Pixote

You know what, I am tired of the comparisons to Fields. He's history. I want to compare his strengths/weaknesses to Mahomes, Hurt, Allen, Jackson, etc... Why not start worrying about how he will compare to the top 5 instead of a QB who is no longer on the team?

I just read an interesting article on si.com stating there has been misinformation about CW's fumbling issues. We've been talking about his 30+ fumbles in three years of college. According to the quote below (I assume it is correct), he really hasn't had nearly as much a problem holding onto the ball as the good old internet pundits have cried. I will have to check it out. But if true, one less thing to worry about.

No offense, but the tape sucked. LOL By sucked I mean it didn't really prove much at all. Whoever compiled the tape tried to find every play that Williams stayed in their pocket and passed. Was all of those games this past year? I know some were duplicates from a different angle. I certainly didn't try to count the number of plays, but if you said a hundred, I believe you. The problem is that he was 266/388 at USC last year. So you are touting this to show he stays in the pocket with an awesome quick release, but only for less than a third of the passes he threw? 100+ out of 388 passes? We've all seen his highlight films. I actually prefer them. That is the Caleb Williams the Bears coaching staff will be working with to correct his issues when playing with big men, not college boys.

I was looking at available EDGE players and noticed Emmanuel Ogbah. His stats are actually impressive, especially when you consider, from what I read, Miami switched defensive schemes two years ago causing his production to drop. At 30 years of age, 8 years of experience, 6'4". 275#, 35 1/2" arms, and 10" hands, he sure fits the part physically. I bet he'd sign cheap and would be a good upgrade opposite M Sweat. (assuming our scheme fits his strengths).

We need to address the DL before the season starts. Poles has done a remarkable job revamping our roster. However, the D is still missing the pass rush. We were, if I am not mistaken, last in the league in sacks last year, even after bringing on Sweat. We have a fantastic LB & DB group behind the DL, but they need to have the DL put pressure on the opposing QB. There are too many damn good QBs who will pick us apart if we cannot put more pressure on their QB. Hopefully, Poles can fill in the gap until we can add some blue-chip players in next year's draft. If he does, I agree 100 with everyone; 11-12 wins is a realistic goal. On a side note, If I'm not mistaken, the only players Ryan Pace drafted who are still on the Bears are: Larry Borom (pick No. 151, 2021 NFL draft) (I suspect will be gone before the season starts) Khalil Herbert (pick No. 217, 2021 NFL draft) (Now no longer a starter but a valuable backup) Teven Jenkins (pick No. 39, 2021 NFL draft) (A+ Pick when not on the sidelines because of injury) Jaylon Johnson (pick No. 50, 2020 NFL draft) (A+ Pick) Cole Kmet (pick No. 43, 2020 NFL draft) (A+ Pick) Talk about a GM taking on a monumental task! Poles is doing an awesome job. Now, he just needs to finish the job. 3T, Edge, Center.

There is an article on bearswire.usatoday that lists what they believe are the 20 best remaining free agents the Bears should target after the 2024 NFL draft. I definitely disagree with many they prioritize. I see no need to worry about WR, TE, or QB now. I am far more concerned with Edge, DT, OC, and OG. The trenches. Here is the list they gave: EDGE Yannick Ngakoue EDGE Carl Lawson EDGE Emmanuel Ogbah EDGE Calais Campbell EDGE Charles Harris EDGE Jerry Hughes EDGE Dawuane Smoot DT Fletcher Cox DT Hassan Ridgeway C Connor Williams OG Dalton Risner OG Mark Glowinski WR Tyler Boyd WR Hunter Renfrow WR Michael Gallup WR DJ Chark WR Jalen Guyton TE Marcedes Lewis TE Logan Thomas QB Ryan Tannehill

Or if the DC guesses wrong, it could be an 80-yard touchdown. LOL Roll the dice. 😉

I can't say I'm impressed with the video. I hope his game against Texas wasn't his best game.

From the strengths and weakness I found listed (see copy and paste below) the only thing this kid needs is some mass & strength added to his young frame. I'm sure our teams' nutritionist & Strength and Conditioning Coach has already set up a schedule for him.

It will be interesting to see what Poles has up his sleeve. The guy has been a magician resetting our roster and making us respectable for the first time in many years. I suspect he will be watching closely UDFAs and players cut after the draft for help in the trenches on both sides of the line. OCs, 3Ts, and anyone who can protect our QB or sack the opponent's QB.

From a write up on the Bears site, explains why we drafted a punter:

Any idea what we gave up in trade? I wanted us to have a full slate of draft picks next year.

I can only assume that Poles agreed that the prospects in the later rounds of this draft were not very inspiring. LOL Without any EDGE or 3T he felt comfortable with, he went with the top Punter in the draft. I know many of you will be disappointed, but it is actually a guy I wanted on our team.

Out of that list, Booker would be my pick. However, I also love the idea of drafting Mo Kamara.

I watched Kiran's highlight video and, all of a sudden, had a mad urge for breakfast. I never saw so many pancakes being served up by an OLT. Then I read his interview on the Bears home site. I was blown away! Kiran is such an incredible guy, a true diehard Bears fan living his dream. Can you believe it? His chance encounter a year ago with Flus at a Golf Club, where he boldly proclaimed to him that one day he'd be sitting in his office at Hallas Hall. And now, he's living that dream. We can see he has the physical attributes. But when you pair that with his desire to be the best, you have something special. He talked about meeting with our OL Coach and how he was anxious to get to work. Braxton, look out—you better believe you have someone who wants your job! Love the pick!

I wouldn't be at all surprised if Poles isn't already working on a cap-friendly extension for Allen.

Allen has never been known for elite speed. Instead, he gains separation by running precise routes. That is why many believe, even at the age of 32, he has many productive years left before retiring. He seems to be a perfect mentor for Rome O.

AWESOME!

So Far, no big surprises. I have to believe we will see a trade soon.

Why does this feel like 11:59 PM on December 31. It's as if the ball in NYC is descending, ready to welcome in the New Year, or in this case, a new era in Bears football.

Fumbles are far worse than interceptions.] A QB is often victimized. WR blows a route and cuts in instead of out. Ball deflected off of WRs hands. QB is forced to throw ill-advised pass when time is short and his team is trailing. In each case, at least the ball is downfield. Fumbles, especially in the backfield, are hard to blame on anyone else. I would love to see a video showing all of the fumbles he committed in college. (I am sure our coaching staff has such a collection). Fumbles when running beyond the LOS? Fumbles during a strip sack? Bad exchange from center? What does he need to correct?

I see where the Lions are printing money to build their roster. They just announced two signings. OT Sewell- 4yrs 112 Million WR St Brown - 4 yrs 120 Million Now, if it took 30 million per year to sign St Brown to an extension, what would it cost the Bears when it is time to resign Moore? 40 Million per year? This shows how important it will be to have a WR1 on a 5 year rookie deal. We also have to consider CW. IF he is as good as we believe he is, and proves it on the field from day one, you can bet by the end of year 3 he will be holding out for a renegotiated contract. Bank it! We have to be prepared to maintain the roster Poles is building.

I just saw another mock draft on nbcsportschicago.com. They mentioned a forth round pick as a solid OC candidate, one that could be a starter within a year. I don't recall anyone mentioning this guy, so I'd be curious if any of you have an opinion on: Hunter Nourzad, IOL, or Penn State. Good? Bad? So-So? LOL

I've watched every NFL draft since the early 1980s. That is when I begin getting pumped up for anything NFL: training camp, preseason games, and finally, the season to start. I'm totally addicted. This year has taken on an even greater sense of urgency. Like everyone else, I don't think I have ever felt this excited going into the draft. Let the season begin! 134 days and counting!!

Thanks, Stinger. I appreciate your offer.