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The Real Reason Why Ryan Pace Hasn’t Already Fired John Fox

By
Erik Lambert
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ryan pace

The loss to Brent Hundley and the Green Bay Packers was bad enough. Most felt that disaster more than earned Chicago Bears head coach John Fox his pink slip. It didn’t happen. Two weeks later the Bears were positively dismissed by the Philadelphia Eagles 31-3 in a game they never had a chance in. Again the odds favored Fox’s immediate removal. Again it didn’t happen.

Fans are struggling understand why. Fox is 12-31 as head coach. He’s on the cusp of having his third-straight losing season in Chicago. Unless he can earn a couple victories down the stretch he may end up with the worst winning percentage in franchise history. Everything about his coaching this season says he doesn’t have it anymore.

So again. Why don’t the Bears just cut bait now? It’s obvious to everybody that Fox is done after this season. There is no measurable gain to keeping him around. Well as it turns out that’s not entirely true. GM Ryan Pace has a clear, strategic reasoning for the move that was recently brought to light.

Ryan Pace using Fox to mask his replacement intentions

Odd as it may sound, the idea is that Pace may be keeping Fox in place to prevent Vic Fangio from taking over as the interim coach. What? That makes little sense. Fangio is the obvious choice to relieve Fox since he’s been a popular head coach candidate the past couple years. Why would Pace want to prevent him from getting a chance at the job?

According to former Bears scout Greg Gabriel, it’s because he already has designs on who the next coach might be.

“However, according to several sources close to the situation, Fangio being named an interim head coach won’t happen. The reason that won’t happen, we’re hearing, is that the Bears front office already has a list of names to interview as potential head coach candidates going forward and Fangio’s name isn’t on it.

If Fangio were to have success for a few games as an interim head coach, it could create significant pressure on Pace to give Fangio the job on a permanent basis even if he still isn’t convinced Fangio’s the right guy for the job.”

Truth be told in this context one must at least nod at Pace for his savvy. He’s playing the political game perfectly. Let everybody keep being mad at Fox, who is a definite goner at seasons’ end rather than have them rally behind somebody they still like in Fangio. This is not to say Pace doesn’t like Fangio. Word is the Bears have repeatedly tried to extend him as defensive coordinator. Pace just doesn’t see him as head coaching material.

Who will it end up being? Only Pace knows that. If nothing else it’s nice to know he has a plan and is almost ready to execute it.

Check Out the First Video of Zach LaVine Soaring and Slamming it Home in Bulls Red

By
Matthew Milakovich
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Here in Chicago we’ve grown a tad jaded when it comes to anticipating the return of injured players.

Zach is almost back

Something tells me that’s a partial reason why Zach LaVine’s rehab has been so mildly discussed within Chicago fan circles. That and perhaps the fact he’s never actually played a single game in a Chicago uniform would be my first guesses.

Well, that will all soon change as the first video of Zach LaVine showing off his other worldly athleticism has finally surfaced– and boy is it a treat.

As far as a return to actual game action Vince Goodwill of NBC Sports Chicago reported today that LaVine’s timetable has been pushed back from mid-December to late December.

Be that as it may, we haven’t been waiting on the edge of our seats thus far, and the Bulls won’t be going anywhere this year anyways– so fuck it, patience is the game. As far as what LaVine and the Bulls brass decide they are most comfortable with– hey, my name’s Paul and that shit’s between ya’ll. Until that day comes I’ll remain here… Patiently waiting for the day LaVine puts someone on a poster.

We’ve been waiting patiently to see what we got in return for Jimmy Butler. Zach LaVine soaring in practice is a great first step.

Buy Yourself the Most Beautiful Holiday Disaster to Ever Grace an Article of Clothing

By
Matthew Milakovich
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Dennis Rodman is amazing. Just look at this people. Feast your eyes on what is the most beautiful yet disturbing thing you may ever wear courtesy of the Worm.

Just look at those eyes. So content, yet so dead inside. It’s a microcosm of how everyone feels at the holiday dinner table.

Those codes are more valuable than Bitcoin. Someone come erase Rageon.com from my memory so I don’t spend my entire paycheck, please. These clothing items are just simply delightful.

For God’s sake they even have a onesie!

Dennis Rodman Christmas Onesie

Jingle all the way Sports Mockerians!

The Fate of Vic Fangio in Chicago Just Became Crystal Clear

By
Erik Lambert
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vic fangio
Credit: Chicago Tribune

Most of the Chicago Bears coaching staff is under a lot of fire these days. The one man who has managed to escape the hottest parts of the fire is Vic Fangio. His defense, while not perfect has played well in 2017. It ranks 15th in points allowed and 12th in yards allowed through 11 games. Not bad considering a persistent injury plague and an offense that ranks 29th overall.

Fangio is currently the only coach fans are interested in keeping around should the staff get purged at seasons’ end. Some are so desperate to make that happen that they’re demanding he be promoted to head coach over John Fox. As usual the problem is never that simple. One wild card in situations like this is always the man himself. What does Fangio want?

Jeff Hughes of Da Bears Blog, who has connections to some personnel executives around the league, claims Fangio plans to leave next year when his contract expires. The Bears have explored the idea of making him interim head coach but he’s apparently not interested. I got in touch with Jeff to ask for clarification on the situation. This is what he told me:

Is Vic Fangio not interested in being a head coach if he’s not willing to take the Bears job?

“He is, yes, but I’m told that interest is not in Chicago.”

Did the Bears ever view him as a viable option?

“Yes. He was the interim choice. I’m told he had little interest in that role.”

Is it clear why he feels that way?

“All I can tell you is the Bears have tried to extend him this year and he’s passed. Pace likes him but Fangio is clearly unhappy.”

By itself this information isn’t concrete but it actually gains credence when combined with previous information. Back in January it was reported the San Francisco 49ers had interest in bringing Fangio back. The Bears blocked the attempt as was their right, but rumors persisted that Fangio was interested in hearing them out. That lends weight to the idea he’s not happy in Chicago.

It also reinforces the original report by Mike Mulligan of the Chicago Tribune that there was friction between him and head coach John Fox. A difference of philosophies being the primary driving force. It makes sense. Fangio and Fox are two very difference coaches. Fangio is a straight shooter known for an obsessive attention to detail. Fox is all about deception and misdirection and focuses more on camaraderie than specifics.

Remember that Fangio was a huge supporter of Jim Harbaugh. If there were ever two coaches who are nothing alike, it’s Fox and Harbaugh. So in hindsight people should’ve seen the rift coming. Add in the losing and it’s easy to understand why Fangio is unhappy.

With his contract expiring and a change at head coach imminent, the odds of him staying were always long. This report makes it feel even more inevitable.

Bears Fans Are Finally Hitting the Team Where It Hurts Most

By
Erik Lambert
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roger goodell

People like to build perception on things they’re angry with. For the longest time Chicago Bears fans have preferred to think team ownership is just a bunch of idiots only interested in making money and not building a winner. Unfortunately there is evidence to support that theory from inflated ticket prices to a seven-season losing streak that is continuing one of the darkest stretches in franchise history.

Is John Fox to blame? Is Ryan Pace? Or are the years of mismanagement prior to their arrival still having a lingering effect? Everybody has an opinion on which it is but the bottom line remains unchanged. The Bears are about to endure their fourth-straight losing season. After almost two years of non-stop fury at watching such an ugly product on the field, fans have grown weary of speaking out.

So instead they’ve decided on a different and likely more effective means of protest. If this ownership is indeed cheap and money-seeking as many believe, what better way to hit them where it hurts than in the wallet?

Chicago Bears fans no longer freely buying into team

Over the past few weeks it’s become especially clear that fans are starting to prefer saving their money than spending it on a weak product. According to Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times, the number of empty seats at Soldier Field have grown by almost double in a short span of time. Combine this with a steady decline in TV ratings and the money machine is starting to break down for the McCaskey family.

“Bears fans are turning off the Bears. More than 6,000 fans skipped the Bears’ loss to the Brett Hundley-led Packers. A week later, there were more than 10,000 unused tickets for the Bears’ loss against the Lions. The 49ers and Browns (Christmas Eve) are not big draws. Look at social media. Fox fatigue is a real thing.

10. A season-ticket holder from Chicago I know well texted me early Sunday, saying that he was skipping the Eagles game in Philadelphia after traveling to 10 consecutive road games to watch his beloved Bears. The apathy is real.”

Digital age is killing the Bears’ media mojo

To this point the organization has survived on trust and faith that a turnaround would come soon enough. The last time the Bears had a streak of at least four losing seasons was from 1996 to 2000 during the end of the Dave Wannstedt era and start of the Dick Jauron. Yet even that period didn’t feel quite as soul-sucking as this one.

That’s likely because the rise of the internet and social media has made poured gasoline on the flames. Fans are able to follow the team and talk to each other like never before. Certain people are getting the word out that maybe it’s just better if they don’t spend their money on an organization that seems at best half interested in winning.

How much longer before the panic button is hit?

Alex DeBrincat Nets First Hat Trick Of Career Against Anaheim

By
Emmet McClain
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Blackhawk rookie Alex DeBrincat had gotten off to a slow start to begin his NHL career. The 19-year-old flashed some potential with some goals early on, then he cooled off a bit. Now he has really heated up. He now has nine goals on the season after netting three of them tonight against the Anaheim Ducks.

It was pretty clear that Patrick Kane was looking for DeBrincat the entire time on this particular 2 on 1. To go along with his 3 goals so far, DeBrincat has also tallied an assist to give him 4 points with still a whole period to go. He is now 2nd in the NHL rookie scoring race.

The Latest Bears Strength of Schedule Numbers Are Out and HOLY HELL

By
Erik Lambert
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chicago bears schedule

The Chicago Bears schedule must’ve undergone some sort of voodoo ritual before the season. Only a curse would explain how difficult its been. In 2016 they reportedly had the sixth-toughest schedule in the entire league. Combined with a litany of injuries, there was no surprise their season ended in a catastrophic 3-13 thud.

Hopes started to change though at the start of 2017. Estimates indicated that they would have the second-easiest schedule in the league. Problem is no league changes more in one year than the NFL. True to form that cupcake schedule has since transformed into a spiked flail of death. Not only has it been the toughest in football thus far, it hasn’t even been close.

To date eight of their opponents boast a record of .500 or better. Four of them currently lead their respective divisions. One has the best record in the NFL and two others are tied for the second-best record. Considering the Bears have a rookie quarterback, no viable receivers and an outmatched coaching staff it’s beginning to make sense why this team has struggled so much.

Chicago Bears schedule naturally softens too little too late

Of course the cruel reality for this team is it appears their schedule lightens up right as it no longer matters. The best they can hope for is an 8-8 finish but that would require a five-game win streak. They haven’t even managed three in-a-row since 2015. The Browns and 49ers are still to come and they are the only two teams in the league worse than the Bears at present.

Problem is even that won’t balance out the brutality of the schedule. They still have to visit both the Lions and Vikings on the road to end the year. Considering they weren’t able to beat either at Soldier Field, one must not like their chances. If the Cincinnati Bengals manage to win next Sunday they’d become the ninth team to join that list of .500 or better opponents.

Relentless and unforgiving don’t seem like strong enough words to describe it all.

Fight Breaks Out at Halas Hall After Bears Blowout in Philly

By
Erik Lambert
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halas hall

The Chicago Bears may have just endured the worst 24 hour span a team can endure. It started of course with their embarrassment at the hands of the Philadelphia Eagles. They lost the game 31-3 and it could’ve been a lot worse had the Eagles bothered to try in the second half. Chicago had no offense all game. Jordan Howard was held to minus yardage and Mitch Trubisky threw two interceptions. It was an ugly scene.

Things only got worse from there. Soon after word came out the plane scheduled to take them home after the game had broken down. This forced them to wait hours until another plane could be brought around to do so. Last but not least? Word came out today that an incident involving spoiled sushi that wasn’t properly disposed of created an awful stench inside Halas Hall.

It seems the multitude of hits to their collective psyches finally got tempers to boil over. According to several media sources inside the building, a nasty argument broke out between a group of players within earshot.

Chicago Bears players vent their frustrations at each other

It’s clear this is a team of competitors that is facing the prospect of a fourth-straight losing season and seventh-straight season without a trip to the playoffs. Next to the Cleveland Browns they’ve become the running joke in NFL circles. A team that should know its place at the very bottom of the ladder.

That doesn’t seem to sit well with many players who were drafted or signed due to their character and leadership qualities. Guys used to winning don’t enjoy losing. It really is amazing how similar this season has become to the 2014 disaster involving Marc Trestman. He was fired at the end of the year.

This could be a sign that John Fox is headed down that path as well.

Mirotic Practices With Bulls Teammates For First Time Since Getting His Face Rearranged

By
Matthew Milakovich
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bulls side bobby portis feud nikola mirotic

The bearded Chupacabra has returned! Missing for what seems like forever, today at the Advocate Center Nikola Mirotic finally practiced with his Bulls teammates for the first time since getting the structural integrity of his face lessened last month by Bobby Portis.

Mirotic practices with Bulls

Getting back into the swing of things with teammates, going through five-on-zero drills, running through the offense; locker mate Robin Lopez made his excitement known to reporters now the stretch forward is back practicing and the Bulls are closer to full strength,

“This is great. I think we’re a step closer to being at full strength,” Lopez said. “I’ve had a locker next to Niko. I love being next to the guy. I love having him with us right now.”

However, we all know the elephant in the room, and it still hasn’t been addressed. One thing’s for certain though– Niko needs to speak to Bobby soon, especially considering Lauri Markkanen is the starting power forward now and the two estranged teammates will be playing primarily on the same unit.

“There will have to be some interaction at some point obviously now that they’re out there playing together,” Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg said. “They’ll be on the same team and playing against each other. So it is important to get those guys communicating, which I think we’re all confident will happen. The important thing is getting Niko back on the floor and with the team.”

But hey! Things could be looking up even if Mirotic never speaks to Portis again– hear me out.

Perhaps they really can’t squash the beef, negativity continues to grow and fester, discord runs rampant through the Bulls clubhouse at an even more exponential rate, they continue to lose, lose, lose– and we just slide right into the number one overall pick like a scrub athlete into Mia Khalifa’s DM’s.

Wouldn’t that be nice…

Despite all this, Niko still has a few more hurdles to clear before he is cleared for game action anyways.

“The big thing is how he feels. I just talked to him about the practice schedule,” Hoiberg said. “I told him just to have communication. If he has pain, take a little bit of a break. We’ll get through all the non-contact portion of practice with him. The plan is for him to do some contact today and see how he responds and then put a plan together from there.”

Vice-President John Paxson made it known a few weeks ago the Bulls would only go so far in regards to acquiescing to Mirotic’s needs so who knows… Maybe he gets traded and we never have to concern ourselves with this tired song again. Anything is possible, and all bets are off when it comes to this ever so exciting Bulls squad.

Turns Out the Bears Undercut Ryan Pace Right From the Start

By
Erik Lambert
-
ryan pace

As the losing for the Chicago Bears continues, the rage of fans has begun to swallow up the organization like a spreading forest fire. It started with the assistant coaches, mostly offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains as his high school offensive play calling. Then it picked up intensity on head coach John Fox, a man many felt should never have gotten a third year to begin with. Now those flames are beginning to nip at the heels of GM Ryan Pace.

To the calm thinkers that’s somewhat surprising. After all Pace has done a reasonably solid job rebuilding what was an old and depleted roster over the past three years. Has he made mistakes? Sure but that’s not uncommon for a young GM still learning on the job. All things considered he’s done well. It’s not his fault his first choice for a head coach turned out to be such a flop.

That’s the thing though. Since the end of last season a smoldering rumor has persisted. One that paints a rather unfavorable picture of Bears ownership, particularly Chairman George McCaskey. A man who insisted Pace would have complete autonomy of football operations. If that were true, then one could argue the hiring of Fox wouldn’t have happened.

Bears owner and Ernie Accorsi pressed Fox on Ryan Pace in 2015

Back in 2015 Pace was made the youngest general manager in the NFL. Of course the first job of every GM is determining who his head coach will be. Since Marc Trestman had been fired, the slot needed filling. One would think Pace had control of that decision. Turns out he almost did, but that changed when Fox became available.

According to a number of local media sources, most recently Adam Hoge of WGN, McCaskey insisted on Fox being the choice. He was spurred by Ernie Accorsi, a former GM who was a friend and colleague of the Bears owner who’d been hired as an adviser. He had a reason to press for Fox since the two had worked together for years in New York.

“Just as important, it will allow Pace to get a head start on a thorough head coaching search that Chairman George McCaskey and President Ted Phillips will ideally allow him to conduct on his own, unlike when Pace was hired in 2015 and “advisor” Ernie Accorsi strongly pushed Fox on the organization.

The idea was that a young GM like Pace could use a veteran presence like Fox to maintain order as the roster was purged and rebuilt. Is it true though? Some remain skeptical, believing it’s a rumor being passed off as an excuse for Pace. The thing is it continues to gain credence.

Greg Gabriel, a columnist for Pro Football Weekly, also claims the Fox hire was not Pace’s decision. This is a big revelation because Gabriel was a scout in the Bears front office for years. Not only that, he also has connections to Fox and Accorsi having worked with them in New York.

Pace and Fox relationship never had a chance

In other words Pace was forced to work with a head coach that wasn’t his choice. Anybody who understands the NFL knows this. When a GM and head coach aren’t in perfect harmony, it inevitably leads to friction. That friction then leads to miscommunication and miscommunication leads to losing. This is basically the Bears’ situation in a nutshell.

Pace was a good soldier and didn’t raise a fuss over it. He did as his bosses requested. He tried to make it work. It hasn’t. That would explain why he purposely kept Fox out of the loop on things like drafting Mitch Trubisky back in April. If he’s not allowed to fire the head coach, then he’s going to position his team for when he finally gets that green light.

After the 31-3 disaster in Philadelphia, it feels like that moment is almost at hand.

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