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Bears Defense Gets a Huge Boost With Return of Pernell McPhee

By
Erik Lambert
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chicago bears roster

For a time it appeared like the Chicago Bears pass rush was in dire straits. Lamarr Houston was going on injured reserve and by all accounts linebacker Pernell McPhee would stay on the PUP list. This meant he’d miss the first six weeks of action. Turns out the initial predictions were wrong as the word broke the Bears planned to take their key rusher off the list.

McPhee’s return couldn’t come at a better time. The entire Bears outside linebacker position was ravaged by injuries. Lamarr Houston once again suffered a knee injury and is destined for Injured Reserve. Backups Sam Acho and Dan Skuta are also dealing with ailments and were apparently discussed for trades not too long ago.

It looked like the only reliable guys set to go against Atlanta on September 10th were Leonard Floyd and Willie Young. Not ideal. Now this doesn’t necessarily mean McPhee is a lock for week one either. It might just mean the Bears feel confident he’s not too far off from being healthy enough. He still could miss a game or two. Just not six like it would’ve been had he stayed on the PUP list.

Everything changes if McPhee is healthy

There’s no denying that the health concerns remain with McPhee but it’s also impossible to argue his value to the front seven. Not only is he one of the best run-defending outside linebackers in the league, he’s also a major shot in the arm to the pass rush. It’s not a coincidence that Floyd had 6.5 of his seven sacks last year when McPhee was on the field. In fact Floyd sacked Aaron Rodgers twice in their first game together.

Question his health all you want, the fact is this man can be a game changer for this defense both as a player and as a leader.

Ex-Pro Bowl QB Explains Why Bears Trubisky Plan Won’t Last Long

By
Erik Lambert
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mitch trubisky

The Mitch Trubisky plan appears unchanged for the Chicago Bears. They stated from the beginning that he would sit behind Mike Glennon this year. So far they’ve stuck by that. Some will say that’s to their credit, others believe it’s a misguided stubbornness to not play the better QB. Based on the stats and tape to this point Trubisky has looked like the obvious option.

Head coach John Fox doesn’t agree. He’s dead set on riding with the more experienced Glennon. Why? There are plenty of theories. Trubisky hasn’t seen complicated coverages defenses are sure to throw at him. The opening schedule is murderous and could mentally frazzle a rookie. Last but not least, the team is woefully lacking in receiving weapons.

All valid points, but is it enough to overcome the same argument? That Trubisky is simply the better quarterback and should play because of it. Apparently not. So he’ll stay on the sideline. For how long is anybody’s guess. Well a former Pro Bowl quarterback might have an idea.

Matt Hasselbeck believes Mitch Trubisky plan will accelerate

Few men understand the value of waiting ones’ turn quite like Matt Hasselbeck. He spent the first three seasons of his career as a backup to Brett Favre in Green Bay. It wasn’t until after being traded to Seattle that he got his shot. He went on to become a three-time Pro Bowler. During that time he learned the game, not just on the field but off it.

In an interview with The Ringer, he explained that a quarterback plan doesn’t always hinge on the players involved. Often it might be wise to look a little higher up the chain.

Yet ask the veteran quarterbacks who’ve lived this reality and they know how quickly those winds can change. “When you’re trying to wonder what someone is going to do at the quarterback position, young quarterback or old quarterback, you should look at when the GM or head coach’s contracts are up,” Hasselbeck says. “That’s when they want to be hitting their stride, not starting over.” Reid got a new deal with the Chiefs in June, but the timelines for the head coaches in both Chicago and Houston are considerably shorter.

Fox signed a four-year deal in 2015 to become head coach of the Bears. That means 2018 will represent his last season with the team. Coaches rarely ever get to the last year of their deal. Either they sign an extension before that happens or are likely fired. In essence this means unless Glennon lights it up right away, Fox won’t have a choice but to turn to Trubisky sooner than later.

He’ll have to show everybody that he knows how to develop the kid properly and deserves to stay and finish his work. Of course recent events already poke holes in the theory that he’s qualified for said job. Nonetheless the original statement stands.

Ryan Pace’s Lone Offseason Blunder Has Come Back To Haunt Bears

By
Erik Lambert
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bears gm ryan pace
Credit: AP

First this must be prefaced. This is not a shot at Chicago Bears GM Ryan Pace. The evidence over the past month indicates he’s done a fine job rebuilding a once old and depleted roster. Suddenly the Bears are young and fast again. They have an emerging defense, a loaded running back stable, a strong offensive line and a promising quarterback to groom. All in all it’s an exciting time.

That said Pace isn’t perfect. GMs make mistakes and he’s no exception. It was the opinion of this writer that he’d made a big one during the primary acquisition periods of March and April. It centered on the Bears’ failure to add a significant talent to their edge rusher position. Through all of free agency and the draft they didn’t bring in anybody.

Sure they were focused on boosting the secondary and finding a quarterback, but they had to see the lingering problem at outside linebacker. Right?

Bears GM Ryan Pace is regretting his inaction back in spring

Well if they didn’t then it’s a gross miscalculation on Pace’s part. Yes Leonard Floyd is an emerging superstar. That’s great. The problem is the depth chart behind him is more than a little dicey. Pernell McPhee has already had knee surgery for the second-straight year. He looks like a PUP list candidate, meaning he’ll miss the first six games. Willie Young is 32-years old and might be slowing down.

If that weren’t bad enough, now another vital depth option in Lamarr Houston might be off the table.

So to recap. McPhee has a knee injury and is likely out over a month. Houston now may have another knee injury. Remember he tore his ACL twice in three seasons since 2014. If that weren’t bad enough, veteran Sam Acho is dealing with an ankle problem as well. This means Floyd and Young are their only two healthy edge rushers and Floyd has a shaky injury history of his own.

Keeping in mind of course the Bears play in a division with Aaron Rodgers and Matthew Stafford. This is a problem. A big problem. Pace deserves credit for the number of positive moves he made this offseason, but if there is one criticism that he should not avoid it’s his failure to supplement the edge rush.

Maybe he can find help on the waiver wire within the next few days, but that’s a reach. Odds are this issue will linger all season.

Take A Peak At The High-Cieling Prospect The White Sox Netted In Rangers Deal

By
Matt Enuco
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White Sox net a new prospect in Gonzalez deal.
Ken Inness/Milb.com

Just when you thought the market for White Sox pitchers had settled, Rick Hahn struck another quality deal. Miguel Gonzalez was sent to the Texas Rangers in the eleventh hour before the Sept. 1 waiver deadline and netted a peculiar young prospect.

The Rangers’ move to acquire Gonzalez is curious in and of itself since they remain four games out of wild-card contention and with the Yankees and Twins competing for wild-card births themselves, the Rangers postseason odds seem slim.

But there are plenty of questions surrounding this whole deal; the most pressing: why would Texas give up a 21-year-old prospect with a high ceiling for a mediocre pitcher who will be a free agent at the end of the season?

At first glance, this deal smacks of a prospect dump. Edward TiQuan Forbes was a second-round pick in 2014 and the top prep-prospect out of Mississippi that year. He was ranked as the 18th best high school prospect nationally by Perfect Game and signed for $1.2 million. Moreover, Forbes was ranked as the No. 15 prospect in the Rangers organization the same year he was drafted.

Perhaps his overwhelming ceiling has stalled with Texas brass. His batting average has declined each of the past four seasons while his power has just begun to surface.

The Mississippi-slugger is batting .236 between Full-Season-A and High-A in 2017 while rifling 11 home runs. Forbes’ 11 dingers this season accounts for most of his career power numbers considering he has managed a meager 15 home runs in four years of professional baseball. Meanwhile, Forbes has fanned an alarming 130 times this season.

Forbes is a classic right-handed match-up for pitchers. Left-handers are his bread and butter, batting .291 against southpaws and struggling with right-handers (.200).

Yet, Forbes turned 21 years old in late August and still has maturing to do. He possesses the intangibles to become a big leaguer with a 6-foot-3-inch frame at a lean 180 pounds. Most experts might like to see more heft to such a long frame but he is strong in the right places and adds exceptional speed with long, quick strides.

Forbes was a shortstop in high school and moved to third base as a professional. Scouting reports indicate he has the arm and instincts to hang at the hot-corner but if the infield puzzles the youngster he could easily switch to center field.

Offensively, evaluators must be waiting for Forbes to develop an approach and maturity. Video illustrates some insecurities about how to attack an at bat and control the match-up at the plate.

The bat speed is impressive and he is still very young. Perhaps this is a classic case of needing a change of scenery. Forbes doesn’t appear to have haunting character issues like other White Sox trade targets have in the past and maybe the slugger is just beginning to tap his potential.

 

Preseason Finale Showcased Exactly Why John Fox Will Be Fired

By
Erik Lambert
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head coach john fox

The end result of the game didn’t matter. Although losing 25-0 to the Cleveland Browns is never the best look. Either way all anybody wanted was for the Chicago Bears to get out of the game relatively unscathed on the injury front. Turns out the football gods couldn’t even give us that with players like Lamarr Houston, Victor Cruz, Deiondre Hall and Connor Shaw leaving with various ailments. Yet somehow that wasn’t the story of the game. It was head coach John Fox, and for good reason.

From the moment the Bears drafted Mitch Trubisky #2 overall in April, there was an undercurrent of concern. Does the 62-year old know how to manage a young quarterback? Many, this writer included, had their doubts. After all Fox has never once in his career successfully developed one. His most notable attempt, Jimmy Clausen in Carolina, was a colossal flop.

If anything this explains his stubbornness in regards to keeping Mike Glennon as the starter. He prefers veterans who’ve been developed by somebody else. However, it was the preseason finale that Fox showcased how out of depth he really is and why he’s likely going to end up fired by the end of this 2017 season.

Head coach John Fox almost needlessly got Trubisky injured

Now this is the Chicago Bears franchise. Quarterback mismanagement is nothing new here. Then again somehow Fox managed to challenge for the top spot in the mindlessly dumb category on Thursday night. It began even before the game. Fox announced that Trubisky would be starting the contest. Never mind it was a meaningless game that served little purpose considering Mitch was a roster lock.

Fox stated it was a good chance to get him extra work. A nice cop out line but hardly convincing, especially when the Bears had him hand off the first nine offensive plays of the game. Then when he finally did start throwing, Fox forgot to remember they were playing against a Gregg Williams-coached defense. The same Gregg Williams who got suspended for the Bounty Gate scandal in New Orleans.

So naturally it led to a play like this.

Oh but Foxy wasn’t done yet. Trubisky was mercifully pulled from the game shortly after and replaced with Connor Shaw. It looked like he was done for the night. That is until Shaw got hurt.

Not having Mark Sanchez available cemented it

This was where the cluelessness seeped in the worst. The Bears, for some reason, only had two quarterbacks active that night. Fox didn’t feel the need for a third, you know, just in case one got injured. This is especially brainless considering the injuries his QBs suffered last year. As a result there was no Mark Sanchez to come in for relief. So guess who had to go back on the field?

Yep. Mitch got his helmet and jogged back out there. No big deal, right? The game was already out of reach. Just hand the ball off, run the clock out and get the hell out of there. Except nope. Fox cemented the loss of his sanity by having Trubisky throw. On a screen play he was knocked to the ground and then on the last play of the game he was sacked.

Try to imagine the riots that would’ve broken out if Mitch got hurt during that sequence. Best of all? Fox didn’t seem the least bit apologetic about it after the game.

If ever Bears fans were looking for an example of why John Fox isn’t going to be around much longer, his handling of Trubisky this past week shines like a lighthouse beacon. GM Ryan Pace has remained supportive of the head coach in public but he had to be fuming at what happened during that game. Everybody else saw it and he’s not blind.

Fox was a good coach for this team during the rebuilding phase. Still if they’re going to truly change the culture of this franchise then he has to go.

REPORT: Justin Verlander Wanted To Come Play For The Cubs

By
Sean Sears
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Well, Justin Verlander finally was traded after months of reports saying the Tigers were making the 34-year-old Cy Young winner. But, it wasn’t the Cubs that landed the veteran righty.

The Astros are reporting getting some serious salary cap relief in the trade, something the Cubs apparently were not able to get in their talks, but Houston is likely putting together a more appealing package. That being said, Verlander apparently has been holding out hope the Cubs would up their offer to acquire is services. He was so adamant about coming to Chicago that he actually waited until the last possible moment to accept Houston’s deal.

While the Cubs couldn’t make a deal come to life this trade deadline, Verlander heading to the Astros pokes a massive hole in the team’s offseason plan as Verlander was likely a target for the club after season’s end. The veteran Verlander has gotten his ERA back down to a respectable 3.82 while throwing harder than he has in five seasons. Adding Verlander for the stretch run and for the next two years could’ve helped round out the Cubs rotation for the next few years.

Sadly, Verlander will head to Houston and the Cubs will likely look to either re-sign ensuing free agent Jake Arrieta or look to add another arm via free agency or trade this offseason.

The Cubs Trade For Mariners OF Leonys Martin

By
Sean Sears
-

The Cubs continue to build on their potential playoff roster, while everyone was talking about pitcher Justin Verlander, the North Siders pivoted and went after an outfielder.

The 29-year-old Martin was once seen as a top prospect for the Mariners just a short six years ago, but has since turned into a fringe outfielder bounce back and forth from the majors and minors. However, Martin did have somewhat of resurgence last season, scoring 72 runs with 15 home runs.

Martin is also a plus defender, with 45 defensive runs saved from 2013-2015, his defensive ability along with the pop in his bat could be a difference maker these final weeks of the regular season.

According to a few sources, the Cubs have been disappointed with the offensive productions in the outfield, so maybe a saw something in Martin’s game that could help their offense? Beyond that, it’s hard to really see how adding Martin does much to help the Cubs right now. Long term wise, Martin is only on a one year deal and at 29-years-old it’s hard to see the Cubs wanting to re-sign Martin – barring a surprising postseason performance.

White Sox Stay the Pace of the Rebuild, Deal Miguel Gonzalez

By
Matthew Milakovich
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The Marlins are in the market for one of the White Sox' starting pitchers. But his name isn't Chris Sale. (Photo courtesy of Jerome Miron/USA Today Sports)

Welp, Rick Hahn is at it again, as tonight he dealt Miguel Gonzalez to the Texas Rangers for infield prospect (love the name) Edward Ti’Quan Forbes.

In the midst of a strong August (as of this afternoon 2-0 with a 1.29 ERA over his last 4 starts) with not much rental help still available around the league, the Rangers came knocking and Ricky Hahn answered.

Per CBS sports this is what the Sox are getting:

A former high draft pick by the Rangers, Forbes will head to a White Sox team that has completely retooled it’s farm system over the course of the last calendar year. Forbes (6-3, 180) has spent most of the season at High-A, where he’s posted a .242/.284/.368 slash line over 302 at-bats.

League Sources Seem Confused Over Details of Latest Bulls Trade

By
Matthew Milakovich
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Hold on to your butts Chicago Bulls fans. Gar/Pax just pulled off another blockbuster deal.

Image result for laughing gif

According to Shams Charania of the Vertical, Chicago is close to acquiring forward Quincy Pondexter from the New Orleans Pelicans.

Who gives a fuck right?

Not so fast, it may not be all that meaningless.

After not much further research at all, it seems league sources are a tad confused as to the exact details of the trade, as Vincent Goodwill of CSN Chicago is reporting something very different.

All things considered, for a Bulls team in the midst of a complete overhaul, while boring, this is a decent move. It’s unlikely the Bulls will retain Pondexter; and acquiring a pick (even a 2nd rounder) and cash can’t hurt.

Just for shits and giggs here’s a snapshot of Pondexter’s career line per Basketball-Reference.com.

Career

G

279

PTS

5.3

TRB

2.0

AST

0.8

FG%

42.4

FG3%

36.5

 

 

Chicago Bears: 5 Sleeper Names Who Could Sneak Onto Roster

By
Erik Lambert
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chicago bears roster

The Chicago Bears roster is coming out of the fog and into clear view. Most of the spots appear settled but the bottom third of the remains in flux. GM Ryan Pace knows there are still positions left unsettled. Some due to injury and others an ongoing search for upgrades. That is why this fourth preseason game against Cleveland is more important than people realize.

Evaluations are ongoing. Believe it or not some men could yet find a way onto the roster if they play well enough. There are some names that Bears fans haven’t kept track of at all who’ve quietly had decent showings the past few weeks. Finishing strong now might be their ticket to further opportunities down the line.

Here are the Chicago Bears roster sleepers to watch carefully:

Titus Davis (WR)

A lot of people might not know this, but Titus Davis is an Illinois native. He was born in Wheaton and went to high school there before attending Central Michigan. There he broke school records for receiving yards (3,700) and touchdowns (37). Both of those records were previously held by Steelers superstar Antonio Brown.

By that logic the young man clearly has some talent but still went undrafted. From there he’s spent time with three different NFL teams prior to joining the Bears. Given their sore need for help at the position this might be his best opportunity to date for cracking a roster. He has four catches for 52 yards over the past two games. A strong performance might sway coaches to keeping him around.

Ben Braunecker (TE)

The Bears appear stacked at tight end this year. Zach Miller is still around and now Dion Sims and Adam Shaheen have joined the fray. So for somebody like Ben Braunecker it’s no longer about battling for a roster spots. It’s about battling for time. Going into his second year, he’s still eligible to land on the practice squad.

The tricky part is convincing the coaches he deserves a spot on it. Thus far he hasn’t played much this preseason and when he has? It’s been rather quiet. There’s no doubting he has athletic ability and could be a passing game weapon. It’s just that the Bears haven’t seen it yet. They likely won’t waste more time if he can’t show up in this game.

Jordan Morgan (OG)

It sounds crazy to think about but there’s a chance the Bears might be thinking about stashing fifth round pick Jordan Morgan on the practice squad. Thus far the offensive lineman has barely played. It’s clear the transition from tackle to guard is taking some time. Not a big surprise given it’s a big adjustment.

Never mind the uptick in competition he’s dealing with. The Bears seem to have some good reserve pieces slotting into place. Hroniss Grasu at center. Tom Compton at guard and Bradley Sowell at tackle. So Morgan will have to convince them that carrying what would be a ninth offensive lineman in him is a worthwhile venture.

Isaiah Irving (OLB)

This name has gained a lot of unexpected steam in the past couple weeks. Isaiah Irving was a no-name last month. A defensive end out of San Jose State, he signed with the Bears as an undrafted free agent. However, with names like Leonard Floyd, Pernell McPhee, Willie Young, Lamarr Houston and Sam Acho already in place his odds never looked great.

Things have changed. McPhee looked like he’ll remain on the PUP list. Not a good development given the shaky health issues with this group. A young body like Irving could be a welcome boost. He had a sack in the week three matchup against Tennessee. Pro Football Focus credits him with a pass rush disruption every 12.5 snaps. Solid work.

B.W. Webb (CB)

The takeaway issue continues to persist for the Bears secondary. To date only journeyman free agent Webb has produced a turnover when he made an impressive interception in the Cardinals game. He’s had a solid overall run through the past month and is hoping to secure a job on the bottom of the cornerback depth chart.

Given the health status of Prince Amukamara (ankle) and Sherrick McManis (hamstring) going into this week, it’s not out of the question. If he can pull off another impact play against Cleveland then he might be able to bump somebody off the roster. After all this team is looking for takeaways and players who can provide them.

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