Alaskan Grizzly

Did see that speculation elsewhere. The article I read continued the thought that would be skirting the rules and may not be wise considering they got “caught” doing contact drills earlier when they weren’t supposed to. The article continued that may not be a good idea for a new admin. At the end of the day, it’s probably not a big deal. Flus’ being a little bit evasive for the reason caught people’s attention. Maybe worth monitoring, maybe not.

I originally thought you were comparing this years’ version of each team…there is no comparison. If Bengals last year vs Bears this year then maybe some parallels. I’m with Mongo that the WRs are not really close. IF Harry proves his 1st degree pedigree and IF another player steps up for nearly 1,000 yard then maybe. But as you see those are pretty big ifs. I think the X factor is the relationship between Burrow and Chase. Both are also very talented. I think Fields can be as good (maybe better) as Burrow. We’ll know more this year. Oline is too much a wild card as are the defense. You have one or two strong players and the rest are unprovens or just utility players. Maybe under Flus’ scheme they’ll be a knock out group. But until the season starts we won’t really know.

Saw the same thing about Smith on the PUP list. Then this…”result of his physical”…hmm.

I'm convinced the team is looking at least a nine win season. If everything remains as it is, I can see some of the games easily swinging to the Bears favor especially the 'push' games. The Eagles one being an example That late in the season, in Chicago could go easily in Chicago's favor. I suspect by then the defense will be running on all cylinders and will be giving Hurts and company lots of headaches. Not sure why the Dolphins game is a sure loss. Sure they added Tyreek Hill and have Waddle but Tua hasn't really proven he's ready to make the next step...yet. I see that one as a win for the Bears too.

When I originally asked the question I actually didn’t know what type of deal Peters got last year (thanks Pix). I’m frankly surprised that he only got a ~$1 million deal versus the ~$12 million deal Reiff got. Sure I get the age difference but if Brady’s proven nothing else, age is just a number. And for all intents and purposes Peters did well last year. In fact he rated out well last year despite his age, minimal time with the team and being “retired” when he got called up. I’d dare say he was the best lineman on the team (understanding that’s a relatively low bar). I’d be curious to see how he and Reiff ranked head to head last year. That would be more telling than anything. I’m guessing Reiff did better given his team made the Super Bowl with a second year QB.

Tell us you’re happy about the Reiff and Schofield signings without telling us. Lol.

Don’t suppose you remember what the Bears paid for Jason Peters last year? Similar?

With Quinn, I think it’s a win / win for the Bears if he stays or goes. Have to believe last year was not a fluke for him and although it may not be 18 sacks he’ll still be in the double digit category this year. Like was discussed before, if he does well and a team in a better position wants him they’ll give a decent trade piece in exchange. If not, the Bears have him producing and contributing. Still believe the team is a 9+ win team. Great news on Smith showing up despite his contract. Makes me think he’s not as far off as originally indicated. And that he legitimately wants to be a part of the change in Chicago.

Curious why you think they sat so long waiting? Money or effectiveness?

This is a legit add. Lots a money but worth it.

For what it’s worth, as was mentioned in the article, Roquan has attended all of the camps so far (voluntary and otherwise) and he said he did so because he’s a leader on the team and wants to be on pace with the changes going on. So there’s that.

Worth noting he held out on his rookie deal too (for “29 days”). And missed 16 practices as a result. https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/bears/ct-chicago-bears-roquan-smith-20220725-fgngu46nprgcznnt6yis3nqhxi-story.html

I had thought having Cliff Stein back with doing contract negotiations things like this and the holdout of Brisker would be less often. Its a little disturbing to hear "Smith has not yet received an offer he would remotely consider..."

‘‘All 22” view of Schofield in action.

Dozier out for the year.

Sure, but he has value as more than just a starting Olineman. If the price is right…

I see at least 9 wins. And Peters is still an FA. Why not?

According to Heavy (not sure on their reputability) Hub Arkush is speculating the Bears could tinker with the idea of having Harry play (at least try out) the ‘U TE’ position as they don’t really have one currently on the roster. There may have been some discussion about it while he was with the Pats too. Not being a particularly good route runner, with his size and penchant for blocking this theory does make some sense. It’s also along the lines of the (recently popular) Deebo Samuel model used in SF. https://heavy.com/sports/chicago-bears/hub-arkush-nkeal-harry-tight-end/

As an aside. Saw this on Twitter earlier.

Anecdote of the day. N’Keal Harry at 24 and in his fourth year with the NFL is still younger than Rookie Velus Jones at 25.

Hmm…would’ve thought for sure that would be more Pringle. Especially given the highlights where he looked good on those routes.

He’s an outside receiver and appears to thrive with 50/50 balls. There were a few more complimentary highlights on a story I read about him earlier but this one piqued my interest. (It also illustrates a ‘short route’). And the rest of the story (with highlights) here: https://www.bleachernation.com/bears/2022/07/13/nkeal-harry-welcomed-himself-to-chicago-so-lets-watch-some-highlights/

Could he be used as a gimmick player like Deebo Samuel?