren. And their latest addition arrives to Halas Hall with three Super Bowl rings in tow. The team announced the hiring of Ted Crews, who has spent the...

    I Don’t Hate Trading Up, Cairo Reaches Out, Jed Chimes In, and Other Bears Bullets

    Maybe it's just me, but Wednesdays are starting to feel like the new Mondays. Ick. There are just 8 days until the 2024 NFL Draft. We're almost there, friends. We've almost made it. The best pre-draft stat you'll see comes...

    The Bears Had Eyes on Illini DT Johnny Newton Today

    Even though the Chicago Bears have plugged several notable holes this offseason, one biggie remains. And it leaves me to ask a pertinent question: Who wants to play the 3-technique defensive tackle role? Perhaps Illinois' Johnny Newton is the answer....

    Watch Out For the Cardinals and Chargers as Possible Bears Trade Partners

    'Tis the season for dot-connecting. And if you are a Chicago Bears fan, you might want to keep tabs on what is happening between your favorite team's current first and ninth picks. ESPN's Adam Schefter names the Arizona Cardinals and...

    The Washington Commanders Are Hosting a Pre-Draft QB Group Date

    The MMQB's Albert Breer shares an anecdote about the Washington Commanders pre-draft process. Washington, which holds the second pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, is hosting a bunch of quarterbacks for top-30 visits this week. Together. In the same place....

    The Bears Are Back, Caleb, Verse, Goff, Biles, and Other Bears Bullets

    Thin Lizzy's "The Boys Are Back In Town" played in a loop in my head on Monday as I thought about the Chicago Bears strolling into Halas Hall to start the offseason training program. This is what it looked like...

    Chop Robinson is Reportedly Visiting the Bears

    Chop Robinson is more than a cool name. He was also a productive edge defender for the Penn State Nittany Lions. And, today, NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reports that Chop Robinson is visiting with the Chicago Bears — today. That's...

    Latest News

    Cubs vs. Marlins Probable Starting Pitchers – April 18

    The Chicago Cubs (11-7) and the Miami Marlins (4-15) face off at Wrigley Field on Thursday at 7:40 PM ET, beginning a four-game series.The Cubs will give the nod to Jameson Taillon against the Marlins and Andrew Jacob Puk (0-3).Cubs...

    Green Bay Packers Draft Picks: Full List of NFL Draft Selections

    The Green Packers made some noise in the playoffs last season and hope to build on that success in the 2024 NFL Draft. Take a look at the Packers draft picks for 2024. Green Bay Packers 2024 NFL Draft Picks...

    Cincinnati Bengals Draft Picks: Full List of NFL Draft Selections

    The Bengals missed the playoffs in 2023 and QB Joe Burrow played just 10 games. The team is now moving forward and focusing on the 2024 NFL Draft. Check out the Bengals list of draft picks for 2024. Cincinnati Bengals...

    DraftKings Promo Code: Unlock $200 New User Bonus for Thursday!

    Are you ready to experience the thrill of sports betting? The new DraftKings promo code is here to get you started. DraftKings, one of the leading online sportsbooks in the United States, is offering a fantastic opportunity for new users...

    You’ll Be Even More Impressed with Hayden Wesneski, When You Hear What it Took to Get Him to Arizona

    Hayden Wesneski was the hero of yesterday's finale and series-win over the Arizona Diamondbacks, coming in to clean up Jordan Wicks' (little) mess in the 5th ... and then tossing 4 shutout innings to save an over-used bullpen and help...

    Bedard’s Expectations, Dickinson’s Selke Case, Farewell Arizona, Records Made & Missed, and Other Blackhawks Bullets

    Welcome to the final day of the 2023-24 NHL season, hockey fans! The Blackhawks visit the LA Kings to close the books on their campaign tonight. Gotta love a 9:30 puck drop against a team that's beat the Hawks soundly...

    Check Out BetMGM Bonus Code, MLB Odds, and NBA Futures for 4/18

    New users can score a BetMGM bonus code right now for a $1,500 first bet offer in legal states. Check out today's MLB odds, NBA futures, and more as you look to make your first bet. BetMGM Sportsbook Promo Code...

    Los Angeles Rams Draft Picks: Full List of NFL Draft Selections

    The Los Angeles Rams got hot to end the 2023 season to reach the playoffs before being knocked out in the Wild Card Round. Now, they focus on the 2024 NFL Draft. Check out the team's selections for this year's...

    Offseason Cubs Target Robert Stephenson Now Out for the Year

    Hand up, I really wanted the Cubs to sign reliever Robert Stephenson this offseason. I felt like they could use one more impact arm (accurate), and I felt like Stephenson was one of the best available (about that ... )....

    Rays Closer Pete Fairbanks With a Wonderful and Brutally Honest Line About His Performance

    Rays closer Pete Fairbanks has been an extremely effective reliever the last four years, posting a 2.66 ERA from 2020 through 2023, with a 34.8% K rate and worth 4.1 WAR. But things have started out much more rough for...

    more bears news