Super Bowl Ex-Factor, Addressing Needs in the Trenches, ’85 “D” Still the Best, and Other Bears Bullets

The road to the Super Bowl is long and pointless. I mean, when you think about it. But now, the two conference champs must survive a harrowing bye week that no one enjoys.

  • Super Bowl LVII is set. It’ll be the Philadelphia Eagles emerging out of the NFC after a thorough trouncing of the San Francisco 49ers. Who knew that even the great Kyle Shanahan needed a quarterback to navigate through the title game? Meanwhile, the Kansas City Chiefs are representing the AFC after a thrilling win against the Cincinnati Bengals. I think the Patrick Mahomes-Joe Burrow rivalry will be this generation’s version of Peyton Manning vs. Tom Brady. Those are awfully large shoes to fill, to be sure. But these two QBs are up for anything. And I’m all in on this budding rivalry.

  • Yes, Sunday’s Chiefs win means that former Bears Head Coach Matt Nagy is going to the Super Bowl. So are former Bears players Michael Burton (2017-18), Deon Bush (2016-21), and Ihmir Smith-Marsette (2022). I suppose we can lump in Andy Heck (1994-98), who is KC’s OL Coach. Speaking of assistants, former Bears Special Teams Coordinator Dave Toub (2004-12) makes another trip to the Super Bowl.

  • On the other side of the coin, Robert Quinn (2020-22) is the only ex-Bear player on the Eagles’ Super Bowl roster. Meanwhile, DEs/OLBs Coach Jeremiah Washburn (a Bears OL Coach in 2017) is the only notable staffer on Philly’s coaching staff. If you’re the type to apply Royko’s Ex-Cub Factor to the Bears, then I imagine you’d wager on the Eagles to win the Super Bowl. Just 13 days to go!

  • NFL officiating had a rough go of it during the AFC title game:

https://twitter.com/benbbaldwin/status/1619885583194804228?s=20&t=evETKPMG1mpEHs8MwAjSjQ
  • It is so painfully clear that the NFL needs to go back to the drawing board. There needs to be improved quality. But also, there needs to be a better process in place. As soon as the NFL comes to grips with the fact that there are no easy fixes to its officiating issues, it can get around to getting better.

  • LOL: Orlando Brown Jr. out here demanding respect for Patrick Mahomes who *checks notes* is widely regarded as a top-2 quarterback in the NFL:

  • It is worth noting that Orlando Brown Jr., KC’s left tackle, is a free-agent-to-be this upcoming offseason. And for what it’s worth, Brown was PFF’s 17th-highest-graded tackle with the 22nd-best pass-blocking grade. There were 84 offensive tackles who qualified for the Pro Football Focus leaderboard. In other words, Brown is in good company near the top of the list. He turns 27 in May and should be someone the Bears should explore as a free agent option this offseason (if he doesn’t get the Franchise or Transition Tag from the Chiefs).

  • There is no way I was the only one last night wondering about how the Bears can get someone like Chris Jones on their roster:

https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1619892142096240643?s=20&t=evETKPMG1mpEHs8MwAjSjQ
  • Jones came up with 2 sacks, 3 tackles-for-loss, 5 quarterback hits, and 3 solo tackles on Sunday against the Bengals on Conference Championship Sunday. The four-time Pro Bowler comes to play in the biggest games. And the Bears can use someone like that anchoring the middle of their defense.

  • I imagine that folks with a particular scouting eye will point to Georgia’s Jalen Carter as being that guy. Carter was an absolute menace at Georgia. The good type of menace. A kind of menace I’d like wreaking havoc on NFC North quarterbacks if given the opportunity.

  • Our day will come:

https://twitter.com/BoJack4/status/1619835538999250944?s=20&t=5Oj0MKbiZjjLs6eQMoZSdg
  • There have been 13,518 days that have passed since the Bears won Super Bowl XX. And yet, that epic defense remains an all-timer. A Rick Gosselin poll of 225 former players, coaches, officials, writers, and broadcasters voted that 1985 Bears “D” as the most dominant in the game’s history. Other contenders include the 1969 Chiefs, 1972 Dolphins, 1974 Steelers, 1977 Cowboys, 2000 Ravens, 2002 Bucs, and 2013 Steelers. That is some stiff competition. But was there any doubt the Bears would come out on top there? (NBC Sports Chicago)

  • Let’s never lose sight of the human element:

  • I realize it is easy to forget those millionaire athletes are humans, too. It was a boneheaded mistake to hit Patrick Mahomes out of bounds. And a costly one, too. That moment will eat at him for a while. But that was also one of those plays where it happens so close to the boundary and it’s a split-second call to make. We’ve seen that not called before, but they weren’t going to overlook that one in that game.

  • Here’s hoping Justin Fields starts getting the benefit of the doubt on those calls moving forward.

  • A work trip to Vegas always sounds good:

  • The Bears won’t have a Pro Bowl representative on the field, but their mascot (Staley) will be out there. Hopefully, Patrick will steer him clear of any trouble out in Sin City.

  • An old friend finds a new home in Miami:

  • Grumble. Why won’t the talk of a neutral-site conference title game just go away already? The only people who want it are the ones cashing checks in the NFL. Conference championship games at neutral sites means advertising revenue and bidding from teams wanting to host. Sure, that’s great for the bottom line. But is it possible for the NFL to make a decision that isn’t solely motivated by making money? Or is that too much to ask? (PFT)

  • Ah, I see we’re not the only ones with eyes on the 2023 draft:

  • Basketball trade rumor season is upon us!

  • Trey Mancini has been someone I’ve been rostering in fantasy leagues for years. Dual eligibility (1B-OF) helps, but the power has long been intriguing. Brett discusses Mancini’s fit at Wrigley and I’m wondering if he is someone I should have on my radar in 2023.

  • catimg

    cubs

  • catimg

    bears

  • catimg

    bulls

  • catimg

    blackhawks

catimg
Chicago Cubs
Brett Taylor
โ€ข
Feb 08, 2025

What the Cubs Can Still Do, More Old Friends Sign, Spring Training Visuals, and Other Cubs Bullets

Everybody else was doing it, so I thought I would go ahead and get sick. As a treat. Pitchers and catchers officially report tomorrow, marking the nominal beginning of Spring Training. The Cubs' roster may or may not be complete at this point, but you'd strongly prefer not to make any dramatic changes once things really really get rolling - it just seems like more times than not, you see...

catimg
Chicago Cubs
Brett Taylor
โ€ข
Feb 07, 2025

Chicago Cubs Announce Non-Roster Invites to 2025 Spring Training

As expected, the Chicago Cubs today announced their non-roster invites to big league Spring Training. The full list is below, with the reminder that these are the NON-40-MAN players who are coming to big league camp. So if you're wondering where someone obvious is, pretty good bet they're on the 40-man, so, yes, they'll be there. You know the minor league deal veterans already, but there are a host of...

catimg
Chicago Cubs
Brett Taylor
โ€ข
Feb 07, 2025
Alex Bregman

Obsessive Alex Bregman Watch: Cubs Remain Involved, But Level-Setting Harder to Say

There's not a whole lot doing yet today on the Alex Bregman front, but there are a few updates to share, at least. First, from Bruce Levine, who says the Cubs are still working at it and seems to imply that some members of the organization might be trying to convince other members of the organization that a certain level of deal is worth it or not: Cubs remain in...

catimg
Chicago Cubs
Brett Taylor
โ€ข
Feb 07, 2025

What About Lefty Jalen Beeks As an Additional Depth Option for the Cubs?

The Athletic did a thing where they picked an available free a gent for each of the 30 MLB teams, and although I want to underscore that there's no "rumor" here, I did find the selection for the Cubs to be sufficiently interesting to merit a discussion. Particularly after going through the entire collection of bullpen options for the Cubs yesterday and noting how few of them throw lefty. Which...

catimg
Chicago Cubs
Brett Taylor
โ€ข
Feb 07, 2025

The Many New Top Chicago Cubs Prospects Lists

The many, many pre-2025 Chicago Cubs top-X-number-of-prospects lists have dropped the last couple weeks - MLB Pipeline is the only major one we're still waiting on - and if you haven't seen all or any of them, I thought I'd round them up here. I also have some thoughts. Baseball America dropped its full slate of top-30s for each organization: https://bsky.app/profile/baseballamerica.com/post/3lh22jl2hct2v No huge surprises on the list for the Cubs,...

catimg
Chicago Cubs
Brett Taylor
โ€ข
Feb 07, 2025
Matt Shaw, Cubs projections

Shaw and 2B-3B, Ricketts on McCaskey, Early Start, Mizuhara, Padres, and Other Cubs Bullets

I feel like a genius and an idiot: for *YEARS* I have loved peanut butter sauce as an ice cream topping, but you can't get it everywhere, and there's basically no good take-home variety. So I get it when I can get it, and otherwise am just sad. BUT THEN LAST NIGHT I WAS LIKE DUH I CAN MAKE MY OWN AT HOME! I've got this powdered peanut butter protein,...

catimg
Chicago Cubs
Brett Taylor
โ€ข
Feb 06, 2025
Alex Bregman MLB Rumors Cubs

Obsessive Alex Bregman Watch: How Many Suitors? How Many Years? Red Sox Back-Up Plan? More

A few Alex Bregman bits to chew on as you settle down for the night ... Jon Heyman tonight writes that although Bregman is receiving "creative short-term offers," he and Scott Boras are still looking for six+ years. That tracks with Bob Nightengale's reporting earlier today. Heyman adds that the Astros actually have come up some amount from their offer from earlier in the offseason (reportedly six years and $156...

catimg
Chicago Cubs
Michael Cerami
โ€ข
Feb 06, 2025

Free Agent 3B Yoan Moncada Signs with the Angels

The Chicago Cubs, ostensibly still in the market for a free-agent third baseman, will watch one option fall off the board tonight. Former White Sox third baseman - and offseason Cubs target - Yoan Moncada is reportedly signing a modest deal with the Los Angeles Angels. Yoan Moncada to the Angels Ken Rosenthal reports the deal on X as a one-year, $5 million contract. https://twitter.com/Ken_Rosenthal/status/1887654549227512106 Moncada, still just 29, is...

catimg
Chicago Cubs
Brett Taylor
โ€ข
Feb 06, 2025

Resetting the Chicago Cubs’ Excessively Crowded Bullpen Picture

Given the Ryan Brasier trade potentially capping off the Chicago Cubs' bullpen moves for the offseason, and given how much movement there has been in that group this offseason, I thought it worth a reset just to see where the Cubs stand. How many arms do they have available now for the bullpen group? How many can be moved up and down? Who is fighting for a roster spot? You...

catimg
Chicago Cubs
Michael Cerami
โ€ข
Feb 06, 2025

Let’s Look at the Cubs Payroll and Roster Implications of Signing Alex Bregman

Based on some scattered quotes from ownership โ€” as well as where Jed Hoyer's front office wound up last season โ€” our initial expectation for the Cubs 2025 payroll was right around the first tier of the luxury tax threshold (up to $241M this year). But then, around mid-winter, those expectations changed. Supported by their cost-saving activity in free agency and especially trade, some new reporting/speculating led us to believe that...

catimg
Chicago Bears
Luis C. Medina
โ€ข
Feb 08, 2025

R.I.P. Dick Jauron, Roger Goodell Talks Bears Stadium Deal and More, and Other Saturday Bullets

Day 34 of the Chicago Bears offseason. My friend Jim shared this recipe for Oreo Bourbon Balls, which he says are the ultimate no-bake treat. It sure as heck seems like this would be the perfect thing to whip up quickly in a pinch for a Super Bowl party. Some somber news at the top with the Chicago Tribune's Brad Biggs reporting on the death of former Bears coach Dick...

catimg
Chicago Bears
Luis C. Medina
โ€ข
Feb 07, 2025
Boise State takes on San Diego St. tonight

Ashton Jeanty Sees the Chicago Bears as a Potential Landing Spot

I am coming around to the idea of Ashton Jeanty lining up next to Caleb Williams in the Chicago Bears backfield. Don't get it twisted. I know the Bears have needs in the trenches on both sides of the line of scrimmage. But if General Manager Ryan Poles can plug those holes in March when free agency opens its doors, then it could open things up for the team to...

catimg
Chicago Bears
Patrick K. Flowers
โ€ข
Feb 07, 2025
Caleb Williams Bears

Chicago Bears 2024 Exit Interviews: Caleb Williams

The nightmare that was the 2024 Chicago Bears season is over. Before the transactional period starts and the roster changes begin, we will recap the seasons of most of the 53-man roster. Next up: We're looking at the 2024 season of quarterback Caleb Williams. Caleb Williams' 2024 Snapshot Caleb Williams' rookie season is in the books, featuring no shortage of peaks and valleys. Williams' rookie numbers weren't just the best...

catimg
Chicago Bears
Luis C. Medina
โ€ข
Feb 07, 2025
myles Garrett browns trade bears target

This is What a Myles Garrett Trade Could Look Like

The NFL moved so quickly during Super Bowl Week that Myles Garrett's trade request feels like it happened forever ago. Of course, we know it didn't happen forever ago. This week started with a bang as the Cleveland Browns star pass rusher put in a formal trade request, which shot to the top of the list of offseason storylines we are looking forward to watching unfold. But one thing we...

catimg
Chicago Bears
Patrick K. Flowers
โ€ข
Feb 07, 2025
What to know about Super Bowl LVII

Super Bowl LIX: Can the Eagles Derail the Chiefs Pursuit of NFL History?

The biggest storyline of this NFL season is the Kansas City Chiefs' pursuit of a historic third consecutive Super Bowl victory. Even if they fall short in Super Bowl LIX, they have already made history as the first team to win two straight Super Bowls and return to a third in a row. No team has ever won three straight Super Bowl titles, though the Green Bay Packers won three...

catimg
Chicago Bears
Patrick K. Flowers
โ€ข
Feb 07, 2025
fantasy football defense rankings

Chicago Bears 2024 Exit Interviews: Tremaine Edmunds

The nightmare that was the 2024 Chicago Bears season is over. Before the transactional period starts and the roster changes begin, we will recap the seasons of most of the 53-man roster. Next up: We're looking at the 2024 season of Tremaine Edmunds. Tremaine Edmunds' 2024 Snapshot There were many things to be frustrated with during the 2024 season, and Tremaine Edmunds was often on my list. Edmunds finished the...

catimg
Chicago Bears
Patrick K. Flowers
โ€ข
Feb 07, 2025
neutral site

Super Bowl LIX: Here’s How the Bleacher Nation Staff Sees Things Playing Out In New Orleans

With the Super Bowl just a couple of days away, I polled the writers at Bleacher Nation to see who they have winning Sunday's contest, and we're leaning Kansas City, but this will no doubt be the Chiefs' tallest task during their road to a potential three-peat. Here's how the Bleacher Nation staff sees Super Bowl LIX playing out on Sunday: Luis C. Medina Eagles 24, Chiefs 23 MVP: Saquon...

catimg
Chicago Bears
Luis C. Medina
โ€ข
Feb 07, 2025
NFL Logo on the field

More on Virginia McCaskey, Steelers Going to Dublin, Respect For Rivals, and Other Bears Bullets

Day 33 of the Chicago Bears offseason. We made it to the first Friday of February. Huzzah! I need to get my Super Bowl menu in order. And I'm sure you do, too. My friend Jim offered up the suggestion of these buffalo chicken wontons, which appear to be DELICIOUS. More condolences from around the league after Virginia McCaskey's passing: The Packers send their deepest condolences to the McCaskey and...

catimg
Chicago Bears
Patrick K. Flowers
โ€ข
Feb 07, 2025
jared allen in post bears

Around the NFL: Annual Awards, Hall of Fame Class of 2025, Remembering McCaskey, More

We're just over 48 hours from the Super Bowl on Sunday in New Orleans. Still, there's plenty to discuss around the league, including the NFL Honors results, the Pro Football Hall of Fame's newest class, the passing of Virginia McCaskey, and more in today's NFL Notes. The Football World Mourns the Passing of Virginia McCaskey Virginia Halas McCaskey, the majority owner and matriarch of the Chicago Bears, passed on Thursday...

catimg
Chicago Bears
Luis C. Medina
โ€ข
Feb 06, 2025

NFL World Reacts to News of Virginia McCaskey Passing Away

Today, we were saddened to learn of the passing of Bears owner and team matriarch Virginia McCaskey. For more details, please readย our initial report on the news. The death of Virginia Halas McCaskey means that the NFL has lost a legacy. Mrs. McCaskey had been the Chicago Bears' principal owner since 1983 when her father, George Halas, passed away. The Bears matriarch has seen the NFL evolve from an upstart...

catimg
Chicago Bulls
Elias Schuster
โ€ข
Feb 08, 2025

Meet the Chicago Bulls’ Newbies (and Other Bulls Bullets)

It only feels right that the Chicago Bulls' first game after the trade deadline will pit them against the new-look Golden State Warriors. After weeks upon weeks of rumors connecting the Western Conference squad to Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic, they snubbed the Bulls in favor of their former franchise centerpiece. I'm sure most of us expected Butler to come out motivated, but kicking off this new era where it...

catimg
Chicago Bulls
Elias Schuster
โ€ข
Feb 07, 2025

So the Bulls Are Rebuilding, Right? Here is Arturas Karnisovas’ Answer

Chicago Bulls fans didn't get many answers at this trade deadline, but it wasn't for a lack of trying. Confronted with a seemingly confused group of local reporters on Thursday afternoon, Arturas Karnisovas was pressed about the organization's philosophy. He fielded repeated questions about their failure to accumulate additional assets and the franchise's sense of urgency to improve their lottery odds ahead of a wildly praised 2025 NBA Draft. The...

catimg
Chicago Bulls
Matt Rooney
โ€ข
Feb 07, 2025
Jimmy Butler Intro Warriors

Of Course Jimmy Butler is Expected to Make His Warriors Debut in Chicago

In a twist of fate that will only further irk Bulls fans, Jimmy Butler is expected to make his Warriors debut on Saturday night at the United Center. Butler, of course, was traded by the Heat to the Warriors a night before the trade deadline. He also agreed to a two-year, $121 million contract extension with Golden State shortly after the deal was announced. https://twitter.com/anthonyVslater/status/1887698672286376408 Jimmy Butler's Return A Stark...

catimg
Chicago Bulls
Elias Schuster
โ€ข
Feb 07, 2025

AK Can’t Pick a Lane, So Many Guards, Torrey Craig Finds a New Team, and Other Bulls Bullets

The Chicago Bulls served as a generous portion of Nothing Pie during each of the last three NBA trade deadlines. This year, the slice at least had some whipped cream on top. I'm not going to go as far as saying that Arturas Karnisovas deserves credit for moving on from Zach LaVine, but it was a box that desperately needed to be checked. The problem is that making that move...

catimg
Chicago Bulls
Matt Rooney
โ€ข
Feb 07, 2025

Warriors Reportedly Tried to Strike Last Second Deal with Bulls for Nikola Vucevic … But Nothing

The trade deadline came and went yesterday without any additional moves by the Bulls. Obviously, they were able to deal Zach LaVine for a somewhat underwhelming return on Sunday. But hey, at least they were finally taking the leap and selling off pieces, right? Guess again! While moving on from Zach LaVine was an unfortunate but necessary decision, the handling of the rest of the roster felt like yet another...

catimg
Chicago Bulls
Elias Schuster
โ€ข
Feb 06, 2025

It’s All Still A Big Hot Mess for the Chicago Bulls

I had a fresh bouquet ready to deliver to the Chicago Bulls' offices at the Advocate Center on Thursday afternoon. Instead, a singular tulip petal has been left at reception. Arturas Karnisovas roped everybody in when finally striking a deal for two-time All-Star Zach LaVine. Joining the De'Aaron Fox trade to San Antonio, the return left a little to be desired but still handed the Bulls some much-needed future flexibility....

catimg
Chicago Bulls
Matt Rooney
โ€ข
Feb 06, 2025

NBA Trade Deadline Recap: All the Deals From the Big Day

The NBA trade deadline has come and gone! After a chaotic last couple of days, things quieted down a bit on the actual deadline day. However, while we didn't get the most active last few hours, this ended up being one of the wildest trade deadline seasons in recent memory. It's hard to recall as many in-season trades involving players of the magnitude that we saw shipped elsewhere this season....

catimg
Chicago Bulls
Elias Schuster
โ€ข
Feb 06, 2025

TRADE: Cavaliers Add De’Andre Hunter in Deal with Hawks

Sitting 41-10 and at the top of the Eastern Conference, the Cleveland Cavaliers are going for it. ESPN's Shams Charania reported that the Cavaliers have acquired De'Andre Hunter from the Atlanta Hawks. The deal will see Caris LeVert, Georges Niang, three second-round picks, and two swaps. Hunter is in the thick of a career year, averaging 19.0 points and 3.9 rebounds per game off the bench. https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1887572277761343556 Cavaliers Land De'Andre...

catimg
Chicago Bulls
Elias Schuster
โ€ข
Feb 06, 2025

The Bulls Have Talked to a “Group of Teams” About Coby White

Despite some indications that the trade waters have settled around the United Center, the Chicago Bulls continue to come up in rumors just hours before Thursday's 2:00 p.m. CT deadline. Nikola Vucevic remains the primary focus. While the big man told reports following Chicago's loss to Minnesota that he expects to wake up in Chicago on Friday morning, he found himself linked to the Golden State Warriors again hours later....

catimg
Chicago Bulls
Elias Schuster
โ€ข
Feb 06, 2025

Deadline Day(!), Please Keep Making Moves, Lonzo Ball Stays, Buzelis’ First Start, and Other Bulls Bullets

*walks into bunker, turns on megaphone, blares air horn* UP AND AT 'EM, CADETS! MAN YOUR STATIONS, CADETS! SOUND THE ALARM! TURN ON SHAMS CHARANIA'S NOTIFICATIONS! TRADE DEADLINE DAY IS HERE! While I've done no research to back this up, I still feel confident declaring this the craziest NBA trade deadline ever. We have had multiple All-Star players on the move, headlined by a Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis trade...

catimg
Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
โ€ข
Feb 08, 2025
Ryan Donato Alex Vlasic Chicago Blackhawks

Donato’s Hot, Pond Hockey Claps Back, Slaggert’s a Dog, Lardis Hits 50, and Other Blackhawks Bullets

โ€œHeโ€™s hotter than burnt toast.โ€ That's how Seth Jones described Ryan Donato after his first career four-point game last night. Donato has been so good all year; his work ethic is precisely what you want young players to emulate when they get to the NHL. Seeing him get the rewards in the box score for working his ass off is great. But it presents a tough decision for the Blackhawks'...

catimg
Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
โ€ข
Feb 07, 2025
Pat Maroon Chicago Blackhawks

Blackhawks 6, Predators 2 โ€” Three Stars, Key Takeaways

The first seven minutes of this game were melatonin on ice. But then Alex Vlasic made something happen and the Blackhawks took a 1-0 lead... which they held for a whopping 19 seconds. Thankfully, the Blackhawks got the lead back almost exactly six minutes later and held onto it until the end of the first period. The Blackhawks killed a penalty to open the second period and cashed in on...

catimg
Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
โ€ข
Feb 07, 2025
Ethan Del Mastro Frank Nazar Alec Martinez Chicago Blackhawks

Blackhawks vs Predators โ€” Lineups, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

The Blackhawks have two games -- in two days -- left before the 4 Nations Face-Off break and things got a lot harder with the loss of Jason Dickinson on Wednesday night. Both games are against struggling division rivals, so we'll see if the Hawks can put together a full 60-minute game tonight and get a win against a Predators team that's massively underwhelming after a big summer. Broadcast Info...

catimg
Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
โ€ข
Feb 07, 2025
Connor Bedard Nick Foligno

Life Without Dickinson, the Plan in Net, Wirtz on McCaskey, and Other Blackhawks Bullets

The Blackhawks play their final home game before the two-week break for the 4 Nations Face-Off tonight with the Nashville Predators in town. Unfortunately, the Blackhawks will have to face a team that, despite their awful record, is still offensively gifted with names like Stamkos and Forsberg out there. And the Blackhawks will have to do it without Jason Dickinson. We got some relatively encouraging news on Dickinson on Thursday,...

catimg
Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
โ€ข
Feb 07, 2025
Connor Bedard Chicago Blackhawks

Let’s Talk About the Connor Bedard Criticism

So we'll just go ahead and get the Friday party started with the topic du jour in Chicago and beyond in the hockey world lately. Let's all criticize Connor Bedard! Over the weekend, Mark Messier hopped on ESPN and threw some shade at Bedard. He went as far as to say the Blackhawks should take ice time away from Bedard because of what Messier perceived as less-than-full effort defensively on...

catimg
Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
โ€ข
Feb 06, 2025
Jason Dickinson Chicago Blackhawks

Good(?) News on Jason Dickinson

The Blackhawks practiced on Thursday afternoon after their tough overtime loss to Edmonton late on Wednesday night. Not on the ice: veteran center Jason Dickinson, who suffered what appeared to be a nasty injury during the second period. Dickinson was seen leaving the United Center in a walking boot. The hope was that the severity wasn't as bad as it certainly looked when he left the ice with assistance. After...

catimg
Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
โ€ข
Feb 06, 2025
Chicago Blackhawks Kyle Davidson

NHL Insider Talks Blackhawks Trade Buzz, Rantanen Trade Fallout, Future Contract Strategy

On Thursday morning, Elliotte Friedman dropped a loaded written version of his "32 Thoughts" and there are some good Blackhawks-centric nuggets in there. Here's what got my attention: Blackhawks trade buzz I noted in my bullets this morning that there were 14 teams represented in the press box scouting the Blackhawks-Oilers game. Friedman notes a light schedule and the looming two-week break meant there was plenty of attention in Chicago...

catimg
Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
โ€ข
Feb 06, 2025
Jason Dickinson Chicago Blackhawks

Dickinson Concern, More Bedard Criticism, Scouts Galore, 49 for Lardis, and Other Blackhawks Bullets

The Blackhawks lost a hard fought game to the Oilers in overtime last night. They showed a lot of mettle, battling back from a two-goal deficit in the third period to tie the game late. But a bad penalty in overtime cost them the second point in the standings. The result of the game last night isn't much of a concern if we're honest. What is a major concern is...

catimg
Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
โ€ข
Feb 06, 2025
Aidan Thompson DU University of Denver

Blackhawks College Prospects: Ranked Matchups, Beanpot Championship on Tap

We're now into February, and Blackhawks prospects continue to put up solid numbers across college hockey. There are some really good ranked matchups this weekend, with Denver and Providence both playing important conference matchups. And, Monday night, Boston University will face Boston College in a hyped Beanpot championship game. Here's this weekend's schedule for the Blackhawks' prospects in action. And, again, make sure you vote every day for one of...

catimg
Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
โ€ข
Feb 05, 2025
Arvid Soderblom Chicago Blackhawks

Blackhawks 3, Oilers 4 (OT) โ€” Three Stars, Key Takeaways

The good news when a game starts at almost 9 PM local is the first period flew by and neither team scored. With a little under eight minutes left in the first period, this ridiculous sequence by Arvid Sรถderblom and Connor Murphy kept the game tied at zeroes. Oh my Arvid Soderblom, what a saveMurphy helps out too with a stop of his own pic.twitter.com/Wu11sUNd07— BHF (@BlackhawksFocus) February 6, 2025...

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

R.I.P. Dick Jauron, Roger Goodell Talks Bears Stadium Deal and More, and Other Saturday Bullets

Day 34 of the Chicago Bears offseason. My friend Jim shared this recipe for Oreo Bourbon Balls, which he says are the ultimate no-bake treat. It sure as heck seems like this would be the perfect thing to whip up...

Ashton Jeanty Sees the Chicago Bears as a Potential Landing Spot

I am coming around to the idea of Ashton Jeanty lining up next to Caleb Williams in the Chicago Bears backfield. Don't get it twisted. I know the Bears have needs in the trenches on both sides of the line...

Chicago Bears 2024 Exit Interviews: Caleb Williams

The nightmare that was the 2024 Chicago Bears season is over. Before the transactional period starts and the roster changes begin, we will recap the seasons of most of the 53-man roster. Next up: We're looking at the 2024 season...

This is What a Myles Garrett Trade Could Look Like

The NFL moved so quickly during Super Bowl Week that Myles Garrett's trade request feels like it happened forever ago. Of course, we know it didn't happen forever ago. This week started with a bang as the Cleveland Browns star...

Super Bowl LIX: Can the Eagles Derail the Chiefs Pursuit of NFL History?

The biggest storyline of this NFL season is the Kansas City Chiefs' pursuit of a historic third consecutive Super Bowl victory. Even if they fall short in Super Bowl LIX, they have already made history as the first team to...

Chicago Bears 2024 Exit Interviews: Tremaine Edmunds

The nightmare that was the 2024 Chicago Bears season is over. Before the transactional period starts and the roster changes begin, we will recap the seasons of most of the 53-man roster. Next up: We're looking at the 2024 season...

Super Bowl LIX: Here’s How the Bleacher Nation Staff Sees Things Playing Out In New Orleans

With the Super Bowl just a couple of days away, I polled the writers at Bleacher Nation to see who they have winning Sunday's contest, and we're leaning Kansas City, but this will no doubt be the Chiefs' tallest task...

More on Virginia McCaskey, Steelers Going to Dublin, Respect For Rivals, and Other Bears Bullets

Day 33 of the Chicago Bears offseason. We made it to the first Friday of February. Huzzah! I need to get my Super Bowl menu in order. And I'm sure you do, too. My friend Jim offered up the suggestion...

Around the NFL: Annual Awards, Hall of Fame Class of 2025, Remembering McCaskey, More

We're just over 48 hours from the Super Bowl on Sunday in New Orleans. Still, there's plenty to discuss around the league, including the NFL Honors results, the Pro Football Hall of Fame's newest class, the passing of Virginia McCaskey,...

Saquon Confirms Bears Rumors, Doors Opening For Cunningham? and Other Wednesday Bullets

Day 31 of the Chicago Bears offseason. Happy Hump Day! Saquon Barkley says he was "pretty damn close to signing with the Bears last offseason, according to Patrick Finley of the Chicago Sun-Times. If you'll recall, the Bears were viewed...

Latest News

Kings vs. Ducks Prediction: Picks, Live Odds and Moneyline – Saturday, February 8, 2025

The Los Angeles Kings host the Anaheim Ducks on Saturday, and are -245 favorites on the moneyline, with the visiting team a heavy underdog at +200.Watch the NHL on Fubo!Kings vs. Ducks Favorite, Moneyline, TotalFavorite: Kings (-245)Underdog: Ducks (+200)Total: 5.5Best...

Stars vs. Sharks Prediction: Odds, Picks, Best Bets – Saturday, February 8, 2025

The Dallas Stars travel to face the San Jose Sharks on Saturday, and are -270 favorites on the moneyline, with the home team a heavy underdog at +220.Watch the NHL on Fubo!Stars vs. Sharks Favorite, Moneyline, TotalFavorite: Stars (-270)Underdog: Sharks...

Flames vs. Kraken Prediction: Picks, Live Odds and Moneyline – Saturday, February 8, 2025

The Calgary Flames are -130 favorites over the Seattle Kraken (+110) playing on home ice on Saturday at Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary.Watch the NHL on Fubo!Flames vs. Kraken Favorite, Moneyline, TotalFavorite: Flames (-130)Underdog: Kraken (+110)Total: 5.5Best Flames vs. Kraken Promo...

Maple Leafs vs. Canucks Prediction: Picks, Live Odds and Moneyline – Saturday, February 8, 2025

The Toronto Maple Leafs are fancied by bookmakers to top the Vancouver Canucks when they play on Saturday at 7:00 PM ET, with the visiting Maple Leafs at -142 on the moneyline, and the Canucks at +120.Watch the NHL on...

Wild vs. Islanders Prediction: Live Odds, Stats, History and Picks – Saturday, February 8, 2025

The Minnesota Wild are fancied by sportsbooks to top the New York Islanders when they meet up on Saturday at 8:00 PM ET, with the Wild at -155 on the moneyline, and the visiting Islanders at +130.Watch the NHL on...

Rangers vs. Blue Jackets Prediction: Odds, Picks, Best Bets – Saturday, February 8, 2025

The New York Rangers play at the Columbus Blue Jackets on February 8 at 7:00 PM ET, and have been made -148 favorites, with the home team at +124.Watch the NHL on Fubo!Rangers vs. Blue Jackets Favorite, Moneyline, TotalFavorite: Rangers...

Predators vs. Sabres Prediction: Picks, Live Odds and Moneyline – Saturday, February 8, 2025

The Nashville Predators are -135 favorites over the Buffalo Sabres (+114) playing on home ice on Saturday at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville.Watch the NHL on Fubo!Predators vs. Sabres Favorite, Moneyline, TotalFavorite: Predators (-135)Underdog: Sabres (+114)Total: 6.5Best Predators vs. Sabres Promo...

Flyers vs. Penguins Prediction: Picks, Live Odds and Moneyline – Saturday, February 8, 2025

The Philadelphia Flyers and Pittsburgh Penguins face off on Saturday at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, and the oddsmakers fancy the home team (-148) over the visitor (+124).Watch the NHL on Fubo!Flyers vs. Penguins Favorite, Moneyline, TotalFavorite: Flyers (-148)Underdog: Penguins...

Blues vs. Blackhawks Prediction: Odds, Picks, Best Bets – Saturday, February 8, 2025

The St. Louis Blues and Chicago Blackhawks face off on Saturday at Enterprise Center in St. Louis, and the sportsbooks really fancy the home team (-245) over the visitor (+200).Watch the NHL on Fubo!Blues vs. Blackhawks Favorite, Moneyline, TotalFavorite: Blues...

Panthers vs. Senators Prediction: Picks, Live Odds and Moneyline – Saturday, February 8, 2025

The Florida Panthers are -185 favorites over the Ottawa Senators (+154) playing on home ice on Saturday at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise.Watch the NHL on Fubo!Panthers vs. Senators Favorite, Moneyline, TotalFavorite: Panthers (-185)Underdog: Senators (+154)Total: 5.5Best Panthers vs. Senators...

more bears news