And welcome to Victory Monday!

Two-game winning streaks aren’t noteworthy for many NFL towns, but when Chicago goes 707 days without one, well, we’re going to bask in it.

Let’s get to the thoughts …

1. I don’t know if it will be a December to remember for our Bears, but Sunday’s 28-13 triumph over the Lions certainly showed the ingredients are there. The defense was dominant, forcing another three turnovers and holding Detroit scoreless in the second half. That, in turn, allowed our coaching and quarterback to be better than their coaching and quarterback. You couldn’t draw up a better script for a NFC North win at home late in the season.
   
   
2. Does that mean the Bears are officially in the hunt? At 5-8, they’re holding up the bottom of those network graphics, but the New York Times still projects the Bears with just a seven percent chance to make the playoffs.
   
   
3. That said, we’re two weeks out from Christmas and already looking forward to next Sunday’s game in Cleveland. If the Bears win that, we’re set for two must-see home games against Arizona and Atlanta on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. That’s a big win for a team that started 0-4 and fell to 3-8 just 22 days ago when they coughed up that late lead to the Lions in Detroit.
   
   
4. Credit Matt Eberflus for his team staying relevant this late in the season. He might’ve been shaky at the end of early losses and at the podium, but it’s clear he never lost the locker room. I still think any decision for 2024 should be made on the Bears options — if there’s a clear upgrade, Ryan Poles and Kevin Warren must take it — but the rise of the defense have erased some of our early doubts about Flus.
   
   
5. Ryan Poles deserves a lot of credit, too, for going out and getting Montez Sweat. There’s so much parity in the NFL that one difference-maker can swing the fortunes of a unit. We’re seeing that with Sweat, who has single-handedly turned the defensive line into a problem for opposing quarterbacks. And while the rush defense was already solid to Sweat’s arrival, it’s now rating second-best in the NFL, just behind the Super Bowl contender 49ers.
   
   
6. Justin Fields makes it look so damn easy sometimes. He was 22 yards out when he took off on his touchdown run and he was still able to beat three Lions defenders to the front corner of the end zone while looking like he was on cruise control. I’ll miss plays like those if the Bears do make the offseason decision to move on.
   
   
7. Anyone starting to get the feeling the Lions are the new Vikings while Jared Goff is the new Kirk Cousins? Both franchises built up solidly with blue-chippers on both sides of the ball, only to get complacent with a better-than-average quarterback with a clearly defined ceiling. It’ll be interesting to see how Detroit proceeds at that position going forward.
   
   
8. What a damn shame all those Lions fans at Soldier Field left disappointed.
   
   
9. I wouldn’t hate if Poles’ offseason shopping list in free agency includes an upgrade at running back, particularly if the Bears can take care of WR at the top of the draft.
   
   
10. I still can’t believe 38-year-old Joe Flacco will be quarterbacking the Browns on Sunday. Here’s a fun fact for the road: Justin Fields was nine years old when JF15 made his NFL debut in 2008.
    

Kevin Kaduk

More coverage from CHGO Bears:

• The CHGO Bears crew gave us their initial reactions on the win
• Nicholas Moreano dives deep on 4th-and-13
• Greg Braggs Jr. says that was the best play of QB1’s career
• Mark Carman issues his grades for Diehard members

Patrick Kane is a Detroit Red Wing, so if you were planning on extracting some joy out of this Victory Tuesday, the 2023 Chicago sports scene has other plans.

Because of course it does.

And no, last night’s Bears triumph over the Vikings wasn’t suitable for framing either. Far from it, in fact, as all 12 points came from Cairo Santos field goals and not a single touchdown from Justin Fields and the rest of the offense.

But the fact is that the Bears can’t be choosy with the first NFC North win in their last 13 tries. Almost two years after Ryan Poles’ vow to take the north and never give it back, both Poles and Matt Eberflus finally have a division victory to call their own.

As always, we’ll take what we can get. The Bears are now 4-8 as they head into their bye weekend with five games left in the season and Detroit coming into Soldier Field on December 10.

Let’s get to the thoughts …

1. I went out on a limb during yesterday’s predictions and picked a 20-point blowout by the Bears, who I thought were due for a primetime bounceback surprise like the one in Washington. And I might have gotten away with it, too, had the Bears offense managed to turn those four Josh Dobbs interceptions into more than just three points.
   
   
2. Was that an NFL game plan we saw from Luke Getsy or a demented version of the Cha Cha Slide? To the left … to the right … take it back now … freeze!
   
   
3. It’s so hard not to fall into the trap of running a referendum on Justin Fields’ play each week, but these 12 days before the next game really gives Bears fans a lot of time to stake out their respective positions on QB1 and wage the usual war. It feels like the “he’s not the guy” camp would’ve hit max capacity had Fields not managed the game-winning drive after those two big fourth-quarter fumbles but credit to him for coming through when it mattered most.
   
   
4. I still don’t know where I’m at with Fields. I felt pretty good about his future after the Detroit loss and even said so on last Tuesday’s The Chicago Sports Podcast. Then those two fumbles happened — the first when the Bears were on the verge of icing the game — and my angry Bears fan side came out. In the end, it’s important to remember there are still five games left of evaluation … as well as an evaluation of this year’s quarterback prospects.
   
   
5. Credit to Cairo Santos for doing the impossible … putting an end to Bears fans mentioning Robbie Gould every other sentence.
   
   
6. Playing Josh Dobbs this week and last week’s collapse aside, can we be excited about this defense? Montez Sweat has been the gamechanger he was advertised to be and his paycheck demands. Gervon Dexter Sr. is standing out. The secondary has been a UNIT these past two weeks. T.J. Edwards is playing like he grew up wanting to be the next great Bears linebacker. The possible departure of Jaylon Johnson this offseason could complicate things, but the Bears defense seems to be on the right track.
   
   
7. Speaking of an as-advertised gamechanger, DJ Moore had 11 catches for 114 yards and the biggest play of the game-winning drive. He’s now at 1,003 receiving yards for the season, trailing just Tyreek Hill, Keenan Allen, CeeDee Lamb and A.J. Brown. Eclipsing Brandon Marshall’s club record of 1,508 yards in a season is in play.
   
   
8. I didn’t know Kyler Gordon’s helmet could do that.
   
   
9. The Bears went into Monday night’s game owning the fourth pick in the draft and left Minnesota … with the fourth pick in the draft. There are, however, six additional teams at either 4-8 or 4-7 so the Bears could find their pick at the bottom half of the top 10 or farther with a couple of wins in a soft December schedule.
   
   
10. Don’t look now, but the Green Bay Packers are now just a half-game out of a playoff spot. My nightmare of beating the Packers in Week 18 to give them a shot at Caleb Williams has now changed to a fantasy of beating them in Week 18 to keep them out of the playoffs.
    
    
    As I said before, we’ll take what we can get.
    
    Enjoy your Tuesday and thanks for your support of CHGO!

Kevin Kaduk

The Chicago Bears snapped a 12-game NFC North losing streak on Monday night despite not scoring a single touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings. Cairo Santos made four field goals in the 12-10 win, including the 30-yard gamewinner with just 10 seconds remaining.

It was the first time in 30 years that the Bears won a game without scoring a touchdown and moved their overall record to 4-8 heading into the bye week.

Justin Fields had two big fumbles in the fourth quarter, but made the big throw when he needed to, connecting with DJ Moore for a 36-yard gain on third-and-10. Moore had a huge game, catching the ball 10 times for 114 yards.

The Bears also let several opportunities slip by in the first half. Cairo Santos missed his first field goal attempt of the night, the offense could not turn two Joshua Dobbs interceptions into a single point and Jaylon Johnson dropped his second pick-six chance in as many weeks. Combine that with six penalties for 71 yards in the first half and the Bears headed to the locker room tied at 3.

Here are our initial impressions about the loss …

Adam Hoge

Who needs touchdowns?!? The Bears won their first game since 1993 without scoring touchdowns. Coincidentally, they looked like the 90s Bears Monday night. I’m not sure we learned anything from this one, as Matt Eberflus and Justin Fields will face the same uncertainty about their futures.

Nicholas Moreano

Justin Fields had the ball in his hands with just 2:29 left in the fourth quarter and his team down 10-9. Fields, who on the previous two drives fumbled, had one more opportunity to keep his team alive. The Bears’ quarterback led his offense down the field and the biggest play was a strike to DJ Moore over the middle of the field for a gain of 36 yards on third-and-10. That put Cairo Santos well within his range. Santos lined up for the 30-field goal and put it through the uprights to give the Bears their first divisional victory in two years.

Will DeWitt

Ummm. Well, the Bears found a way to finish a game! Congratulations to Matt Eberflus for finally beating a divisional rival after a year and a half. If you want to nitpick the gameplan, decision making, Fields’ fumbles, inability to score off turnovers — feel free. I would not blame you. It’s warranted. But we have all week for that.

I’m going to take a moment and relish this win. They’ve been hard to come by over the past few years. The Vikings had everything to play for, but the Bears Defense held its own all game long. I haven’t seen a defense in Chicago like that in some time.

When it mattered most, Fields made the biggest throw of the game and led his team to a victory. And for that, I’m thankful.

Mark Carman

A win is a … win. This one though feels more like a loss. The play calling was conservative at best. The QB held the ball for a long time and fumbled twice in key spots. But Justin Fields made the throw to DJ Moore on 3rd down to pull victory out of the jaws of disaster. Bears win and they have one more win than last season. The future, remains as murky as ever.

Greg Braggs Jr.

Well, it wasn’t pretty but the Bears under Matt Eberflus have FINALLY won a division game! Last week it was 95 percent fun, percent bad. This week is was 95 percent bad, 5 percent fun. Wins are fun, right? I don’t even know anymore. Seems like today creates more questions than answers about both the coaches and the quarterback. Yes, Justin Fields won the game but those fumbles were bad. Bad, bad. Eberflus seems to have the defense turning the corner with 9 forced turnovers over the last 2 games. Getsy threw about 15 screens on the day. So we’ll call this game a wash in terms of evaluation for anyone earning their jobs for next season.

Kevin Kaduk

Why did they have to be so hard? Josh Dobbs giftwrapped the game time and time again with four interceptions yet Justin Fields and the offense couldn’t even come close to a knockout blow. Then Fields tried to give the game to the Vikings with two fumbles in the fourth quarter. In the end, it was the accuracy of Cairo Santos that sends the Bears into their bye week with a win to pair with plenty of questions about Fields and the coaching staff.

Well, I didn’t think these 2023 Chicago Bears were capable of making me feel strong emotions any longer. I thought they beat it out of me the first month of the season.

But there I was for the first 56 minutes of Sunday’s game, enjoying the rare experience of watching the Bears in control against a good team on the road.

I felt good … even giddy.

But then the last few minutes happened and I was left doing something I didn’t expect the rest of this season — fuming over a Bears loss well into the evening.

With that, let’s get into the 10 quick thoughts …

1. Today’s narrative is totally different if the Bears just hang on for four more minutes. A dominating win over an 8-2 Lions team would’ve gone a long way in repairing much of the damage Matt Eberflus and staff did to their reputation early in the season. It might’ve even gotten the meatier meatballs among us to start dreaming up some playoff hopes with three wins in the last four and six soft games remaining in a putrid NFC race.
   
   
2. We were instead left weighing which loss was worse — this 31-26 downing in Detroit or the 21-point collapse against Denver on October 1. Considering the overall health of the Bears and the relative quality of the opponent, it was Sunday’s defeat by a wide margin.
   
   
3. I knew the instant that Justin Fields fumbled on the Bears’ final drive that we’d be getting the usual “see?” from the anti-Fields crowd and it immediately made me see red. Dude racks up 273 all-purpose yards, posts a QB rating in the triple digits and outplays his counterpart all afternoon, only to be put in an impossible situation by a cautious coaching staff that turtled on both sides of the ball in the final minutes. And you want to go back to whatever digital forum you favor to trumpet that as evidence you don’t think Fields is the guy? Foh.
   
   
4. I still haven’t made up my mind on Fields, though Sunday swung me back to hopeful he can play well enough so the Bears can spend their first two picks on positions other than quarterback. The physical skills he brings under center are too special and I remain impressed with the off-field poise he brings with all the adversity he and his team have faced. His inability to stay healthy for a full season remains the biggest knock and is the strongest argument for resetting the quarterback clock and rolling the dice on another rookie QB.
   
   
5. Caleb Williams’ refusal to talk with the media after a loss bothers me and maybe more than it should.
   
   
6. One of the things that made me so happy about Sunday’s pre-collapse effort was that the list of standout efforts was maybe the longest it’s been since 2018. There was Fields’ performance and a three-headed attack in the backfield. Tyrique Stevenson had one of the team’s three picks and a forced fumble. Jack Sanborn did Jack Sanborn things. Montez Sweat was a monster. Cairo Santos was automatic. DJ Moore was the guy they traded the No. 1 pick for. It was the type of collaborative effort that usually ends up with a notch in the win column, which made the end result so hard to take.
   
   
7. One person not on that list: Jaylon Johnson. I imagine Ryan Poles (and any other NFL GM) will just come to the contract table with film of Johnson dropping a pick six queued up and ready to go.
   
   
8. Another not on the list: Tyler Scott. Why’d you slow down, man?
   
   
9. Marty Bennett won’t like the old-school view, but Roschon Johnson’s stiff-arm on Jack Campbell might be my favorite highlight of the year. Unless it was RoJo flattening Cam Sutton for a first down later in the game.
   
   
10. Given the draft order implications, we’re rooting for Green Bay over Detroit on Thanksgiving, yes?
    

Kevin Kaduk

More coverage from CHGO Bears:

• The CHGO Bears Crew weighed in with instant reactions
• Nicholas Moreano reported from the postgame locker room in Detroit
• Adam Hoge wondered if Fields was handcuffed by the coaching staff

The defense had other plans.

Despite throwing three interceptions earlier in the game, Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff led his offense on two scoring drives to cap off a 31-26 Lions’ victory in Sunday’s Week 11 game at Ford Field.

The defeat dropped the Bears to 8-3 while the NFC North-leaded Lions are now 8-2. The Bears will return to action next Monday in a road game against the Minnesota Vikings.

Justin Fields looked good in his first game since October 15, posting 273 all-purpose yards.

Here are our initial impressions about the loss …

Adam Hoge

Until they prove otherwise, the Bears are just a team that doesn’t know how to win. They dominated the Lions for 56 minutes, but couldn’t make the plays (or the tackles) to win the game. Tremaine Edmunds’ missed tackle on the second-to-last drive was brutal, especially considering the money the Bears are paying him. Tyler Scott slowing down on Justin Fields’ deep ball is a little more understandable considering he’s a rookie, but it was a missed opportunity nonetheless. Just a brutal loss in a game that could have changed the entire momentum of Poles/Eberflus era.

Nicholas Moreano

Epic collapse.

The Bears were up 26-14 with 4:15 remaining in the fourth quarter, and somehow lost to the Lions 31-26. Despite the defense creating four turnovers, Matt Eberflus’ unit absolutely crumbled in the final minutes in the fourth quarter. If Eberflus is fired tomorrow, I wouldn’t be surprised.

Will DeWitt

Initial reaction? Damn, it stung to watch David Montgomery pound it in for the go-ahead score. And then the safety right after made me want to rip my hair out.

* Sigh *

Justin Fields provided a good spark with his legs and made some good throws including that deep touchdown pass to DJ Moore, but the fumble at the end is fitting considering how the season has gone.

If the Bears can play like they did for the majority of this game the rest of the way, they’ll find some wins, but it wasn’t enough against the division-leading Lions.

Mark Carman

There are on painful losses and there are nauseating, disgusting, putrid ones. The Bears won the turnover battle. They won the time of possession battle. Justin Fields played well. The Bears gave up 14 points in the final 5 minutes to lose a game they should have won. The Flus remains winless against the division.

Greg Braggs Jr.

How embarrassing.

Today was supposed to be a statement game for everyone. Justin Fields certainly made a great statement. The coaches? Just made the statement that they definitely should be replaced when the season is over. No excuse to lose this game. Zero. Ryan Poles asked for consistency from his quarterback and I’m asking him to say the same of his coaches.

Kevin Kaduk

That one hurts. For all but the final five minutes of the game, the Chicago Bears played the game we’ve been waiting for all season long. In the final five, they’ve done what they’ve been doing all year. Justin Fields was stellar for most of his return and there were standout performances all over the field. None of it matters, though, because the defense couldn’t hold a 12-point lead with just minutes to play.

Watch the show on YouTube!

The Bears won a 16-13 decision over the Panthers last night at Soldier Field in a game I promise to never speak of again after these 10 quick thoughts …

1. Everyone is saying this was an ugly win — and everyone is right. But please consider the alternative. As bad as the Bears are, the Panthers are still a tier below and there’s no way the Bears could have lost it considering the draft implications.
   
   
2. Credit also goes to the Bears for the things they did right. The defense sacked Bryce Young three times. It didn’t allow a touchdown. The offense didn’t commit a single turnover just a few days after five giveaways to the Saints. This game was always about that Panthers draft pick, but if you’re looking for anything to take for posterity, there you have it.
   
   
3. That said, I’m really glad to have this Sunday off from Bears football. It’s been a long 10 weeks so far …
   
   
4. Tyson Bagent was 20-of-33 for 162 yards and no touchdowns. A serviceable effort that did the trick against a bad team, but nothing that would’ve worked against 3/4ths of the league and nothing an NFL fanbase should have to watch weekly in 2023.
   
   
5. The Bears will never regret not selecting Bryce Young with last year’s No. 1 pick.
   
   
6. Eight pressures for Montez Sweat according to Next Gen Stats, the most for a Bear since Robert Quinn in 2020. But the real way you know he was effective was that we heard names of defensive linemen we haven’t heard all season. Yannick Ngakoue, come on down!
   
   
7. Kyler Gordon’s Spidey senses were tingling on Thursday night. By far the best game of his still young career and the type you want to see from the Bears young players these last two months of the season.
   
   
8. Worse decision: Matt Eberflus not going for two when up five after D’Onta Foreman’s touchdown or Frank Reich sending Eddy Pineiro for a 59-yard field goal? (Hint: The answer rhymes with goose.)
   
   
9. From DJ Moore to Andy Dalton to D’Onta Foreman to Pineiro, there were a number of players who could’ve had a big moment against their former team. So of course it was the Bears old friend Ihmir Smith-Marsette recording the biggest one with a 76-yard punt touchdown return.
   
   
10. This is not a Bears thought, but it went through my mind all night as we watched the game at Joe’s On Weed Street.
    
    
    Connor Bedard.

Kevin Kaduk

More coverage from CHGO Bears:

• The CHGO Bears Crew did the postgame pod live at Joe’s
• Brian Urlacher joined us for an entertaining pregame
• Nicholas Moreano reported from a happy Bears locker room
• Adam Hoge and Co. weighed in with their instant reactions

D’Onta Foreman scored the game’s only offensive touchdown midway through the third on a four-yard run that gave the Bears a 16-10 lead. The running back carried the ball 19 times for 77 yards.

The Panthers, meanwhile, scored their only touchdown of the night when former Bears receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette scored on a 79-yard punt return in the first quarter. Carolina quarterback Bryce Young was limited to 185 passing yards on 21 of 38 passing. He was sacked three times.

The win runs the Bears record to 3-7 and 2-0 on Thursday nights. The team will be back in action November 19 when it travels to Detroit to face the Lions for the first time this season.

Here are our initial impressions about the win …

Adam Hoge

So what were the tricks up Matt Eberflus’ sleeve? Not going for two with a five-point lead? I’ll hang up and listen for my answer. At least that wasn’t as bad as Frank Reich calling for a 59-yard field goal that never had a prayer. Man, the Panthers are bad.

Nicholas Moreano

It wasn’t pretty, but the Bears held on to secure their third victory of the season. D’Onta Foreman scored the only offensive touchdown in the game. The Bears’ defense sacked Bryce Young three times and held the No. 1 overall pick to 185 passing yards. Chicago went from having five turnovers a week ago to zero against Carolina. The Bears will take the win however they can take, and now they have 10 days to prepare for the NFC North-leading Detroit Lions.

Will DeWitt

There weren’t many fireworks, but the Bears played a clean and solid game, which was good enough to secure their third win. They finally found some pass rush  on defense and look what happened – they held the Panthers’ offense out of the end zone. Shoutout to Kyler Gordon who made plays all over the field. He was very effective against the run, in coverage and even as a pass rusher. Beating the Panthers to help the draft pick they received must feel pretty sweet, too!

Greg Braggs Jr.

Thank you Football Gods! Last year the only glimmer of hope with this team was the fact that they got the N0. 1 pick in the draft. With Thursday’s win, the Bears look to have lightning strike twice. The Carolina Panthers could very well give the Bears a gift they desperately need. Long way to go but the Bears did what they had to do tonight …win. As far as what happened on the field? I’m choosing to focus on the draft stock and I’ll leave it at that.

Kevin Kaduk

We won’t remember this game for anything other than what impact it had on the Bears’ final draft position next spring. The good news is that it was a good result for the Bears as they kept the Panthers’ season win total at one and increased their chances at landing the No. 1 pick (though the Cardinals still currently own that spot). Shoutout to Tyson Bagent and the offense for recording a zero turnover game just four days after committing five giveaways in New Orleans.

Well, I guess we can erase “Ohio State has never produced a good quarterback” off the list of reasons Justin Fields will never blossom here.

Thanks, CJ Stroud!

With that said, let’s get to this week’s 10 Quick Thoughts …

1. I think even Cris Collinsworth and Boomer Esiason can admit it’ll be nice to get Justin Fields back under center for Thursday night’s visit from the Carolina Panthers. Thumb permitting, of course. Look, Tyson Bagent may go on to have a successful career in the NFL in whatever capacity and his rise to the NFL from Division II is still a great story. Sunday’s second half was proof positive he needs more time with a clipboard. He’s flashed nicely in some spots, but not enough to prove he deserves a full-time gig in the NFL at this point. He’s thrown six interceptions in 3 1/2 games so far.
   
   
2. Also, make no mistake: This Tankathon staring contest against the 1-7 Panthers is as close of a “must-win” as there is for a 2-7 team. There are so many bad teams bunched up together at the bottom of the NFL the Bears can’t afford to allow Carolina an extra win on the total considering they’re currently a win ahead of them in the standings.
   
   
3. That said, if the Bears want to gift the Cardinals a win at Soldier Field on Christmas Eve, by all means. It’s looking like the stiffest competition in the Tankathon standings will likely come from Arizona, New England and the New York Giants.
   
   
4. A quiet debut effort from Montez Sweat, who had just two tackles a day after signing a four-year, $98 million extension with his new team. That’s no cause for alarm considering he was a Washington Commander at this time last week, but seeing Sweat getting to the quarterback while elevating his teammates will be a prime concern over these last eight games. He’s now one of the few Bears who are guaranteed to be here past 2024.
   
   
5. I loved Herb Howard’s description of Sweat’s freakish physique during Sunday’s pregame show: “He can scratch his knees while standing up.”
   
   
6. Matt Eberflus mentioned last week that the organization has standards to meet both on and off the field. If that were 100 percent true, there’s no way Velus Jones Jr. would still be receiving opportunities to drop footballs.
   
   
7. That’s 14 career touchdowns for Cole Kmet, which places him fourth on the all-time list of Bears tight ends. It seems likely he’ll pass both Desmond Clark (18) and Greg Olsen (20). But only scoring twice in his first two seasons means that topping Mike Ditka (34) is still firmly in dream territory for the time being.
   
   
8. Watching two NFC teams on AFC-centric CBS will never not be weird.
   
   
9. The Saints are favorites to win the NFC South, but probably still aren’t going anywhere. How do you win the turnover battle 5-0 and only get flagged once, yet still only beat the league’s reigning worst team by a single touchdown?
   
   
10. Bringing it back to CJ Stround and the Texans, is it possible the football gods rewarded Houston for playing hard in Week 18 last year? Similar to how the Blackhawks still won the Connor Bedard lottery despite a few late victories last spring? Had Houston laid down against the Colts, they’d likely be led right now by Bryce Young instead of Stroud, who just posted a 470-yard, five-touchdown effort in a win over Tampa Bay on Sunday.
    
    It’s all just more proof the more we think we know about the NFL draft, the less we actually we do. Something to keep in mind as we get closer to an offseason full of Caleb Williams and Drake Maye talk …

Kevin Kaduk

PS — Thursday night will be a lot of fun at Joe’s On Weed! CHGO and Circa Sports are teaming up for a watch party that will be attended by Hall of Fame linebacker Brian Urlacher! Get a shuttle and priority access to the event when you attend our last CHGO Bears Tailgate earlier in the day!

More coverage from CHGO Bears:

• Adam Hoge and the CHGO Bears crew broke it all down in postgame
• Mark Carman and Greg Braggs had an emergency pod for the Sweat extension
• Nicholas Moreano talked to Tyson Bagent, who called the loss “embarrassing”
• Carm issued his Bears grades for CHGO Diehards

The Bears are now 2-7, heading into Thursday night’s game against the Carolina Panthers at Soldier Field.

Here are our thoughts from Sunday’s game …

Adam Hoge

The Bears lost the turnover battle 5-0 and the penalty battle 8-1. You can’t win football games that way. This absolutely felt like one the Bears could have won, but they keep proving that they don’t know how to win football games. Bad teams find ways to lose, and that’s what the Bears are until they prove otherwise.

Nicholas Moreano

Usually the team that wins the turnover battle is the one that wins the game. The Bears turned the ball over five times – two fumbles and three Tyson Bagent interceptionss. The Saints finished with no turnovers and also committed just one penalty for five yards compared to the Bears’ eight penalties for 71 yards. The Bears needed to play clean and disciplined to win this matchup, but did the exact opposite. Now the team will have to quickly turn things around for their Week 10 matchup against the Panthers on Thursday Night Football. Hopefully, Justin Fields can make a much-needed return.

Will DeWitt

That game went just about as expected. Turnovers on the road will cost you and the Bears learned the price here today. You can’t expect to turn the ball over that much and still win. They had multiple chances, but just couldn’t find a way to get it done. 

Mark Carman

The Tyson Bagent roller coaster is real. A great throw to Kmet for the first touchdown followed by an interception followed by another touchdown to Kmet. Bagent’s two interceptions in the fourth quarter were killer along with the fumble as was the DJ Moore fumble. Moore also dropped a TD pass albeit not an easy play on a high point ball in double coverage. Another nauseating defeat.

Greg Braggs Jr.

Admirable effort from the Bears. They made it a game. But still, a D2 undrafted free agent rookie quarterback exposing himself of exactly that with three interceptions. NFL windows aren’t easy to throw in and Bagent throwing behind Tyler Scott sealed the game. Even if he had some really nice moments, a tough ask for Tyson to win a shootout. More importantly, I’m still questioning some coaching decisions. Why is the Bears defense playing so far off their receivers on the goal line? And why is Luke Getsy still leaning on WR screens on third and long? And why not run behind Darnell Wright to the right side instead of consistently running to the left the whole fourth quarter? Still not seeing the necessary adjustments from the coaching staff to help a flawed team win another very winnable game.

Kevin Kaduk

Cole Kmet had a game. Tyson Bagent had a good first half. A few defensive players flashed. Everything else mostly sucked. Thursday night’s matchup against the Carolina Panthers is going to be something.

Watch the show on YouTube!

After two wins in three games, the Chicago Bears returned to being the Chicago Bears last night. It’s not entirely surprising given they were 9.5-point road underdogs on national television, but I think we all thought they’d have more fight in them than they did.

They did not and much of the fanbase was left with the choice of either heading to bed early or diving into their Netflix queues as the Bears fell to 2-6. Thanks to all the Diehards who stuck around until the bitter end with us as we did our live show at The Fireplace Inn.

Let’s get into the thoughts …

1. The defense isn’t fixed after all. Justin Herbert and Austin Ekeler are one of the best QB/RB combos in the NFL and they carved up Matt Eberflus’ defense straight from their opening drive. It’s a little surprising to see the Chargers’ 352 total yards because it certainly felt like much, much more, particularly when the Bears finished with 298.
   
   
2. Still looking for a good Halloween costume? Pick the jersey of your least favorite Bears d-lineman and go as a ghost. The unit forces less pressure than the McCaskey Family on a coach midseason.
   
   
3. Eberflus may not have been given a fair start with 2022’s depleted roster, we’re 25 games into his tenure and we’ve yet to see the team outplay expectations against a single good team. That’s pretty damning for a coach that came in preaching the fundamentals of the H.I.T.S. philosophy.
   
   
4. Last night was the other side of Tyson Bagent that the small pocket of reason within Bears fandom assumed was coming. He’s a rookie with obvious talent but still a lot to learn. I’m ready for him to continue learning and developing from the backup spot.
   
   
5. Is the outcome different if Darnell Mooney makes a more aggressive run toward the end zone and the official swallows that whistle on the first play of the game? Almost assuredly not, but I would’ve liked the chance to find out.
   
   
6. Why wasn’t the Bears playcalling as aggressive the rest of the game, particularly when it became apparent it would take a shootout to win?
   
   
7. The one bright side of Velus Jones Jr. dropping that ball in the end zone: The Chargers probably would’ve been able to stage another touchdown drive before the end of the first half with all the time left on the clock.
   
   
8. With Chase Claypool gone, it’s now Velus vs. Lucas Patrick for the most maddening 2022 roster addition.
   
   
9. The NFL trade deadline is Tuesday at 3 pm and my only thought is that I don’t want Ryan Poles to surrender a single pick. I don’t care who it’s for.
   
   
10. Don’t look now, but the Packers have lost four straight and are just a half-game in front of the Bears in the standings. They’d own the sixth pick behind the Bears’ second and third selections if the NFL Draft were held today. My new nightmare — and this should be yours, too — is the Bears winning a meaningless game in Week 18 and allowing the Packers to vault past them to select Green Bay’s franchise quarterback of the future.
    

With that, have a great Monday, everyone!

Kevin Kaduk

More coverage from CHGO Bears:

• The CHGO Bears crew live from the Fireplace Inn!
• Nicholas Moreano says the Bears still can’t get the fundamentals right
• Adam Hoge says everything goes back to Matt Eberflus

Watch the show on YouTube!

And welcome to Victory Monday.

As you’ve probably heard, Sunday’s win over the Raiders was the first for the Bears at Soldier Field since September 25, 2022 — a stretch spanning 10 losses and 392 days. The opponent may not have been a Super Bowl contender, but as my CHGO Sports colleague Cody Delmendo likes to say, it’s nice to win just one.

And that’s actually two in the last three.

Let’s get to the thoughts …

1. I spent the waning moments of our live watchalong telling people not to go too far one way or the other with Tyson Bagent’s performance. The sheer size of Bears Nation means you have a solid contingent making Brock Purdy comparisons and another writing off Bagent’s entire career because Luke Getsy rarely had him looking past the chains. People. There will be another game next Sunday and the one after that. Bagent and the Bears had to win this football game and they executed the gameplan that let them get there. There is no third quarterback out there that will automatically elevate the team to Super Bowl contenders by next Sunday and there are still 10 games before we can even consider the question of who “the guy” is for 2024 and beyond. I’m as impatient as every other Bears fan out there, but let’s also be realistic of the situation as it stands on October 22, 2023.
   
   
2. And that’s why I’m just choosing to appreciate Bagent’s performance and story this morning. No, his final stat line — 21/29, 162 yards and one touchdown — won’t have anyone confusing him for the second coming of Patrick Mahomes. And his final numbers ARE the type of totals that have caused criticism for Fields in the past (though as Adam Hoge noted, the lack of turnovers and sacks should explain some of that difference).
   
   But Bagent was starting a Division II football game at this time last year and sat through seven rounds of the draft last spring without hearing his name called. On Sunday, he led an NFL team to a victory and snapped a 10-game home losing streak. There should still be room for all of us to appreciate a good story and if not, what are you doing watching sports anyway?
   
   
3. Best thing about Bagent’s performance? No turnovers when everyone was expecting a couple and the 38-year-old backup and fellow rookie on the other side of the ball threw a combined three.
   
   
4. Speaking of waiting to see how things play out and getting the entire picture, Caleb Williams has been proving the need for that the last two weekends. Finding the truth between “lock for a bust in Canton” and “this guy can’t beat good teams” is why the NFL Draft complex is a 365 day a year fascination.
   
   
5. It’s pretty wild that eight different Bears caught passes in a game plan that didn’t stray past 10 yards and neither Cole Kmet nor Robert Tonyan saw a single target.
   
   
6. I didn’t see this defense coming around in October after the September we saw from them. But they just forced the Raiders to a 2-of-9 mark on third downs one week after doing something similar to the Vikings. Another few performances like this and they might be able to claim an identity.
   
   
7. Justin Jones is already playing with that swagger. Tyrique Stevenson and Jaylon Johnson, too.
   
   
8. I think Jaylon Johnson deserves an extension, as long as he’s not set on the very top of the market. Like Nicholas Moreano said in the postgame, the Bears aren’t yet at a spot where they can keep letting good players walk out of the building.
   
   
9. I wish Cairo Santos had been on the team in 2018.
   
   
10. All these Packers losses are a lot of fun to watch, but they’d be a lot more fun to gloat over had the Bears beat them in Week 1.
    
    
    Also, we’re one Vikings loss on Monday Night Football away from the Bears being the only victorious NFC North team in Week 7. I’ll take it.
    

Kevin Kaduk

PS — Make sure to join us at The Fireplace Inn in Old Town next Sunday night for a Bears-Chargers watch party!

More coverage from CHGO Bears:

• Nicholas Moreano dives deep on Tyson Bagent’s debut
• Mark Carman has grades for the second win of the season
• Adam Hoge says this could be the defining moment of Justin Fields’ Chicago tenure
• The CHGO Bears crew ponders the upcoming trade deadline

The Chicago Bears are 1-5, a massive civic disappointment after a lot of offseason hype. Justin Fields in on the sidelines with a dislocated thumb and rookie Tyson Bagent — who was starting a Division II game at this time last year — is waiting in the wings.

Can the Bears upset a 3-3 Raiders team that will be playing without starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo? Here’s how we see this one shaking out …

Adam Hoge (2-4) — Raiders 20, Bears 16

What do I expect from Tyson Bagent? I expect him to get the ball out quickly and surprise folks with a few accurate intermediate throws. But given all the issues up front, and Bagent’s inexperience, I’d be surprised if the Bears don’t turn the ball over at least twice. It’s just what happens when rookies play quarterback in the NFL.

Nicholas Moreano (2-4) — Raiders 20, Bears 17

What a matchup we’ll see on Sunday between the 1-5 Bears and 3-3 Raiders. Both teams will feature their backup quarterbacks, and this game will no doubt be used as a future trivia question somewhere.

“What quarterbacks started for the Bears in their Week 7 matchup during the 2023 season?”

The Bears had no answer for the Vikings’ defense a week ago, and now an effort-filled Maxx Crosby comes to Solider Field to wreak havoc on Tyson Bagent and whoever is playing right tackle for the Bears. 

It’s time to start another losing streak. 

Corey Wootton (2-4) — Raiders 24, Bears 17

Battle of the Backup QBs.  Getsy’s playcalling continues to limit the Bears. Drop another game and continue their struggles.

Will DeWitt (3-3) — Raiders 17, Bears 13

I don’t expect this game to be pretty, but I do expect it to be close. The Bears will struggle more on offense than the Raiders will mostly due to their offensive line being in shambles. Oh … and Maxx Crosby. I don’t have hope in the Bears’ red-zone defense, which hasn’t proven it can stop anyone inside the 20. That’s going to lead to some too-easy points allowed, which will be just enough to cost the Bears the game.

Greg Braggs Jr. (2-4) — Bears 28, Raiders 20

The one thing this city does best is a good, old-fashioned quarterback controversy. So I have no no doubt that the Secret Bagent Man will have a good game and lead the Bears to victory. Thus the entire city falling in love with the backup QB, as per tradition. The defense also has shown some signs of life with the return of Kyler Gordon and Jaylon Johnson to the secondary. Former Bear and current backup for the Raiders, Brian Hoyer, also makes the start for a battle of the backups which plays right into my prediction. The only question is the health of the offensive line for the Bears. With Darnell Wright listed on the injury report the last two days may sway the favor to the Raiders with Maxx Crosby lining up across from them. If they can’t stop him it could be a long day for the Bears. Nonetheless, I’m predicting a big day from Tyson Bagent and the offense just to further enrage Bears fans about the quarterback position. The only thing the Bears have been consistent about in my lifetime.

Mark Carman (3-3) — Bears 26, Raiders 20

Alright. This is no time not to believe in Secret Bagent Man. The Raiders being favored by 2.5 points is giving me the same thoughts as last week with Minnesota, but I am sticking with the Bears. The defense continues to play well. Bagent creates a QB controversy.

Kevin Kaduk (2-4) — Raiders 20, Bears 13

I again want to zig while the others are zagging, but the Bears don’t deserve any faith right now. Tyson Bagent may have a few flashes, but it’s going to be a long day on offense with all the shuffling going on up front.

Jake Flannigan (1-5) — Bears 17, Raiders 13

After more than a full calendar year, the Bears say goodbye to a franchise worst nine-It is what it is. I believe the Bears are the better team, but it’s going to take a clean game from the rookie QB to pull out the home win.

I guess I’m just grateful we somehow got 10 days of optimism during this hellish season.

Let’s get into the thoughts following Sunday’s 19-13 loss to the Vikings …

1. Welp, the Bears are now 1-5. A softer October schedule gave the team a real chance to right itself after that 0-3 September. But after three games this month, the Bears are 1-2 with the defense collapsing against the Broncos and the offense no-showing against the Vikings. A real team effort, if you’re on the lookout for positives.
   
2. Why isn’t this team prepared when they actually have time to prepare? They were pantsed by the Packers after an entire offseason, $170 million worth of free agents and a new No. 1 wide receiver for the offense. Then this after an encouraging win over Washington and 10 days of rest/planning/normalcy at Halas Hall. Does Matt Eberflus hand out “loafs” to himself and his staff? He should.
   
3. How much money would you have placed on the Bears had I told you Kirk Cousins would be limited to 181 passing yards and the Vikings only 46 rushing yards?
   
4. What if I also told you the Vikings would be 2-of-13 on third downs or that the Vikings offense wouldn’t score in the second half?
   
5. Washington Commanders fans must be a confused lot this morning.
   
6. That’s 10 straight losses in the NFC North and 10 straight losses at Soldier Field. We’re back in the late ’90s, only with a more athletic quarterback and less Dave Wannstedt.
   
7. Speaking of QB1, the 2023 season faces a big fork in the road with Justin Fields’ MRI today. I didn’t see anything from Tyson Bagent yesterday that said he absolutely, definitely, positively deserves a shot at the job and he’d be playing with the same barriers to success that hinder Fields anyway.
   
8. Between Bagent’s two turnovers and Caleb Williams not playing up to the moment in South Bend, it was a bad weekend for Bears fans who want to move on from Fields.
   
9. Speaking of beloved Bears backup quarterbacks, Brian Hoyer could start for the Raiders next Sunday after Jimmy Garoppolo’s back injury. Fun trivia fact: He and Josh McCown are the only Bears quarterbacks to throw for 300+ yards in three straight games.
   
10. Another big shoutout to the Soldier Field crowd. Despite it all, you could tell it was still thirsty for that W late in the game. Our fanbase’s passion remains unmatched.

More coverage from CHGO Bears

• The CHGO Bears crew broke it down during postgame
• Adam Hoge says following Fields is an emotional roller coaster.
• Nicholas Moreano writes that the Bears still have plenty of problems
• Mark Carman is tough but fair in his game grades.
• Hoge and Carm got together for a good snap

Get 10 Quick Bears Thoughts In Your Inbox every Monday Morning!

And welcome to Victory Friday!

The 14-game losing streak is over. The Bears are in the win column. The weather outside is the stuff that fall Chicago dreams are made of.

Let’s have ourselves a weekend!

But not before we get to our first set of victory thoughts …

1. Was I too early in proclaiming there’s no way Matt Eberflus could recover from a 3-18 start as Chicago Bears head coach? Maybe. There’s still a big hole to climb out of, but the season is long and seeing the Bears respond to the adversity by going on the road with four days of rest to hang a 40-burger on Washington is encouraging. The Bears couldn’t ask for a better situation than to have Minnesota and Las Vegas coming through Chicago for the next two games. I’d love nothing more than to eat crow.
   
2. 1+2=18! Last night’s performance exceeded even our wildest dreams when Ryan Poles traded for DJ Moore last spring. Moore had eight catches for 230 yards and three touchdowns. He might’ve even had more had the official not blown that one play dead (though the All-22 angles weren’t favorable to the Bears). Justin Fields also pointed out he had an overthrow on another possible touchdown.
   
3. Since CHGO Bears started the #StandWithFields movement, QB1 is 43-for-64 for eight touchdowns, one interception, 699 yards and a 131.3 passer rating. Just saying.
   
4. Credit to Luke Getsy for making the necessary changes these last two games, but can he plan around the intense correction that will be thrown at DJ Moore? Only two other players (both tight ends) caught balls last night and Chase Claypool is off to Miami. Who’s going to step up for that opportunity?
   
5. Whether you’re old enough to have watched him or just have family members who did, the high expectations we have as Bears fans were all set by the play of Dick Butkus. Tough. Fierce. 100 percent effort. He and the example set by Walter Payton are why we get so angry whenever they’re not met.
   
6. Darnell Wright’s truck-strick pancake block was a great tribute to Dick’s dominance.
   
7. This offensive line might just work out if Teven Jenkins and Nate Davis keep contributing.
   
8. Valiant effort by Khari Blasingame in the second half, but let’s hope this extended time off lets the running back room get back to health.
   
9. Are you looking forward to seeing Terrell Smith more? Me too.
   
10. It’s a great day to have Cole Kmet on CHGO Bears for his first postgame appearance. See everyone on YouTube at noon.

PS – Thanks to everyone who contributed to my Chicago Marathon fund for Cal’s Angels earlier in the week! You can still pitch in to help area kids battling pediatric cancer!

More coverage from CHGO Bears

• The CHGO Bears Pod held its first Winners Lounge in almost a year
• Nicholas Moreano went deep on the Fields-Moore connection
• Adam Hoge, Greg Braggs and Mark Carman handed out game balls
• Braggs said the Bears are finally playing to their potential
• Herb Lawrence and I remembered Dick Butkus in a special podcast

Get 10 Quick Bears Thoughts In Your Inbox every Monday Morning!

Sure, Dick Butkus hadn’t played in a game since 1973, but his outsized and fearsome legend always suggested he still might break through the line and drive an opponent into the ground.

And of course you all remember that old joke.

Q: What do Green Bay Packers quarterbacks do before they go to sleep?

A: Check under the bed for Dick Butkus.

Butkus, who was not only one of the biggest legends in Bears history but also NFL lore, died Thursday in his sleep, according to a statement from his family.

He was 80.

A Chicago legend dating back to his days at Chicago Vocational and then the University of Illinois and then Wrigley Field and Soldier Field with the Bears, Butkus spent the majority of his life being synonymous with tough-nosed and fierce football. He was the cornerstone of the Bears defense from 1965 to 1973 and both he and Gale Sayers were bright stars on some otherwise bad Bears teams.

He later became a television star, playing himself in “Brian’s Song” and starring in the ubiquitous “Tastes Great! Less Filling!” beer commercials in the 1980s.

“Dick was the ultimate Bear, and one of the greatest players in NFL history,” Bears CEO George McCaskey said in a statement on Thursday. “He was Chicago’s son. He exuded what our great city is about and, not coincidently, what George Halas looked for in a player: toughness, smarts, instincts, passion and leadership.”

Kevin Kaduk, Herb Lawrence and Mark Carman remembered Dick Butkus during the latest episode of The Chicago Sports Podcast.

Matt Eberflus’ team dropped to 0-4 after blowing a 21-point lead to the Denver Broncos on Sunday. Now they have a quick turnaround, playing the Washington Commanders on Thusday Night Football for the second straight season.

Here’s how we see this one shaking out …

Adam Hoge (2-2) — Commanders 24, Bears 20

What if the Bears never win again?

Nicholas Moreano (2-2) — Commanders 20, Bears 10

The Commanders have four former first-rounds picks on their defensive front. That alone should be enough to worry any Bears fan. It’s just not a good matchup even after Justin Fields’ best statistical game of his NFL career. Unlike the Broncos, the Commanders can apply pressure on the quarterback. Hate to say it, but the losing streak extends to 15 games. 

Corey Wootton (2-2) — Commanders 31, Bears 28

Bears offense continues to improve, but defensively they still cannot generate pressure. Fields has another great game, but the team comes up short.

Will DeWitt (3-1) — Commanders 28, Bears 21

I’m sure the Bears will find a new way to lose this game, right? It’s what they do best. Washington just took the Eagles down to the wire, and you better believe facing the Bears will feel like a cakewalk to the Commanders. The Bears won’t be able to handle the pressure that Washington will put on them with their strong defensive front. In order to win this game, Matt Eberflus’ defense will need to find a way to apply pressure of their own, but I just don’t have much faith in it actually happening. If this is Flus’ final stand, it’ll be interesting to see if he pulls out all the stops or just keeps with the status quo.

Greg Braggs Jr. (2-2): Commanders 34, Bears 26

Do the Bears have me intrigued after Justin Fields first 300 yard performance? Yes. Can they block Montez Sweat? No. If Washington can put up 31 points on a defense like Philadelphia on the road last Sunday, then imagine what they will do at home vs a Bears defense that can’t generate a pass rush, can’t generate turnovers, has sustained a ton of injuries and helped blow a 28-7 lead to the worst team in the NFL… oh wait that’s the Bears…the second worst team in the NFL I should say. If the Bears fall to 0-5 should the coaching staff be fired on Friday? I know what my answer would be.

Mark Carman (3-1) — Commanders 23, Bears 13

The Bears offense returns to earth against a better defense and the Matt Eberflus fire winds blow stronger.

Kevin Kaduk (2-2) — Commanders 27, Bears 17

The defense is so unquestionably bad that it’s impossible to pick the Bears on the road during a short week right now. Washington’s front four, meanwhile, cause problems for Justin Fields all night. The biggest suspense comes in whether or not Matt Eberflus survives the weekend as Bears head coach.

Jake Flannigan (0-4) — Bears 27, Commanders 20

Believing the Bears could win is becoming harder to conjure. I also realized, if I refuse to lose faith in the team and pick them to win, I’ll finish with the exact same record as the actual team on the field. Justin Fields will stand proud, erect as the Washington Monument, after guiding his team to its first victory.

Anyone think Chase Claypool watched the game while sitting at home?

Me neither.

Let’s get into the latest effort from our Chicago Bears.

1. Say this for the Bears. The first four weeks of the season has been some really crazy performance art. Each week has been a disasterpiece in itself.
   
2. I took to Twitter after the game to declare that Matt Eberflus was the worst coach in Chicago sports history and received a few objections from those still grinding an axe against leaders like Jim Boylen, Terry Bevington, Tom Trebelhorn and Alpo Suhonen. They still had winning percentages worlds better than the .166 (3-18) that Eberflus is rocking after just 21 games. He’s already lost the fanbase, looks like he’s lost the building and just authored the worst collapse in Bears history. There’s no coming back from this.
   
3. Our worst fears have been confirmed … the Bears really did hire a defensive coach who can’t coach defense! That’s 14 straight games of the team giving up 25 points or more, a fact that absolutely boils the blood of any true Chicagoan.
   
4. God bless my fellow meatballs Greg Braggs Jr. and Jay Zawaski, but there’s zero chance that Lovie Smith is waiting in the wings to take over. Would you be willing to bail out a franchise that sent you to the curb after a 10-6 season and has been wandering around in the darkess for more than a decade since?
   
5. My friend Josh also might have been the first to suggest that we’re heading toward “Chicago Bears head coach Bill Belichick” with the way the Patriots are also playing. But there’s also no shot of that happening because the McCaskeys aren’t paying $20 million a year to a head coach with his own actual opinions on running a football team.
   
6. Say what you will about Ryan Pace spending second-round picks on Adam Shaheen and Anthony Miller, at least he didn’t have to ask either of those players to not come to Soldier Field or Halas Hall in less than a year’s time.
   
7. Even if he shouldn’t have been in that position, my life for a last-minute Fields drive.
   
8. My 35-31 Bears prediction was possibly one shotgun formation away from being right.
   
9. Gervon Dexter Sr. and Zacch Pickens played 10 and 9 snaps more than I did on Sunday.
   
10. The NFL is arguably the most entertaining product in the universe. The Bears are arguably the least. Yet the Bears are in the NFL. The math is not mathing, as the kids say.

Despite this 0-4 start, we still had almost 5,000 fans watching our live show with tens of thousands more watching or listening later. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: No one cares more than Chicago Bears fans. And no one gets their loyalty abused more by their team than Bears fans. See you back here on Thursday night.

PS – I’m running the Chicago Marathon next Sunday and it’s nice to know that however much pain and tears I endure, it will still be less than what the first four weeks of the Bears season has done to me. A BIG thank you to the CHGO Bears live watch along audience for donating over $500 to Cal’s Angels, the pediatric cancer charity I’m running for. You can contribute here as we try to reach our goal of $5,000!

More coverage from CHGO Bears

• Nicholas Moreano says the losing is taking a toll on QB1
• Greg Braggs Jr. says “FIRE EVERYONE”
• Mark Carman says the coaching gets an F
• Adam Hoge says this is not a balloon party

Get 10 Quick Bears Thoughts In Your Inbox every Monday Morning!

We will try anyway …

Nicholas Moreano

It wouldn’t be a Bears game if you weren’t left on the edge of your seat not knowing what the hell was going to happen at the end of the game. The Bears had a 21-7 lead at halftime thanks to the play of Justin Fields, and then in a flash it disappeared. The Broncos tied the game at 28 with 6:55 left in the fourth quarter. Fields then led the offense on a 11-play, 57-yard drive to potentially take the lead with a field goal, but the Bears elected to go for it on fourth-and-1 at the Denver 18-yard line. The Broncos made the stop. Russell Wilson led his Broncos down the field to kick a 51-yard field goal to take a 31-28 lead. Fields was then intercepted on the final drive. Just like that 14 straight losses for the Bears. There has been a lot of bad Bears football and somehow this one was the worst of them all.

Will DeWitt

Leave it to the Bears to ruin Fields’ first 300-yard game as a passer. Anywho, it’s status quo for our favorite team as they drop four-straight to begin the season. Even though the offense looked improved at times, it’s an excellent reminder about how these games are about all three phases. Everybody needs to step up if the Bears want to win games in this league.

Greg Braggs Jr.

I really have no words. I don’t. I can’t describe how much this hurts. To go for it on 4th and short and run it out of shotgun is a fireable offense. Luke Getsy should be ashamed of himself. Any person will tell you in short down and distance play you go under center. They didn’t and it cost them the game. The defense couldn’t hold on but considering the entire secondary is out with injures, I can only really be mad at the play call that decided the game. The fumble also opened up the flood gates. Once again there, Getsy had the spotlight on him. You were gashing Denver on the run and then you throw in a bootleg play action fake that Denver had already been all over. Bad play call combined with the fact that Justin should’ve just ate the sack. In what was his best game of his career. So unbelievably disappointing. The Bears continue to find ways to lose. And the fanbase has to just eat it week after week.

Kevin Kaduk

Chicago has seen an unending parage of awful head coaches and worse offensive coordinators over the years. And somehow Matt Eberflus and Luke Getsy are worse than every single one that has come before this. An absolutely indefensible loss.

Yet someone has to win when the Chicago Bears and Denver Broncos meet up Sunday at Soldier Field.

Unless they tie, of course.

It’s a big game for both sides, but particularly for the Bears who are trying to end a 13-game overall losing streak and an eight-game slide at home. They also have a quick turnaround before Thursday’s game against Washington, making this contest even more important.

Let’s get into our picks for Week Four …

Adam Hoge (1-2) — Broncos 24, Bears 20

 I’d love to say this is a “get right” game for the Bears’ offense, but I don’t have much faith that that is going to happen. Neither of these teams is very good right now, but the Broncos have the better offense and that will be the difference. 

Nicholas Moreano (2-1) — Bears 23, Broncos 20

The 13-game losing streak ends Sunday. The Bears and Broncos both have their respective issues and quite frankly both need to work on the fundamentals of football, which we know the Bears love to emphasize each week along with the details. 

Justin Fields has his best game of the year, and I can see Chicago’s offense creating some yards-after-the-catch opportunities. Matt Eberflus’ defense does the bare minimum to not lose this game.

Corey Wootton (2-1) — Bears 28, Broncos 21

They finally get a win at Home against a bad Denver team. Getsy finally gets Justin Fields some designed runs and gets him on the move. This game is the confidence building game this offense has needed. 

Will DeWitt (2-1) — Broncos 23, Bears 21

Yes, the Broncos are beatable. And yes, the Bears do have a chance to win this game. However, I believe it’s going to come down to coaching and what team comes out with the right focus and energy. It’s hard to imagine Matt Eberflus outcoaching Sean Payton. Having to play with a decimated secondary won’t help the Bears’ chances. And who even knows what Week 4 of the Bears’ 17-week plan to develop their offense looks like? In a battle of two bad teams, the Bears will prove to be the worst of the bunch.

Greg Braggs Jr. (2-1): Bears 26, Broncos 20

I only have two reasons I’m picking the Bears this week and neither have anything to do with the play on the field. 1) They’re at home. 2) Law of averages. That’s it. That’s all I’ve got. But damnit, they’re gonna do it. And if they don’t, I’m never picking them again. 

Mark Carman (2-1) — Broncos 27, Bears 25

Matt Eberflus says the Bears are close. They get real close on Sunday and have a lead in the 4th quarter but they can’t stop Russell Wilson late and the Broncos sneak out of Soldier Field with a nauseating win.

Kevin Kaduk (2-1) — Bears 35, Broncos 31

When in doubt, I usually go with the better head coach/quarterback combo and there’s no denying that Sean Payton/Russell Wilson is > than Matt Eberflus/Justin Fields. But there’s still a tiny bit of meatball alive in this hardened heart of mine and I just have a feeling we’re going to see the Bears offense finally open up against a truly bad Broncos defense. Combined with the homefield crowd, Fields and Co. finally rise to the occasion and break a 13-game losing streak.

Jake Flannigan (0-3) — Bears 24, Broncos 20

The longest home losing streak in franchise history comes to an end at eight games. Justin Fields flashes through the air and on the ground. QB1 connects with his top receiver, prompting everyone in attendance yells “Go DJ!” after seeing way ‘Moore’ from Da Bears.

She might be able to do it with bad guys, but turns out Taylor Swift cannot make bad teams good for a weekend.

It’s the only thing she has in common with Matt Eberflus.

Let’s get into it …

1. Most depressing loss ever? Greg Braggs Jr. suggested as much to me during our live watch along yesterday, but I don’t see it. No one went into that game expecting the Bears to hold Victory Monday festivities today. Also, getting your teeth kicked in by Patrick Mahomes and the defending Super Bowl champions is infinitely better than getting owned by Aaron Rodgers twice a year and having to listen to the Packer people in your life the next morning.
   
   
2. That said, it’s concerning to know that a team from nearby Blue Springs South High School might’ve put up a better fight than the Bears did.
   
   
3. How are you celebrating the one-year anniversary of the Bears’ last home win? That was last Sept. 25 against the Texans and if you remember correctly, it was one of the most depressing wins in Bears history.
   
   
4. Making sure you’re playing the Bears when you invite Taylor Swift to the game is the equivalent of scheduling Rutgers for homecoming.
   
   
5. Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs have won a lot of games the past six seasons, but I find it hard to believe they ever had an easier victory than Sunday’s.
   
   
6. In addition to the Rooneys in Pittsburgh, Clark Hunt is proof positive that NFL franchises can survive and thrive after a generational transfer. Hunt became CEO of the Chiefs a year earlier than George McCaskey became president of the Bears and has nine playoff appearances, eight division titles, three Super Bowl appearances and two Lombardi Trophies to show for it. McCaskey has hired four head coaches, three GMs and traded up twice in the draft to select a quarterback. All while not seeing his team win a single playoff game.
   
   
7. The lone bright spot of Ryan Poles’ stewardship so far is that he hasn’t hamstrung the franchise financially or by trading away draft capital. McCaskey and Kevin Warren can’t let him get to a position to do so if they’re not convinced he’s the guy for the long haul.
   
   
8. The texts between Ryan Pace and Matt Nagy these days must be great.
   
   
9. There’s a part of me that hopes the Bears are just good enough to not be in position to draft Caleb Williams. One reason is that I find it hard to believe any quarterback could be dropped onto this team next year and succeed. The other is that I’m not sure anyone in Bears Nation is mentally ready to go through all of this again.
   
   
10. I need to see the traffic numbers on the Kelce Brothers podcast this week.
    

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More coverage from CHGO Bears

• The CHGO Bears team still brought it for another memorable postgame
• Nicholas Moreano says the Bears couldn’t cap a chaotic week with anything positive
• Mark Carman had the red pen out for another round of poor grades
• Greg “Bag Man” Braggs Jr. says there are still reasons for optimism

Welp, Justin Fields and the Chicago Bears are 0-3 after getting slaughtered by Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. And it all happened in front of Taylor Swift and a national audience. Not great. Adam Hoge, Mark Carman and Greg Braggs Jr. are joined by Nicholas Moreano from Arrowhead Stadium on the postgame edition of the CHGO Bears Podcast.

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A Chicago Bears team in turmoil went down to Kansas City to face the defending Super Bowl champions on Sunday and apart from Taylor Swift showing up to root on Travis Kelce, the script went as we all thought.

Final score: Chiefs 41, Bears 10.

Here are our initial thoughts as the Bears fall to 0-3 …

Adam Hoge

Well, at least we saw this coming. If you bought any of the spin that the energy inside Halas Hall was great despite everything that happened this week, then that’s on you. This seems like a huge week coming up at Halas Hall. If they can’t compete with the 0-3 Broncos, then things could spiral out of control quickly — if they aren’t already.

Nicholas Moreano

The Chicago Bears are a terrible football team. There is no other way of saying it. Everything about this organization, especially after this week, is simply bad. The offense couldn’t score. The defense couldn’t stop anything. The team couldn’t prevent themselves from looking like a laughing stock in front of the millions watching at home. The Week 3 blowout to the Chiefs was the cherry on top of an abysmal week for Chicago.

Will DeWitt

Just when I thought things couldn’t get any worse for the Bears, they wasted no time in proving me wrong. That performance was nothing short of putrid. It’s clear that massive changes are needed at a foundational level before we can even hope for any sort of improvement with this franchise. Until then, it seems like we’re stuck in purgatory.

Greg Braggs Jr.

The Chicago Bears are taking the fanbase to a dangerous place. Apathy. Who really cares if it feels like the team doesn’t when we watch them? They have to show more fight than this. And to me, if I’m Kevin Warren, I’m walking to Ryan Poles office and telling him this. You have 2 more games to turn this around and show some life or I’m going to start firing people. You’re on the clock, Bears and I’m not talking about the draft.

Mark Carman

The Bears should have called Roger Goodell last Sunday and let him know that they were not going to make the trip to Kansas City. They would have been better off than putting this disaster on tape in the prime afternoon television window. Everything is on the table from here. First things first, I’d hire a defensive coordinator. Good news is there is a chance to get right with Denver headed to Soldier Field. Feels like a must win for the coaching staff.

Kevin Kaduk

Not an unexpected result in the win-loss column by any means, but the no-show in every aspect of the game is just too much to take. This rebuild looks over before it ever really started.

The Chicago Bears might be the first after the week of distractions the team just went through. Yes, even with Patrick Mahomes waiting at Arrowhead Stadium to remind the organization they went with Mitch Trubisky in 2017 instead of him.

Can the Bears adopt an “us against the word” mentality and upset Mahomes and old friend Matt Nagy on the road? Most of us don’t see it happening.

Adam Hoge (0-2) — Chiefs 38, Bears 17

I’d love to tell you the Bears will be galvanized and show up with a stunning performance in Kansas City. Unfortunately, I’ve seen this go the other way too many times. This feels like a “get right” game for the Chiefs.

Nicholas Moreano (1-1) — Chiefs 28, Bears 17

This week at Halas Hall has been chaotic to say the least. So much so that the Bears-Chiefs game has almost felt like an after thought. It would be great to believe the Bears could use all the obstacles they have faced earlier this week as motivation to go out and upset the defending Super Bowl champions, but I don’t see that happening — as much as I would like that to be the case. 

Corey Wootton (1-1) — Chiefs 42, Bears 21

Defense can’t contain Patrick Mahomes and company. Offensively: Fields will use his legs more and make plays, but the Chiefs offense will be too much. 

Will DeWitt (1-1) — Chiefs 27, Bears 20

After that mess of a week at Halas Hall, the Bears will head to Arrowhead in an attempt to stop the bleeding. With Chris Jones and Travis Kelce both back in action for the second-straight week, the Bears will simply be overmatched with elite playmakers on both sides of the ball. There’s a chance the Bears play out of their minds with their backs against the wall, but I just have severe reservations about them being able to hang in there with Patrick Mahomes. Looks like it’ll be three straight losses for the Bears to begin the season.

Greg Braggs Jr. (1-1): Chiefs 42, Bears 19

Justin Fields wants to play his game, play loose. I don’t necessarily disagree with him. It’s obvious whatever they were trying to do heading into the season wasn’t working. The reason I still have my concerns for this all working out is does Luke Getsy feel the same way? More importantly, does he understand what that would take in terms of playcalling. This is a guy who last week ran the ball 12 times with the running backs combined and only one more time with Roschon Johnson after he broke off a run for 30 in the first half. We should see more designed runs but will Getsy call ones that throw the Chiefs defense off? Cause they’ll certainly be waiting for them. Time of possession will be so key this week to have any semblance of a chance and Luke Getsy still has a lot to prove to me that he’s willing to do that. Oh yea, and they don’t have their starting left tackle anymore to add to the madness of this week.  I’m rooting for you, Justin. But at this point, I’m worried none of it will work out. 

Mark Carman (1-1) — Chiefs 31, Bears 20

Nowhere to go but up from here, right?  I am going to define up as the Bears covering the spread which at this Friday point in time is -12.5. Fields has some moments of “free” but the turnover issue remains the same. The Chiefs are too loaded defensively for this to be a bounce-back week for the Bears offense. They also have Patrick Mahomes which will probably, maybe be a problem for the Bears D as well. 

Kevin Kaduk (1-1) — Chiefs 35, Bears 13

I know there are some people trying to talk themselves into the Bears rising up from the week of hell to shock the world in the late Sunday afternoon window. But tell me what you see as more likely: The defending Super Bowl champions starting 1-2 with the two losses at home … or the worst team in the NFL last year starting 0-3 with the offense in disarray and a host of injuries already impacting the team?

Jake Flannigan (0-2) — Bears 30, Chiefs 27

Sometimes good things happen. Cairo Santos returns to where his career started and boots the game-winning field goal. The Bears are rewarded a victory for a clean game on offense and a few big defensive stops.

The Bears are somehow worse than last year and the Cubs can’t win a game when it matters most. Meanwhile, the Sox haven’t played a meaningful game all year and the Bulls are gearing up for a run at the seventh seed in the East if all goes well — though it most assuredly won’t.

Can I interest you in some Connor Bedard hat trick highlights?

Let’s get into 10 quick thoughts about Sunday’s 27-17 loss to the Buccaneers

1. The Bears have now lost 12 straight games dating back to last season. They’re two losses away from being listed on this Wikipedia page of all-time NFL losing streaks and they’ll likely be halfway there after next week’s visit to Kansas City.
   
2. Should the Bears move to 0-4 with a loss to the Broncos, I would think somebody is going to be paying for the start with their jobs and those somebodies are Luke Getsy and Alan Williams. Will it make a difference? Probably not.
   
3. Ryan Poles and Matt Eberflus were left a royal mess by the Ryan and Matt who previously held their jobs, so it’s a little unfair to pin the size of that losing streak on whatever aptitude they may lack for their jobs. Last year was implosion by design, a trick that paid off in this city for the Cubs, didn’t for the Sox and looks to be bearing serious fruit for the Blackhawks.
   
4. That said, the presence of Justin Fields’ talents turns the screws much faster for Poles and Eberflus. Right or wrong, the public perception was that Fields had the potential to be a generational quarterback in town. At the very least, his talent level should place him far above the pile of has-been and never-was quarterbacks we’ve had to suffer through in this town. If QB1 is reduced to junker status under Eberflus and Getsy, it’s a resume stain that won’t wash off easily.
   
5. It also pushes the window back at least another 3-4 years and it’s clear none of us have any patience for even 3-4 weeks with the Super Bowl drought approaching 40 years.
   
6. The wild card in the entire immediate future of the Bears is Kevin Warren, the boss who came in AFTER the current power structure was in place and holds the hiring and firing power for everyone in the building. It’ll be interesting to see if and when he starts making his voice heard in this season’s soap opera.
   
7. I have no idea how you spend $170 million in the offseason and fail to improve either the offensive or defensive line, but Ryan Poles seems to have done it.
   
8. At one point during Sunday’s game, the Bears were leading 7-3 and blocked a Tampa Bay field goal attempt to take control near midfield. The offense responded with a three-and-out and at that point I think we pretty much knew how this game was going to go.
   
9. I hate that I’ve already visited Tankathon.com this early in the season.
   
10. I don’t know the specifics of how this Justin Fields story will end, but I’m glad I haven’t invested in a No. 1 jersey yet. The No. 10 and No. 52 in the back of my closet don’t need any more company.
    

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More gameday coverage from CHGO Bears

• Nicholas Moreano reports on the offensive shortcomings from Tampa Bay

• Greg Braggs Jr. went viral with his rant from Blame Game

• Mark Carman saw some progress when issuing his grades

• Adam Hoge led a discussion on Justin Fields’ future

You know what happened next. Chase Claypool took a bad penalty, Justin Fields threw an awful pick six and the Bears were handed a 27-17 loss to drop them to 0-2 on the season with a trip to Kansas City coming next Sunday.

Here are our initial reactions to Sunday’s loss …

Adam Hoge

It’s hard to imagine a worse start to the season for the Chicago Bears. The defense still isn’t getting home and now has major depth issues with both Kyler Gordon and Eddie Jackson out. Justin Fields is just… well, struggling. It’s worrisome. When you can’t pass protect on one side of the ball and you can’t create pressure on the other, you’re not going to win football games. On that note, the Bears have now lost 12 games in a row.

Mark Carman

I have not felt this sick after a Bears game since the double doink. What an unbelievably bitter pill to swallow after making it a one-score game and then getting a stop to give the offense a chance. There were moments of progress combined with all the head scratching. Bears fans will have a hard time taking solace in having a chance to win late in the fourth quarter, but the Bears did see some progress this week. Along with the pain.

Nicholas Moreano

The Bears knew what they needed to correct going into their Week 2 matchup against the Buccaneers. Despite the major let down against Green Bay, all the same mistakes surfaced a week later in Tampa Bay. Justin Fields held the ball for too long and missed players downfield. The defense couldn’t get off the field on third down. And now the Bears are 0-2 and have to travel to Kansas City to face Patrick Mahomes. Only two weeks into the season, but already it feels like it’s over.

Will DeWitt

Leave it to the Bears to give us a glimpse of hope they’re near the end just to flush it straight down the toilet. For every step forward it felt like this team made today, it also took a couple back. So many self-inflicted wounds. Fields is way behind where we thought he’d be, and his team is following suit. Go figure. DJ Moore had over 100 yards receiving. Chase Claypool had a touchdown. Bears defense held the Bucs to one touchdown in four red zone trips. But it wasn’t enough. It’s rarely enough when your quarterback plays like we saw from Fields today.  

Greg Braggs Jr.

Same ol Bears, different day.

This is Nagy and Mitch all over again. Getsy refuses to establish the power run, even if it shows success. The team can’t develop the quarterback. The quarterback can’t read the field. I can’t even be mad at the defense. This team will never go anywhere until they figure out how to play offense. It probably will never happen in my lifetime.

The question now is: What kind of President does Kevin Warren want to be? Is he just the money guy and the stadium guy like Ted Phillips was? Or is he going to be hands on and challenge Ryan Poles as to why this looks worse than last year despite all the additions? At some point, there has to be some accountability from the head coach, offensive coordinator and quarterback.

Kevin Kaduk

I’ve got nothing. I didn’t expect the Bears to be a top-flight NFC contender, but improving on last year should have been a given. The 2023 Bears instead look miles worse than the 2022 squad that finished with three wins and the No. 1 pick. Back to the drawing board for what seems like the 400th time in my Bears fan life.

Tampa Bay sprung a surprise Week 1 win in Minnesota and now return to Florida for their home opener. Can the Bears upset their party and reverse the course of the season?

Here are our picks for Week 2:

Adam Hoge (0-1) — Bears 24, Bucs 21

I’m giving this team one more week before full panic sets in. This game has Week 1 overreaction/Week 2 correction written all over it. The Bucs are not as good as they showed in Minnesota last week (although the defense probably is) and the Bears are not as bad as they showed against the Packers. 

Will DeWitt (0-1) — Buccaneers 24, Bears 20

Doing my best to keep a level head after last week’s beatdown, but it’s hard to put that one completely in the rearview right now. I expect the Bears to clean things up, but I just can’t confidently say they’ll be able to put it all together in time to come away on top. Please, prove me wrong. I really don’t want to be right about this.

Corey Wootton (0-1) — Buccaneers 31, Bears 24

Too many issues in  coverage. The Bucs offense will exploit those issues with their talented WR core. Offense will play better, but defensively there are too many issues. 

Greg Braggs, Jr. (0-1) — Buccaneers 31, Bears 23

As much as I pray for the bounce back game. This is a bad matchup for a Bears team still finding themselves. The Buccaneers defensive coordinator, Todd Bowles, will be relentless with the blitz. Which means the Bears offense will have to run a very similar offense to Week 1. Screens, screens and more screens. Sounds fun, right? The Bucs defense is also predicated on stopping the run. Something the Bears offense would love to lean on as the passing game slowly builds some confidence. Add that with the injury to Kyler Gordon in the Bears secondary which means veteran wide receivers, Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, will find themselves in favorable matchups. Oh yea, and the defensive line hasn’t proven it can get any pressure on the quarterback. Forecast calls for rain but regardless of precipitation, it’s always hot and humid in Tampa Bay, which presents more problems for a Bears team not used to those conditions. The real storm is starting form over Halas Hall if the Bears can’t find a way to win this game. My advice? Pray.

Nicholas Moreano (0-1) — Buccaneers 17, Bears 14

The Bears’ loss the the Packers was concerning on so many levels. All of which I won’t get into because we could be here all day. This Week 2 matchup with the Bucs also concerns me. The Bucs will bring the blitz throughout the entirety of the game. I don’t know how this Bears offensive line and Justin Fields handle that type of pressure on Sunday. I really wanted to pick the Bears to calm down the panic that is going on in Chicago, but I think that chaos, unfortunately, continues for one more week.

Mark Carman (0-1) – Buccaneers 23, Bears 20

The Bears look a lot better. Justin Fields connects with DJ Moore 6 times. Fields also crosses runs for 75 yards. But the Bucs D gets a couple key turnovers that sink the Bears to 0-2.

Kevin Kaduk (0-1) — Buccaneers 24, Bears 16

Maybe there’s a course correction in the offing, but there’s no way I’m putting faith in the Bears after seeing all of the problems on both sides of the ball and then watching the team struggle to provide answers during the week. The Buccaneers might not be world beaters but their defense is more than good enough to make it a hot and hellish Florida day for Justin Fields and the Bears.

Jake Flannigan (0-1) — Bears 27, Buccaneers 13

Throw out everything you thought you knew about the Bears. They are not who we thought they were. An opportunistic defense in symphony with a quick-tempo, vertically charged offense, re-energizes the locker room and a bushwhacked fan base. Hope is alive and well.

It’s been four days since the Chicago Bears let down the city with a stinker of an effort against the Packers and Bears fans are still dragging. Kevin Kaduk, Mark Carman and Lawrence Benedetto talk about the Chicago-wide depression and where it ranks in the last 30 years of the Bears wandering through the wilderness. Also on the show: Can the Chicago Cubs capture even more of a market share with the White Sox’s current troubles? The guys also talk about the official arrival of Connor Bedard on ice for the Chicago Blackhawks and the arrival of PHLY Sports in the ALLCITY Network!

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Welp. I was hoping my first stab at this new Monday morning newsletter format would be a happy 10-point tour through a big Bears win.

Instead, I’m writing it from a familiar position as the rain pours down on Chicago and reflects our awful moods after that 38-20 atrocity yesterday at Soldier Field.

1. I didn’t come into this season expecting a fully-formed NFC title contender. Not with all the new faces in the locker room. I still think it’s reasonable to expect the Bears’ offseason additions would put them past a Packers franchise that just lost its cornerstone of the last 15 years.
   
2. But the difference yesterday was clear. The Packers are a stable franchise built on good people and processes while the Bears are still searching for that. We’re hoping Ryan Poles can build that foundation, but Sunday’s loss was a grounding reminder that none of this happens overnight.
   
3. That said, can you point to any one Poles’ decision that you’re wild about so far? There’s been some glimpses here and there and I like his patience, but there hasn’t been anything to counterbalance the Chase Claypool trade or Velus Jones Jr. pick.
   
4. Roschon Johnson eats for free today. Cairo Santos, too.
   
5. Everyone’s right to be worried about the coaching. I’m not passing complete judgment on Matt Eberflus yet, but wouldn’t it be the most Bears thing ever if they hired a defensive coach who can’t coach defense … directly after firing an offensive coach who couldn’t coach offense?
   
6. That said, the “They Should Have Hired Brian Daboll!” crowd had a lot more ammo at 6:30 last night than it did at 8.
   
7. I’m not mentally ready to do the “it’s the quarterback!” vs. the “it’s everybody else!” argument with Justin Fields, just like we did with Mitch Trubisky. But the honest truth is that a lot of people have already started and it will only grow if Luke Getsy can’t figure out how to produce with the ingredients he’s been given.
   
8. Bryce Young (20-38, 146 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT) didn’t do anything in his debut to make the Bears regret passing on him last April. With the Bears holding the rights to Carolina’s No. 1 pick in 2024, we’ll take 16 more Panthers losses just like that, please.
   
9. Passing on Jalen Carter may remain a problem. His six pressures and a sack on 32 pass rushes in his Eagles’ debut — the most by a rookie DT in the last five seasons, according to Next Gen Stats — would’ve fit in nicely at Soldier Field.
   
10. I have Packer fan friends in my life. You probably have Packer fan friends in your life. I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired of getting the football pulled away at every turn and being left with no bragging rights for more than 30 years. We deserve a lot better for all the passion and energy we put into the Bears.

We’re onto Tampa Bay.

More coverage from CHGO Bears

• The CHGO Bears podcast tried to figure out who is to blame

• Nicholas Moreano on the offense and DJ Moore’s two targets

• Will DeWitt on a new cast, but same story from the Bears defense

• Adam Hoge doesn’t want to hear it was just one game

• Mark Carman has his grading pen out for a second season

• Greg Braggs Jr. is beside himself

Chicago Bears fans entered Week 1 of the 2023 NFL season with high hopes that a new era had started with Aaron Rodgers out of Green Bay. But Jordan Love and the rest of the Packers picked up where No. 12 left off with a dominating victory at Soldier Field. Join Adam Hoge, Mark Carman and Greg Braggs Jr. as they try to figure out where Justin Fields, Matt Eberflus and the rest of the Bears go after this demoralizing loss.

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Jordan Love and the Green Bay Packers picked up where No. 12 left off, rolling their way to a 38-20 victory at the Soldier Field on Sunday.

Here are our quick reactions to the giant disaster on the lakefront:

Watch our LIVE postgame show on YouTube!

Adam Hoge

Well, whatever the worst case scenario was… that was worse. The Bears were thoroughly outplayed and outcoached in every facet of that football game. Save the “it’s only Week 1” talk. Aaron Rodgers is gone and there’s just no excuse to be embarrassed by your rival like that. You can question EVERYTHING after that performance.

Mark Carman

You would have had a hard time scripting a worse opening week nightmare. Green Bay dominated the Bears again on third down with Jordan Love having all the time in the world to pick apart a Bears defense that could not cover a mediocre — at best —  receiving group playing without Christian Watson. The Bears were outplayed and outcoached by 7 miles. Luke Getsy has a lot to answer for his curious at best play calling which featured a designed run in the fourth quarter with the Bears down 31-14. Whatever optimism the Bears had coming into the season has evaporated in one week. 

Will DeWitt

What a pitiful performance by this team. It started bad and only got worse as the game wore on. Good luck trying to find a silver lining in this one. For all of the “improvement” that supposedly happened over the offseason, this looks like the same old Bears team. No offense. Soft defense. Meek play calls on both sides of the ball. They have a ton to figure out if they actually want to compete in the division. So much for turning the page in this rivalry. 

Nicholas Moreano

The Bears had a prime opportunity to change the narrative in their historic rivalry with the Packers. No more Aaron Rodgers meant hope. Instead, the Bears were embarrassed in their 2023 home opener. The offense failed to use its new weapons. The defense gave up big plays by allowing receivers, running backs and tight ends to run freely in the open field. A complete and total disaster to start the season.

Greg Braggs Jr.

Well, I said many times leading up to the game, the Bears SHOULD win this game. Which meant there was some pressure on the Chicago to do so. And man did they not handle the pressure well. Dominated in all three facets. The first play of the game was a penalty on the kickoff. The first drive of the game ended on a loss of downs by failing to get one inch of yardage on two failed sneaks. A sign of things to come.

The defense was a leaky faucet only benefitting from some missed downfield throws in the 1st half. Consistently giving up back-breaking third down conversions to Jordan Love. The offense started the game with 1 nice screen to Herbert and proceeded to call 15 more screens that didn’t work. The offensive line had a rough game blocking along with multiple penalties by Braxton Jones. They rarely threw downfield.

The million dollar question is why? People want to know if it’s because Luke Getsy doesn’t trust Fields to properly read the field. But if he does, then what gives with the play calling? Luke Getsy had a terrible day. Both Alan Williams and Matt Eberflus were out-coached on the defensive side. I don’t care if Eberflus is a CEO; this is on his watch. Matt Lafleur completely out coached him today. Lafleur was in his bag calling plays.

Pathetic performance from everyone on the Bears sidelines. And I don’t want to hear about, “It’s just one game.” This game meant so much more for everyone and it was another big letdown in a laundry list of letdowns on the lakefront. Impossible to rank them. They all sucked. But this one is up there. I’ll be drinking myself to sleep on Meatball Island, thank you very much. Good night.

Kevin Kaduk

It’s hard to think of a worse way to start the season. From Jodan Love making big plays on third down to Justin Fields throwing a pick six, the Bears were totally and utterly outclassed by a Packers team that many expected them to beat. Same as it ever was. The only thing that was different was the man under center, but honestly how many Packers fans are missing Aaron Rodgers right now?

What goes in to pulling off the world’s fourth-largest marathon? What are the toughest challenges? The most rewarding rewards? Chicago Marathon race director Carey Pinkowski stops by the CHGO Studios to talk with Kevin Kaduk about the race he has run since 1990.

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Yesterday I gave you three obvious players to watch in Saturday’s preseason opener against the Titans, but today we’ll look at three not-so-obvious players to watch.

DT Travis Bell — The seventh-round pick has had a mostly quiet training camp, but flashed a little more in recent days and seemed to get more meaningful reps. I’m excited to see what he can do in a game because his college film at Kennesaw State was fun to watch. His motor runs hot and I have a feeling we’ll see that in the second half Saturday. 

S A.J. Thomas — I mentioned Thomas in an earlier newsletter this week and I really feel like he’s got a shot to earn a roster spot with a strong preseason. With Jaquan Brisker and Eddie Jackson unlikely to play a ton, Thomas should get a lot of run. 

QB Tyson Bagent — Nathan Peterman was missing from practice Thursday, which might not mean anything, but it could mean more reps for Bagent, who figures to play anyway. The undrafted rookie from Shepard seems destined for the practice squad if he sticks around, but I always support the idea of keeping a young quarterback around to develop and these are the live game reps that matter.

Up Next: There is no media availability Friday as the Bears wrap up preparations for their first preseason action, but we’ll preview the game against Titans LIVE at Noon CT on The CHGO Bears Podcast. 

Here’s what I saw from three key rookies:

DT Gervon Dexter Sr. — We’ve heard all the right things about Dexter since he was drafted in the second round in April, but Tuesday he backed it up with a strong performance. On one particular rep, he won with a quick get-off and a swim move to easily get the win.

After practice, Bears head coach Matt Eberflus admitted Dexter has to relearn how to execute a quick get-off and “he’s got to be more consistent with it.” Remember, Dexter was asked to read and react at Florida instead of firing off the ball at the snap.

DT Zacch Pickens — There’s been less buzz on the third-round pick, but I think Pickens showed a strong bull rush and put a couple backup interior linemen on skates during 1-on-1s Tuesday. Dexter probably has the better chance to make a huge difference as a rookie, but don’t be surprised if Pickens flashes when rotated in. I’m excited to see him in preseason games.

RT Darnell Wright — Wright’s first NFL padded practice wasn’t as impressive, but I thought he held his own in 1-on-1s. It was later in team drills that he let up some pressure. There’s going to be a learning curve for the young right tackle and I think he’s going through that right now (similar to second-round cornerback Tyrique Stevenson). Stevenson bounced back the last couple days after a wake up call in his first week of training camp, and we’ll see if Wright can do that this morning in his second padded practice.

Up Next: Eberflus said there will be significantly more reps in today’s practice at Halas Hall, so there’s a chance it’s the most grueling (and hopefully most entertaining) practice of camp so far. Whatever happens, we’ll recap it for you live at 3 p.m. CT on the CHGO Bears Podcast. Talk to you then!

Join us at the CHGO Kickoff Classic at Cog Hill!

The team confirmed the news on Tuesday evening after it was first reported by the Daily Herald and Chicago Sun-Times.

Wirtz took control of the Blackhawks after his father Bill’s passing in 2007 and oversaw the most successful period in team history with the Blackhawks winning Stanley Cups in 2010, 2013 and 2015. Wirtz returned home games to television, brought announcer Pat Foley back into the fold and mended relationships with former Blackhawks alumni.

In later years, Wirtz spearheaded an expansion of the United Center campus and the building of the team’s Fifth Third practice arena nearby. In addition to leading the Blackhawks, Wirtz was a towering figure in Chicago business, leading the family’s liquor distribution company Breakthru Beverage.

“Our hearts are very heavy today,” son Danny Wirtz said in a statement issued by the team. “Our dad was a passionate businessman committed to making Chicago a great place to live, work and visit, but his true love was for his family and close friends.”

Wirtz was a popular presence in the 100-level during the championship run, often seen shaking hands and celebrating the latest Blackhawks wins. In a city starved for good ownership, Wirtz was seen as the exception to the rule.

The championship era, however, took a hit with the findings that a coaching staff member sexually assaulted former Blackhawks prospect Kyle Beach during the 2010 title run. Though an investigation found that Wirtz was unaware of the allegations at the time, his brusque response to a question about the scandal at a 2022 town hall meeting attracted a lot of criticism and he later apologized.

Wirtz was the fifth owner in franchise history and the third Wirtz, following in the footsteps of his grandfather Arthur and his father, Bill. Rocky’s son Danny became the team’s CEO in 2020.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman also released a statement on Tuesday night.

“Devoted to family and the Chicago Blackhawks, Rocky was a native son of Chicago and an accomplished businessman. Rocky took over control of the Blackhawks in 2007 and almost immediately restored the passions and following of this storied, Original Six franchise,” Bettman wrote.

“On a personal level, Rocky was a dear friend whose counsel I consistently sought. He was a highly respected member of the Executive Committee of the League’s Board of Governors whose wisdom and camaraderie were valued by his fellow owners.”

Wirtz’s fellow Chicago sports team owners also weighed in with their own statements.

“This is just shocking news and I am personally devastated,” Bulls and White Sox team owner Jerry Reinsdorf said in a statement.

Also on the show: Kevin and producer Sarah Fichter talk about their experience at the 2023 Big Ten Network 10K over the weekend on the lakefront and Kevin talks about his new pair of shoes that were recommended by a reader (and last week’s guest, Kofuzi).

Michael Jordan just sold the Charlotte Hornets for $3 billion, which means he will soon have plenty of spare time and money on his hands. The Athletic’s Jon Greenberg believes he and his former team would be a good fit, but is that really a good idea? Kevin Kaduk, Mark Carman and Lawrence Benedetto are joined by Chris Hrabe to discuss the possibility.

Also on THE Chicago Sports Podcast: The Chicago Cubs hit London, Connor Bedard is less than a week away from joining the Chicago Blackhawks and will the Bulls have anything to do during the NBA Draft?

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There’s no one correct way to train for 26.2 miles. In today’s episode, Kevin Kaduk is joined by Janice Scurio to talk about the pros and cons of training with people vs. training solo. We also talk about Week 2 of training and are joined by Megan Gertz of Cal’s Angels to discuss the Chicago Marathon’s impact on local charities. Both women also discuss their favorite sections of the Chicago Marathon and offer tips to first-time runners!

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There’s no doubt that hopes are high for the 2023 Chicago Bears season and what Justin Fields can bring to the table. But it’s not always guaranteed to go smoothly. Are Bears fans ready for the roller coaster? Join Kevin Kaduk, Luke Stuckmeyer, Kacy Standohar and Lawrence Benedetto as they dive into the discussion on THE Chicago Sports Podcast.

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The 2023 Chicago Marathon is just under four months away and thousands of runners across the world have started training for the race. Each has a goal to finish all 26.2 miles, but what other objectives are being pursued? First-time runners Kevin Kaduk and Jared Wyllys are joined by four-time Chicago Marathon veteran Andy Behrens to talk about their goals on the inaugural edition of the CHGO Chicago Marathon Podcast.

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One race. One city. One podcast.

Welcome to the CHGO Chicago Marathon Podcast, a podcast dedicated to our city’s biggest race and the unique culture that surrounds it on the second Sunday in October.

The Chicago Marathon winds through 29 of our 77 neighborhoods and has become an inextricable part of the city experience. Over 45,000 runners are expected at the starting line on Sunday, October 8 while another 12,000 will volunteer and thousands of others will line the course to yell and scream their support.

After years of watching and admiring those who sign up for all 26.2 miles, I’m finally lacing up my shoes for the challenge and intend to take you along for the ride. We’ll talk to runners of all levels while also seeking out infuential voices in the marathon space and exploring the race’s rich history with those who come back year after year.

It all starts with our first episode on Tuesday, June 13.

You won’t want to miss any of it so follow our Twitter account — @CHGO_Marathon — for announcements and hit subscribe on your favorite podcast provider!

The Chicago Bears started taking down Arlington Park this week, putting a wrecking ball to one of horse racing’s crown jewels and home to a lot of great memories over the years. How should we feel about it? Arlington Heights native Luke Stuckmeyer talks about the issue with Kevin Kaduk, who always enjoyed watching the ponies in the northwest suburbs. Kacy Standohar joins to discuss her quest to get to both ballparks on the same day and Taylor Swift’s visit to Soldier Field on THE Chicago Sports Podcast.

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Summer has finally arrived and with it, the most glorious months to be a Chicagoan. It’s also going to be a busy time in Chicago sports, so we’re making one big to-do list for Justin Fields, Connor Bedard and the rest of our athletes and teams here in Chicago. Join Kevin Kaduk, Luke Stuckmeyer, Kacy Standohar and Lawrence Benedetto as they talk summer plans for everyone from the Chicago Bears to both Chicago baseball teams on THE Chicago Sports Podcast.

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We are back! Join Chris Pennant this year along with a cast of very familiar faces, and the first copilot of the season, he’s the leading Chicago Sky voice at Nuts and Bolts Sports, the best Xs and Os analyst in the city and the best damn point guard to come out of Maywood since Dee Brown, Stephen Garner!

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Actually, go ahead and do all three. The NHL Draft Lottery is tonight at 7 and the Hawks’ rebuild could hop into a warp tunnel if everything falls just right and the top spot comes to Chicago.

Up for grabs is the right to draft Connor Bedard, the 17-year-old center from Vancouver. The Blackhawks hold the third-best odds in the lottery with an 11.5-percent shot at the top spot with only Anaheim (18.5 percent) and Columbus (13.5) ahead of them.

You’ve probably heard Bedard’s name once if you’ve heard it 300 times this season.

But if you’ve checked out on the Hawks the past few years, here’s what’s at stake.

• Bedard is considered a generational talent on par with other no-doubt No. 1 picks likes Sidney Crosby or Connor McDavid. If those names don’t mean much to you, think Lebron James or Peyton Manning. Though the Hawks’ rebuild seems on solid footing even before Kyle Davidson makes this year’s 11 picks, getting Bedard could speed it up a year or two.

• Bedard has absolutely owned the junior ranks. He was the first player in Western Hockey League history to be allowed entry at 15 years old. He scored an insane 134 goals and 137 assists over 134 career WHL games.

• He led Team Canada to a gold medal at the World Junior Championships this past winter with nine goals and 23 points over seven games. He is Canada’s all-time leading scorer at the world juniors.

If the Hawks don’t pull the No. 1 spot tonight, there are a number of good consolation prizes (including Adam Fantilli from the University of Michigan) and they can’t draft any lower than fifth at the NHL Draft at the end of June.

Still, it’d be the Hawks’ biggest win since June 15, 2015 if the win the Bedard sweepstakes tonight.

Keep those fingers crossed.

The Week Ahead

• Willson Contreras — who is already no longer a catcher — makes his first trip to Wrigley Field in a Cardinals uniform tonight, weather permitting. The Cubs are 17-17 after a Sunday’s 14-inning loss to the Marlins, but own a 6.5-game lead in the standings over St. Louis. A weekend trip to Minnesota follows the three-game set against the Cards.

• Can the White Sox keep some of their momentum going after a 4-2 week? Four games in Kansas City should theoretically help before returning to the South Side for three agaisnt the Astros next weekend.

• Keep your eye on Thursday for the potential release of the Bears‘ 2023 schedule. However, there’s talk the NFL could delay the announcement with the location and dates of some big games still to be resolved, including that rumored Chiefs-Bears matchup in Germany.

• The Fire fired coach Ezra Hendrickson early this morning and replaced him with assistant Frank Klopas, who will lead the team against St. Louis in Tuesday’s U.S. Open Cup match in Bridgeview.

• The Red Stars will be in Louisville on Friday for a matchup of the NWSL’s bottom two teams.

• Our Sky Podcast returns on Tuesday with the team’s final preseason tuneup taking place in Minnesota on Saturday.

Congrats QB1!

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Ryan Poles had other plans.

The Bears general manager traded the first pick of the fourth round to the New Orleans Saints, moving down 12 spots to No. 115 and picking up the Saints’ pick in the fifth round (165th overall).

That gave the Bears six picks to complete their 2023 Draft Class and Poles went to work immediately on the offensive side of the ball before looking for some value in later rounds.

2023 Chicago Bears Draft Class — Rounds 1-3
1st round (No. 10) — Tennessee OT Darnell Wright — Article | Video breakdown
2nd round (No. 53) — Florida IDL Gervon Dexter Sr. — Article | Video breakdown
2nd round (No. 56) — Miami CB Tyrique Stevenson — Article | Video breakdown
3rd round (No. 64) — South Carolina IDL Zacch Pickens — Article | Video breakdown

Saturday’s Selections

Round 4: Pick 115 — Texas RB Roschon Johnson

6-0, 219 pounds
2022 stats: Played in 12 games, rushing 93 times for 554 yards and five touchdowns

Instant analysis: Bears pick their first skill position player of the class, tabbing Bijan Robinson’s backup for the team’s backfield. Solid pick both on and off the field. He was quarterback in high school and a three-time academic All-Big 12 first-team selection in Austin.

Round 4: Pick 133 — Cincinnati WR Tyler Scott

5-9 7/8, 177 pounds
2022 stats: 54 catches for 899 yards and nine touchdowns

Instant analysis: Another Day 3 weapon for Justin Fields. Smaller receiver, but has very good speed and separation. Changes gear easily. Deep ball catcher, which would be very intriguing with Justin Fields. Tracks the ball downfield very well. Durable and a great gunner on punt. Physicality and blocking need work. Didn’t play WR in high school and is still ascending at the position. The Athletic’s Dane Brugler says that Scott has “Tyler Lockett upside.”

Round 5: Pick 148 — Oregon LB Noah Sewell

6-1, 1/2, 246 pounds
2022 statistics: 56 tackles, 5.5 TFL, one interception

Instant analysis: The Bears’ linebacking room was a weakness in 2022, but that won’t be the case in 2023. After the offseason additions of Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards, Ryan Poles adds a solid off-ball linebacker with one of the picks they received in the Roquan Smith trade. Sewell is the brother of Penei Sewell and should make a lot of fans in Chicago with his rough and physical play.

Round 5: Pick 165 — Minnesota CB Terell Smith

6-0 1/2, 204 pounds
2022 stats: 4.5 TFLs, two sacks and two interceptions

Hoge’s Notes: Traits prospect with good size, speed and length at cornerback. Dealt with a lot of injuries, but finally put together a full productive season in 2022. Older prospect who will turn 24 in late-July. Not a lot of special teams experience.

Sack/fumble vs Purdue.

Round 7: Pick 218 – Kennesaw State DT Travis Bell

6-1, 290 pounds

Instant analysis: Poles didn’t want to spend the ninth pick on Jalen Carter and will instead hope to find value in the trio of Dexter, Pickens and now Bell. There are often diamonds in the rough to be found at small schools; might Bell fit that label?

Round 7: Pick 258 — Stanford S Kendall Williamson

6-0, 203 pounds

Instant analysis: With the second-to-last pick in the draft, the Bears looked for some more depth in their secondary.

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The Pittsburgh Steelers are instead scheduled to get the honors and the Bears will have to wait until picks 53, 61 and 64 to resume adding prospects to their team — barring any trades, of course.

The Bears strengthened their offensive line with the addition of Darnell Wright with the 10th pick of Thursday night’s first round, but still have a lot of holes to fill.

Here are 15 players who could be around when the Bears are on the clock tonight. For full scouting reports and analysis, check out our CHGO Bears 100 database!

DL Keeanu Benton — Wisconsin
Hoge’s Notes: Versatile interior defensive lineman who can fit multiple schemes. Absolutely dominated Senior Bowl practices. Will dominate the run while also providing impactful pass rush ability. Average athlete, but plays with a high motor and can change direction. Possible comp: Chris Jones.

EDGE — BJ Ojulari
Hoge’s Notes: Slightly undersized with average arm length, Ojulari makes up for it with a relentless motor and polished pass rush moves. Effort stands out constantly and results in pressures even when he doesn’t get the sacks. Coaches love him and he’d be a great culture fit for the Bears. Dealt with a knee injury in 2021 and couldn’t do Combine drills because of a hamstring issue. Might be penciled in as a 3-4 EDGE guy, but he has the versatility and will to play in any scheme.

CB Darius Rush — South Carolina
Hoge’s Notes: Very intriguing combination of speed and length. Covers with great route recognition. Looks like a former WR (because he was one). Flags were never a problem. Wears a size 15 shoe! Voted practice player of the week (among CBs) at Senior Bowl. Great character and coaches love him. Late-bloomer who didn’t take off until he was moved to CB in 2021. Might be a better fit in man than zone.

EDGE Derick Hall — Auburn
Will and Nick’s notes: Explosive and strong combo: can get off the snap and get after QBs – but also known for his strength where he can set the edge and defend the run -> and he knows how to tap into leverage to turn his speed and explosiveness into true power. People raved about his violent hands during the Senior Bowl week. Needs to work on his rush plan and develop more counter moves. Is he best suited as a standup OLB more than a hand in the dirt DE?

WR Tyler Scott — Cincinnati
Hoge’s Notes: Smaller receiver, but has very good speed and separation. Changes gear easily. Deep ball catcher, which would be very intriguing with Justin Fields. Tracks the ball downfield very well. Durable and a great gunner on punt. Physicality and blocking need work. Didn’t play WR in high school and is still ascending at the position.

EDGE Isaiah Foskey — Notre Dame
Hoge’s Notes: Good production with 24.5 TFL and 22 sacks in 25 total games the last two years (broke Justin Tuck’s ND sack record with 26.5 total). 7 career forced fumbles. Team captain. Embodies the HITS principle with his relentlessness. Good size and strength with room to add more. Needs to be better against the run. Pass rush moves need polishing. Struggled against Paris Johnson Jr. and Dawand Jones in 2022. 3 career blocked punts. Lost to Bryce Young (Mater Dei) in the 2018 California state championship game. Father was in the Navy and a police officer.

EDGE Keion White — Georgia Tech
Will and Nick’s notes: Edge guy who can be hand in dirt OR standup rusher. Plus – can bounce inside and collapse the pocket from the interior and pressure QBs., Another red hot motor guy. Stronger than he looks. Can walk OL back with leg power and strength. Still learning the position and a little bit raw – like Dominique Robinson, and the Bears should weigh that as he may need time to season.

WR Cedric Tillman — Tennesee
Carm’s notes: Started six games (37-417-11.3, three TDs) because of a left ankle injury that required surgery. He opted out of Vols bowl game. Not a burner … physical.

IDL Adetomiwa Adebawore — Northwestern
Hoge’s Notes: One of the most fascinating prospects ever. Tape and production at Northwestern were just average, but Adebawore tested better than any 3-technique in the history of the NFL Combine. A few months ago, some NFL teams had undraftable grades on him — now he looks like a lock for the second round. Adebawore’s elite explosiveness makes him a perfect NFL 3-tech, but he needs to be coached up on technique and hand-usage. Still, flashes on tape make you drool. Against Ohio State, he drew a hold on the first play and registered a pressure against a triple-team. Given his work ethic, coachability and academic prowess, there’s no reason to think Adebawore won’t keep getting better at the next level.

CB Clark Phillips III — Utah
Hoge’s Notes: Lacks ideal speed and length, but he makes up for it with his instincts, twitch and closing speed. Team captain who puts in constant preparation. Ball skills and production are very impressive with four pick-6s.

TE Sam LaPorta — Iowa
Moreano’s Film Notes: Sam LaPorta had his highest-graded game against Minnesota last season (91.3 grade), according to PFF. LaPorta had four receptions for 95 yards. First play of the game was a well-designed tight slip screen to the middle of the field. LaPorta took that pass for 58 yards. Iowa lined him out wide several times throughout the game, including on a third-and-6 that he converted on a slant route. LaPorta adjusted to a low ball by the quarterback on that play. He did a good job blocking in this game as well, sealing on the edge and make a block on a linebacker at the second level. He did tear his meniscus in this game and played a snap after the injury, making a block. Only played the first half, but did return four weeks later to play in Music City Bowl.

IOL Joe Tippman — Wisconsin
Hoge’s Notes: Two-year starter at center at Wisconsin. Moves extremely well, getting to the second-level with ease. Can pull with no problem. Not a ton of outside-zone experience, but should be fine at center in the Bears’ scheme. Much better athlete than John Michael Schmitz, which gives him versatility to potentially play guard. Slightly longer arms than JMS, but much bigger hands at 10 3/4 inches.

CB Kelee Ringo — Georgia
Hoge’s Notes: Big and fast with outstanding hands. Plenty of ball production that gets you excited. Questionable instincts and awareness that might always be an issue, but the highlights are there.

WR Jonathan Mingo — Mississippi
Hoge’s Notes: Not a twitchy receiver, but has good long speed and will win downfield. Big catch radius with near-40-inch vertical and will make spectacular one-handed catches. More drops (13) than TDs (12). There’s some Allen Robinson in his game.

EDGE Tuli Tuipulotu — USC
Hoge’s Notes: Fun, relentless player that uses his instincts to find the football. Motor always runs hot, which led to a 22 TFL/13.5 sack season in 2022. Fits the HITS principle, but might not be an ideal 4-3 DE. Cousin is 49ers’ Talanoa Hufanga (and he plays like him). Didn’t test at Combine or Pro Day because of right hamstring injury.

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