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.

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