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John Fox Asked Jeff Fisher For Advice and Appears to Be Taking It

By
Erik Lambert
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jeff fisher

In all the red-hazed confusion of the past two weeks, it’s amazing people haven’t seen it. We’ve been too busy trying to figure out why John Fox refuses to see reality on the Mitch Trubisky situation. Is it because he’s stubborn? Or stupid? Or both? Plenty of Chicago Bears fans would have arguments for either. Then again if they had bothered to remember their studies during the offseason they’d have remembered a vital key. John Fox asked Jeff Fisher for advice on how to develop a rookie quarterback.

Wow. Everything suddenly makes so much sense. Of course by now people are wondering what this means. To shed some light, we must go back through the past two decades to when Fisher became a head coach. He took over the Houston Oilers in 1994. A year later in 1995 the team selected a young man named Steve McNair with the #3 overall pick in the draft.

Many felt the quarterback had a chance to be an instant impact player given his rare athletic traits and strong arm. Instead Fisher plopped him on the bench.

John Fox asked Jeff Fisher for advice that doesn’t fit the new NFL

For the next two years McNair started a total of just six games. He didn’t start as a rookie until late December. He won both of those starts. Did Fisher hand him the reins? No sir. McNair went back to the bench and didn’t start another game until November the following year when he sporadically started four games. It wasn’t until 1997, his third year that he finally became the guy. Again, this was a top three draft choice. Not a mid round project.

Fast forward to 2016. His Los Angeles Rams draft Jared Goff #1 overall. He’s the top pick. One would think he’s the obvious choice to start, especially when Case Keenum is the other option. Fisher again skirted the norm and kept Goff sidelined until late November. By then though it was far too late for the Goff hype to save him. The Rams were 3-5 and already fading. After a defensive win over the Jets, they lost four-straight and he was fired.

Sensing the theme yet? Fisher clearly falls into the sit-them-until-ready camp of QB development. His handling of McNair and Goff prove that. The only one he didn’t adhere to the formula with was Vince Young in 2006, and that was because he’d been pressured by ownership to play the rookie. Try to imagine what Fisher likely told Fox when they spoke to each other.

Fox’s refusal to usher in Trubisky reeks of Fisher influence

So let’s get this straight. John Fox is taking quarterback advice from a man tied for the most losses of any head coach in NFL history? A man who also doesn’t have a Super Bowl ring? Oh yeah, no that makes perfect sense. Look it’s fair to say McNair proved a success with Fisher employing this method. However, Goff had two full months on the bench before he was brought in and he still looked lost.

The point is there is no way to tell when a quarterback is truly ready until he’s put on the field. Everybody is assuming Trubisky will be bad. Well what if he isn’t? Fox is trying to mirror Fisher’s approach but there’s a problem. His stand-in to buy time, Mike Glennon, is much worse than the team expected. His stats, which are average, don’t tell the story of how bad he’s looked. The accuracy is off. He’s slow on reads and takes unnecessary sacks.

Worst of all the Bears are 0-2. Fisher got away with his philosophy because he managed to win a game or two early. He also had a top 10 defense doing the heavy lifting. Fox has no such luxury. The Bears defense is good, but it’s not there yet. Through eight quarters of football this team has not held a lead in a game, and that falls on the quarterback.

Sure in a perfect world sitting Trubisky makes sense. Problem is it’s Chicago. Offense in this town is never goes by the rulebook. Fisher’s advice doesn’t run parallel to this teams’ issues. They need a spark. With injuries piling up everywhere else, Trubisky is the lone one left to provide it. Instead for Fox, like Fisher, it’s the opposite.

Dig in and hope things get better. They won’t.

Javier Baez Continues To Amaze With Yet Another Amazing Defensive Play

By
Aldo Soto
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Javier Baez continues to do things that other players in MLB simply can’t fathom attempting. No clue how he got one out, but during Wednesday’s Chicago Cubs game against the Tampa Bay Rays Baez got the double play on a spectacular defensive effort up the middle of the diamond.

Makes it look easy too.

Chicago Rapper Vic Mensa Says Blackhawks Need To Replace “Racist” Logo

By
Marc-Louis Paprzyca
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The Chicago Blackhawks logo comes under fire every so often as being offensive or racist and it always will. It happened just a couple weeks ago and it is in the news again. This time Chicago Rapper Vic Mensa took a stand against it on Twitter.

He later responded to his own tweet, saying “Imagine having your people massacred and turned into a mascot..”

Like any polarizing subject, there were people who agreed and disagreed with Mensa’s statement. Some people told him to back off, chill or point out that the logo “pays homage” to history. Then there were the people who agreed with Mensa and those who suggested using this logo instead.

One fan pointed out that it’s “one of the most iconic” logos in sports. Mensa responded, “that’s y it hurts. but it gotta go.”

Mensa tweeted this at the Blackhawks directly but somehow I doubt they are going to listen to this tweet. It’s going to take a lot more than a tweet to get the organization to change the logo.

I just wonder if he ever says anything to his buddy Chance the Rapper about the subject. He occasionally wears Blackhawks gear and is someone people would get behind more on the subject.

Follow @Pappy_Hour on Twitter for more Blackhawks news and musings. 

Yankees-Twins Game Stops After A Todd Frazier Foul Ball Hit A Young Fan

By
Aldo Soto
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There was yet another foul ball incident at a Major League Baseball game on Wednesday afternoon, when play stopped between the Minnesota Twins and New York Yankees in the fifth inning after a Todd Frazier foul ball struck a young fan in the stands.

Frazier immediately bent down, took off his helmet and looked distraught as he looked into the stands, where the fan received medical attention and was taken away. Twins and Yankees players were in shock, while Yankee Stadium stood in silence.

The reactions speak volumes.

At no point did the broadcast show the foul ball going into the stands in a replay.

According to Deadspin, the Yankees were “seriously exploring” a plan to extend the protective netting at the stadium in July after an Aaron Judge hit ball struck a fan in the head.

Here’s the latest update on the child.

It seems too obvious, but MLB has to do the simple thing of extending the netting.

Ben Roethlisberger Was Damn Impressed With Trubisky Before the Draft

By
Erik Lambert
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ben roethlisberger mitch trubisky

People wouldn’t expect a Ben Roethlisberger Mitch Trubisky connection. Turns out though the two already know each other to an extent. Both are homegrown Ohio boys who are now playing for two of the bedrock franchises in the NFL. Some fans may be surprised to hear that they met a few months ago prior to the NFL draft.

Roethlisberger actually got a chance to work out and practice with the rookie. Trubisky alluded to this after the Bears drafted him. Not only Roethlisberger but Peyton Manning gave him great advice on what to expect when he got into the league. Based on how Mitch has handled himself so far, that advice was taken to heart. Roethlisberger and Manning are the epitome of NFL professionals.

What nobody knew was the impressions Big Ben came away with on Trubisky. With the Bears set to host the Pittsburgh Steelers in week three, he finally became available to provide an answer.

Ben Roethlisberger Mitch Trubisky impressive was all positive

“Pre-draft, we did. We went and worked out together. … I thought he was a tremendous athlete. I thought he could throw the ball. thought when he got out of the pocket and made throws on the run, his improvising (was notable). I got to watch some of his college tape. Just really impressed with the athleticism. The ease of throwing the ball. It just looked easy to him when he was on the run, when it wasn’t supposed to be super easy. So I thought that those were the most impressive things that I got to see.”

In other words Roethlisberger was taken by how well Trubisky could move but also how advanced he was as a passer given his limited experience. He knows how difficult the transition to the NFL is. He started after just two weeks for the Steelers in 2004. Pittsburgh reached the AFC championship game. Though it was the running game and defense that did the heavy lifting, he was able to make a fair share of plays.

Roethlisberger went on to explain that it took him a couple years to figure out the position entirely. That’s why it’s unwise to anoint or bury Trubisky if and when he does play. He also stated that while he understands the rookie is anxious to play, he should take advantage of this extra time on the bench to prepare.

Former Bear Says Coaches Angered Locker Room By Benching Trubisky

By
Erik Lambert
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corey wootton

Benching Mitch Trubisky was not the most popular decision by the Chicago Bears coaching staff. Initially that was the plan all along from the start of training camp. Start Mike Glennon and let the kid sit back and learn. Unfortunately two things happened. Trubisky proved he had progressed much faster than expected and Glennon showed he had serious limitations as a passer. While he was throwing bad interceptions, the rookie was scoring touchdowns. Former Bear Corey Wootton believes the decision was easy at that point.

It was evident especially later on that the team responded to Trubisky. His accuracy, his confidence and his mobility gave dimensions to the offense Glennon did not. Many were convinced he’d earned the right to start. Instead the Bears declared Glennon the starter as planned. Now they’re 0-2 and the offense is a mess.

Several local and national media have said something needs to change. It’s clear experience and leadership can’t make the 28-year old a better passer. The longer this goes on, the worse it’s bound to get. In fact some believe the coaches risk creating friction in the locker room by continuing this pointless venture.

Corey Wootton slams Bears for benching Mitch Trubisky

One of those outspoken critics is none other than Wootton. The former Bears defensive end took to Twitter last night. He called the team to task over the decision to pack away the kid, declaring he should’ve been the starter right away.

Wootton is no stranger to this sort of thing. In fact he encountered a similar scenario in 2013. After Jay Cutler went down with injury, backup Josh McCown came in and proceeded to have the best run of his NFL career. The Bears went 4-3 during that stretch and McCown threw 13 touchdowns to just one interception.

Yet despite that outstanding play, head coach Marc Trestman went back to Cutler. After a win over the Browns, the Bears lost the final two games of the season to miss the playoffs. To this day many believe they should’ve stayed with the hot hand. Wootton thinks the same is in effect here, saying the coaches are sending the wrong message to the locker room.

Wootton thinks reasons for decision are overblown

Coach Fox has stated from the beginning that Trubisky is being held out because he’s “not ready.” The general belief is they fear he’ll lack consistency if they play him, a common trait of rookie quarterbacks. Then again that’s somewhat ironic given how Glennon has played through two weeks. Wootton also responded that such things can be worked around with Trubisky. The value of getting him early experience far outweighs the risk.

It’s a fair point. Trubisky was quite effective in preseason running that basic game plan. The Bears stuck with the run and ran play action bootlegs to cut the field in half. This allowed him to use his mobility to create windows and his accurate passing led to some nice plays. It also kept the offense on schedule.

People will argue he did this against mostly scrubs, but then again he did it with mostly scrubs so that argument is weak. Dowell Loggains has showed he knows how to get guys open. All he needs is a trigger man who can get them the ball. Trubisky, despite the inexperience, has shown that sort of field vision and poise.

If fans saw this in preseason, one can bet other Bears players are seeing the same. It can’t be a coincidence that their lack of fire in Tampa Bay wasn’t at least partially impacted by their knowledge that Glennon wasn’t going to be any help.

Wootton is warning that such problems threaten to get worse.

Chicago Bears Hold a Massive Tryout With Some Interesting Names

By
Erik Lambert
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BALTIMORE, MD -- 12/8/13 -- Ravens wide receiver Marlon Brown (14) celebrates on the bench after officials confirmed the game-winning touchdown on a 9-yard pass from quarterback Joe Flacco. The Baltimore Ravens beat the Minnesota 29-26 Vikings on a snowy day at M&T Bank Stadium. (Christopher T. Assaf/Baltimore Sun Staff) #8938

With injuries setting in, GM Ryan Pace knows he’s going to have to start churning the bottom of the Chicago Bears roster and practice squad. Already wide receiver Tanner Gentry was cut for the second time. He’s expected to rejoin the squad if he clears waivers. This is indication that Markus Wheaton is likely good to go for Sunday. The Bears weren’t done there though. With a number of holes to plug after more injuries in Tampa, they held a large tryout on September 19th featuring 16 players.

Obviously most of them are street free agents the Bears are merely trying to keep tabs on. Seeing where they’re at. However, amidst the crowd there were actually some interesting names worth noting.

  • LB Carl Bradford
  • DT Stefan Charles
  • QB Bart Houston
  • WR Kyle Prater
  • T Givens Price
  • DT Mike Purcell
  • WR Tevaun Smith
  • C Mark Spelman
  • TE D.J. Tialavea
  • WR Daniel Williams
  • DL Nick Williams
  • WR James Wright

Those above are mostly former undrafted free agents hoping to latch on to a roster or practice squad, keeping their football dreams alive. It’s these other four that Bears fans should keep a close watch on.

Possible Chicago Bears roster sleeper additions:

Shayne Skov (ILB)

Remember that the Bears just lost inside linebacker Jerrell Freeman for the season to a torn pectoral. His backup Nick Kwiatkoski then suffered the same exact injury. So this defense is getting thin at that position. Jonathan Anderson and Christian Jones will be filling in, but it’s likely Jon Timu gets called up at some point. Chicago will want to give somebody else a look as well. It’s fitting that Shayne Skov is that man.

After all he has a deep connection to Vic Fangio. The two worked together at Stanford when Fangio was defensive coordinator. Then Skov joined the San Francisco 49ers in 2014 as an undrafted free agent during Fangio’s last year. They know each other well.

Skov developed a reputation in college for being a fierce competitor with outstanding instincts for the position. He was often shutting down plays before they could develop, stopping runs for loss and sacking the quarterback as a blitzer. So why is he unsigned? Multiple knee injuries really hampered his progress when he came out of college.

Teams are reluctant to give him a chance based on that history. If one person could get something out of him though, it would be Fangio.

Bug Howard (WR)

This normally wouldn’t be a notable name except for a key reason. Bug Howard was a productive receiver who played with none other than Mitch Trubisky at North Carolina. The two had a solid connection during their lone year together. Howard caught for over 800 yards and eight touchdowns in 2016.

He’s a 6’4″ receiver with good long speed and hands. He’s prone to making big catches in big moments. Unfortunately teams were down on him due to his raw route running skills. This made it difficult for him to gain consistent separation. Combined with a lack of true burner speed and that pigeonholed him into the possession receiver category.

Marlon Brown (WR)

The case of Marlon Brown is a rather fascinating one. The 6’5″ receiver looked like he was a hidden gem when he posted over 500 yards and seven touchdowns as a rookie for Baltimore in 2013. Unfortunately changes to the depth chart saw him demoted the next year and then consecutive back injuries robbed him of most of 2015 and 2016.

Only recently was he finally given a clean bill of health. Really the first time that’s happened in years. So the question becomes is he the same player he was? Brown is only 26-years old, so there’s reason to think he can still play. He’s got loads of size, something the Bears don’t have and is noted for his foot quickness to create separation.

Garrett Grayson (QB)

People thought it was a huge deal when the New Orleans Saints drafted Garrett Grayson in the third round of the 2015 draft. The kid was a star at Colorado State, noted for his ability to throw with anticipation as well as accuracy on the deep ball. His primary issues were sporadic decision-making. He wasn’t used to seeing complex coverages.

Saints head coach Sean Payton must’ve felt he could develop the kid properly, but over time that didn’t materialize. It’s likely Grayson just wasn’t the right fit for that offensive system. Perhaps it might be different with Dowell Loggains. He’s already shown a nice touch with previously unsuccessful QBs like Matt Barkley. This might be an interesting side project.

This Willson Contreras Throw To Javier Baez Is Baseball Porn

By
Aldo Soto
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No Kris Bryant in the Chicago Cubs lineup? No worries, Javier Baez is here to bless us all with yet another nonchalant, awesome tag to catch a runner trying to steal a base. Oh and Willson Contreras got to show off his rocket arm too.

Not exactly sure what Tampa Bay Rays center fielder Kevin Kiermaier was thinking, but I’d say it’s bad strategy to try and steal third base with two outs in the inning, while there’s a left-handed hitter at the plate and Willson Contreras catching with Baez at third.

Anyway, the result was beautiful. Orgasmic really. Over the top reaction? No. Here’s some nastiness you won’t be ashamed of watching.

Baez also added an RBI-double later in the game to give the Cubs a 2-0 lead.

Hey MLB, Bring The DH To The NL Right Fucking Now

By
Aldo Soto
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At this point if you’re a Chicago Cubs fan and you don’t want the DH in the NL then you’re out of your goddamn mind and don’t want to see the Cubs be more successful. Yeah, it was cute when Jon Lester made Ken Griffey Jr. jealous of his swing after hitting his first career home run earlier in the season, BUT THE CUBS HAVE THE PERFECT DESIGNATED HITTER!

It’s a win-win-win for the Cubs. Kyle Schwarber gets to stay in the lineup as the DH without Joe Maddon having to worry about defense. Maddon gets to put in a better defender and give more playing time to guys like Albert Almora Jr. and Ian Happ.

On Tuesday, Schwarber started against Chris Archer and blasted a solo home run in the second inning, giving the Cubs a 1-0 lead in Tampa Bay.

I know, I know, I know, it’s a small sample size, but Schwarber has shown that he has no problem just coming off the bench as a DH.

Oh and let’s not forget that the Cubs probably don’t win the World Series if it weren’t for Schwarber being the DH in four of the seven games against the Cleveland Indians.

So please, MLB, on behalf of all Cubs fans, (GET ON FUCKING BOARD CUBS FANS) bring the DH to the NL as soon as possible. Thanks in advance Rob Manfred.

Rays Give Joe Maddon A Video Tribute In Return To Tampa Bay

By
Aldo Soto
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Joe Maddon, Sarah Maddon, Chicago Cubs

The Chicago Cubs started their final regular-season road trip with a quick two-game set against the Tampa Bay Rays. Tuesday night was a return home for Joe Maddon, who lives in Tampa Bay in the offseason and also spent nearly a decade being the Rays manager from 2006-2014. In the homecoming of sorts, the Rays honored Maddon with a video tribute.

Good vibrations indeed as Kyle Schwarber gave the Cubs an early 1-0 lead with a home run in the second inning.

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