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Mike Glennon Explains Why He Loves Bears Offensive Scheme

By
Erik Lambert
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bears offensive scheme

There are two things that go into making a success NFL offense. A strong scheme devised by coaches and the talented personnel to execute. People have remained focused on the roster for a long time in Chicago. So long that nobody has stopped to ask the simple question. Is the Bears offensive scheme something that can produce against modern defenses?

New starting quarterback Mike Glennon believes so. During the first minicamp practice of the offseason, the veteran gave some rare insight into how the Bears system under Dowell Loggains differs from the one he ran with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The primary difference comes down to how aggressive the scheme is.

“In Tampa,” says Glennon, “they’re more about hitting explosive plays, throwing the ball down the field, where here, more about getting completions, quick game, just more multiple —nakeds, boots, play-action, dropbacks — it’s got it all.”

Glennon may not have big-bodied wideouts on the perimeter like he did in 2013-14 with Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson, but he’s “really excited about the direction of the offense.”

“We can do multiple things with our personnel,” Glennon says. “We have a deep group at tight ends, deep group at running backs and then mixing the receivers in. … I think we can create some matchup problems with some of the guys we have.”

Bears offensive scheme about wearing defenses down

Basically what Glennon is saying is the Bears are running a variation of the classic West Coast offense invested by Hall of Fame coach Bill Walsh. There are variations of course but the idea remains the same. Play the chess game by systematically moving the ball down the field. Chip away at the defense. Force them to play more snaps. It might not mean a lot early on, but in the fourth quarter? By then the time on the field piles up. Then the big plays can come.

Brian Hoyer showed the potential of what this scheme could do more than anybody. He used the entire field, got the ball out fast, and was accurate with most of his passes. As a result the Bears were able to put up over 600 yards of total offense including 397 passing from Hoyer. For the season the team averaged just 6.6 yards per pass, yet ranked 15th in the NFL. With all the injuries they had, that’s impressive stuff.

The key to remember about Mike Glennon is he was never known for being the bombs-away type of quarterback. He averaged just 6.8 yards per attempt in college. Can’t say it didn’t work for him. He threw 62 touchdown passes in two years as a starter there. He seems to gain confidence when he’s able to string completions together.

In fact the three highest rated games of his career as a starter in Tampa were ones where he completed over 66% of his throws. He was 2-1 in those games. So no doubt the Bears plan to let him play his style. Get the ball out to the fast weapons on the field and let them create. It’s not a bad plan presuming Glennon can execute it with the necessary precision.

Jerry Reinsdorf Offers Up Curious Remarks About Loyalty To Employees

By
Matt Peck
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bulls working contract extension gar forman

Last week, Bulls and White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf made a rare public appearance at the Intersport Brand Engagement Summit in Chicago. He gave a brief interview to Abraham D. Markour of Sports Business Daily, and openly discussed his penchant for being loyal to his employees within both organizations.

Here’s what Reinsdorf had to say:

“I try to be loyal only to people who deserve the loyalty. I hope I’m not loyal to people who don’t deserve it. We try to run this place like a family business. In our employee manual, people are directed to call everybody by their first names, no Mr. or Mrs. We want everybody to feel free to talk to everybody and go into any office to talk, any time they want. When you do that, you get good people, you get people who like their jobs. So the fact that somebody might be here 25 years is not because I’m loyal, it’s because that person is doing a good job and enjoys the work environment.” – Jerry Reinsdorf

Very curious words from Jerry, especially considering the recent history and present state of his two teams. White Sox fans wondered what took Reinsdorf so long to replace Robin Ventura as the team’s manager. It finally happened, but only because Ventura and the team “mutually agreed” it was best for the team moving forward. Most fans and pundits believe it should’ve happened much sooner.

As for the Bulls, fans are kicking and screaming for GM Gar Forman and VP John Paxson to be fired. Several seasons of middling success, uninspiring draft picks and questionable moves in free agency have Chicagoans wondering how both men are still employed.

Reinsdorf suggesting that his long-tenured employees are still around not because he’s extremely loyal, rather they’re “doing a good job”? I hope you weren’t eating while reading this, because that nonsense probably caused you to choke with laughter.

Still, part of Jerry’s words sound almost like he’s beginning to wonder if he is too loyal.

“I try to be loyal only to people who deserve the loyalty.” That’s great, Jerry. Try harder.

Earlier this week, Jerry’s son Michael – who’s taken over most of the business as his father ages – came up in a conversation Chicago Sun-Times reporter Joe Cowley had with Mully and Hanley on 670 The Score. Cowley suggested that Michael won’t carry over his father’s blind loyalty once he has full control of the Bulls.

“I definitely think that the lifetime scholarships that have been handed out under Jerry Reinsdorf are about to be revoked under Michael Reinsdorf.” – Joe Cowley

Is Jerry too loyal? His son might think so. And his son might do something about it as soon as he takes the reigns of this aimless franchise.

Michael Jordan Hits Final Shot For 6th Bulls Championship

By
Matt Peck
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michael jordan hits final shot 6th bulls championship
Michael Jordan rises up to take the final shot of his Bulls career at the Delta Center in Utah during Game 6 of the 1998 NBA Finals. (Photo: YouTube)

June 14, 1998. Game 6 of the NBA Finals. Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls are trying to complete their second three-peat. History was bound to be made.

Michael Jordan Hits Final Shot

On the road in a hostile Delta Center. With forty seconds left in the 4th quarter, Michael Jordan fiercely drove to the hoop past Bryon Russell for his 42nd and 43rd points of the night, cutting the Jazz lead to 86-85. On the ensuing Utah possession, Karl Malone came off a screen to accept the ball in the post on a pass from John Stockton. Preoccupied by the defense of Dennis Rodman,  Malone didn’t see Jordan come from the baseline to apply the double-team. MJ cleanly swiped the ball away from Malone and gained possession. As His Airness crossed midcourt with 17 seconds left, everyone in the building (and the tens of millions watching at home) knew what was happening next. Jordan was going to win the game, the series, and his team’s 6th ring.

Dribbles right, crosses over Russell (no push-off), jumps, shoots, swishes, and that glorious extended follow through. Bulls lead 87-86. Jordan’s 44th and 45th points of the night, the final points he scored in his legendary career*.

*If you mention the Washington Wizards, I will cut you.

Image result for crab with knife gif

With 5 seconds left and the ball advanced to midcourt after the timeout, Stockton took the inbounds pass and dribbled to the top of the key. Despite getting screened by Malone, Bulls guard Ron Harper was able to contest Stockton’s three pointer at the last second. The ball clanged off of the front rim, kicked off the backboard and sailed harmlessly out of the painted area as the clocks struck 00.00.

The second three-peat was complete. It wasn’t John Paxson or Steve Kerr or any other role player to get it done for the 6th and final time. It was Jordan. It could only be Jordan.

Here’s the final minute of the game:

Enjoy the memories, because that’s all us Bulls fans have right now!

The Cubs Are Offering Pieces Of Ivy From The 2016 Season For An Insane Price

By
Gus
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When the Cubs started their historic postseason run last October, I made it a point to collect as much Cubs memorabilia that I could get my hands on. In one of my previous articles, I wrote about how my basement has become somewhat of a ‘mecca’ to my favorite Chicago sports teams with the overwhelming amount of memorabilia being inspired by the Cubs.

I collected ticket stubs, magazines, newspapers, rally towels, and t-shirts during the 2016 postseason and once the Cubs did the unthinkable and won it all in early November, I ran around the city of Chicago like a madman scooping up everything with the words “Cubs” and “Championship” on them that I could.

Before I knew it, I had a nice selection of championship bobble heads, victory champagne, championship rally posters and things of that nature, but now there is one last piece of memorabilia that is being offered to Cubs fans from that historic 2016 season.

And to be honest with you, there’s not a shot in hell that I’m even thinking about buying it.

Darrell Rovell of ESPN reported earlier tonight that the Cubs are offering pieces of ivy from the 2016 season for the low price of $200 — per leaf. (Plus $15 shipping and handling).

You heard that correct folks, $215 for a leaf.

PHOTO: ESPN.com

According to Rovell,

“The team emailed corporate partners and season ticket holders on Tuesday offering the Ivy leaves that cover Wrigley Field’s outfield walls from the 2016 season. Typically discarded when the ivy turns to red and sheds its leaves in November, the team, after the 2016 historic season, instead chose to collect the leaves for the first time and have them each authenticated with a hologram.”

There are a total of 2,016 leaves available (get it?) and each fan can order up to 10 leaves. Normally I’d be the first dummy in line to buy these 200 dollar hologrammed pieces of foliage but even this is too much for me to waste money on and believe me — I LOVE wasting money on Cubs stuff.

The ridiculous leaf sale reminds me when the Blackhawks offered their fans a chance to purchase tiny bottles of “rink water” from their Stanley Cup run in 2013. These small vials of water retailed for $99 bucks and in my opinion, were probably just tap water from one of the intern’s houses.

To the Blackhawks credit, the proceeds for the “melted ice” went to charities but the Cubs are yet to say where the proceeds of buying 2,016 goddamn leaves will be going.

But don’t let me rain on your parade Cubs fans, if you’re willing to drop $215 on a leaf that probably just fell off a tree on Clark Street, go right ahead and make that purchase.

 

Cubs Rookie Ian Happ Hits First Career Grand Slam

By
Aldo Soto
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Well, this is nice.

The Chicago Cubs had only scored 16 runs in their previous 11 road games, but on Tuesday the offense pummeled New York Mets starter Zack Wheeler for eight runs in less than two innings. Anthony Rizzo hit a leadoff home run, then with the bases loaded in the second inning he walked. Rookie Ian Happ followed that up with his first career grand slam.

The Cubs scored seven runs with two outs in the second inning.

Anthony Rizzo Just Hit A Leadoff Home Run!

By
Aldo Soto
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HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

So, the Chicago Cubs have been extremely mediocre so far this season and the offense still can’t find any consistency and what does Joe Maddon do? Anthony Rizzo was the leadoff hitter against the New York Mets on Tuesday night and guess what he did?

He crushed a home run to start the game and I mean completely murdered this pitch for the leadoff dinger.

It’s magic baby, it’s magic.

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaand Jon Lester can’t get past the first inning without giving up the lead.

Kendall Wright Still Sounds Pissed At His Former Team

By
Erik Lambert
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bears kendall wright

There was a minor buzz when the Bears Kendall Wright signing went down back in the early part of free agency. If nothing else Chicago was getting a former first round. Clearly someone thought the guy had enough talent to be one of the top receivers in the league. For whatever reason though things just kind fizzled during his time with the Tennessee Titans. Just one of those things, right?

Well apparently not in his mind. Wright did not sound like a man who accepted the reality of him just having a bit of a regression over the past couple seasons. During the first Bears minicamp practice prior to the summer break before training camp, he was asked what motivates him. He had no issues calling out his former team for how they used him on offense.

“What motivates me the most is I was probably the best receiver on the Titans roster last year and I was playing like 10 plays a game.”

Shortly later he was asked why he was used in such a manner.

“That’s a question I can’t [answer]. Ask them,” he said. “They’ll feel it after this year.”

That’s a pretty loud boast to make, but is it well-founded? When examining some of the stats from last season, surprisingly Wright may have a legitimate complaint.

Bears Kendall Wright allowed to carry chip on his shoulder

According to the numbers, Wright was targeted 42 times through the air in 2016. He caught 29 of those passes for 416 yards and three touchdowns. That might sound like he got some pretty decent action, but no. Turns out four other players got more targets than him including running back DeMarco Murray with 67. If that weren’t enough, Murray only had 377 yards receiving despite being targeted more. Rookie receiver Tajae Sharpe was thrown to 83 times, nearly double that of Wright, and yet managed just 522 yards and two touchdowns.

So in essence Wright was getting much more bang for his buck. It’s easy to understand his frustration now. It’s hard seeing other guys get the ball when you know you can do more with it. That would explain why he chose to sign in Chicago. Dowell Loggains was his offensive coordinator in Tennessee from November 2012 through 2013. During their subsequent 20 games together, Wright was targeted 165 times.

Early impressions from OTA practices were that Wright looked good. He was making a lot of nice catches. It would seem his love for the Loggains offense hasn’t changed. That could be a huge boost for the Bears. They need all the help they can get as they try to break in two new quarterbacks. One thing is certain. Wright sounds like a man dead set on proving his former team made a gigantic mistake.

That can only mean good things for Chicago.

Joakim Noah Is Really Happy LeBron James & The Cavs Lost

By
Matt Peck
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joakim noah really happy lebron james cavs lost

Joakim Noah still isn’t a very big fan of Cleveland.

Back in 2010, during LeBron James’ first stint with the Cavaliers, a young Joakim and the underdog Bulls fought like hell but were no match for the league’s best player. Noah and an inexperienced kid named Derrick Rose only managed one win against Cleveland before being ousted in the first round.

Earlier that season, Noah turned some heads with a few harsh words about the city of Cleveland. Later, during their playoff visit, Noah was asked if he regretted any of the comments he made about the Midwestern city. He doubled down.

After LeBron ditched his hometown team to join forces with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in Miami, he met the Bulls in the playoffs again. This time in the Eastern Conference Finals, as the young Bulls blossomed under new coach Tom Thibodeau and the meteoric rise of an MVP Rose. When LeBron and the Heat dispatched the Bulls in 5 games, Noah gave them their due credit. He also couldn’t resist calling them “Hollywood as hell.” No denying that, Jo.

Noah left the Bulls in free agency last summer, and the old Rose-Noah-Thibs teams feel like ages ago. The scrappy center had a tough year with the Knicks, and took plenty of criticism from New York fans for failing to play to the level of his new $72 million contract. He was also suspended 20 games for violating the league’s anti-drug policy after using supplements to aid his recovery from injury. Calling Noah’s 2016-17 season challenging would be a gross understatement.

But on Monday night, he probably fell asleep with a smile. LeBron “Hollywood as hell” James and his Cleveland team were vanquished by the Warriors in Game 5 of the NBA Finals.

When Noah saw a post trolling the Cavaliers on Instagram, he couldn’t help but click that heart-shaped “like” button.

SB Nation’s Ricky O’Donnell, a recent guest on The 312 podcast, noticed Noah’s Instagram handle “stickity13” had recently liked the post and tweeted a screenshot for the world to see.

Kevin Love = Crying Jordan, Kyrie Irving = Mugshot Tiger, LeBron = Crying LeBron.

Joakim Noah = tickled, amused, very happy.

“What’s so good about Cleveland?”

Bears Could Add Another Intriguing Former Patriot To Roster

By
Erik Lambert
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tre' jackson bears

In case people haven’t heard it already the first 10,000 times, Chicago may have a franchise quarterback for the first time in decades. With respect to how hard Jay Cutler tried, of course. Whether it’s Mike Glennon or Mitch Trubisky? That remains to be seen. One thing is clear. The priorities of the organization are now geared towards making one of those young men a success in this city. That includes premium blocking. Perhaps a Tre’ Jackson Bears deal would be a big help.

Wait who? Time for some backstory. According to multiple sources, the Bears had three players in for a tryout during their first mandatory minicamp practice. One of them was the young guard Jackson, a former fourth round draft pick of the New England Patriots.

Many felt at the time that he would be a steal for them. Not a surprise given the success they’ve had with drafting offensive linemen in the past. However, for one reason or another it didn’t work out. After failing a physical with the Rams, it appears he’s healthy and working out. If the Bears do end up signing him, would it be the right move?

Tre’ Jackson Bears idea could really work if handled right

According to Mark Dulgerian of NFL.com, Jackson was rated as a second or third round talent in 2014. A highly experienced guard who helped Florida State win a national championship. The feeling was if his health was right, he’s one of the best guards in the country. One that fits the Bears’ style no less.

“Jackson is the ideal big body you want in an interior lineman. He’ll earn his paycheck primarily as a run block specialist. If he can stay healthy he could compete for a starting spot on a team that has had its share volatility along the offensive line.”

Age makes the risk worth it

That would explain a lot. Injury was a big reason why Jackson had a falling out in New England. He suffered a knee injury late in 2015 at a point where he was starting to find his stride. That problem lingered in 2016 to where he was placed on the PUP list and never came off. In that space of time the Patriots kept adding young interior blockers via the draft and then won the Super Bowl without him. The writing was on the wall at that point.

With this said, it’s important to note that Jackson is only 24-years old. This tryout signifies whatever medical issues he had have cleared up. The Bears learned last year there is no such thing as too much depth. They put a heavy premium on quality interior blocking. If Jackson is healthy and in decent enough condition, he’d be worth a one-year flier to see whether he’s worth a longer investment.

Assuming the scouting report is correct, he could end up becoming a big help to the continued success of Jordan Howard and that running game. To say nothing of his understanding on protecting a franchise quarterback as he did with Tom Brady and Jameis Winston.

Theo Epstein Has Proved To Be A Trade Magician

By
David Holmes
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When Theo Epstein became Chicago’s President of Baseball Operations in 2011, he was inheriting a team that needed a full rebuild from the ground up. Coming off three straight losing seasons the Cubs front office went to work not only improving the farm system but systematically improving the big league club as well.

The Cubs have built up to the team we see today in a variety of ways. Through the draft and the international market, Chicago has been able to land Wilson Contreras, Javier Baez, Kyle Schwarber, and Kris Bryant. The team has also been active in free agency by adding Jason Heyward, Jon Lester, Ben Zobrist, John Lackey, and David Ross.

However, when evaluating Theo Epstein and his roster construction there has been one method he has excelled at. He has consistently made shrewd trades to help perfect the World Series winning roster we see today.

Below are some of Epstein’s most impactful trades during his tenure as the Cubs President.

Honorable Mentions:

RHP Kyle Hendricks and INF Christian Villanueva from Rangers for RHP Ryan Dempster

When Theo Epstein first looked to move Dempster, the Atlanta Braves were the preferred trading partner at the time. However, Dempster had other ideas and vetoed the trade. The Cubs finally settled on the Rangers and shipped Dempster off to Texas for Christian Villanueva and then unheard of pitching prospect Kyle Hendricks. Since then Hendricks has cemented himself as the No. 3 starter and was a 2016 NL Cy Young Award contender.

RHPs Justin Grimm, Carl Edwards Jr., 3B Mike Olt, RHP Neil Ramirez from Rangers for SP Matt Garza

On July 22, 2013, the Cubs sent Matt Garza to the then contending Rangers in a multi-player blockbuster. While Mike Olt and Neil Ramirez never blossomed into impactful members of the Cubs, the other two players involved have proven to be important contributors to the bullpen.

Justin Grimm has been streaky so far in his career with the Cubs, but when he is on, he is one of the more difficult relievers to go against. Carl Edwards also known as “The String Bean Slinger” has been fantastic. Over three seasons he sports a 2.80 ERA, 12.59 strikeouts per nine innings, and a 1.1 WAR. He’s only 25 years old and has the potential to become a shutdown closer in the future.

LHP Aroldis Chapman from Yankees for SS Gleyber Torres, OF Billy McKinney, and RHP Adam Warren

This one may surprise some people as an honorable mention. The Cubs did have to part ways with some significant prospects in order to land Chapman. Apart from Adam Warren, the Cubs threw in Billy McKinney and Gleyber Torres, the latter now the No. 2 prospect in the Yankees system. It worked out in the end for the Cubs as Chapman was dominant throughout the playoffs was one of the main reasons why the Cubs ended their World Series drought.

The Top Five:

  1. CF Dexter Fowler from Astros for RHP Dan Straily, INF Luis Valbuena

When Chicago acquired Fowler, they were in desperate need of a leadoff hitter and a center fielder. Luckily for the Cubs Fowler filled both roles and only cost a minor league pitcher and an infielder with no clear path to Wrigley. After his first season in which he vastly improved the defense in centerfield and the offense at the leadoff position, Fowler returned on a one-year deal. His second season was even better than the first. After all, he was the first player to hit a leadoff home run in Game Seven of the World Series.

  1. LHP Mike Montgomery and RHP Jordan Pries from Mariners for 1B Dan Vogelbach and RHP Paul Blackburn

The trade for Mike Montgomery was another case of Epstein trading from a position of strength to bolster a weakness in the Cubs lineup. Dan Vogelbach while an impressive hitter was buried on the Cubs infield depth chart. Mike Montgomery became a very important member of the Cubs bullpen throughout the 2016 playoffs. Pitching 14 ⅓ innings, with a 3.14 ERA including being on the mound for the last out of Game Seven against the Indians.

  1. RHPs Jake Arrieta and Pedro Strop from Orioles for C Steve Clevenger and RHP Scott Feldman

With this trade, we start to see some of Epstein’s wizardry in the trading world. The Cubs sent a rental pitcher in Scott Feldman and backup catcher Steve Clevenger for RHPs Pedro Strop and Jake Arrieta.

Strop has been a solid addition for the bullpen with a 2.77 ERA while amassing 235 strikeouts. However, Jake Arrieta was the steal of this trade. Once he got the chance to work with pitching coach Chris Bosio he has turned himself into a top-level starter. He has over 600 strikeouts and a 3.10 ERA over the course of five seasons with the Cubs. During 2015 he had one of the best seasons ever with 22 wins and a ridiculous 1.77 ERA while taking home the NL Cy Young Award.

  1. SS Addison Russell, OF Billy McKinney, RHP Dan Straily from Athletics for RHPs Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel

Theo Epstein pulled off one of his most audacious trades in 2014 when he sent the top two starters at the time in Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel to Oakland in exchange for Billy McKinney, Dan Straily, and Addison Russell. While Straily and McKinney didn’t directly produce for the Cubs, they were both used in other Cubs trades that helped build the Cubs roster.

Addison Russell was the crown jewel of this trade. At the time he was one of the top prospects in all of baseball. With his gold glove worthy defense he quickly became the starting shortstop and has gotten better each season including an All-Star selection in 2016. If his hitting can catch up to his defense then the Cubs just might have one of the truly elite shortstops in the game.

  1. 1B Anthony Rizzo, RHP Zach Cates from Padres for RHP Andrew Cashner, OF Kyung-Min Na

After only a few months as the new Cubs President of Baseball Operations, Theo Epstein went after a prospect he and the rest of the front office were familiar with from their time with Boston. The Cubs acquired the first franchise cornerstone in Anthony Rizzo for a hard-throwing Andrew Cashner.

At the time of the deal, some Cubs fans were leery of letting go of a pitcher with upper 90’s velocity, but the deal couldn’t have worked out better for the Cubs. Anthony Rizzo has become one of the best first basemen in the game. During his first six seasons with the Cubs, he has posted an impressive .860 OPS, 146 Home Runs, a 21.6 WAR, and took home his first Gold Glove in 2016. Rizzo is only 27 years old and on a very team-friendly deal for the next two years, it’s hard to imagine Theo topping this deal anytime soon.

Looking Like Another Win:

RHP Wade Davis from Royals for OF Jorge Soler

When the Cubs acquired Aroldis Chapman, it was clear that he was going to be nothing more than a rental. That meant Epstein would have to find another viable replacement during the offseason to ensure the Cubs maintained their stellar bullpen. Well, it would appear Theo did just that by stealing Wade Davis from the Royals in exchange for Jorge Soler.

Jorge Soler was a fan favorite by many and had shown plenty of flashes in during his young career as a Cub. He had a ridiculous postseason in 2015 posting an impressive .474 BA, and a 1.705 OPS. However, these flashes were intermittent and when he wasn’t dominating he was often injured and unable to contribute.

Since Wade Davis has come over he has been flat out dominant for the Cubs. He has converted all 13 save opportunities while only allowing four runs, with just three of them being earned. He has posted 31 strikeouts in 22.1 innings pitched. One thing’s for certain if he maintains this throughout the second half and into the playoffs, the Cubs will once again have a dominant closer to shut down opposing teams.

As the 2017 trade deadline approaches be on the lookout for Theo Epstein and the rest of the Cubs front office to strike gold again.

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