Not only is this the last Friday of the month, it is the Friday before a long weekend.
Please enjoy responsibly. I want to see your faces when we re-convene on Monday.
- You know what to do, Bears fans:
- If Bears rookie running back Roschon Johnson finds his way to this post, here are my recommendations: La Scarola for Italian, Mima’s Taste of Cuba for Cuban grub, an Italian beef from Al’s on Taylor Street (bring cash!), tacos from Taqueria La Zacateana (on Tuesdays, they do hand-made tortillas from scratch), and a stop at Amy’s Candy Bar in Lincoln Square. Also, if you’ve got a sunny Friday with decent weather and the Cubs happen to be in town, go spend an afternoon at Wrigley Field. Thank me later.
- This is the type of tweet that provides perspective as to why the DJ Moore acquisition was so important for Justin Fields’ development:
- Mike Williams’ mere presence on the football field makes Justin Herbert that much better. It’s almost as if having a legit WR1 matters.
- Speaking of Fields, we knew he was FAST. But quantifying it this way blows my mind:
- I’d request a Pro Bowl event where Tyreek Hill and Justin Fields have a footrace to see who can build up the fastest speed, but the Pro Bowl is reserved for players whose teams don’t make the Super Bowl. And the only “Bowl” game I want Fields playing in is the Super Bowl.
- In a world where the Bears still need pass-rush help, Leonard Floyd remains an option worth checking in on. Add Andrew Dannehy (Da Bears Blog) to the list of folks who see a reunion with Floyd as a feasible solution to an ongoing problem. It’s a short-term solution, to be sure. But any solution is a welcome one at this point.
- On the other side of the line, Alex Shapiro (NBCS Chicago) takes note that the Bears’ O-line depth is getting an early test with Nate Davis skipping out on OTAs. I won’t hold it against Davis that he isn’t showing up for the voluntary practices. In fact, I like that the offensive line’s depth players get to move up the depth chart for the time being. If there ever was a time to make waves and a good impression, now is the time. Ideally, someone makes the most of the opportunity and shines. Maybe they’ll play their way into the lineup. At a minimum, you’d hope someone plays their way into being an option who won’t frighten us to bits if called upon in the regular season.
- OK, you’re probably wondering what happens if none of the young upstarts or veterans leave good impressions. In fairness, so am I. This leads me to browse the free agency bargain bin to see who’s available. Brace yourselves. This list of available free agents isn’t necessarily for the faint of heart.
- Is it too early for a 2024 mock draft? Yes. Am I going to read through every mock draft Jacob Infante puts in front of my eyeballs? Also, yes:
- The only analysis I can provide at this point of the pre-draft process is that there are some amazing names on this list. I can totally vibe with typing out Dallas Turner, Emeka Egbuka, Marius Mims, Mekhi Wingo, and Carson Steele.
- Unrelated, but kinda related: Playing the name game reminds me of one of my favorite George Carlin skits. There’s some NSFW language, so enjoy at your own discretion.
- If there is anyone who knows how to make a meh QB sound better than he is, it’s Allen Robinson II:
- Even still … I can’t believe he said that with his former teammate Mitchell Trubisky in the same room. That’s cold.
- This is absolutely mind-blowing:
- I guess it’s time to have that conversation:
- Yesterday was a busy one on the transaction wire for Chicago’s North Side baseball club. Not only did they officially release Eric Hosmer, they also sent Nick Madrigal to Triple-A Iowa. Did the Cubs consider the state of the vibes before making these transactions?