Alaskan Grizzly

…and if you watch some of the other rookie QB highlights from this last weekend, he easily outperformed all of them. Or at least most (I didn’t see Mac Jones’ debut and heard he did well). But without defending my bias, he legitimately did make the game look much more comfortable for him than did his peers. A lot of the other guys were doing simple ‘football 101’ plays where Fields looked ready to move to the next level halfway through his game.

Goldman’s back. Wonder if Tongas performance motivated him? Lol

This echoes of Kevin White. https://nflspinzone.com/2021/08/12/chicago-bears-teven-jenkins-injury-downplayed-concerns/

My wife was unnerved by how lax he was during the game. Had to tell her that’s kinda the way he is. Never let the game get to him. Granted it was a preseason game against a team he’d been practicing against all week. But he’s ‘been there done that’ in the pressure cooker games of college. I agree with you; he’ll adjust the more time he gets.

I was actually gonna pan his performance too but he did well at the end of the half. As the guys on the halftime show pointed out, things seemed to slow down for him. He’s not really playing with the starting offense (Robinson, Graham and Montgomery out) and the Oline is still in flux. He does seem poised and overall does seem to look over the field a lot better than Trubiksy ever did. …and he comes out and scores his first TD with the first series of the second half. Much better. …and scores again with his second series of the half. He’ll do fine.

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Jones is probably the better speed matchup opposite Smith but I see him as Smiths backup. As it stands I hope Ogletree and Jones stay on as the backups.

Like what I saw early on for sure. Tonga seems to be a solid add as well.

The game is about to start on NFL Network if you haven’t already seen. 0900 local 1300 EST.

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Meanwhile, recent one-on-ones with Miami got a bit testy. TE Adam Shaheen (yes THAT guy) made a stink about getting beat by Kahlil Mack and well…Khalil responded.

Agreed, and hoping to continue not being political…he would’ve not opted out if given the option like he was. Either way, the loss of playing time last year and this current situation is concerning.

Presumably he would’ve been vaccinated last year when he opted out. His rationale at the time, protecting his family. I read somewhere he has asthma which could be an issue with COVID.

See that the Bears are trying out ‘troubled’ player PJ Hall (formerly of the Raiders). Beginning to wonder if there’s an issue with Goldman? After being out all of last season and just getting back this year before getting hit with COVID I’m getting an uneasy feeling about his NFL future. https://www.profootballrumors.com/2021/08/bears-host-dt-p-j-hall And since I’m being pessimistic, I’m not sold on Jackson being 100% either although he’s back after being out with a ‘non-football injury (hamstring)’.

Another guest.

Saw this earlier today…

Your concerns aren't being lost in a vacuum. There are players on the team that could fill the gap; Traore, Simmons and a few slated to be Guard like Eislen or Bars who played Tackle in college. But these are not ideal solutions. I still think the team is looking for options from preseason cuts (and there will be some) or even one or two current FAs. Here's an article that speaks on the matter. https://ontapsportsnet.com/2021/08/04/state-of-chicago-bears-offensive-line-potential-reinforcements/

And then this…SOLID depth add (confirmed on other sources). Now to find a solid LT backup.

More positive vibes…

Goldman out for COVID protocol. Here’s to a quick recovery.

Somewhat related but could figure into future plans, Colts starting Left OG Quentin Nelson reported to have similar injury as Wentz and will have similar procedure. And Chris Mortenson is a bit more optimistic about Wentz’ return and less about the Colts needing another QB.

Are there any concerns for Foles' contract? Still valued in the $5-6 Million range(?) Would Indy have to take that on and would they be willing after paying a pretty penny for Wentz? I saw some rumblings about Trubisky being discussed for Indy too. Although I think that's really unlikely...but intriguing.