Alaskan Grizzly

I like the idea of drafting a QB...in the later rounds for the sake of competition. I'm not as convinced as I once was that you can find your franchise QB in the first round...but could find one in any of the top three rounds...probably. That's not to say I don't think Justin can't be the guy. I think there's still a chance. Especially if he has some competition and gets a better team and coaching staff around him. Once this season plays out and I see more of JJ McCarthy (assuming he forgoes his senior year) I'd be interested in seeing him join the Bears. And I would presume he might even go 2nd or 3rd round (???) In the meantime, the first two picks (IMHO) should go for MHJ first and then some form of oline (yes Jason would be so happy to see this change in me). Either Fashanu, Latham (Alabama) or OC Van Pran from Georgia.

When I think of coaches that fit this mold, I come up with names like Fangio, Marinelli and maybe even Belichick. It appears though that the "tough SOB" doesn't blend well with today's young athlete. And the names I provided seem to struggle as the lead dog now-a-days.

Between his potential asking price and the Bears allegedly wanting a minimum 2nd round pick, it appears we are back to square one with Jaylon. His options now I suppose are FA at the end of the year, franchise tag or get an extension. Let’s see if adding Sweat does anything for his takeaway stats. Right now 3 total INTs in his career isn’t jaw-dropping. Until the game against LV his career total of 1 INT equaled that of Kindle Vildor.

Funny but true.

Or you Franchise Tag him for a year or two after the 5th year option is exercised (next year).

Hadn't heard much of Sweat mostly due to him being foreshadowed by players like Young, Payne and Allen. But when watching this highlight reel can't help think of how he reminds me of Julius Peppers. And we know how well Peppers did for us. No doubt Sweat is a solid all around player. Also of note in most of his highlights is how often Young is on the sidelines in his street clothes. *I was unable to drop a highlight video due to NFL copyright.

I think this helps Nguokue get back on pace and perhaps add more pressure. ?‍♂️ And for what its worth Pickens and especially Dexter have been steadily getting better. According to Fox Sports they're still #3 in run defense.

As a tanget: is there a chance, with the scandal currently swirling about him, Harbaugh won’t be coming to the NFL next year? I read reports that say the NFL will not be a “safe harbor” if he’s found guilty of any of the accusations. Michigan just rescinded their most recent offer for him to stay longer. https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/why-jim-harbaugh-potentially-bolting-for-nfl-amid-michigan-cheating-scandal-could-prove-difficult-per-report/amp/

Maybe something broke loose late in the night? Fair number of social media-ites talking about it . ??‍♂️.

Evidently the first salvo has been made. Johnson wants out.

Brisker back in concussion protocol after being in it last week(???) (after Raiders game). According to Flus Brisker ‘fell ill’ mid-week and missed the game yesterday because of it . Then today was put back into concussion status. Either Flus is really, really bad at communicating or there may be some concerns with Brisker’s overall health. He has a history of concussions (last season out weeks 12 and 13) and again this year. As we know there’s only so many licks to the head someone can take and the fact he ‘fell ill “ (if he actually did) in between is pretty worrisome. Suppose we’ll need to monitor this one.

It appears we’ll have another week of ‘Bagent-ball’.

I was really hoping for big things from Ngokue. His being able to add pressure was a big reason he came into the fold. Especially after getting 9.5 sacks two seasons ago and another 10 last year I thought for sure by now he'd at least be halfway there.

Despite an easy TD that he (Jones) managed to flub, Bagent stayed composed and drives down for a nice TD. I was hoping Jones would work out but looks like another miss from Poles. So far Scott has proven he’s earned a spot and ‘yes’ I’d agree with seeing what Taylor can do from here on out.

And just like that he’s back into the ‘groove’. Keep it up kid.

Bagent looking a bit sloppy out there. Last two throws were too lolly-gaggy, one of which resulted in an INT.

Johnson back to playing sub-mediocre. Nearly offsides followed closely by being late on the coverage. TD #2 for the Chargers. D looked good against an old Hoyer and rookie QB last week now…well we can hope things improve.

I think Harmon will fill in nicely. He’s had no less than 2 INTs each year since 2017. He had 4 for both ‘17 and ‘18.

Some notables on the Bears out this week. Among them Brisker and Davis neither of which practiced all week . No one of significance on the Chargers.

Against similar opponents they are 2-1. Beat the Vikings by 4, the Raiders by 7 (against O’Connell as the QB) and lost to KC by 14 last week. I think their defense is similar in some regards as are/were the Commanders. Strong pass rush (Mack and Bosa) and ok d-line; Williams with 12 tackles and 1 sack, Joseph-Day with 15 tackles and 2 sacks and Johnson with 12 tackles and 0 sacks. Their interior Lbs (Kendrick’s and Murray Jr) have 73 tackles and 2 sacks and 1 INT between them (Edwards and Edmunds have 134 tackles, 2 sacks and 2 ints between them). The Chargers pass defense is ranked #32 and their rush D is ranked #10. Id think if they play a similar game plan as they did against Washington then the Bears can win. Question will be whether Bagent will be able to throw accurately 20 yards or more and have time to do it? https://www.foxsports.com/articles/nfl/2023-nfl-defense-rankings-team-pass-and-rush-stats

Sorry gotta share another social media tidbit:

Meanwhile, defense keeps getting props. PFF also ranked our LB corps #2 (with Sanborn in the mix) overall.

Interesting. What’s the source for this? Wanna say I saw it somewhere else. And am curious who is #1.