- Joined:
- Jan 1, 2013
- Posts:
- 5,117
- Liked Posts:
- 4,147
Not to take away from HHM's wallpapering of the front page of the Bears forums... but I thought I'd post a few recent articles that folks around here might be interested in reading....
www.bleachernation.com
Justin Fields’ growth at quarterback isn’t the only development arc we have eyes on down the stretch.
One area we’d all love to see the Bears shore up down the stretch is along the offensive line. And, specifically, in the pass-blocking department. Don’t get it twisted. Fields’ arrow has been pointing up in recent weeks. And the growth from Year 1 to Year 2 (and even in-season!) is undeniable. But there is another level Fields could reach purely as a passer if he had more time to throw.
All of that to say this: Left tackle Braxton Jones holds a key that could unlock another aspect of Fields’ game.
To be clear, I’m not putting it all on Jones. That would be too big of an ask . However, a solid left tackle can do wonders for a quarterback. And in the eyes of Pro Football Focus’ Michael Renner, the Bears might already have that in Jones. Renner is high on Jones, ranking the rookie left tackle’s performance against the Packers as one of the best among rookies who were playing in Week 13. The praise is eye-opening:
And maybe we’re getting it. Renner’s stat highlighting the five pressures that Jones has given up in the last four games is telling. Especially when considering that PFF had just two offensive tackles allowing more pressures through the first nine weeks than the 28 Jones gave up in that span. So, to put it in perspective, that Joens has allowed just five pressures in his last four games after being a human turnstile throughout the early going of his rookie season is a sign of growth and development.
Solidifying the offensive line figures to be an offseason priority for the Bears. And it should be. Getting it right in the trenches makes everyone better on the offense. And it makes the offense better in the grand scheme of things. With that being said, there are questions surrounding the viability of Jones as a long-term starter at left tackle. Especially when thinking about that large sample of games in the first half where Jones’ rookie struggles were evident. Given that information, if the Bears can truly upgrade at left tackle this offseason, they should do it and not think twice.
However, the Bears might not need to address left tackle concerns this offseason. Jones still has five games to make a case that he should be the guy long term. If GM Ryan Poles was wise, he and his staff would give Jones’ tape a good, hard look in the offseason. Should they come to the conclusion that Jones is either (1) a long-term fit at the position or (2) a short-term bridge at left tackle, then they could bypass spending (money and/or draft capital) at that particular spot this offseason. That would allow them to spend at positions that are bigger needs.
Don’t get me wrong. I understand how solidifying the left tackle spot can bolster an offensive line as a whole. But Jones proving to be adequate at the position is a welcome surprise. And if he finishes 2022 on a high note, things could line up for him to be a returning starter on a line that could see massive overhaul. Stay tuned.
www.bleachernation.com
It’s my last day in sunny southern California. A drive up the coast from San Diego to LAX awaits. But not before one last In-N-Out experience.
www.nbcsports.com
This season, the Bears’ defense has been among the league’s worst units. Head coach Matt Eberflus’ defense is giving up 25.6 points and 350.5 yards per game. Those numbers are buoyed by a strong start in which they held five of their four of their first six opponents to 20 points or less.
Injuries and trades have caused the unit to crater over the past two months. Starting in Week 8, the Bears are giving up 33.5 points and 375.8 yards per game.
Horrific doesn’t even begin to describe it.
The Bears’ defense has several holes, but the biggest issue is upfront. Eberflus and defensive coordinator Alan Williams like to pressure the quarterback without blitzing. In order to do that, their defenses need a three-technique who can disrupt on the interior and an edge rusher who can consistently get home on the outside.
As it stands right now, the Bears have neither.
Since trading Robert Quinn following their Week 7 win over the New England Patriots, the Bears’ defensive line has accounted for one sack, five quarterback hits, and 32 total pressures, per Pro Football Focus.
The trade of Quinn was supposed to free up opportunities for Trevis Gipson and rookie Dominique Robinson to pop. So far, that has not happened.
Over that same period, Gipson and Robinson have combined for just 11 pressures and two quarterback hits.
Those numbers suggest both Gipson and Robinson are rotational rushers but not edge guys to anchor a defensive line around. That’s fine. Depth is valuable.
But the Bears’ horrid defensive line numbers suggest that should be among the team’s top priorities this offseason.
Given the Bears’ expected salary cap space and high draft pick, there are two moves general manager Ryan Poles could make to take the front four from liability to team strength.
The first move comes in free agency, where the Bears will have upwards of $110 million to spend. Poles’ first call should go to a 6-foot-2, 320-pound game wrecker currently having a career year in Washington.
Daron Payne entered this season without a contract extension from the Washington Commanders. The Commanders already gave Jonathan Allen a lucrative new contract and have to plan for upcoming extensions for Chase Young and Montez Sweat.
Payne appears to be the odd man out of the vaunted Washington front.
But he’s having a monster season in a contract year, regardless.
Payne has always been lauded for his run-stopping ability, but he worked on his agility this offseason and attended Von Miller’s pass rush summit, hoping to gain tips to help him get to the quarterback and increase his value.
Mission accomplished.
Payne has 8.5 sacks, 16 QB hits, and 15 tackles for loss this season. He is one of five players this season with 6.5 sacks, 13 tackles for loss, 14 QB hits, and 35 tackles.
He has been the ultimate disruptor this season and will be handsomely this offseason. The Commanders reportedly want to keep Payne in Washington, but the defensive tackle market is expected to be robust.
Given Payne’s production, there’s a good chance he eclipses the four-year, $72 million deal Allen signed to stay with the Commanders. He could very well get $20 million a season.
The Bears can afford that and should be willing to pay for a 25-year-old force in the middle of the defensive line.
If Poles can secure Payne in free agency, the Bears can turn their attention to the edge in the 2023 NFL Draft.
If the Bears have the No. 2 overall pick, their best course of action would be to auction it off to the highest bidder, obtain more draft capital, and move down the board.
But there’s a chance no trade materializes, at least not one worth passing up Will Anderson. Draft experts see the Alabama edge rusher as the next Von Miller, a generational pass rusher who can do it all.
Last season, Anderson notched 17.5 sacks and 34.5 tackles for loss en route to winning the Bronko Nagurski Award as the nation’s best defensive player. Had he been eligible for the 2022 NFL Draft, there’s little doubt he would have been the No. 1 overall pick.
Anderson returned to Alabama for one final season and had a “down year,” only notching 10 sacks and 17 tackles for loss while repeating as the Nagurski Award winner.
There are no weaknesses in Anderson’s game. He has the strength to hold up in the run game and the speed and explosiveness to defeat blockers quickly and get to the passer. He was extremely effective on stunts and twists at Alabama but is just as deadly when straight rushing a tackle.
Last offseason, Poles drafted Kyler Gordon and Jaquan Brisker with both the Bears’ second-round picks, transforming a team weakness into a strength.
He can do the same with the defensive front this offseason. Signing Payne and drafting Anderson would give the Bears elite talent on the interior and the edge. From there, Poles can fill in the rest of the defensive line rotation with suitable pros like Gipson, Robinson, and Justin Jones.
If the Bears want to be able to run the defense the way Eberflus prefers and get home with four, they need dominant players at three-technique and edge rusher. It just happens they’ll have the opportunity to add both this offseason if Poles plays his cards right.
www.sportsmockery.com
When discussing the successes of Ryan Poles‘ first off-season with the Chicago Bears, it has to start with his rookie class. Jaquan Brisker and Braxton Jones are two draft picks that have established themselves as starters with significant upside. Kyler Gordon also has promise despite some inconsistencies. However, by far, the biggest surprise is the ascent of Jack Sanborn. Chicago signed the Wisconsin linebacker in undrafted free agency. It was shocking to many that somebody didn’t pick him after such a productive college career.
The standard explanation is teams were wary of his limited athletic ceiling. He ran a pedestrian 4.73 in the 40-yard dash. That made him a liability in the eyes of many when it came to making plays outside the tackle box. A few months later and he’s now the starting middle linebacker for the Bears with 53 tackles and two sacks on the season. He also would’ve had an interception if not for a bad penalty call. One person not surprised by this is Matt Bowen of ESPN. The former safety saw what made Sanborn so good in college on tape. His intelligence, instincts, quickness, and tackling prowess have made him an immediate contributor to this team.
While Bowen doesn’t think the linebacker may ever be a true star in the NFL, he sees all the traits necessary to have a long career, as he explained on 670 The Score.
There is no doubt Jack Sanborn is quite capable of being like those guys. You may not hear his name often in pivotal moments, but when games end, he always seems to fill out the stat sheet. Guys like him always seem to end up carving out a 10-year career. They do it through tenacity and sheer hard work. Sanborn is a football player in every sense. The fact he’s a homegrown kid from the Chicago suburbs makes it an even better story. One can only hope far better days are ahead for him.
Braxton Jones is Making a Case to be the Bears' Long-Term Left Tackle - Bleacher Nation
Braxton Jones looks "nothing short of the Bears' long-term starter at left tackle at this point" in the eyes of one NFL pundit.
www.bleachernation.com
Braxton Jones is Making a Case to be the Bears’ Long-Term Left Tackle
December 7, 2022, by Luis Medina Chicago BearsJustin Fields’ growth at quarterback isn’t the only development arc we have eyes on down the stretch.
One area we’d all love to see the Bears shore up down the stretch is along the offensive line. And, specifically, in the pass-blocking department. Don’t get it twisted. Fields’ arrow has been pointing up in recent weeks. And the growth from Year 1 to Year 2 (and even in-season!) is undeniable. But there is another level Fields could reach purely as a passer if he had more time to throw.
All of that to say this: Left tackle Braxton Jones holds a key that could unlock another aspect of Fields’ game.
To be clear, I’m not putting it all on Jones. That would be too big of an ask . However, a solid left tackle can do wonders for a quarterback. And in the eyes of Pro Football Focus’ Michael Renner, the Bears might already have that in Jones. Renner is high on Jones, ranking the rookie left tackle’s performance against the Packers as one of the best among rookies who were playing in Week 13. The praise is eye-opening:
Renner being high on Jones is one thing. He wouldn’t be the first to be enamored with the rookie left tackle. Coming out of NFL Draft weekend, the Jones pick was giving us Charles Leno Jr. vibes. Later in the offseason, it was sounding like Jones could make a run at being a rookie starter at left tackle to begin the year. And when he got the first crack at left tackle during the Bears’ first padded practice, it was a first step toward being that guy. Now, Jones needs a strong finish to set up his case to be the long-term starter that Renner envisions.
And maybe we’re getting it. Renner’s stat highlighting the five pressures that Jones has given up in the last four games is telling. Especially when considering that PFF had just two offensive tackles allowing more pressures through the first nine weeks than the 28 Jones gave up in that span. So, to put it in perspective, that Joens has allowed just five pressures in his last four games after being a human turnstile throughout the early going of his rookie season is a sign of growth and development.
Solidifying the offensive line figures to be an offseason priority for the Bears. And it should be. Getting it right in the trenches makes everyone better on the offense. And it makes the offense better in the grand scheme of things. With that being said, there are questions surrounding the viability of Jones as a long-term starter at left tackle. Especially when thinking about that large sample of games in the first half where Jones’ rookie struggles were evident. Given that information, if the Bears can truly upgrade at left tackle this offseason, they should do it and not think twice.
However, the Bears might not need to address left tackle concerns this offseason. Jones still has five games to make a case that he should be the guy long term. If GM Ryan Poles was wise, he and his staff would give Jones’ tape a good, hard look in the offseason. Should they come to the conclusion that Jones is either (1) a long-term fit at the position or (2) a short-term bridge at left tackle, then they could bypass spending (money and/or draft capital) at that particular spot this offseason. That would allow them to spend at positions that are bigger needs.
Don’t get me wrong. I understand how solidifying the left tackle spot can bolster an offensive line as a whole. But Jones proving to be adequate at the position is a welcome surprise. And if he finishes 2022 on a high note, things could line up for him to be a returning starter on a line that could see massive overhaul. Stay tuned.
Mahomes and Allen Carve a Path for Fields, Draft Stock Arrow Points Up, That's Why They Call Him Rap Sheet, and Other Bears Bullets - Bleacher Nation
Justin Fields can follow the paths set before him by the likes of Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen — QBs who used their mobility and athleticism to buy time for their passing game developments.
www.bleachernation.com
Mahomes and Allen Carve a Path for Fields, Draft Stock Arrow Points Up, That’s Why They Call Him Rap Sheet, and Other Bears Bullets
December 8, 2022, by Luis Medina Chicago BearsIt’s my last day in sunny southern California. A drive up the coast from San Diego to LAX awaits. But not before one last In-N-Out experience.
- NFL Network analyst Marc Sessler has Justin Fields as a top 10 quarterback. Right now. As of this moment. Wow. The Chicago Bears’ quarterback is a top-10 QB. What a time to be alive:
- Where do you think he’ll land on this list when the smoke clears and the season ends? Pro Football Focus currently ranks Fields as having the 14th highest grade among QBs. Fields’ 72.8 grade is better than Kirk Cousins (72.7), Dak Prescott (72.1), and Trevor Lawrence (70.0), among others. By ESPN’s QBR metric, Fields is the NFL’s 12th best quarterback. His 59.0 QBR puts him ahead of Justin Herbert (58.6), Tom Brady (52.2), and Aaron Rodgers (41.9). The league leader in that category is Patrick Mahomes (duh!) at 78.5. Fields’ traditional passer rating is 85.3, which is 26th. There is work to be done to make a climb up those ratings. But that the advanced stats are suggesting Fields is an upper-half-of-the-league quarterback might be the most encouraging thing I’ll read during the bye week.
- I appreciate the balance that Albert Breer (The MMQB) strikes here in acknowledging that while Fields can’t play this particular style of football forever while also underscoring how quarterbacks with similar high-end athleticism eventually grew as passers after using their athleticism early:
-
- It’s almost as if development isn’t linear and that player growth doesn’t ever really stop.
- Ooh! We get to see Josh Allen and Justin Fields square off on Christmas Eve. Please keep these QBs away from Bills fans and tables. Please and thank you.
Bears can fix D-line with two blockbuster offseason moves
The Bears’ defensive line has been one of the worst in the NFL this season. Ryan Poles can fix that with two no-brainer moves this offseason.
www.nbcsports.com
This season, the Bears’ defense has been among the league’s worst units. Head coach Matt Eberflus’ defense is giving up 25.6 points and 350.5 yards per game. Those numbers are buoyed by a strong start in which they held five of their four of their first six opponents to 20 points or less.
Injuries and trades have caused the unit to crater over the past two months. Starting in Week 8, the Bears are giving up 33.5 points and 375.8 yards per game.
Horrific doesn’t even begin to describe it.
The Bears’ defense has several holes, but the biggest issue is upfront. Eberflus and defensive coordinator Alan Williams like to pressure the quarterback without blitzing. In order to do that, their defenses need a three-technique who can disrupt on the interior and an edge rusher who can consistently get home on the outside.
As it stands right now, the Bears have neither.
Since trading Robert Quinn following their Week 7 win over the New England Patriots, the Bears’ defensive line has accounted for one sack, five quarterback hits, and 32 total pressures, per Pro Football Focus.
The trade of Quinn was supposed to free up opportunities for Trevis Gipson and rookie Dominique Robinson to pop. So far, that has not happened.
Over that same period, Gipson and Robinson have combined for just 11 pressures and two quarterback hits.
Those numbers suggest both Gipson and Robinson are rotational rushers but not edge guys to anchor a defensive line around. That’s fine. Depth is valuable.
But the Bears’ horrid defensive line numbers suggest that should be among the team’s top priorities this offseason.
Given the Bears’ expected salary cap space and high draft pick, there are two moves general manager Ryan Poles could make to take the front four from liability to team strength.
The first move comes in free agency, where the Bears will have upwards of $110 million to spend. Poles’ first call should go to a 6-foot-2, 320-pound game wrecker currently having a career year in Washington.
Daron Payne entered this season without a contract extension from the Washington Commanders. The Commanders already gave Jonathan Allen a lucrative new contract and have to plan for upcoming extensions for Chase Young and Montez Sweat.
Payne appears to be the odd man out of the vaunted Washington front.
But he’s having a monster season in a contract year, regardless.
Payne has always been lauded for his run-stopping ability, but he worked on his agility this offseason and attended Von Miller’s pass rush summit, hoping to gain tips to help him get to the quarterback and increase his value.
Mission accomplished.
Payne has 8.5 sacks, 16 QB hits, and 15 tackles for loss this season. He is one of five players this season with 6.5 sacks, 13 tackles for loss, 14 QB hits, and 35 tackles.
He has been the ultimate disruptor this season and will be handsomely this offseason. The Commanders reportedly want to keep Payne in Washington, but the defensive tackle market is expected to be robust.
Given Payne’s production, there’s a good chance he eclipses the four-year, $72 million deal Allen signed to stay with the Commanders. He could very well get $20 million a season.
The Bears can afford that and should be willing to pay for a 25-year-old force in the middle of the defensive line.
If Poles can secure Payne in free agency, the Bears can turn their attention to the edge in the 2023 NFL Draft.
If the Bears have the No. 2 overall pick, their best course of action would be to auction it off to the highest bidder, obtain more draft capital, and move down the board.
But there’s a chance no trade materializes, at least not one worth passing up Will Anderson. Draft experts see the Alabama edge rusher as the next Von Miller, a generational pass rusher who can do it all.
Last season, Anderson notched 17.5 sacks and 34.5 tackles for loss en route to winning the Bronko Nagurski Award as the nation’s best defensive player. Had he been eligible for the 2022 NFL Draft, there’s little doubt he would have been the No. 1 overall pick.
Anderson returned to Alabama for one final season and had a “down year,” only notching 10 sacks and 17 tackles for loss while repeating as the Nagurski Award winner.
There are no weaknesses in Anderson’s game. He has the strength to hold up in the run game and the speed and explosiveness to defeat blockers quickly and get to the passer. He was extremely effective on stunts and twists at Alabama but is just as deadly when straight rushing a tackle.
Last offseason, Poles drafted Kyler Gordon and Jaquan Brisker with both the Bears’ second-round picks, transforming a team weakness into a strength.
He can do the same with the defensive front this offseason. Signing Payne and drafting Anderson would give the Bears elite talent on the interior and the edge. From there, Poles can fill in the rest of the defensive line rotation with suitable pros like Gipson, Robinson, and Justin Jones.
If the Bears want to be able to run the defense the way Eberflus prefers and get home with four, they need dominant players at three-technique and edge rusher. It just happens they’ll have the opportunity to add both this offseason if Poles plays his cards right.
Former Player Explains Why Jack Sanborn Will Play For A Long Time
Jack Sanborn came out of nowhere this past month to become a top performer on the Bears defense. Some aren't entirely surprised.
www.sportsmockery.com
When discussing the successes of Ryan Poles‘ first off-season with the Chicago Bears, it has to start with his rookie class. Jaquan Brisker and Braxton Jones are two draft picks that have established themselves as starters with significant upside. Kyler Gordon also has promise despite some inconsistencies. However, by far, the biggest surprise is the ascent of Jack Sanborn. Chicago signed the Wisconsin linebacker in undrafted free agency. It was shocking to many that somebody didn’t pick him after such a productive college career.
The standard explanation is teams were wary of his limited athletic ceiling. He ran a pedestrian 4.73 in the 40-yard dash. That made him a liability in the eyes of many when it came to making plays outside the tackle box. A few months later and he’s now the starting middle linebacker for the Bears with 53 tackles and two sacks on the season. He also would’ve had an interception if not for a bad penalty call. One person not surprised by this is Matt Bowen of ESPN. The former safety saw what made Sanborn so good in college on tape. His intelligence, instincts, quickness, and tackling prowess have made him an immediate contributor to this team.
While Bowen doesn’t think the linebacker may ever be a true star in the NFL, he sees all the traits necessary to have a long career, as he explained on 670 The Score.
Jack Sanborn doesn’t need to be the guy in this defense.
Middle linebackers aren’t required to be stars in a Tampa-2 system like this one. People only think that way because Brian Urlacher was such a phenom when he played in it. In reality, most of the great versions of this defense didn’t have great middle linebackers. Shelton Quarles in Tampa Bay. Jack Del Rio in Minnesota. Gary Brackett in Indianapolis. None of those players were great. However, they were smart and reliable. They did the dirty work while stars elsewhere on the defense took care of the splash plays.There is no doubt Jack Sanborn is quite capable of being like those guys. You may not hear his name often in pivotal moments, but when games end, he always seems to fill out the stat sheet. Guys like him always seem to end up carving out a 10-year career. They do it through tenacity and sheer hard work. Sanborn is a football player in every sense. The fact he’s a homegrown kid from the Chicago suburbs makes it an even better story. One can only hope far better days are ahead for him.
Last edited:
, is because there are a couple of QBs that are good enough to steal the #1 spot.
