Something interesting should go here. But I’m leaving the interesting stuff for the set of Bears Bullets that follow below.
We’ve got an NFL schedule release update. And for those who were hoping it would drop this week, I hope you’ve got your comfy clothes on because your wait will continue:
The SBJ’s Ben Fischer reports the league’s schedule release is set for May 15. That is next Wednesday. So mark your calendars and clear your schedule. The leagued isn’t give an explanation why the schedule is coming out a week later than originally expected, but there is a belief (we discussed this in yesterday’s Bullets) that the Christmas schedule is throwing things for a loop. In case you missed it, the NFL is angling for a Christmas Day doubleheader. With Christmas being on a Wednesday this year, there figured to be complications to a schedule that usually plays games on Sundays, Mondays, and Thursdays.
Is there a game you’re looking forward to most on the schedule this year? For me, that Bears-Texans game pitting Caleb Williams against C.J. Stroud is high on my must-see TV rankings.
Don’t get me wrong. I love football on the holidays, but this seems like a bit much. And only partially because the NBA all-day Christmas happenings is as much of a tradition in my household as baking cookies for Santa before bed and waking up early to oven roast a lechon as part of an all-day cooking fest. And I’m not one to break traditions. I’m willing to be swayed, but I don’t love this development.
In the end, on the one hand, maybe this will be a cool new thing we get to test drive this winter. But on the other hand, spending another holiday with the Bears isn’t necessarily ok every fan’s wish list.
If I were to re-write that statement again to make it fit perfectly for May 2024, I’d take out the note that spending the holidays with the Bears might be on a fan’s wishlist this year — especially after adding Caleb Williams to the roster. It wouldn’t surprise me if the NFL was trying to get the Bears on Christmas in order to get the No. 1 overall pick in last month’s draft in a prime viewing window.
Even still … the NFL messing with tradition in the pursuit of the almighty dollar leaves me feeling uneasy.
Austin Mack (The Athletic) asks if anyone can live up to what C.J. Stroud did for the Houston Texans last year. It is a high bar to clear, to be sure. But if anyone can do it, it is Caleb Williams. Right? This isn’t even me being a homer. This is me pointing out that Williams has two proven 1,000-yard alpha receivers in DJ Moore and Keenan Allen, a potential dawg in Rome Odunze, useful playmakers at tight end and running back, the makings of a solid offensive line, and an offensive coordinator who helped get Geno Smith to a Pro Bowl.
A line that caught my eye was Mack writing that Caleb is joining “what might be the best roster a first overall pick has landed on in quite some time.” Geez. If only someone would’ve seen that coming back in January.
I’m a little late on this, but the story from Dan Pompei on the star-studded list of visitors checking in on Hall of Famer Steve “Mongo” McMichael is a wonderful read:
Reading that made me want to check in on everyone in the group chat. I hope all the homies are doing well.
Over at Da Bears Blog, Johnathan Wood takes a deeper look at how new play caller Shane Waldron deploys different personnel and formation packages. There is a bunch of good stuff in here from J-Wood. But one thing that stands out to me is the note about how Waldron prefers to use a third tight end more than a fullback. That is the kind of thing that could decide who makes one of the last roster spots.
Would the Bears retain Khari Blasingame if the team isn’t going to use a fullback? Is there a hybrid fullback-tight end option out there who could essentially fill two slots at once? This wrinkle adds some intrigue to training camp battles to keep tabs on this summer.
What do you mean by this, Yannick?
While the Bears have wide receiver D.J. Moore, the Detroit Lions will counter by fielding a defense that features safety C.J. Moore. I hope that doesn’t confuse Caleb Williams. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reports the Lions are bringing back Moore on a one-year deal after sitting out last season because of a gambling suspension.
The Green Bay Packers are taking steps in building out their offense. I hope the Bears defense is more ready for Green Bay’s offense in 2024 than it was in either of the two matchups last season. (Pro Football Talk)
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.
Wrapping up a weekend of shenanigans with dog-sitting duties. We're going to have walks, belly-rubs, and movie naps today. I'm looking forward to it. But first, I've got to push these BN Bears Bullets across the finish line. Check it...
My social calendar unexpectedly filling up in May has been a pleasant surprise. As is projected 80-degree weather on a Saturday afternoon. Cheers, friends. Sure, the Chicago Bears 2024 strength of schedule doesn't look all too daunting. And it sure...
A tip of the cap to the Chicago Bears social media team, which is doing a heckuva job keeping fans engaged in what has turned into a fun offseason. Their latest Q&A endeavor asks Bears players who they would choose...
Today EA Sports released the trailer for College Football 25 and it's absolutely perfect. The graphics look amazing, Chris Fowler sets the stage, each team shown has its own unique entrance and tradition, and in just two short months it...
The NFL schedule makers felt they were entitled to a re-do when it comes to cramming Aaron Rodgers down our throats, and they took full advantage of it. Plus, how much will it cost to watch every NFL game in...
Chicago Bears Defensive Coordinator Eric Washington will take part in the upcoming NFL Coach Accelerator Program that will take place at the league meetings taking place in Nashville next week. This isn't Washington's first rodeo, as the former Buffalo Bills...
It's a Friday. We finally made it. I can't believe I get to see your face. Making it to a warm-weather Friday in spring has me feeling better than I do on other days of the week. And it's got...
Caleb Williams, DJ Moore, Cole Kmet, Rome Odunze, Kyler Gordon, and Teven Jenkins are among the Chicago Bears players who took starring roles in the team's 2024 schedule release video drop. Here it is in all of its glory: The...
Another one is in the books for the Chicago Bears 2024 NFL Draft class as the team announced that Austin Booker has signed his rookie deal. This is what it looked like when Booker put pen to paper at Halas...
If Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears get off to a good start this season, someone at Halas Hall should send a gift basket of Italian beef, tavern-style pizza, hot dogs, sport pepper Malört, and other Chicago delicacies to the...
On Monday, Michael Wacha will take the mound for the Kansas City Royals (29-19) against Reese Olson and the Detroit Tigers (23-23), with first pitch scheduled for 7:40 PM ET at Kauffman Stadium.The article below will provide you with everything...
The oddsmakers are predicting a close contest between the Florida Panthers and New York Rangers on Wednesday in New York City, with the Panthers given moneyline odds of -115 and the Rangers at -105.Watch the NHL on Fubo!Panthers vs. Rangers...
The Houston Astros (21-26), with Framber Valdez on the mound, host the Los Angeles Angels (18-29) who will start Reid Detmers, at 8:10 PM ET on Monday.Keep reading to find out how to watch the Houston-Los Angeles matchup in the...
The Atlanta Braves (26-15), led by Marcell Ozuna, host Jurickson Profar and the San Diego Padres (23-24) on Monday at 12:20 PM ET.See how to watch the Atlanta-San Diego matchup below.When is Braves vs. Padres and when does it start?This...
The St. Louis Cardinals (20-26), with Sonny Gray on the hill, host the Baltimore Orioles (29-15) who will start Dean Kremer, at 7:45 PM ET on Monday in a series opener.Find out how to watch the St. Louis-Baltimore matchup below.When...
Pablo Lopez takes the ball for the Minnesota Twins (24-22) when they visit starter Mitchell Parker and the Washington Nationals (20-25) at 6:45 PM ET on Monday.If you're trying to watch this game, keep reading for streaming and TV options...
On Monday, in a series opener at LoanDepot park, Joe Ross takes the mound for the Milwaukee Brewers (27-19) against Ryan Weathers and the Miami Marlins (15-33), with first pitch scheduled for 6:40 PM ET.Keep reading to find out all...
Taj Bradley will take the ball for the Tampa Bay Rays (25-23) when they host starter Tanner Houck and the Boston Red Sox (23-24) in a series opener on Monday, with first pitch at 6:50 PM ET.Keep reading to find...
Ben Lively will take the ball for the Cleveland Guardians (30-17) when they host starter Tylor Megill and the New York Mets (21-25) on Monday, with first pitch at 6:10 PM ET.The article below will give you everything you need...
Marcus Stroman takes the mound for the New York Yankees (33-15) when they host starter Logan Gilbert and the Seattle Mariners (25-22) at 7:05 PM ET on Monday.Keep reading to find out all the details on how to watch New...