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<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><feed xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xml:lang="en"> <title>Windy City Gridiron - All Posts</title> <subtitle>A Chicago Bears community</subtitle> <icon>https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/49985/windy-fav.png</icon> <updated>2024-05-15T21:40:41-05:00</updated> <id>http://www.windycitygridiron.com/rss/current/</id> <link type="text/html" href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/" rel="alternate"/> <entry> <published>2024-05-15T21:40:41-05:00</published> <updated>2024-05-15T21:40:41-05:00</updated> <title>NFL Week 1 Odds: Bears open as a 4-point favorite against the Titans</title> <content type="html"> <figure> <img alt="Tennessee Titans v Chicago Bears" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/y8QlovhCvGPZpRKqc3lhtSLYznU=/0x0:3510x2340/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73350507/1610210573.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images</figcaption> </figure> <p>We have the early odds for the Titans vs Bears week one matchup!</p> <p id="ekWbVD">This is sure to change in the 116 days between now and kickoff, but according to our partners at <a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/leagues/football/nfl?wpcid=163147&amp;wpcn=HowtoWatchContent&amp;wpcrid=NFL&amp;wpsrc=Vox">DraftKings Sportsbook</a>, the <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a> have opened as a 4-point favorite for their September 8 home game against the <a href="https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/">Tennessee Titans</a>. The point total over/under is 43.5, and the moneyline is -192 for Chicago and +160 for Tennessee. </p><p id="PtWjVO">Considering the Bears were only favored in three of their seventeen games last season, this is a good start to the Caleb Williams era. </p><p id="2SKGLU">In 2023, the Titans finished 6-11 and were in last place of the AFC South, which cost head coach Mike Vrabel his job after six years in Nashville. Their new head coach, Brian Callahan, spent the previous five seasons as Cincinnati’s offensive coordinator, and he’ll be tasked with bringing the best out of second-year quarterback Will Levis.</p><p id="OVBisc">Williams and the new-look Chicago offense will face off against Tennessee’s first-year defensive coordinator, Dennard Wilson, who inherits two-time <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-pro-bowl">Pro Bowl</a> defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons and outside linebackers Harold Landry (10.5 sacks) and Arden Key (6 sacks).</p><p id="3ji9Sn"><em>Here are some wagering 101 for those interested based on the opening odds I’ve shared above. </em></p><p id="NKnvUK">If you think the Bears will win by more than four points, then you take the Bears -4. The 43.5 is the total points scored by both teams. So, if you think it’ll be a low-scoring game, then take the under. The moneyline is a bet on which team you think will win, so if you’re picking the Bears, then the math works out to a wager of $192 to win $100. If you think the Titans will win (smh), then a $100 bet will win you $160.</p> </content> <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2024/5/15/24157854/nfl-week-1-odds-chicago-bears-open-4-point-favorite-tennessee-titans-will-levis-caleb-williams"/> <id>https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2024/5/15/24157854/nfl-week-1-odds-chicago-bears-open-4-point-favorite-tennessee-titans-will-levis-caleb-williams</id> <author> <name>Lester A. Wiltfong Jr.</name> </author> </entry> <entry> <published>2024-05-15T19:20:18-05:00</published> <updated>2024-05-15T19:20:18-05:00</updated> <title>The official 2024 Chicago Bears schedule</title> <content type="html"> <figure> <img alt="Chicago Bears v Green Bay Packers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/LgiCgMXCYPoXN7DgVqTwSgJmlGk=/0x0:3693x2462/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73350234/1915923278.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Photo by Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images</figcaption> </figure> <p>It’s officially out and we have the team’s social roll out.</p> <p id="Dm2DUK">The leaks have been going steady since Tuesday night, but now the official real thing is out.</p><p id="o44lCg">Even if it was already known, it’s fun to see what theme the team takes for the schedule release.</p><p id="MFQ60R">Of course, the bar always seems to be going up with the <a href="https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/">Tennessee Titans</a> and <a href="https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/">Los Angeles Chargers</a> going viral in recent years for their releases.</p><p id="MYOXXV">Last year, the <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a> went with a The Bear theme. This year it’s Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, with DJ Moore in the iconic role. </p><div id="cgOri7"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The season moves pretty fast. <br><br>If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it. <a href="https://t.co/MpXMPEcTD6">pic.twitter.com/MpXMPEcTD6</a></p>— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChicagoBears/status/1790894961199595793?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 16, 2024</a></blockquote><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div><p id="YUuQtY">Without further ado, here it is. The 2024 schedule for Caleb Williams, Rome Odunze and the Chicago Bears.</p><p id="wfwNwj"><strong>Preseason</strong></p><p id="ghcGth">The Bears will open training camp early (specifics TBD) due to playing in the Hall of Fame Game, but the Bears have announced <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2024/5/12/24154006/chicago-bears-2024-ota-schedule-and-minicamp-offseason-caleb-williams">their OTA schedule</a>.</p><p id="U61ogX">Hall of Fame Game: Chicago Bears vs <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Houston Texans</a>, 7 p.m. CT on Thursday, August 1 from Canton, Ohio on ESPN</p><p id="kqqj4f">Week 1 - Saturday, Aug. 10 - at <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a>, noon CT<br>Week 2 - Saturday, Aug. 17 - vs. <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a>, noon CT<br>Week 3 - Thursday, Aug. 22 - at <a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com">Kansas City Chiefs</a>, 7 p.m. CT</p><p id="Mm9JQ8"><strong>Regular season</strong></p><p id="NFsL45">Week 1 - Sunday, Sept. 8 - vs. Tennessee Titans, noon CT, FOX<br>Week 2 - Sunday, Sept. 15 - at Houston Texans, 7:20 p.m. NBC (Sunday Night Football)<br>Week 3 - Sunday, Sept. 22 - at <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a>, noon CT, CBS<br>Week 4 - Sunday, Sept. 29 - vs. <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Los Angeles Rams</a>, noon CT, FOX<br>Week 5 - Sunday, Oct. 6 - vs. <a href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/">Carolina Panthers</a>, noon CT, FOX<br>Week 6 - Sunday, Oct. 13 - vs. <a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/">Jacksonville Jaguars</a> in London, 8:30 a.m. CT, NFL Network<br>Week 7 - Sunday, Oct. 20 - BYE<br>Week 8 - Sunday, Oct. 27 - at <a href="https://www.hogshaven.com/">Washington Commanders</a>, noon CT, CBS<br>Week 9 - Sunday, Nov. 3 - at <a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Arizona Cardinals</a>, 3:05 p.m. CT, FOX<br>Week 10 - Sunday, Nov. 10 - vs. <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a>, noon CT, FOX<br>Week 11 - Sunday, Nov. 17 - vs. <a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Green Bay Packers</a>, noon CT, FOX<br>Week 12 - Sunday, Nov. 24 - vs. <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a>, noon CT, FOX<br>Week 13 - Thursday, Nov. 28 - at <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Detroit Lions</a>, 11:30 a.m. CT (Thanksgiving), CBS<br>Week 14 - Sunday, Dec. 8 - at <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">San Francisco 49ers</a>, 3:25 p.m., FOX<br>Week 15 - Monday, Dec. 16 - vs. Minnesota Vikings, 7:15 p.m. (Monday Night Football), ABC<br>Week 16 - Sunday, Dec. 22 - vs. Detroit Lions, noon CT, FOX<br>Week 17 - Thursday, Dec. 26 - vs. <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seattle Seahawks</a>, 7:15 p.m., Thursday Night Football (Amazon Prime Video)<br>Week 18 - Sunday, Jan. 5 - at Green Bay Packers, time and TV TBD</p><p id="SV5QCb">What do you think the record is going to be? Are the playoffs in reach? Sound off on the schedule below and stay tuned for more analysis.</p><div id="IvTEsN"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sincerely yours,<br><br>The Bears <a href="https://t.co/RlK3NvLQBF">pic.twitter.com/RlK3NvLQBF</a></p>— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChicagoBears/status/1790896244602081558?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 16, 2024</a></blockquote><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div> </content> <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2024/5/15/24157186/nfl-official-2024-chicago-bears-schedule-release-green-bay-packers-monday-night-football-prime-time"/> <id>https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2024/5/15/24157186/nfl-official-2024-chicago-bears-schedule-release-green-bay-packers-monday-night-football-prime-time</id> <author> <name>Sam Householder</name> </author> </entry> <entry> <published>2024-05-15T15:47:49-05:00</published> <updated>2024-05-15T15:47:49-05:00</updated> <title>Bears 2024 Schedule Leak and Rumor Tracker: Full 17-game slate!</title> <content type="html"> <figure> <img alt="Tennessee Titans v Chicago Bears" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/aHV6GdEj9TSFjVROrHN4Wi7C-xk=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73347663/1610321892.30.jpg" /> <figcaption>Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images</figcaption> </figure> <p>When will the Chicago Bears play their games this season? We track all the schedule leaks here! </p> <h3 id="H1XNky">OFFICIAL SCHEDULE HERE (<a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2024/5/15/24157186/nfl-official-2024-chicago-bears-schedule-release-green-bay-packers-monday-night-football-prime-time">link</a>)</h3><p id="G4848h">The NFL has already started leaking some of its games for the 2024 season, but the official announcement will be made on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. (CT). The <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a> will likely have their schedule release video ready to drop before the league’s official announcement, but thanks to social media leaks, we should have the entire 18-week slate figured out before then. </p><p id="pyy5M7">While you’re waiting, here are Chicago’s 2024 opponents. </p><p id="GUs0L6"><strong>HOME:</strong> <a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Green Bay Packers</a>, <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Detroit Lions</a>, <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a>, <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Los Angeles Rams</a>, <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seattle Seahawks</a>, <a href="https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/">Tennessee Titans</a>, <a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/">Jacksonville Jaguars</a>, <a href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/">Carolina Panthers</a>, <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a></p><p id="d44vuZ"><strong>AWAY:</strong> Packers, Lions, Vikings, <a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Arizona Cardinals</a>, <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">San Francisco 49ers</a>, <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Houston Texans</a>, <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a>, <a href="https://www.hogshaven.com/">Washington Commanders</a></p><p id="PbGQy8"><em>Remember that unless the NFL announces the game, these are to be considered rumors until the league makes it official. Also, some of these are educated guesses based on the schedule leaks from the other teams the Bears are playing. It’s really like a big puzzle! </em></p><p id="blv4KB">The Giants were chosen for the offseason version of Hard Knocks, and since that announcement confused many... </p><div id="Q3QnwE"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bears?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bears</a> fans, the offseason version of Hard Knocks is not the training camp version of Hard Knocks.<br><br>For those wondering about the camp version, that team has not been announced.</p>— Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. (@wiltfongjr) <a href="https://twitter.com/wiltfongjr/status/1790751277401452550?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2024</a></blockquote><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div><h3 id="JrWBhs">Preseason </h3><p id="ghcGth">Hall of Fame Game: Chicago Bears vs Houston Texans, 7 p.m. CT on Thursday, August 1 from Canton, Ohio</p><p id="wVSUHo">Week 1 - </p><p id="fbZ1gD">Week 2</p><p id="afnDVd">Week 3</p><h3 id="FAiHL3">OFFICIAL SCHEDULE HERE (<a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2024/5/15/24157186/nfl-official-2024-chicago-bears-schedule-release-green-bay-packers-monday-night-football-prime-time">link</a>)</h3><h3 id="Q6nL4y">Regular Season </h3><p id="vLCWGs">Week 1 - Titans at Bears (<a href="https://twitter.com/OzzyNFL/status/1790790722360103116">link</a>)</p><p id="djN5cn">Week 2 - Bears at Texans on Sunday Night Football (<a href="https://twitter.com/OzzyNFL/status/1790795899041362184">link</a>)</p><p id="DsK6nt">Week 3 - Bears at Colts (<a href="https://twitter.com/danwiederer/status/1790789941892354056">link</a>)</p><p id="BYxPKO">Week 4 - Rams at Bears (<a href="https://twitter.com/OzzyNFL/status/1790790722360103116">link</a>)</p><p id="twF0w5">Week 5 - Panthers at Bears (<a href="https://twitter.com/OzzyNFL/status/1790790722360103116">link</a>)</p><p id="jJcVpa">Week 6 - Jaguars at Bears at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, U.K. on Sunday, October 13, at 8:30 a.m. CT on the NFL Network <a href="https://twitter.com/ChicagoBears/status/1790707053465346257?t=luZIwkW1bnDBnsqWg9i_rQ&amp;s=19">(Link)</a></p><p id="TRDFXM">Week 7 - Bye week</p><p id="dzgq75">Week 8 - Bears at Washington (<a href="https://twitter.com/BradBiggs/status/1790845519440347572">link</a>)</p><p id="lfhrMP">Week 9 - Bears at Cardinals</p><p id="FQtbL4">Week 10 - Patriots at Bears (<a href="https://twitter.com/OzzyNFL/status/1790790722360103116">link</a>)</p><p id="3B27yT">Week 11 - Packers at Bears (<a href="https://twitter.com/OzzyNFL/status/1790790722360103116">link</a>)</p><p id="sozAAd">Week 12 - Vikings at Bears (<a href="https://twitter.com/OzzyNFL/status/1790790722360103116">link</a>)</p><p id="23xtUo">Week 13 - Bears at Lions, Thanksgiving, November 28 (<a href="https://twitter.com/OzzyNFL/status/1790504852583329901">link</a>)</p><p id="mhymnj">Week 14 - Bears at 49ers</p><p id="4b8rkl">Week 15 - Bears at Vikings on Monday Night Football (<a href="https://twitter.com/Vikeologist/status/1790757875242913848">link</a>) </p><p id="Ninvms">Week 16 - Lions at Bears </p><p id="ey3wuP">Week 17 - Seahawks at Bears on Thursday Night Football on December 26 (<a href="https://twitter.com/OzzyNFL/status/1790752733856760130">link</a>) </p><p id="D63Xh9">Week 18 - Bears at Packers </p><div id="xJLAsa"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NFL</a> schedule was made by hand in the past, but today, with the help of <a href="https://twitter.com/awscloud?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AWSCloud</a>, more than a billion permutations are considered to ensure competitive fairness. <a href="https://t.co/jbHq4ppK91">pic.twitter.com/jbHq4ppK91</a></p>— NFL Football Operations (@NFLFootballOps) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFLFootballOps/status/1790849681704067543?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2024</a></blockquote><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div><p id="6hQ7N4"><em><strong>Once the specifics are announced, we’ll share the dates, times, and channel information in a new article, so stay tuned!</strong></em></p><div id="GZS4yp"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Takin' it easy tomorrow <a href="https://t.co/y7HvgO1gTI">pic.twitter.com/y7HvgO1gTI</a></p>— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChicagoBears/status/1790532586751557820?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2024</a></blockquote><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div> </content> <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2024/5/14/24155390/nfl-2024-chicago-bears-schedule-leak-and-rumor-tracker-london-jaguars-packers-texans-caleb-williams"/> <id>https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2024/5/14/24155390/nfl-2024-chicago-bears-schedule-leak-and-rumor-tracker-london-jaguars-packers-texans-caleb-williams</id> <author> <name>Lester A. Wiltfong Jr.</name> </author> </entry> <entry> <published>2024-05-15T11:00:00-05:00</published> <updated>2024-05-15T11:00:00-05:00</updated> <title>Infante’s 21st century Bears team: The Nefarious Jakesters</title> <content type="html"> <figure> <img alt="NFL: Chicago Bears at Atlanta Falcons" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/_ZYeascwuD03b-ZeSa688tqp9aw=/0x0:4651x3101/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73349030/usa_today_14992769.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption> </figure> <p>WCG’s lead draft analyst tells you why his 21st century Bears fantasy team is the best.</p> <p id="ZmKVHc">After the 2024 <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL Draft</a>, several of us at Windy City Gridiron participated in a 21st-century all-<a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a> fantasy draft.</p><p id="OKi8SL">What does that mean? Well, eight of our staffers got together in a randomized snake draft to build out a roster in all three phases consisting only of Bears players from the year 2000 to the present. Some people will argue the 21st century starts in 2001, but they can go to hell. It was a fun exercise, both in trying to build a complete roster and in going down memory lane.</p><p id="HvqGxO">Back in 2018, we ran a similar exercise with <a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1_5yFF0RNPs0Fd79UqWjchuejze1xxk61OkjKDbMLEXE/edit#gid=0">every player to ever suit up for the Bears</a>. This time, though, our time constraint allowed us to really get into the weeds and get creative — or in some cases, depressing — with our selections.</p><p id="269rby">This process consisted of 26 rounds, with 12 people on offense, 12 people on defense, and two special teamers. This allowed us some flexibility for our 11th man on the field, and consolidating kicker and punter into one position prevented any of us from having to select players who only played a game or two for the Bears.</p><p id="A45FQW">All eight of us will break down our cases for having the best team in our draft. Then, we’ll take to a vote in a poll. That doesn’t matter, though, because my team — The Nefarious Jakesters — is the best. Here’s why.</p><h3 id="S7T1gR">Offense</h3><p id="sAkShx"><strong>QB: Josh McCown (Round 14)</strong></p><p id="M8BkOa">I found myself unamused by Chicago’s lackluster quarterback history. Jay Cutler was the only QB that I would’ve taken in Round 1, as much of a fan I am of Caleb Williams. I built out the rest of my team and waited things out for one of Kyle Orton or McCown to get drafted, and once Orton went before me, I had my answer. McCown is the Bears’ single-season passer rating leader with 109.0 in 2013. He was genuinely great in Chicago, throwing 13 touchdowns to just one interception that year. An accurate game-manager was great value for me this late.</p><p id="qowS7j"><strong>RB: James Allen (Round 19)</strong></p><p id="YmlqCr">Once Bill crushed my dreams and took Khalil Herbert in Round 14, I knew I’d prefer to wait for a running back. That said, Allen rushed for 1,120 yards in 2000 — that’s more than Matt Forte (who went Round 1) had in six of his 8 seasons with the Bears. Allen was also a solid pass-catching back, giving me a reliable checkdown option.</p><p id="fR0iZB"><strong>RB: Cedric Benson (Round 20)</strong></p><p id="w0KdhT">Benson never lived up to the expectations of being a top-5 pick, but he was still pretty productive as a rotational back in Chicago. He topped 600 rushing yards in each of 2006 and 2007, and he tallied 10 rushing touchdowns in that span. As the power back to Allen’s speed back, he forms a respectable one-two punch.</p><p id="iXW0Pr"><strong>WR: Alshon Jeffery (Round 3)</strong></p><p id="OPabG2">One half of the best wide receiver duo the Bears have ever had (until DJ Moore and Keenan Allen take the field), Jeffery was a dominant wide receiver during his time with the Bears. From 2013 to 2014, he had 174 receptions, 2,554 yards and 17 receiving touchdowns, making the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-pro-bowl">Pro Bowl</a> in 2013 and solidifying himself as one of the best weapons in the NFL. Hell, he was on pace to shatter 1,400 receiving yards in 2015 before he got hurt, and he still had over 800 receiving yards in injury-plagued 2015 and 2016. He was a bonafide WR1 for the Bears, and since health isn’t a factor here, I’m taking one of the best weapons the team has ever had.</p><p id="wxcEDu"><strong>WR: Muhsin Muhammad (Round 10)</strong></p><p id="Pq8wwG">He wasn’t a Pro Bowler in Chicago like he was in Carolina, but Muhammad was still a damn good player and one of the best wide receivers the team has had since the turn of the millennium. In three seasons, he had 334 catches for 2,183 yards and 12 touchdowns. Even with bad QB play around him, he still served as a respectable WR1 in 2005 and 2006. Given the Bears’ weak history at receiver — and comparing him to some of my colleagues’ selected WR2s — I’m honestly grateful I got Muhammad as late as I did.</p><p id="TiKOjA"><strong>TE: Cole Kmet (Round 6)</strong></p><p id="uFO6UJ">There are three impact tight ends the Bears have had since 2000: Greg Olsen, Martellus Bennett, and Cole Kmet. While Desmond Clark was a reliable contributor and Zach Miller had some nice plays, none had the high-level impact Kmet has had for Chicago. With the first two aforementioned impact players long gone, I wanted to swoop up Kmet before the well ran dry. He has topped 50 receptions and 500 receiving yards each of the last three seasons, most recently coming off of a career-high 73 catches for 719 yards, adding 6 touchdowns in the process. He’s a reliable security blanket and a good red-zone threat.</p><p id="tgMB3y"><strong>LT: Braxton Jones (Round 12)</strong></p><p id="usAJqt">With Chicago’s rocky offensive tackle play over the years, I wanted to secure someone I knew was a solid player. Leno, Tait and Bushrod all went before me, but I feel as though I got someone not at all far from those players in Jones, and I did so much later. In his first two seasons in the NFL, he’s had PFF pass-blocking grades above 70.0 both times. As far as consistent blocking performances go, he’s miles ahead of some of the other left tackles drafted in this exercise.</p><p id="v9HDBM"><strong>LG: Ruben Brown (Round 7)</strong></p><p id="PLPbBo">Brown was a rock-solid starter for the Bears for four seasons, playing and starting in 45 games in the Windy City. He had his best year in 2006, when he made it to the Pro Bowl as a key catalyst for an NFC title-winning team. With this pick, I’m one of only two teams with multiple Pro Bowlers on my offensive line, and that’s something I’m extremely happy with.</p><p id="EmhtwU"><strong>C: Brian de la Puente (Round 16)</strong></p><p id="QyrxEF">It’s tough to draft a center when Olin Kreutz and Cody Whitehair held the position down for so long. I got creative with my pick in de la Puente, who started 6 games in relief for Roberto Garza in 2014. In the short amount of time he played, he was <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1641949&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pff.com%2Fnews%2Fbears-o-line-replacement-potentially-permanent%23%3A%7E%3Atext%3DWith%2520106%2520snaps%2520under%2520his%2Cbest%2520grade%2520in%2520run%2520blocking.&amp;referrer=sbnation.com&amp;sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.windycitygridiron.com%2F2024%2F5%2F15%2F24157036%2Fchicago-bears-21st-century-team-fantasy-draft-nfl-history-khalil-mack-lance-briggs" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">one of PFF’s highest-graded centers in the NFL</a>. He suffered an ankle injury in November that ended his season, but in the short amount of time he played for Chicago, he made a massive impact.</p><p id="BEmlpE"><strong>RG: Kyle Long (Round 4)</strong></p><p id="UbCg3k">Save for Olin Kreutz, Long is the best offensive lineman the Bears have had in the 21st century, for my money. His run of three straight Pro Bowls to kick off his NFL career was impressive, and he earned a second-team All-Pro nomination for his play in 2014. Hell, he even made a difference when Chicago kicked him outside to right tackle, an unnatural position for him. Injuries slowed him down eventually, but when healthy, he was one of the very few star offensive linemen the team has had in recent years.</p><p id="MmJpZe"><strong>RT: John St. Clair (Round 18)</strong></p><p id="UqkkXt">St. Clair was a 16-game starter at tackle for the Bears in 2008, and he filled it at both tackle spots and at guard during his time with the team. Plus, he scored a receiving touchdown against the Chiefs in 2007! There aren’t many good offensive tackles the Bears have had since 2000, and St. Clair is at least a decent enough option to where I feel like my tackle tandem stacks up well against my peers.</p><p id="kf45Ae"><strong>OL: Kiran Amegadjie (Round 24)</strong></p><p id="f6ZJyj">Eligible offensive linemen, here we come! I wasn’t planning on drafting a sixth offensive lineman, but Amegadjie just made sense here since other rookies from this class had already been selected much earlier. He’s a physical specimen whom I had a second-round grade on this year, and he likely would’ve gone top-50 if not for injury. Imagine what you could do with him in the run game outside of a tackle.</p><h3 id="2d8h3l">Defense</h3><p id="vs1vLC"><strong>DE: Khalil Mack (Round 1)</strong></p><p id="TVHCBr">Mack made it to the Pro Bowl in three of his four years with the Bears. He was a first-team All-Pro in 2018 and placed second in the DPOY voting. He had 36.0 sacks in four years, a number that in itself is impressive just off of how often he got double-teamed. Mack was a bonafide game-changer for the Bears’ defense and was a key catalyst for their NFC North title run that year, as well as the star of the show every other year he played for the team. Chicago hasn’t had too many superstars in the 21st century, but Mack is one of them. I needed to take him.</p><p id="jN9mHc"><strong>DT: Keith Traylor (Round 11)</strong></p><p id="MP8DEQ">At 337 pounds, Tractor Traylor was a beast to behold up the middle. He was a certified run-stuffer with 71 tackles and 17 tackles for a loss between 2001 and 2002, and he had a forced fumble in each of his three seasons with the Bears. You’re going to him as your traditional nose tackle type, and with how powerful he was, you have to double-team him on run downs, freeing up chances for other defensive linemen to feast 1-on-1.</p><p id="us8Tot"><strong>DT: Bryan Robinson (Round 17)</strong></p><p id="kTS1Sq">As a six-year starter for the Bears — with four of those years coming in the 21st century — I’m a bit surprised Robinson fell this far. He had 9 sacks from 2000 to 2001, and in his four eligible seasons for this criteria, he had 5 forced fumbles and 25 pass deflections, giving him very high value batting away passes at the line of scrimmage.</p><p id="d8RbOf"><strong>DT: Jay Ratliff (Round 25)</strong></p><p id="UCOeKQ">Things ended poorly for Ratliff in Chicago, but his 2014 season was very good in the Windy City. In just 11 games, he had 6.5 sacks as a defensive tackle with 37 tackles, 33 pressures, 10 tackles for a loss and 14 quarterback hits. What’s crazy is this: he was a four-time Pro Bowler in Dallas, and his career high was 7.5 sacks. He came just one sack shy of tying that with his 2014 campaign with the Bears, and he played five fewer games. That’s an elite pass-rushing defensive tackle; how did he fall here?</p><p id="uDNByZ"><strong>DE: Pernell McPhee (Round 15)</strong></p><p id="7njymF">Real ones remember what McPhee did in 2015. In 14 games, he had 6.0 sacks, 53 tackles, 9 tackles for a loss, 18 quarterback hits and a forced fumble. He ranked as <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1641949&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pff.com%2Fnews%2Fpro-parnell-mcphee-dealing-with-a-knee-issue&amp;referrer=sbnation.com&amp;sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.windycitygridiron.com%2F2024%2F5%2F15%2F24157036%2Fchicago-bears-21st-century-team-fantasy-draft-nfl-history-khalil-mack-lance-briggs" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">PFF’s seventh-best edge rusher at 87.7</a> with how consistently he pressured opposing quarterbacks that year, even with a lackluster defensive line around him. He had the NFL’s best pass-rush productivity rate at his position, creating 63 total pressures on just 296 pass-rush snaps. With Mack rushing off the other edge and some beefy boys up the middle? McPhee would feast.</p><p id="dI8TX9"><strong>LB: Lance Briggs (Round 2)</strong></p><p id="ucxV59">The Bears have seen a lot of strong linebacker play in their history in general, not just the 21st century. I knew I had to end up with one of their stars. Luckily, I ended up getting Briggs available to me in Round 2. The 6-time Pro Bowler and 3-time All-Pro is tied for second in Pro Bowl appearances the Bears have had since 2000, and he was a consistent 100-tackle getter and one of the best linebackers in the NFL. Easy choice for me here.</p><p id="9qM8vA"><strong>LB: Jerrell Freeman (Round 13)</strong></p><p id="yozR3Z">Freeman was a one-year wonder of sorts, but boy, what a year it was. In 12 games in 2016, he had 110 tackles, 5 pass deflections and 7 tackles for a loss. Had he played all 16 games, he would’ve placed fourth in the NFL that year. He led all linebackers <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1641949&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pff.com%2Fnews%2Fpro-bears-place-lb-freeman-on-ir&amp;referrer=sbnation.com&amp;sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.windycitygridiron.com%2F2024%2F5%2F15%2F24157036%2Fchicago-bears-21st-century-team-fantasy-draft-nfl-history-khalil-mack-lance-briggs" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">with a 93.9 PFF grade that year</a>; he was a monster for a short amount of time and doesn’t get talked about enough.</p><p id="uxKGAh"><strong>CB: Tim Jennings (Round 5)</strong></p><p id="Fihruj">Jennings turned into one of the best free agent signings Jerry Angelo made as GM of the Bears. A respectable depth piece for the Colts, Jennings turned into a star in Chicago. He was a two-time Pro Bowler, a second-team All-Pro and a dangerous playmaker who finished his time with the Bears with 16 interceptions, 58 pass deflections, 5 forced fumbles and three pick-sixes in 5 years. His best year came in 2012, when he had a whopping 9 interceptions and 21 pass breakups.</p><p id="3stHwu"><strong>CB: Nathan Vasher (Round 8)</strong></p><p id="HNibdx">Fun fact: since 2000, the Bears have had five cornerbacks make it to the Pro Bowl. Another fun fact: I have two of them. Vasher tallied 16 interceptions, 33 pass deflections and two pick-sixes in his first three seasons in Chicago. He was a Pro Bowler, a second-team All-Pro, and sixth player in DPOY voting in 2005. Injuries derailed his career, but he was a bonafide ballhawk who would feast in this secondary.</p><p id="eV0rTp"><strong>NB: Ricky Manning Jr. (Round 21)</strong></p><p id="5cKGkS">As the nickel cornerback for the Bears’ 2006 defense, Manning was able to feast, displaying a career year even after three strong seasons with the Panthers. He had 5 interceptions in 2006, as well as 10 pass deflections, a pick-six and 53 total tackles. Though his follow-up season wasn’t as strong, he would benefit from playing alongside two star cornerbacks with a fierce defensive front ahead of him, especially with the generally weak receiver depth my opposition has.</p><p id="g7wzkQ"><strong>FS: Chris Harris (Round 9)</strong></p><p id="QjtubQ">Aside from Mike Brown and Eddie Jackson, the gang decided to back off with a generally weak century of safety play. However, they missed out on a playmaking safety with a second-team All-Pro nomination to his name in Harris. He had two stints in Chicago, tallying 5 interceptions, 13 pass deflections and 111 tackles in his first two seasons. After a stint with the Panthers, Harris came back as a second-team All-Pro for the Bears in 2010 with 5 interceptions, 7 pass deflections and 70 tackles that year alone. A ballhawk who could lay the hammer down, I firmly believe his presence gives me an edge over many of my contemporaries.</p><p id="a6GUIo"><strong>SS: Kevin Payne (Round 22)</strong></p><p id="7sYZWm">Payne led the Bears in 2008 with 4 interceptions, adding on 7 pass deflections and 89 tackles in the process. Nagging injuries affected his 2009 season, and he was traded soon after. However, he proved that, when healthy, he could be a positive force for Chicago’s defense, and he was certainly a better player than many of the other starters they trotted out at safety in the years that followed. I’ll take it, with how late I drafted him!</p><h3 id="KMMBJc">Special teams</h3><p id="SDZmTz"><strong>K/P: Pat O’Donnell (Round 23)</strong></p><p id="cd110p">Robbie Gould is the standard for kicking in Chicago lore, Brad Maynard for punting, while Cairo Santos and Tory Taylor seem to be the future, respectively. That said, I was surprised O’Donnell fell as far as he did. He was a steady punter for the Bears for 8 seasons, fighting through windy lakefront weather to carve out a nice career for himself in the league.</p><p id="5RSeqs"><strong>LS: Patrick Scales (Round 26)</strong></p><p id="BBbYi6">The last pick for my team was the special teamer, and star returners like Devin Hester, Cordarrelle Patterson and Tarik Cohen all went early. I’m a bit surprised Patrick Mannelly fell to Round 19, and I’m equally surprised that his successor almost went undrafted. Scales is entering his ninth year as Chicago’s long snapper, proving to be as consistent as they come snapping the ball. He’s survived two head coaching changes and has never been a problem during his time with the team.</p><p id="Srb7eI"><a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1W-HcvgV6Zyi_a6L_H7T5vzOdy88nJ2jp3l2G9GfyjJM/edit#gid=0"><em>Here’s a link to the full results of our draft.</em></a></p><p id="07sHR4"></p> </content> <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2024/5/15/24157036/chicago-bears-21st-century-team-fantasy-draft-nfl-history-khalil-mack-lance-briggs"/> <id>https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2024/5/15/24157036/chicago-bears-21st-century-team-fantasy-draft-nfl-history-khalil-mack-lance-briggs</id> <author> <name>Jacob Infante</name> </author> </entry> <entry> <published>2024-05-15T08:00:00-05:00</published> <updated>2024-05-15T08:00:00-05:00</updated> <title>Projecting the 2024 NFC QB Rankings at the end of the season</title> <content type="html"> <figure> <img alt="SPORTS-FBN-BEARS-WILLIAMS-TB" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/jUondGF-JmscIXIYdBh2Wtt3Hzs=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73348565/2152172204.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images</figcaption> </figure> <p>What kind of movement will there be among NFC QBs this season?</p> <p id="dIkAUD">Yesterday, we gave you the current power rankings of NFC quarterbacks as we sit right now in May of 2024. <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2024/5/14/24155568/2024-nfc-quarterback-power-rankings-brock-purdy-dak-prescott-jalen-hurts-caleb-williams-bryce-young">You can check those rankings out here.</a></p><p id="yDBLQo">But there’s plenty of youth in the National Football Conference. Led by the <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a>’ Caleb Williams, there’s a young group of rookie QBs (Jayden Daniels, JJ McCarthy), and even potential improvement from a second-year QB like Bryce Young.</p><p id="CTKuXj">So while some fans were disappointed to see Williams ranked ninth in the rankings now, how much could change over the next six months or so? Here’s a look at what the NFC QB Power Rankings could look like in January of 2025.</p><hr class="p-entry-hr" id="ELu1CO"><h3 id="A22dPc"><strong>1. Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers (Prev: 4)</strong></h3><p id="d2L5vA">There’s no reason to think that Purdy and the <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">49ers</a> won’t be headed to another season of winning 12 to 14 games and Purdy going North of 4,000 yards and 30 TDs again. After back-to-back seasons of playing at a high level, we will start to hear the questions being asked by the NFL media: Is Brock Purdy a top ten QB? That answer by January will be “Yes.”</p><h3 id="dC89av"><strong>2. Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys (1)</strong></h3><p id="uOhv2c">Prescott was always just a placeholder for that number-one spot. Prescott is a solid quarterback who could put up some numbers, but his being the best QB in the conference is more a conversation about how weak the quarterbacks are in the conference rather than any sort of talk about his dominance.</p><h3 id="FBlrqH"><strong>3. Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers (3)</strong></h3><p id="48MZMw">Love holding the third spot should make <a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Packers</a> fans ecstatic. That means Love proved that his strong finish to 2023 wasn’t a fluke and he played well for the 2024 season. Love won’t be considered a top-ten QB at the end of the year, but he’ll be right outside of it with a chance to make a jump in 2025.</p><h3 id="vlhg8E"><strong>4. Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears (9)</strong></h3><p id="bGOXUn">Williams makes a sizeable jump during his rookie season and will be in prime position to snatch the top spot in the NFC in 2025. He already looks the part in practice, he’s saying all the right things, and he feels much further along than Justin Fields or Mitch Trubisky did at this point. Williams is set up to have an outstanding rookie of the year-level season.</p><h3 id="7KgpTu"><strong>5. Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals (7)</strong></h3><p id="wIsFRK">Murray is facing a big season and with better weapons, Murray will get back closer to the form he showed before the injury. That’s perhaps Murray’s ceiling at this point in his career and if it is, Murray might become Jay Cutler-esque where he becomes the epitome of league average.</p><h3 id="LthXnm"><strong>6. Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles (5)</strong></h3><p id="En4OgV">Hurts slips a spot in the rankings, and I think we are going to start to see the real Jalen Hurts stand up. Hurts will show he’s a better QB than he was in 2023, but his success before that was largely due to circumstance and he will show that Hurts’ abilities lie somewhere between 2022 and 2023.</p><h3 id="tsNHh8"><strong>7. Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams (2)</strong></h3><p id="NdJkB9">Stafford is tough to read because if he stays healthy, with a couple of nice weapons and Sean McVay calling plays, there’s no reason to see him slip in the rankings. I just wonder if Stafford’s body is slowing down and he misses some more time due to injury and looks to hang up the cleats after this season.</p><h3 id="d780bQ"><strong>8. Kirk Cousins, Atlanta Falcons (8)</strong></h3><p id="4SBWz0">Cousins will have plenty of games where he goes over 300 yards passing and throws a couple of touchdowns, but Cousins is going to be 36 this August, and that injury will linger a bit. I expect Penix to see some action in a few games this year and Cousins shows that he can still sling the football, but his best days are behind him.</p><h3 id="jJSzIG"><strong>9. Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders (12)</strong></h3><p id="cwbOOb">I think Daniels is going to show some potential during his rookie season, but he is going to have plenty of inconsistent play. I think his play could look a bit like what Justin Fields’ rookie season looked like in 2021. Daniels will show enough to be in this spot in 2025 with a chance to take a big step forward if he can start putting it all together in year two.</p><h3 id="JlLmPU"><strong>10. Jared Goff, Detroit Lions (6)</strong></h3><p id="DHX8or">Come at me, Lions fans. I’m sure you are going to think this is a BS ranking and it might be. I don’t think Goff can outperform a $212 million contract, which means this will be the contract that starts doing in the Lions because they’ll start to bleed talent. Perhaps Goff proves me wrong, but I think with an improving NFC, he will have less terrible teams to beat up on, teams will make him a little more uncomfortable and he won’t perform like he has been. Even with all his success in Detroit, the numbers show that if the pocket is clean, Goff is elite, but with any pressure he crumbles. The pressure comes in 2024.</p><h3 id="wrAYGN"><strong>11. Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers (16)</strong></h3><p id="g3Z3eF">I think Young improves enough to at least give Panthers’ fans some hope that his career can turn into something positive. With a more stable coaching environment and a few more pieces around him, I expect Young to improve enough to show some hope for a crucial 2025 season where he will either take another step forward and become an above-average quarterback, but if he doesn’t, the Panthers will be looking for a new QB once again in 2026.</p><h3 id="5xTR5U"><strong>12. Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10)</strong></h3><p id="aNQqfE">Mayfield had a much better season than most anticipated in 2023 and he will put together a solid campaign in 2024 but his numbers will drop a little and Mayfield will show that he’s a capable quarterback, but he won’t be the guy that is going to be able to lead a team to a deep playoff run.</p><h3 id="RGkoYo"><strong>13. Sam Howell, Seattle Seahawks (13)</strong></h3><p id="u85VFw">I think Howell will take the job from Geno Smith this season. I think the <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seahawks</a> will see that there is minimal difference between Smith and Howell and they’ll go with the youth by midseason and see if he can become a legitimate option for them under center. Smith’s career will pivot back to being a capable backup quarterback for a few seasons before he retires.</p><h3 id="yY6T6I"><strong>14. JJ McCarthy, Minnesota Vikings (17)</strong></h3><p id="bJSJUD">McCarthy will become the starter in Minnesota, but Darnold will have the job early. Will McCarthy have earned the job from Darnold or will Darnold just give it away? My money is on the latter and JJ will have an up-and-down season and leave plenty of questions about if he’s the guy for the 2025 season.</p><h3 id="Q5aprb"><strong>15. Michael Penix, Atlanta Falcons (18)</strong></h3><p id="8qqp8u">I think Penix will get limited opportunities but show that he has the makings of a solid NFL quarterback. The Falcons will enter the 2025 season with two capable quarterbacks. The franchise will claim it’s a great situation to be in. But make no mistake, a quarterback controversy is never a great situation to be in.</p><h3 id="lZw2nP"><strong>16. Drew Lock, New York Giants (20)</strong></h3><p id="FPDV8K">Lock will take the job from Daniel Jones, but largely due to Jones not performing well enough to keep his job. Lock will be better than Jones but still fall short of showing he’s a legit starting QB in this league. The Giants will be looking for someone new under center in 2025.</p><h3 id="eCwlnD"><strong>17. Derek Carr, New Orleans Saints (13)</strong></h3><p id="7yQ1Zu">Carr continues to fade during his 2024 season and the contract with the Saints continues to look worse. He will start battling Spencer Rattler for minutes by the end of the season and Rattler will flash a little where there may even be a quarterback controversy in New Orleans in 2025.</p><h3 id="inufwJ"><strong>18. Geno Smith, Seattle Seahawks (11)</strong></h3><p id="SLEB5V">Smith was supplanted by Howell and rode the pine for the back half of the season. Smith is still a capable backup quarterback, but he will be looking for a new home in 2025, probably backing up a young QB that could use some mentoring.</p><h3 id="xn7fhV"><strong>19. Spencer Rattler, New Orleans Saints (NR)</strong></h3><p id="kckIHx">Rattler goes from unranked and sneaks into the top 20 thanks to a few late-season starts where he looks decent (think Aidan O’Connell). The Saints may consider starting Rattler in 2025 and having a very expensive backup if they can’t figure out what to do with Carr.</p><h3 id="1OTnlS"><strong>20. Sam Darnold, Minnesota Vikings (19)</strong></h3><p id="LVa2Y6">Darnold will spend one season in Minnesota. McCarthy will be QB1 in 2025 and Darnold will be looking for a new QB2 job somewhere else.</p><h3 id="btBmFl"><strong>Dropped from rankings: Daniel Jones</strong></h3> </content> <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2024/5/15/24156550/projecting-the-2024-nfc-qb-rankings-at-the-end-of-the-season-brock-purdy-dak-prescott-caleb-williams"/> <id>https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2024/5/15/24156550/projecting-the-2024-nfc-qb-rankings-at-the-end-of-the-season-brock-purdy-dak-prescott-caleb-williams</id> <author> <name>Bill Zimmerman</name> </author> </entry> <entry> <published>2024-05-15T05:00:00-05:00</published> <updated>2024-05-15T05:00:00-05:00</updated> <title>The Bear’s Den, May 15, 2024</title> <content type="html"> <figure> <img alt="Chicago Bears Rookie Minicamp" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/1L_6iOLuc3JqHSf5G0O3ybFImRk=/0x0:2501x1667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73348239/2152494891.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Head coach Matt Eberflus of the Chicago Bears watches as Caleb Williams #18 throws a passing drill during Chicago Bears Rookie Minicamp at Halas Hall | Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images</figcaption> </figure> <p>It’s schedule release day, expect a ton of leaks about who the bears play when</p> <p id="io3URh"><strong>WE WANT YOU!</strong></p><p id="vm2nRR"><em>Would you like to show your </em><a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/"><em><strong>Chicago Bears</strong></em></a><em> spirit to the world? I’m starting a feature where Windy City Gridiron readers can share pictures of themselves and their families and friends in Bears attire. Simply email a picture to me at the following address: denmasterken at aol dot com. The pictures need to be clear, and full resolution (i.e. full size from your phone if that’s how you take them). Include any description information you like along with the photo!</em></p><p id="9gdmw7"><strong>THE DAILY SPONGIE SPECIAL</strong></p><div id="WTntC4"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lYa5fR1qDRo?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share;"></iframe></div></div><h4 id="CKwyb4"><strong>BEARRRSSSS</strong></h4><p id="bsakCf"><a href="https://www.nbcsportschicago.com/nfl/chicago-bears/travis-kelce-sees-resemblance-between-patrick-mahomes-and-caleb-williams/562121/">Caleb Williams, Patrick Mahomes comp works for Travis Kelce – NBC Sports Chicago</a> - The Bears QB has drawn comparisons to the KC GOAT, and one of the men who would know best agrees</p><p id="WPcaGq"><a href="https://www.nbcsportschicago.com/nfl/chicago-bears/bears-analysis/early-bears-53-man-roster-projection-after-rookie-minicamp/562058/">Bears’ 53-man roster projection after Caleb Williams’ rookie minicamp – NBC Sports Chicago</a> - Caleb Williams is the starting quarterback and the wide receiver room is loaded. But the Bears have questions on the defensive line and in the running back...</p><p id="kaGtk4"><a href="https://www.audacy.com/670thescore/sports/chicago-bears/bears-are-set-for-a-position-battle-at-center">Bears are set for a position battle at center - 670</a> - The Bears will hold a competition for their starting center role. Coleman Shelton, Ryan Bates and Doug Kramer are the three players in the mix.</p><p id="X9VDoy"><a href="https://www.nbcsportschicago.com/nfl/chicago-bears/bears-analysis/bears-five-greatest-mysteries-ahead-of-nfl-schedule-release/562041/">Bears’ 2024 NFL schedule has five mysteries ahead of release – NBC Sports Chicago</a> - With the 2024 NFL schedule set to be released Wednesday, we have several questions that need to be answered about Caleb Williams’ rookie season.</p><p id="s8B84h"><a href="https://www.nbcsportschicago.com/nfl/chicago-bears/list-of-every-bears-2024-opponent-before-full-nfl-schedule-release/562088/">NFL schedule release: Full list of Bears 2024 opponents – NBC Sports Chicago</a> - Every team the Bears will play at Soldier Field and on the road</p><p id="8Fo3fb"><a href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/bears/2024/05/14/bears-sign-kiran-amegadjie-offensive-lineman-hinsdale-central-yale-tackle-four-year-rookie-contract-round-three">Bears sign third-round pick Kiran Amegadjie - Chicago Sun-Times</a> - The offensive lineman is expected to earn about $5.6 million over four years.</p><p id="u3ymRd"><a href="https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/05/14/chicago-bears-assistant-coaches/">Chicago Bears: What we heard from coaches on Caleb Williams, more - Chicago Tribune</a> - <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a> quarterback Caleb Williams already demonstrated his hunger to learn at rookie minicamp.</p><p id="txN92h"><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5490469/2024/05/14/bears-rookie-expectations-2024/">Defining short- and long-term expectations for the Bears’ 2024 NFL draft class - The Athletic</a> - Expectations are sky high for Caleb Williams, who is embracing everything about being the Chicago Bears’ quarterback.</p><p id="mStArv"><a href="https://www.nbcsportschicago.com/nfl/chicago-bears/list-of-every-bears-2024-opponent-before-full-nfl-schedule-release/562088/">NFL schedule release: Full list of Bears 2024 opponents – NBC Sports Chicago</a> - Every team the Bears will play at Soldier Field and on the road</p><p id="Txilrn"><strong>KNOW THINE ENEMY</strong></p><p id="IPUUha"><a href="https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/jared-goff-extension-wont-make-dak-prescott-deal-any-cheaper">Jared Goff extension won’t make Dak Prescott deal any cheaper - NBC Sports</a> - Dak Prescott should be sending Jared Goff a fruit basket.</p><p id="gzMjT9"><strong>POLISH SAUSAGE</strong></p><p id="7pSaf2"><a href="https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/kirk-cousins-on-his-achilles-i-think-everythings-trending-in-the-right-direction">Kirk Cousins on his Achilles: I think everything’s trending in the right direction - NBC Sports</a> - Last week, Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said quarterback Kirk Cousins is "pretty much full-go" with what he can do at the team's offseason program.</p><p id="OkK0cv"><a href="https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/jaguars-city-of-jacksonville-agree-to-1-4-billion-stadium-deal">Jaguars, city of Jacksonville agree to $1.4 billion stadium deal - NBC Sports</a> - The Jaguars and the city of Jacksonville have agreed to a $1.4 billion stadium deal, the Associated Press reports.</p><h4 id="yebDDm"><strong>IN CASE YOU MISSED IT ON WINDY CITY GRIDIRON</strong></h4><p id="vclinI"><a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2024/5/14/24155390/nfl-2024-chicago-bears-schedule-leak-and-rumor-tracker-london-jaguars-packers-texans-caleb-williams">Chicago Bears 2024 Schedule Leak and Rumor Tracker - Windy City Gridiron</a> - When will the Chicago Bears play their games this season? We track all the schedule leaks here!</p><p id="c4PH6W"><a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2024/5/14/24156873/chicago-bears-third-round-pick-kiran-amegadjie-signs-contract-nfl-draft">Chicago Bears Third Round Pick Kiran Amegadjie Signs Contract - Windy City Gridiron</a> - Another member of the 2024 <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL Draft</a> class has officially signed with the Bears.</p><p id="KVDNCd"><a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2024/5/14/24155263/salary-cap-chicago-bears-roster-calais-campbell-yannick-ngakoue-caleb-montez-sweat-keenan-allen">Examining the Chicago Bears Salary Cap Situation Post-Rookie Minicamp - Windy City Gridiron</a> - With rookie minicamp in the rearview mirror and just 12 practices left in the offseason program, the Chicago Bears will spend the next two months putting the finishing touches on their preseason roster. Here’s an in-depth looking at where things stand with the salary cap and how they’ll need to move money around if they plan to make many more moves.</p><p id="bsb8cZ"><a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2024/5/14/24156527/chicago-bears-set-to-face-3rd-easiest-nfl-strength-schedule-lions-packers-vikings-texans-cardinals">Chicago Bears set to face 3rd easiest schedule - Windy City Gridiron</a> - The strength of schedule is a nice discussion topic, but ultimately, it doesn’t mean much, as so many things change from year to year in the NFL.</p><p id="fXqzh2"><a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2024/5/14/24155568/2024-nfc-quarterback-power-rankings-brock-purdy-dak-prescott-jalen-hurts-caleb-williams-bryce-young">2024 NFC Quarterback Power Rankings: Offseason Edition - Windy City Gridiron</a> - As we enter the 2024 season, here’s the power rankings for QBs in the NFC.</p><p id="CY77z0"><strong>SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE PAGE</strong></p><p id="vlv6MQ"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMXAZtZvYznksYB2z5cMDjA"><em><strong>2nd City Gridiron</strong></em></a><em> is our new video home! So hit the link and help us grow that brand!</em></p><p id="P5lJhd"><strong>THE RULES</strong></p><p id="mmwfDg"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/community-guidelines">Windy City Gridiron Community Guidelines - SBNation.com</a> - We strive to make our communities open and inclusive to sports fans of all backgrounds. The following are not permitted in comments. No personal attacks, politics, gender-based insults of any kind, racial insults, etc. </p><p id="m_-7009616555818998602gmail-DZTCtd"><a href="https://redcircle.com/shows/d98b053b-7f45-4014-9d73-588925d7807f"><strong>2nd City Gridiron Podcast Channel</strong></a> which includes <em><strong>Bears Banter</strong></em> hosted by Bill Zimmerman, <em><strong>Bears Over Beers</strong></em> featuring Jeff Berckes &amp; EJ Snyder, <em><strong>Making Monsters</strong></em> with Taylor Doll,<em><strong> Bear Bones</strong></em> from Dr. Mason West, Khari Thompson, and Danny Meehan, <em><strong>Bear &amp; Balanced</strong></em> from Jeff and Lester A. Wiltfong Jr., and <em><strong>T Formation Conversation</strong></em> from Lester; EJ also co-hosts <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWSxLqyVmZ2b8LDNMucX3uw"><em><strong>The Bootleg Football Podcast</strong></em></a> with Brett Kollmann; and <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/sjs_illini"><em><strong>Steven’s Streaming Twitch Channel</strong></em></a> from Steven Schweickert is another fun one.</p><div id="ZmFaEO"><script async="" defer onload="redcircleShowIframe();" src="https://api.podcache.net/embedded-show-player/sh/d98b053b-7f45-4014-9d73-588925d7807f?theme=light"></script> <div class="redcirclePlayer-d98b053b-7f45-4014-9d73-588925d7807f" style="height: auto;"></div> <style> .redcircle-link:link { color: #ea404d; text-decoration: none; } .redcircle-link:hover { color: #ea404d; } .redcircle-link:active { color: #ea404d; } .redcircle-link:visited { color: #ea404d; } </style> <p style="margin-top:3px;margin-left:11px;font-family: sans-serif;font-size: 10px; color: gray;">Powered by <a class="redcircle-link" href="https://redcircle.com?utm_source=rc_embedded_player&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=embedded_v1">RedCircle</a></p></div><p id="HEMNoz"><strong>Click on our names to follow us on Twitter:</strong><em> </em><a href="https://twitter.com/Gridironborn">Jeff Berckes</a>; <a href="https://twitter.com/OpinionBear">Dr. Patti Curl</a>; <a href="https://twitter.com/Eduerrwaechter">Eric Christopher Duerrwaechter</a>; <a href="https://twitter.com/TayDoll1010xl">Taylor Doll</a>; <a href="https://twitter.com/ggabefootball">Greg Gabriel</a>; <a href="https://twitter.com/Kev_WCG">Kev H</a>; <a href="https://twitter.com/SamHouseholder">Sam Householder</a>; <a href="https://twitter.com/jacobinfante24">Jacob Infante</a>; <a href="https://twitter.com/AaronLemingNFL">Aaron Lemming</a>; <a href="https://twitter.com/WCGBearsDenDude">Dr. Ken Mitchell</a>; <a href="https://twitter.com/DanMeehan90">Danny Meehan</a>; <a href="https://twitter.com/JackRSalo">Jack R Salo</a>; <a href="https://twitter.com/kdthompson5">Khari Thompson</a>; <a href="https://twitter.com/SJS_illini">Steven Schweickert</a>; <a href="https://twitter.com/readjack">Jack Silverstein</a>; <a href="https://twitter.com/thedraftsmanFB">EJ Snyder</a>; <a href="https://twitter.com/wiltfongjr">Lester Wiltfong, Jr.</a>; <a href="https://twitter.com/TJStarman">T.J. Starman</a>; <a href="https://twitter.com/WestSportsPT">Dr. Mason West</a>; <a href="https://twitter.com/ZimmermanSXM">Bill Zimmerman</a>; <a href="https://twitter.com/2ndCityGridiron">2nd City Gridiron</a>; Like WCG on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WindyCityGridiron/?fref=ts">Facebook</a>; Like 2nd City Gridiron on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/2ndCityGridiron">Facebook</a>.</p><p id="C7Sc2h"></p> </content> <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2024/5/15/24156962/chicago-bears-den-caleb-williams-rome-odunze-eberflus-poles-offseason-draft-schedule-release-day"/> <id>https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2024/5/15/24156962/chicago-bears-den-caleb-williams-rome-odunze-eberflus-poles-offseason-draft-schedule-release-day</id> <author> <name>Ken Mitchell</name> </author> </entry> <entry> <published>2024-05-14T21:50:14-05:00</published> <updated>2024-05-14T21:50:14-05:00</updated> <title>26 seconds of Caleb Wiliams slinging it</title> <content type="html"> <figure> <img alt="Chicago Bears Rookie Minicamp" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/k-6tmVtX_hBlYrNjq2QaYbye5xc=/0x0:2184x1456/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73347969/2152370296.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images</figcaption> </figure> <p>Chef’s kiss!</p> <p id="p5hieX">The <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a> social media team knows to give the people as much Caleb Williams as possible. Their latest is just a video of some quick in-breaking routes to DJ Moore, Velus Jones Jr., Tyler Scott, and Keenan Allen, but the camera work staying on one continuous shot, starting with the rookie, following the ball into the receiver's hands, one after the other after the other after the other is a chef's kiss. </p><div id="HkfVAw"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Building chemistry <a href="https://t.co/6Z8829jgpr">pic.twitter.com/6Z8829jgpr</a></p>— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChicagoBears/status/1790498652038869250?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2024</a></blockquote><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div><p id="4ABQWq">The Bears are currently in phase 2 of workouts at Halas Hall, which will allow them to continue to build chemistry in the new offense. Things will ramp up during phase 3 when OTAs begin. </p><p id="nDSWyy">So far, the coaches and players are all saying the right things and the positive energy is contagious. </p><p id="Bq2drS">There’s a different vibe around this team. </p><p id="UzF3gq">From the <em>Step Brothers</em>-inspired photoshoot... </p><div id="vjgf7h"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Part 2 <a href="https://t.co/WxTwSTkVMy">https://t.co/WxTwSTkVMy</a> <a href="https://t.co/UanPKlk1pJ">pic.twitter.com/UanPKlk1pJ</a></p>— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChicagoBears/status/1790539954486923288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2024</a></blockquote><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div><p id="jd3rh8">To The Claw that is here to stay...</p><div id="KIFvfc"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">15 lookin' clean <a href="https://t.co/jdpoHMHYsu">pic.twitter.com/jdpoHMHYsu</a></p>— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChicagoBears/status/1790543256436011135?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2024</a></blockquote><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div><p id="thBRAe">And to embracing the aura of the #18...</p><div id="V5myfP"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="eu" dir="ltr">A U R A <a href="https://t.co/aeoBIP7mKs">pic.twitter.com/aeoBIP7mKs</a></p>— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChicagoBears/status/1790536330339881451?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2024</a></blockquote><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div><p id="xgSywx"></p><p id="GKwVGw"></p><p id="1UAciX"></p> </content> <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2024/5/14/24157008/chicago-bears-26-seconds-of-caleb-wiliams-slinging-it-dj-moore-keenan-allen-tyler-scott-velus-jones"/> <id>https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2024/5/14/24157008/chicago-bears-26-seconds-of-caleb-wiliams-slinging-it-dj-moore-keenan-allen-tyler-scott-velus-jones</id> <author> <name>Lester A. Wiltfong Jr.</name> </author> </entry> <entry> <published>2024-05-14T21:09:28-05:00</published> <updated>2024-05-14T21:09:28-05:00</updated> <title>How confident are you in Matt Eberflus heading into his third season?</title> <content type="html"> <figure> <img alt="Chicago Bears Rookie Minicamp" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ZsIIMNojO1MGQN51sFZJGxX4aKQ=/0x250:2392x1845/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73347921/2152494651.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images</figcaption> </figure> <p>Vote in this week’s Chicago Bears’ Reacts survey question! </p> <p id="aFS40s">After the 2023 season, I wanted the <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a> to clean house and bring in an entirely new coaching staff. Even though the arrow of the defense was pointing up, I felt the team underachieved with head coach Matt Eberflus at the helm. There were too many late-game failures and conservative moments on both sides of the ball. </p><p id="vCpafu">But ‘Flus survived. </p><p id="ch0jbw">He turned nearly his entire offensive coaching staff over and started to win me back with the choices. Offensive coordinator Shane Waldron was a home run. He was the most sought-after playcaller of the coaching cycle. Offensive passing game coordinator Thomas Brown and quarterbacks coach Kerry Joseph are up-and-coming assistants. The offensive staff feels like one that will teach some modern football. </p><p id="hYIb41">Eberlus plans to call the D at least for one more season, but his new defensive coordinator, Eric Washington, brings plenty of experience. </p><p id="6LIFuD">Even with a rookie quarterback, he should have confidence in his offense and be willing to loosen the reins a bit. We saw him get more aggressive on defense at times last year when necessary. </p><p id="hu9mJx">I like the plan that’s in place. </p><p id="65J5e6">But will it come to fruition?</p><p id="1E2n4F">His off-the-field stuff has been great, but his in-game decision-making needs to improve. </p><p id="B5riXs">Coaches can develop over time as well as players can, so the hope is that Eberflus has grown through his first two years on the job. </p><div id="xPnz43"><iframe id="ss-embed-frame" onload="window.parent.parent.scrollTo(0,0)" src="https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/ZTD600/" style="width:100%;height:400px;border:0px;padding-bottom:4px;" frameborder="0"><a href="https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/ZTD600/">Please take our survey</a></iframe></div><p id="ITz67O"><em>Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in </em><a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/"><em>Chicago Bears</em></a><em> fans and fans across the country. </em><a href="https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/EFIUQ7/"><em>Sign up here</em></a><em> to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.</em></p> </content> <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2024/5/14/24156781/chicago-bears-how-confident-are-you-in-matt-eberflus-heading-into-his-third-season-head-coach"/> <id>https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2024/5/14/24156781/chicago-bears-how-confident-are-you-in-matt-eberflus-heading-into-his-third-season-head-coach</id> <author> <name>Lester A. Wiltfong Jr.</name> </author> </entry></feed> If you would like to create a banner that links to this page (i.e. this validation result), do the following:
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