Today is an “off” day for the Chicago Bears. I won’t take it with them because I’ve got stuff on my mind that I’d like to share via the written word. However, I’ll use the opportunity to remind you, dear reader, that it is a long season. And if you need a rest day, take it. They’re good for the soul.
New Bears receiver D.J. Moore was feeling the love at Soldier Field on Sunday. And based on the number of Moore No. 2 jerseys I saw in the stands, the feeling was definitely mutual:
Plenty of places loaded with Family Fest notes. So if you want to take some time this morning to read around the web, that the Bears aren’t practicing means that you’ll have time to do so without fearing that you’re going to miss something. The Athletic (Fishbain), Tribune (Kane and Wiederer), Sun-Times (Finley), NBC Sports Chicago (Schrock), Bears Wire (Barbieri), and Bears Insider (Canter) are among those with thoughts and takeaways from Sunday’s shenanigans.
One thing I regret omitting from yesterday’s Bears Family Fest notes is that I wanted to dap up the Soldier Field DJ for a job well done. Anyone who can mix Frankie Beverly & Maze, Shawty Lo, and Blink-182 into their set has my seal of approval.
In Patrick’s NFL Notes, we learn that the Carolina Panthers have scooped up pass-rusher Justin Houston from free agent. That is going to put a small dent in our plans to see Carolina fall flat on its face in 2023. It’s nothing personal, Panthers fan. But every signing that helps the Panthers is one that hurts the chances that their pick will be a top-5 selection. If you’ll recall, the Bears were reportedly showing interest in Houston before signing Yannick Ngakoue. Judging by the guarantee the Bears gave Ngakoue and what the Panthers gave Houston, the Bears clearly wanted Ngakoue more.
If you’ll be at Tuesday’s Bears training camp practice at Halas Hall, then you’ll probably see Ngakoue make his debut with the team. Ngakoue wasn’t at Family Fest because he was tying up some loose ends at home before joining the team full-time. If you thought Chicago’s defense was chirping in practice before, just wait until they add a pass rusher who’s collected at least 8 sacks in each season of his pro career.
How about some love for another Bears defensive lineman GM Ryan Poles brought in this offseason? Defensive tackle Andrew Billings was on the receiving end of some praise from Head Coach Matt Eberflus:
“I’m just excited about what ‘Big Bill’ did with changing his body over the summer,” Eberflus said, via Larry Mayer of the Bears’ official website. “You could see the quickness. I always knew he was strong at the point. I saw that on tape when I watched him with opponents. But he’s really got good quickness, his initial quickness.
“He’s got a quick set of hands. When you play that nose tackle position, your hands have to move from the ground to the man super fast. It’s got to be elite, and he does a really good job with that. And he’s got the foot quickness to be able to stay where he needs to stay.”
The Bears should feel better than they did at this time last year when discussing the state of their defense line. Only Justin Jones returns from last year’s collection of interior defensive linemen. Joining Billings among the newbies are waiver claim Bravvion Roy, and three draft picks (Zacch Pickens, Gervon Dexter Sr., Travis Bell). But Billings is my under-the-radar sleeper pick for guys you don’t expect to do something who end up being fun to follow. Billings has been all over the backfield. And I hope that trend continues when games of consequence kick off in September.
Happy anniversary to one of the greatest moments in the history of American sports. I’ll never forget watching Steve “Mongo” McMichael giving it to Angel Hernandez in front of a raucous Wrigley Field crowd:
𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝟕, 𝟐𝟎𝟎𝟏
Steve 'Mongo' McMichael criticized umpire Angel Hernandez before the 7th inning stretch regarding a call he made earlier, ultimately leading to Mongo's ejection! 🤣 pic.twitter.com/b30noY2b3a— This Day in Chicago Sports (@ChiSportsDay) August 7, 2023
Jarrett Payton shared this Mongo update on Saturday (via Twitter/X). Continued thoughts, prayers, and well wishes for Steve McMichael, his family, friends, and fans.
Have you seen the new video board at Gillette Stadium? Apparently, it is now the largest one (of the outdoor variety located at a sports venue) in the country. Imagine playing Madden on this thing:
Meanwhile, the Chicago Cubs are currently in a playoff spot and just 1.5 games behind the first-place Milwaukee Brewers. I love October baseball, but getting October vibes in August is special.
On the fifth anniversary of his passing, Tab remembers franchise legend Stan Mikita. (BN Blackhawks)
Over at BN Bulls, Eli pulls up with some stuff about Nikola Vučević joining a historic club of centers who shoot the 3-pointer. I don’t love the Bulls’ current standing, but I do like the idea of seeing how Vooch continues to round out his game. Everyone loves a good bounce-back story … right?
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