2020

How Have The Rookies Fared?

November 4, 2020, 8:16 PM CST

We have reached the halfway point of the 2020 Chicago Bears season. So naturally, we should take a look at every players stats. But I am only going to take a look at the rookies stats which does not include UDFAs (even if they haven't played or are on another team) and see how they've done. And so far, most have done well.

Cole Kmet

Get him involved. Kmet is the most underappreciated player on this team, even though his stats don't really show it. The Chicago native has done well when he has been given a chance. Only 6 receptions for 79 yards and a touchdown. Matt Nagy must get him involved more if he wants the Bears to get better on offense.

Jaylon Johnson

Johnson has played good football throughout the first 8 games. He has 25 tackles so far with 20 solos and 5 assists. He has 10 pass deflections, which includes a game-ending incompletion on a pass to Marvin Jones in week 1 against Detroit.

Trevis Gipson

Gipson is relatively unknown. A pick from Tulsa, he has been moving from defensive end to outside linebacker, which has caused him to be inactive for all but 2 games. I wonder what he will do when he gets his chance.

Kindle Vildor

Vildor has 2 tackles so far, a solo against Indy and an assisted tackle versus the Rams. He is mainly special teams player, but was regarded by one person as "The Best DB You've Never Heard Of." I hope that can come to fruition later in his career.

Darnell Mooney

Do you want to know the best rookie in the Bears class so far? Do you want to know who a top 5 receiver in the WR class is? Well look no further then Darnell Mooney. I am super high on this guy. Funnily enough, you could say Mooney has the first Player Profile on the OG Site. A late fifth round pick, Mooney is a speedster and a deep threat. He just had his best game against New Orleans, where he caught a 50 yard pass and a touchdown. 305 yards, 26 receptions, 2 touchdowns, and a starter, Mooney has shocked everyone. I can't wait to see what Mooney does the rest of this year

Arlington Hambright

Hambright has yet to play, but he could make his debut versus Tennessee with all the injuries and Jason Spriggs getting Covid.

Lachavious Simmons

Again, he has not played but could get a shot soon, as he was recently promoted up to the active roster from the practice squad.

Well, the rookies are doing well. Some are doing better then others, and some have yet to play. It is early, but when I do my yearly awards, Darnell Mooney might be getting the best rookie award.

Underappreciated Bears Players

November 12, 2020, 9:10 PM CST

This season has had its ups and downs for the Bears. We all know what has happened the past few weeks. But there are some players that need to be more appreciated on this team. You want to know them? Okay.

Anthony Miller

Miller is quietly having a good season. Him and Darnell Mooney have about the same exact stats, yet Mooney is getting more praise, even from me. But Miller has caught two game winning touchdowns, both in comeback games against Detroit and Atlanta. I think the future could spell bright things for the Bears receiving corps, especially if the Bears can extend A-Rob.

Cole Kmet

See last weeks Wednesday Check-In or look at literally EVERY SINGLE OTHER ARTICLE THAT TALKS ABOUT KMET. The amount on him are insane. Why does he have the same amount of receptions as Ryan Nall? (Props to Nall for getting a touchdown last week though) Why does he have less receptions then Demetrius Harris? Seriously Matt Nagy, get him involved.

Barkevious Mingo

A career revival? Mingo was drafted by the Browns sixth overall in 2013. He is regarded as a major draft bust. Now that he's hit 30, people would have expected him to be out of the league. But Chuck Pagano has been able to get his career back on track. Through 9 games, Mingo has 24 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and 11 rushing yards. He is on a one year deal, and I can see him getting a two year deal worth 7 million a year this offseason.

Bilal Nichols

Nichols is having his best season yet. While people talk about Darnell Mooney being a draft steal, Nichols is another that came in that 2018 season. A fifth round pick from Delaware, Nichols has 2 sacks and 19 tackles. He is a great partner with Akeim Hicks. I'm starting to realize that Ryan Pace is a good late round drafter.

James Vaughters

Vaughters had a good 2019 preseason, so I was surprised to see him demoted to the practice squad at the end of the preseason. (Along with some guy named Clifton Duck) Vaughters is a backup defensive lineman, picking up 17 tackles and 1.5 sacks. 13 of those tackles are solo tackles. He could be a stud if used properly.

Brent Urban

Urban was a signing midseason last year out of the free agency pool. But he has shown he has been a stud. Vaughters has been a little better, but Urban has still produced with 17 tackles (but only 8 solo) and 1 sack. He has been getting through lines and to the quarterback though.

Mario Edwards Jr

A before season signing, Edwards is actually the inspiration for the ENTIRE WEBSITE, although the article was never written do to schoolwork. Edwards has 2 sacks and 7 tackles, but he has been pressuring the quarterback a lot. I would keep him around if I'm Ryan Pace.

Honorable Mentions

Jimmy Graham

Riley Ridley (even in one game)

Jason Spriggs

Danny Trevathan

Buster Skrine

Roy Robertson-Harris (even though he's out for the season)

Deandre Houston-Carson

Joel Iyiegbuniwe

Bears MVP's Through 10 Weeks

November 18, 2020, 10:49 AM CST

In honor of the new page on the site, I am going to award the players for their accomplishments through the first 10 weeks. Let's go.

MVP:

Allen Robinson (Stats: 63 receptions, 755 yards, 3 touchdowns)

OPOY:

Allen Robinson (Stats: 63 receptions, 755 yards, 3 touchdowns)

DPOY:

Roquan Smith (Stats: 96 tackles [70 solo, 26 assist], 15 TFL, 2 sacks, 5 pass deflections, 0 INT, 1 force fumble) Tied 1st in NFL for tackles

OROY:

Darnell Mooney (Stats: 33 receptions, 351 yards, 2 touchdowns)

DROY:

Jaylon Johnson (Stats: 33 tackles [27 solo, 6 assist], 0 sacks, 0 TFL, 13 pass deflections, 0 INT, 0 force fumble)

One of these players could get an award at the NFL Honors ceremony. The most likely person is Roquan Smith.

Podcast later by the way. New What If? coming soon. Mock Draft 3.0 begins production next Tuesday.

Are We Overhyping Mitch?

November 29, 2020, 9:56 AM CST

At this point last year, us Bears fans all wanted Mitchell Trubisky's head. One year later, we are excited for him to start. But why? He's only started 3 games and was benched in one of them. I think a lot of the hype comes from how bad Nick Foles has played. Think about it, if Foles was actually good, would we want Mitch to start? No. We'd be saying that Mitch was the biggest bust in Bears history. But because Foles is terrible, people all of a sudden think Mitch is going to turn our season around and lead us to an 11-5 division title. Look at the 3 games he started. He only had a 59.3% completion percentage with only 51 completions, 6 touchdowns and 3 picks. I think people want his ability to scramble back, as we've seen that Foles is not capable of getting out of pressure. Mitch has ran for 90 yards on 9 attempts, but half of those yards came on a 45 yard scramble in the second quarter against Atlanta. But even factoring that in, he is still able to get out of pressure and get some yards, while Foles is not. Exhibit A, overtime versus New Orleans. It is 3rd and 10 for the Bears. All they need is a field goal. Foles somehow gets out of the pocket and has a solid 15 yard gap to run for the first down. So what does he do? a. He scrambles and picks up the first down, b. He finds A-Rob and completes a pass for a 20 yard gain, or c. He drops back and takes a sack which allows the Saints to get good field position and hit a game winning field goal. If you answered c, you'd be right. Now what would Mitch do? Probably a.

Now to answer the question in the title, yes I do think we are overhyping Mitch. I honestly do think Mitch can live up to the hype, knowing this may be his last chance to show that he can be our QB. Green Bay is a huge game for our season. If we win, we have a shot at the playoffs. If we lose, we can consider it yet another lost season. It also came out today that the Bears have elevated Tyler Bray for tonight's game, meaning Foles is likely out. Let's get this win.

I wanted to add on one more thing before I end this article. If Mitch plays well, he needs a new contract. A-Rob also needs a new contract. Ryan Pace needs to figure this out. Trading Robert Quinn? Extending A-Rob long term and franchise tagging or giving Mitch a one year extension? Letting A-Rob go? This could create a lot of financial problems for the Bears.

Sam Mustipher, Our New Center

December 2, 2020, 9:13 PM CST

The Bears went to Los Angeles in week 7 to take on the Rams. Most people would love to forget that game, as that was the game that began our 5 game skid. Many people don't know the significance of that game, but Cody Whitehair would leave with a calf injury. All but two Bears players want to forget this game, Eddie Jackson for his touchdown, and Sam Mustipher, a 2019 undrafted free agent. Mustipher would come into the game and played well, albeit relatively unknown. Whitehair would be ruled out for the following weeks game against New Orleans, paving the way for Mustipher to make his first career start. I read an article on the Chicago Bears app about Mustipher, and it talked about how all the coaches praised the young center. Bill Lazor used the word "intelligent" when describing him, and so did Cole Kmet, Mustipher's teammate at Notre Dame. Mustipher applies it on the field, seeing things quickly and executing the plays. That game against New Orleans, he would get injured and would be out the next two weeks. He returned against Green Bay, and was able to help create the hole that allowed David Montgomery rattle off a 57 yard run. This also helped with Cody Whitehair being at left guard. If the Bears keep Mustipher at center, and James Daniels returns and Whitehair moves to right guard, they would have to make a decision at right tackle between Bobby Massie or Germain Ifedi. The future line could look something like:

LT Charles Leno Jr, LG James Daniels, C Sam Mustipher, RG Cody Whitehair, RT Bobby Massie/Germain Ifedi

Or they move on from Charles Leno and keep Massie and Ifedi. Either way, Mustipher will likely remain our starting center from now on. Also, he will be getting the Player Profile treatment soon. Maybe Player Profile 14, or maybe even the next one. He'll be the first o-lineman, though.

Could Pat Fitzgerald Be A Good Coach For The Bears?

December 4, 2020, 11:00 PM CST

To start, I still think Matt Nagy will be the head coach next season. But what if Nagy does get fired? Joe Brady (Panthers OC) has floated around as a possibility for the Bears. But Pat Fitzgerald is probably the most popular name. He's been at Northwestern for 15 seasons, and he said the only team he would leave for are the Monsters of the Midway. This would cause a change in coaching style, as Fitzgerald is a defensive minded coach. Chuck Pagano's defense is pretty good, and the last defensive coach failed. Now, like I said, Nagy will probably be the coach next year. But what if Pagano leaves for a HC job? Could Fitzgerald come in as a DC? I think he would only be an NFL coach if he was the head coach. But who would be the offensive coordinator if he was to become the head coach? That is for you to decide.

A Potential Rebuild Scenario For The Bears

December 6, 2020, 9:01 PM CST

I mentioned in the Bears-Lions recap about how the Bears needed to blow the team up, and that I would go more in depth into this scenario. For starters, let's have the Bears go 6-10, only beating the Jaguars in week 16. This would give the Bears, let's say the 9th overall pick in the draft. With that out of the way, let's get into the actual scenario.

Fire:

Team President-Ted Phillips (Update: It appears Phillips may retire after the conclusion of this season)

GM-Ryan Pace

HC-Matt Nagy

OC-Bill Lazor

DC-Chuck Pagano

The Bears can clean house and fire all the major coaches, and maybe some assistants. I can also see Lazor staying, as this is his first year with the team, but I'll have him gone in this scenario. I should also mention special teams coordinator Chris Tabor would stay in this scenario, as that unit seems to have the least problems of all. I'm not going to name a new team president, as I do not know any candidates.

Hirings:

GM-Mike Borgonzi (Current KC Director of Football Operations)

HC-Pat Fitzgerald (Current HC at Northwestern)

OC-Mike Kafka (Current QB Coach at Kansas City)

DC-Deshea Townsend (Promoted Within, Current Secondary Coach)

2 Chiefs, One college guy, and one current coach. Borgonzi has been a rising favorite to become a GM, especially with that he's done with the Chiefs. He is at his best at assessing talent level, which is what the Chiefs have done so well in the draft. Pat Fitzgerald would be an interesting hire, as he has led Northwestern to success during his time there. He recently said that the only team he would leave the Wildcats for is the Bears. Mike Kafka would be the offensive playcaller, because Fitzgerald is a defensive minded coach. Kafka was a candidate for Bears OC last season, but this time it would go to him. He has been part of the reason Patrick Mahomes has been so good. Deshea Townsend would be promoted within. The Bears secondary has been really good over the past few seasons, and that is no different this year. Townsend would not be expected to call the plays, considering that already is for Fitzgerald.

Resignings:

WR Allen Robinson (3 Years, 60 Million)

DT Roy Robertson-Harris (2 Years, 8 Million)

RB Cordarrelle Patterson (2 Years, 16 Million)

OLB Barkevious Mingo (1 Year, 5 Million)

DE Mario Edwards (2 Years, 9 Million)

CB Artie Burns (1 Year, 1.5 Million)

DE Brent Urban (2 Years, 18 Million)

S DeAndre Houston-Carson (2 Years, 2 Million)

K Cairo Santos (2 Years, 5 Million)

C Sam Mustipher (4 Years, 24 Million)

The main man to extend is A-Rob. With a new regime, they might be able to convince him to stay with the team. By moving some players around, they should be able to pay him his asking price. Robertson-Harris is a good depth man to extend. The same goes for Mingo, Edwards, Houston-Carson, and Urban, who has earned a larger extension. Patterson is finding form as a running back, as shown against Detroit. Santos could be our kicker of the future. Mustipher deserves a new long term contract, as he is doing pretty well. Burns never got a chance to prove his worth, so I think the Bears will bring him back on a "prove it" deal.

Cuts:

LT Charles Leno Jr

RT Bobbie Massie

CB Buster Skrine

OLB Robert Quinn

QB Nick Foles

TE Jimmy Graham

These 6 would be necessary to cut if the Bears are to resign all the players I mentioned above. Quinn alone would make room for half the guys. Not to mention the free agent signings I plan for the team.

Free Agent Signings:

QB Ryan Fitzpatrick (1 Year, 4 Million)

G Joe Thuney (3 Years, 45 Million)

WR Sammy Watkins (2 Years, 14 Million)

The Borgonzi Era begins by picking up 3 free agents, all on offense. Fitzpatrick would be brought in to mentor the QB the Bears will draft 9th overall. Thuney will be converted to right tackle after signing. Watkins is there for depth reasons, considering Anthony Miller will be traded at the draft, and a new receiver will be brought in at a point in the draft.

Trades:

Anthony Miller, 2021 Sixth Round Pick For 2021 Third Round Pick, 2022 Fifth Round Pick (WSH)

Danny Trevathan For 2021 Fourth Round Pick (NO)

Anthony Miller will get sent to Washington, where he could have a career revitalization. Trevathan is on the back end of his career, and I think the Bears could be able to squeeze out a fourth from New Orleans.

Draft Picks:

Round 1, Pick 9: QB Kyle Trask

Round 2, Pick 41: OT Rashawn Slater

Round 3, Pick 67 (WSH): WR Amon-Ra St. Brown

Round 3, Pick 73: ILB Chazz Surratt

Round 4, Pick 127 (NO): DT Jared Goldwire

Round 5, Pick 138: DE/OLB Brenton Cox

Round 6, Pick 170: TE Jeremy Ruckert

Round 7, Pick 202: CB Camryn Bynum

The Bears get a franchise quarterback in the first round, and Fitzpatrick could be the mentor for him. Slater can replace Leno at left tackle. St. Brown can be the 4th receiver for the team. Surratt could develop into Trevathan's replacement. Goldwire could be a solid depth addition. Cox could be Akeim Hicks' future replacement. Ruckert would give the Bears depth as they will be without a second tight end. Bynum is a depth opportunity at corner.

Potential Additional Signing (Victim of Roster Cuts):

TE Tyler Eifert

Eifert could be a one year addition so that the team could at least get a third man so that in 2022 we can get a proper third man to round out the TE core.

Projected Schedule + Record:

Week 1- vs 49ers W

Week 2- @ Falcons W

Week 3- vs Bengals W

Week 4- vs Vikings W

Week 5- @ Browns L

Week 6- Bye

Week 7- @ Packers L

Week 8- vs Lions W

Week 9- @ Seahawks L

Week 10- vs Ravens L

Week 11- @ Steelers W

Week 12- @ Rams W

Week 13- @ Lions (Thanksgiving) W

Week 14- Cardinals L

Week 15- Cowboys W

Week 16- @ Vikings W

Week 17- Packers W

Final Record: 11-5 (1st in NFC North, 2nd in NFC)

In the first year of Pat Fitzgerald at the helm, the Bears are able to secure a playoff spot while winning the division. Trask makes his first start against Detroit in week 8, and he goes 7-3. You can decide what happens after that, but I think it will be 2 seasons before we win a Super Bowl.

10 Bears Players That Should Get Playing Time

December 8, 2020, 9:24 PM CST

This is more of a loose statement. Basically, these are the players that haven't received much time in game (except one), and should get more snaps to see what they can do. Essentially, these next 4 games are "preseason" games.

1. Mitchell Trubisky

This is the one exception. Mitch should remain the starter for the rest of the season. I mean, this is his last chance. Maybe they could resign him to a one year deal if he plays well enough to deserve it. I still think they'll draft a QB in the first round.

2. Lamar Miller

So let me get this straight. You sign Miller to give another option at back. Then, you don't give him any handoffs in the one game he played, and send him back to the practice squad. With 2 backs on this list, maybe move Patterson back to receiver during the remainder of the season.

3. Lachavious Simmons

A rookie 7th round pick, he hasn't gotten a game due to COVID issues. He's been a practice squad player, and once he was signed to the active roster, he's been a healthy scratch. I would like to see him on some rotational plays, because not many people know about him.

4. Artavis Pierce

An undrafted free agent, he's only gotten handoffs during the Vikings game when David Montgomery was out with a concussion. An undrafted free agent out of Oregon State, he should be given snaps so that we can see what's in him for potentially a long term future.

5. Trevis Gipson

Gipson got more snaps with James Vaughters out. He played well, even in just his 3rd game. The reason he hasn't played is because he was converting from defensive end to outside linebacker. But now it seems like that conversion is over, and Gipson is ready to play at OLB, he should get snaps in the chance we might trade Khalil Mack soon.

6. Kindle Vildor

A special teams player, he teamed up with #7 on the list to bully a Lions player on one play. Vildor was regarded by one person on YouTube as "The Best DB You've Never Heard Of." If that's the case, why not give him a chance. Buster Skrine is 31, and he's been regressing this year. So give numbers 6 and 7 on the list a chance.

7. Duke Shelley

Shelley is the other corner that is a special teams player. He should push Skrine for the nickel position next year. If he doesn't, who knows where his career could wind up. A special teams only player? A rotational guy? Maybe both? It's up to him to decide, and they should allow him to get snaps.

8. Joel Iyiegbuniwe

Danny Trevathan is getting up in age. He probably has one or two seasons left, and is not good at pass coverage. So why not get Iggy involved. We can see what the 2018 fourth round pick has so we know if we need a new MLB or if we can rely on Iggy to play well for us.

9. Riley Ridley

Ridley was a 4th round pick last season, and he hasn't gotten many games. He got some when Javon Wims, who is actually a decent receiver who just needs to control his anger, was suspended. Ridley played well, but now he's back to being a healthy scratch, when he should be getting plays and snaps to get experience.

10. Ledarious Mack

Why not give Khalil Mack's little brother a chance. An UDFA out of Buffalo, I think a lot of people forgot he was on the practice squad. While there is really no reason to have him play besides the fact that he's Khalil Mack's younger brother, Robert Quinn has not lived up to standards. Giving L. Mack a chance could be good for the team.

Joel Iyiegbuniwe

What If The Bears Won The 2006 Super Bowl?

December 12, 2020, 11:13 PM CST

Let's go back to February 2007, in Miami Florida, for Super Bowl 41. We now know that Payton Manning outlasted Lovie Smith and Rex Grossman to win his first Super Bowl by a score of 29-17. But what if Chicago won that game?

For simplicity sake, let's say that Kelvin Hayden didn't intercept Grossman and returned it back for the touchdown. Instead, Muhsin Muhammad goes up for the ball and grabs it and brings it all the way for a score. The Bears would get the 2-point conversion and lead 25-22. Now, the Colts still would have over 11 minutes. But let's say that with 3 seconds left, they are on the Bears 41 yard line, and Adam Vinatieri lines up to tie the game, but he hooks it wide right and the Bears win.

Now we head to the offseason. The main change is with the Super Bowl, Lance Briggs doesn't want out and instead is inked to a 5 year deal. Another big thing, Ron Rivera doesn't leave and instead stays with the team. All other moves occur. Except with Rivera back, everything changes. The team would get off to a 5-1 start, far better then the 2-4 start in real life. The team goes 13-3, claiming the #1 seed in the postseason for the second straight year. The Bears take out the Packers in the divisional round, and beat the Giants to face the undefeated New England Patriots. The Bears control the game, until New England storms back and almost wins. Except with 17 seconds left, rookie tight end Greg Olsen catches a pass in the end zone for the win, and the Bears win their second straight Super Bowl.

It's up to you to decide what happens next. I say the Bears don't win another Super Bowl, but they become a consistent playoff team. Rex Grossman develops into a great quarterback, until the team takes QB Russell Wilson in 2012 to be his successor. Ron Rivera does get a head coaching gig somewhere after 2007, just not Carolina. You can decide the rest.

The Case For Resigning Mitchell Trubisky

December 13, 2020, 12:57 PM CST

This is a crazy idea to most fans. The Bears are probably going to draft a quarterback. But I think many people are disregarding the reasons to resign Mitch. There are a good amount of reasons.

1. The Likely GM And Coaching Change

It's very likely that Ryan Pace and Matt Nagy will be gone after this season. The Bears need to hire a coach that can build around Trubisky's strengths, such as running the ball. So what about Brian Daboll, current Buffalo Bills Offensive Coordinator. We've seen what he's done with Josh Allen, the most risky pick at QB in 2018. He's been able to harness Allen's strength and running ability to build the offense around him. So he could also do the same for Mitch.

2. He's Still Young/Late Bloomers Are A Thing

Ever heard of Kurt Warner? A Hall of Famer? Yes? No? Even if you haven't heard of him somehow, Mitch can be a late bloomer, especially with a new coach. Also, he'll only be 27 by the time next season comes. He's shown potential, and as he progresses, he should get better.

3. He Won't Be Expensive

Mitch's salary demands shouldn't be high, especially since no one will be willing to pay his price. So maybe the Bears resign him to a 1-2 year, 4-10 million per year deal. Give him that year to prove himself, especially if he plays well these last 4 weeks.

4. He's Played Well These Last Few Weeks

I'm currently writing this with the Bears having a 14-0 lead (actually now 14-7), and Mitch has started strong with a touchdown pass. In the Green Bay game, Mitch threw 26-46 for 242 yards and 3 touchdowns, although he threw 2 picks. Last week, he played his best game of the season, throwing 26-34 for 267 yards and a touchdown with NO PICKS! As I'm writing this, he's 8-8 for 71 yards and a touchdown.

5. Don't Let Him Become A Stud For Another Team

I read an article by Heavy.com that said he should go be a successor to Big Ben and become a stud. Yeah no, especially since we are playing the Steelers next season. He could become a stud for the Steelers, when he could be one for us. Now, just resign him to a deal of what I said in case 3.

What If The Bears Made The Playoffs In 2012?

December 15, 2020, 8:57 PM CST

Now, this what if is going to confuse some people. But trust me when I say that everything changes. The 2012 season has an eerily similar feel to this year. The 2012 Bears started 7-1, but ended up with a 10-6 record at the end of the season. I'm also going to change one thing, the Bears take Chandler Jones instead of Shea McClellin in the 2012 NFL Draft, and Shea falls to New England. With that out of the way let's get into this what if scenario.

In this scenario, the Bears beat Houston in week 10, Seattle in week 13, and Minnesota in week 14. That gives the Bears a 13-3 record, and the top seed in the NFC. The Bears take out Seattle, but lose to the Niners in the NFC Championship game. Now here is where everything changes.

Lovie Smith doesn't get fired. And Brian Urlacher stays for another year. With this, the Bears start 6-1 instead of 4-3. Actually, it was 9-1. And with Lovie Smith, the Bears finish with a 13-3 record, and the #1 seed in the NFC Playoffs. Green Bay missed the playoffs by the way. In the NFC Championship game, the Bears beat the Panthers, after the Monsters of the Midway got revenge against New Orleans. Super Bowl 48, Bears vs Broncos. Manning and Lovie rematch. This time, Lovie prevails. Jay Cutler wins Super Bowl MVP, and the Bears take Super Bowl number 2 in their history.

Now, I could go on and on with this scenario, but in short, Urlacher retires after winning a ring, Lovie gets one more the next year, and Jay Cutler is a hero in Chicago. By 2018, the dynasty has dissolved. Cutler was commentating on FOX, Lovie was winning Big Ten championships with Illinois, and a new regime set up by Ryan Pace and Matt Nagy was about to take the league by storm. And being a consistent playoff team, they got a late first round pick in 2018. They would use that pick on University of Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson. (Side Note: Mitch would go to the Jets, because of draft reports that they were interested in him)

3 Potential Trade Packages For Deshaun Watson

January 14, 2021, 8:22 PM CST

With the rumors of Deshaun Watson being unhappy in Houston, and the rumors that he wants to come to Chicago (which arose because he randomly followed 2 Chicago weathermen on twitter), I decided to compile a few trade packages for Watson. This would finally get Pace his quarterback, plus a few other potential pieces. Also, it looks like Cordarrelle Patterson is recruiting Watson to our team.

Scenario 1- Texans Receive: 2021 Second Round Pick, 2022 First Round Pick, QB Nick Foles

Bears Receive: QB Deshaun Watson

Off all my scenarios, this is the most likely to happen. The Texans would be gaining a second round pick back this year (they don't have one) along with a first rounder next year and their QB next year to tank with. If the Bears do well with Watson, this would give Houston a pick anywhere between 20-32. Ryan Pace might have to throw in a 2022 Second Round Pick as well to get this, but I would at least get a late round pick back along with it.

Scenario 2- Texans Receive: 2021 First Round Pick, QB Mitchell Trubisky, OT Charles Leno Jr, CB Kyle Fuller

Bears Receive: QB Deshaun Watson, OT Laremy Tunsil, 2022 First Round Pick

This is the second scenario in terms of possibility. Offensive Tackle is a huge need, and while losing our first round pick (which could potentially turn into Rashawn Slater from Northwestern or Samuel Cosmi from Texas) hurts, we get more than compensated by getting both a star QB and one of the top offensive lineman in the league, plus a second 2022 first rounder. Trubisky and Leno are there to sweeten the deal, though we would first need to convince him to a sign and trade deal. The biggest loss is Kyle Fuller, who is there to fill a major need for Houston. We would need to use free agency to get a replacement cornerback, especially because I don't think Jaylon Johnson is ready to be a true #1 corner in this league.

Scenario 3 (Never Going To Happen)- Texans Receive: 2021 First Round Pick, QB Mitchell Trubisky, OT Charles Leno Jr, OT Bobbie Massie, DE Akeim Hicks, CB Buster Skrine

Bears Receive: 2022 Second Round Pick, QB Deshaun Watson, OT Laremy Tunsil, DE JJ Watt, CB Gareon Conley

This is never going to happen, but why not imagine it? This is basically the win-now mode trade package. We lose our first round pick this year, a replacement quarterback for Deshaun Watson, 2 offensive tackles that could start or backup, a replacement defensive end (who's one of the best in the game), and a nickel cornerback. In return, we receive a 2022 second round pick, a star quarterback, one of the best offensive lineman in the game, a defensive end who could be even better than Hicks, and a replacement cornerback for Buster Skrine, a younger one at that. But remember, this is the least likely of all the scenarios. But hey, if Bill O'Brian was still the coach/GM, he would probably give us all of this for a seventh round pick in 2025 then trade it back for the kicking net.

Bears Should Use Transition Tag On Allen Robinson

January 19, 2021, 9:17 PM CST

Allen Robinson is likely going to leave. He doesn't want to play on the Franchise Tag, but that is the most likely choice the Bears have to keeping him. And they have to keep him at all costs. So they should use the transition tag on him if he doesn't want to play on the franchise tag. Now some of you are probably wondering what the transition tag is. Going back to the offseason before the 12-4 season, we used the transition tag on Kyle Fuller. This tag allows other teams to make an offer to the player, but the original team, in this case the Bears, can match that offer. Green Bay offered him a 4 year, 56 million dollar deal, and we matched it. The problem with using this on A-Rob is that we don't have as much salary as 2018. But this does give Pace time to make necessary cap moves to match the offer and keep Robinson, especially from Green Bay. And who knows, maybe with the deal we could have enough salary to potentially bring in Watson. Hey, you never know.

Kenny Golladay To Chicago? And Other Offseason Moves

January 20, 2021, 7:44 PM CST

I've seen this topic pop up over the last few days. With A-Rob likely to leave, and likely to the Ravens as seen from his twitter like feed, we need to find a replacement. What better than to bring a hometown boy home. Golladay's only 2 seasons that he played in at least 15 games resulted in him racking up 1,000+ receiving yards both times. That's the same amount as A-Rob. Golladay also happens to have one more touchdown since 2018 than A-Rob. That's including a season where he only played in 5 games. Golladay will likely also be asking for less money than Robinson. That gives you a scenario where the Bears draft Alabama QB Mac Jones 20th overall. Jones likes throwing to his top receiver, and that could be A-Rob or, what's crazy, more likely Golladay. Then, you grab a guy like Rondale Moore out of Purdue in the 2nd or 3rd round and take an o-lineman in the other. That gets you a potentially better 6-punch combo of Jones-Montgomery-Golladay-Mooney-Moore-Kmet instead of Trubisky-Montgomery-Robinson-Mooney-Miller-Kmet combo. And while Jones is only a one year starter, he won a national championship and went undefeated that one year. If you include half of 2019 after he replaced Tua, he only lost later that year to Auburn, and it wasn't really his fault they lost. Get that combo and Nagy's job might be saved, along with potentially Pace's. Moore was only a one year starter but he dominated. Unlike Mitch, that was his freshman year, and if it wasn't for injuries and COVID, he might have been the best receiver in this years class. Oh yeah, Moore would only be the third receiver. If Moore drops to round 3, we should get another steal like our second receiver, a guy named Darnell Mooney.

The Chicago Bear Cave's All-NFL Team (First and Second)

January 21, 2021, 8:39 PM CST

I thought I needed to make an All-NFL Team after the disrespect and bias in the Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections. So without further ado, let's get into this.

Players By Position (Per Team):

Quarterback (1)

Running Back (2)

Wide Receiver (3)

Tight End (1)

Offensive Line (5)

Defensive End (2)

Defensive Tackle (2)

Outside Linebacker (2)

Inside Linebacker (3)

Cornerback (3)

Safety (3)

First Team:

QB Deshaun Watson (HOU)

RB Derrick Henry (TEN)

RB Dalvin Cook (MIN)

WR Stefon Diggs (BUF)

WR DeAndre Hopkins (ARZ)

WR DaVante Adams (GB)

TE Travis Kelce (KC)

OL Trent Williams (SF)

OL Ali Marpet (TB)

OL Frank Ragnow (DET)

OL Wyatt Teller (CLE)

OL Jack Conklin (CLE)

DE Trey Hendrickson (NO)

DE Leonard Williams (NYG)

DT Aaron Donald (LAR)

DT DeForest Buckner (IND)

OLB Haason Reddick (ARZ)

OLB T.J. Watt (PIT)

ILB Zach Cunningham (HOU)

ILB Roquan Smith (CHI)

ILB Devin White (TB)

CB Xavien Howard (MIA)

CB J.C. Jackson (NE)

CB Malcom Butler (TEN)

S Tyrann Mathieu (KC)

S Harrison Smith (MIN)

S Jamal Adams (SEA)

K Younghoe Koo (ATL)

P Michael Dickson (SEA)

RS Cordarrelle Patterson (CHI)

Second Team:

QB Aaron Rodgers (GB)

RB Jonathan Taylor (IND)

RB Nick Chubb (CLE)

WR Allen Robinson II (CHI)

WR Calvin Ridley (ATL)

WR DK Metcalf (SEA)

TE Darren Waller (LV)

OL Garrett Bolles (DEN)

OL Cody Whitehair (CHI)

OL Corey Linsley (GB)

OL Brandon Scherff (CLE)

OL Tristan Wirfs (TB)

DE Myles Garrett (CLE)

DE Stefon Tuitt (PIT)

DT Chris Jones (DT)

DT Quinnen Williams (NYJ)

OLB Khalil Mack (CHI)

OLB Leonard Floyd (LAR)

ILB Jaylon Smith (DAL)

ILB Blake Martinez (NYG)

ILB Bobby Wagner (SEA)

CB James Bradberry (NYG)

CB Kenny Moore II (IND)

CB Patrick Peterson (ARZ)

S Justin Simmons (DEN)

S Minkah Fitzpatrick (PIT)

S Malcom Jenkins (NO)

K Jason Sanders (MIA)

P Corey Bojorquez (BUF)

RS Andre Roberts (BUF)

Ranking QB Options For Bears

January 27, 2021, 9:52 PM CST

Jay Glazer, an analyst on FOX Sports, said that the Bears will be "big players" in the QB carousel this offseason. With that, I'm going to rank the top 10 starting quarterback options for the Bears next season, based on likeliness to happen. Oh yeah, an About Me section is posted along with this article so go check it out. It should be under the more dropdown menu.

1. Kyle Trask, QB Florida (Draft)

Notice that Mac Jones on Alabama isn't on here. I don't particularly think the Bears should draft him this high. Yes I know that Jones won the National Championship. But let's be real, Tua would've done the same thing. Heck, DeVonta Smith won the Heisman over him. So the Bears go Trask, who I've been thinking they'll pick for a long time. Trask will probably fall to 20, so the Bears should take him.

2. Derek Carr, QB Las Vegas Raiders (Trade)

This is...interesting, is probably what you're thinking. But it's the most logical. The Bears probably wouldn't have to trade their 1st round pick, and can instead draft a later round QB, such as Jamie Newman or Kellen Mond, that they can groom for a year or two before letting them take over. Or keep them as a backup and take a QB next year, such as Sam Howell or Kedon Slovis.

3. Trey Lance, QB North Dakota State (Draft)

I saw an interesting mock on IG earlier, the Bears trade up with New England by sending the 20th and a third round pick for the 15th pick. The Bears take Lance and the Pats take Kwity Paye. I think that's a good trade up. Lance is a talented QB prospect who can start right away. Another reason Jones isn't on here, he's not starting material. Lance is after his record breaking season in 2019.

4. Deshaun Watson, QB Houston Texans (Trade)

This would be the most costly option. We'd have to give up basically our whole future, in turn for a guy who can be here for 15+ years. I think Pace is going to try this so that he can save his job. Same with Nagy, who likes Deshaun Watson. Plus Watson wants out, it's perfect.

5. Matthew Stafford, QB Detroit Lions (Trade)

Stafford also wants out, and while it would cost at least this years first round pick, it is better than 3-4 firsts for Watson. The reason this is below Watson is because I don't think Detroit will deal him within the division. Though, the Bears are Stafford's 4th option to get traded to.

6. Mitchell Trubisky, QB Chicago Bears (Re-Sign)

It is probably a last resort, but I think it will happen. The Bears won't have any other option but to resign Mitch to a one year deal after not being able to sign or trade for anybody. Now, Mitch did kind of say he wanted to come back, but I don't think he meant it. But even if he doesn't come back, good luck on the marriage Mitch.

7. Jameis Winston, QB New Orleans Saints (Sign)

Winston is only available if Brees comes back. Otherwise, this doesn't work. But if he is available I think Pace will go for him. The former first overall pick flamed out in Tampa due to interceptions. If he didn't throw so many picks he would've been an MVP candidate last year. But sigh, he did throw those picks. Sitting behind Brees might've been great for his career.

8. Dak Prescott, QB Dallas Cowboys (Sign)

Prescott is going to ask for too much money. We need to trade away a lot of pieces and ruin our roster to sign him. But he's still higher on this list than Foles, because Foles ain't starting week 1 next year.

9. Nick Foles, QB Chicago Bears (In-House)

Yeah, he ain't starting. But I need to round this out somehow. He's the only in-house candidate, and he's only starting if no one wants to come here. I mean no one.

10. Justin Fields, QB Ohio State (Draft)

Fields is low because he'll be off the board in the top 10, likely to Detroit. You'll see in my next mock. And Wilson is likely going top 5, and Lawrence is the consensus #1 pick. Fields is only going to the Bears if they somehow trade up to the top 5.

The Chicago Bear Cave 2020 Writer Awards

February 6, 2021, 5:57 PM CST

I posted the results of my fan awards today, now it is time for my personal awards. I am adding on some more awards that I think should've been on the Google Form. Let's get started, and I'll start with the awards actually on the form.

Offensive Player of the Year: WR Allen Robinson

I was sure that A-Rob would win this by a fan vote, but surprise surprise, he didn't. Robinson was arguably better then Montgomery because of the QBs he had throwing to him, but you also have the argument that Montgomery would've had a lot more yards with the final O-line combination the entire season.

'85 Bears Defensive Player of the Year: ILB Roquan Smith

This was the closest vote on the form. One vote for Mack won him the award over Smith. I think Smith was better this year though. In fact, they should consider him for DPOY for the entire NFL tonight at the NFL Honors. But he probably won't make it considering what I call "bias" in the Pro Bowl and All-Pro against the Bears. Also, this is the '85 Bears award because the '85 Bears were arguably the best defense in NFL history.

Special Teams Player of the year: K Cairo Santos

I finally agree on something with you guys. Santos had arguably the best kicking season on the Bears since Robbie Gould a long time ago. We need to resign him as he is a pending free agent. I don't know what to do with Eddie Pinero, because he's good but not 2020 Santos good.

Breakout Player of the Year: WR Darnell Mooney/RB David Montgomery

I'm going to take 2 players here, as both deserve it. Who would've though Mooney would have had the season he did back in what was supposed to be Preseason Week 4? Yeah, not you. The kid is an absolute stud, and he caught more passes this season then he did in any at Tulane. And Montgomery had a breakout second half of the year, which resulted in him reaching over 1,000 rushing yards, a lot thanks in part to the new o-line combination. Look for both of these players as key contributors on the offense next season.

Secondary (CB/S) Player of the Year: S Tashaun Gipson

This was a tough one. It came down to Fuller and Gipson for me, but Gipson had more interceptions and just the better all around season. A great player for one year, and if we can resign him to a cheap 2 year deal it would be well worth it.

Most Valuable Player: ILB Roquan Smith

A great season for Roquan. Too bad he couldn't play in the Nickelodeon Wild Card Game, as he probably would've won NVP (Though trolls probably would've still voted for Mitch Trubisky). Roquan took some serious strides, especially coming off of a pectoral injury last year. Could he be Brian Urlacher level? It's very possible, and as mentioned before, he should've made the Pro Bowl and First Team All-Pro this year. Roquan needs to prove the doubters wrong again next season.

Offensive Lineman of the Year: G Cody Whitehair

I have to agree with the anonymous person who sent this in. Whitehair played really good at both guard and center. Sam Mustipher was another good candidate, as he surprised me in only 8 games played if I am correct.

Bearcast Rookie of the Year: TE Cole Kmet

A little self sponsor here, with the Bearcast sponsoring this award for a price of 0 dollars. Hey, it was submitted by Carter, the co-host of the Bearcast. So it counts as a sponsor. Kmet had a good season, not as good as Mooney's arguably, but good enough to win rookie of the year.

Running Back of the Year: David Montgomery

I decided to add this award because of the amount of RBs on the roster. Regardless, Montgomery had a breakout season that winds up landing him as this award winner.

Defensive Lineman of the Year: Bilal Nichols

A great breakout campaign for the young star out of Delaware. Pace has shown that he can make good late round selections with Mooney and Nichols, along with Tarik Cohen and David Montgomery (3rd round pick). Nichols would be able to step in right away for Akeim Hicks should he unlikely be traded.

Acquisition of the Year: CB Jaylon Johnson

Compared to Kmet and Mooney, Johnson was SEVERELY underrated this year. In a redraft, the person writing it had Kmet at 43 and Mooney at 50. Why? Because Johnson was already off the board at I believe 20. His shoulder is a concern, but the selection of him was perfect, especially because they needed to replace Prince Amukamara.

Alex Smith Comeback Player of the Year: QB Alex Smith (Non-Bear), DE Akeim Hicks (Bear)

Yes yes I know. This is a BEARS website. But screw it. Smith came back from one of the most gruesome and life threatening injuries in NFL history. Not only that, he went 5-1 as a starter and led the Football Team to the playoffs. If he doesn't win CPOY then the NFL should be dissolved. In fact, I'm making an executive decision to name this award after him. End of story. Wait I still have to do a Bear. Akeim Hicks, he played only 5 games last year. He gets this award for coming back from the elbow injury and being the force on defense that he is. Arguably better than Bilal Nichols, but I'll still take Hicks.

Most Voted Player By The Fans: RB David Montgomery

I'll give this to you guys. You voted for Montgomery a combined 12 times, making him the highest voted player on the Google Form.

This concludes the 2020 Chicago Bear Cave Writer Awards. Thank you for reading, and I'll see you all soon.

Staley Da Bear

The Chicago Bear Cave

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