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Bears Mailbag – How Will Chicago’s Season End?

By
Dhruv Koul
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john fox

It’s Week 9 in the NFL, and time for our weekly Bears Mailbag! The NFL Trade Deadline has come and gone, and the Chicago Bears are on their BYE week following a disappointing 20-12 loss in New Orleans. They’re 3-5 at the break, with a divisional matchup against the Aaron Rodgers-less Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field coming up.

With that, let’s reach into this week’s Bears Mailbag. Thanks to all those who submitted questions!

It’s fascinating that Adam Shaheen hasn’t been targeted as much in the passing game so far this season, especially in many critical situations, including the red zone. The Bears selected Shaheen in the second round of this year’s draft, and second-round picks are expected to be immediate contributors. Shaheen has seen some snaps, but his role has been more of a run blocker. So far, it doesn’t seem like he’s fully assimilated to be a major factor in the passing game — in fact, Daniel Brown came out ahead of Shaheen in certain passing situations. But I think that changes going forward.

With Zach Miller’s horrific season-ending injury, it’s up to the rest of the Bears’ tight ends to step up and become reliable targets for QB Mitch Trubisky. It seems that Dion Sims will continue to their primary tight end, but I definitely expect a lot more action, especially in passing situations, for Shaheen. He’s had half a season and this upcoming bye week to continue to assimilate into the offense. Dowell Loggains recently said that the game is starting to “slow down” for Shaheen — remember, he’s from Ashland, a Division II school. That said, Sims hasn’t proven much catching the ball, and Trubisky needs a big, reliable target to emerge. I expect Shaheen to carve out a bigger role in the second half of the season — a role that starts to further justify the Bears’ use of a second-round pick on him.

Jordan Howard isn’t going anywhere, nor should any Bears fan want or hope that he would go anywhere. He’s one of the best running backs in the league; he was second in the NFL in rushing his rookie year, and he continues to dominate on the ground this year despite facing stacked boxes week-in and week-out. The Bears have not run a professional offense this season whatsoever, and it’s amazing that despite the most predictable and vanilla offense in the league, Howard is still on pace to rush for over 1,300 yards!

You’re right in saying that pass-catching is not his forte. But he really shouldn’t be out running routes. The Bears have won three games this year, thanks in large part to Howard’s stamina (Steelers) and ability to break tackles (Ravens). Howard is going to be a Bear for years, and everyone should be excited about it.

It’s no secret that this offseason is going to be heavily focused on offense — especially the wide receiver position. I fully expect the Bears to explore and eventually utilize a combination of channels to upgrade the receiver position (free agency, draft, even trade). For the purposes of speculation, I’ll rule out trades. So that leaves free agency and the draft.

In free agency, it’s hard to really know who will be available because of the franchise tag. It’s rare that a truly game-changing receiver will hit the open market. The top names expected to be available include: Larry Fitzgerald, Terrelle Pryor, Alshon Jeffery, Sammy Watkins, and Jarvis Landry. I don’t expect Fitzgerald to leave Arizona or Jeffery to come back to Chicago. And of the remaining three, Landry is by far my favorite. He’s a young, dynamic receiver, and I’d envision he’s do well with Trubisky.

In the draft, the top names expected to be available are Equanimeous St. Brown, Calvin Ridley, and Courtland Sutton. I like all three of them. The Bears are unlikely to be picking in the Top 10 in this upcoming draft, but the hope is they will have the chance to pick one of those three in the first round.

Depending on whom they value and what happens in free agency, don’t be surprised if they take a pass rusher in the first round and address receiver later in the draft. But make no mistake, the receiver corps will look drastically different next year.

This obviously depends on what the Bears decide to do with John Fox at the end of the season. It’s well documented that he is unlikely to get the most out of Mitch Trubisky, which is and should be GM Ryan Pace’s biggest priority. After all, Pace’s future completely depends on Trubisky’s development. That said, Pace moving on from Fox would make sense.

If that were to happen, it’s unlikely that Vic Fangio would be promoted to take his spot. First of all, the Bears are likely to seek an offensive-minded coach to take over. The reasons for this are well documented. Fangio being a defensive coordinator doesn’t fit the bill. Second, Fangio has been a well-respected coordinator for years, but has never been too seriously considered for a head coaching job. There could be myriad reasons for this, but if many teams have had the opportunity to hire Fangio for their head role in the past and haven’t, it’s hard to imagine that he’d all of a sudden be a strong candidate for the Bears. It seems what they need is a young, bright offensive mind to pair with Trubisky to take his development to the next level. If the Bears do part ways with Fox, expect them to target a coach like that.

I’m not sure if the specifics of the conditions have been released as yet. But it’s surely based on production. It’s a great move by Ryan Pace. Dontrelle Inman showed the ability to get open and sure hands in San Diego — he was just buried on the depth chart. Pace found an opportunity to snag a receiver who was outnumbered that upgrades his receiving corps at minimal cost. If Inman’s production triggers the condition that sends the seventh-round pick to the Chargers, then that means he and Trubisky forged good chemistry and could fit in the offense’s future plans. If not, then there’s no risk at all.

This is a fascinating question, and I’ll answer it by first providing some overarching context. The Packers have a pretty flawed roster without Aaron Rodgers, and I believe it’ll be further exposed with him out with injury. Brett Hundley has been his backup for multiple years now, and has talent, but he’s no Rodgers. The Lions have struggled after a fast start. The Vikings have control of the NFC North and seem like the favorites to win the division based on current circumstances.

Then there’s the Bears. I think they’ve assembled a defense that could compete for a championship today. Yes, compete for a championship. They’ve been that good — and any doubts about their capability were erased with their performance in New Orleans, holding the high-powered Saints to just 20 points on their own turf. The offense, obviously, hasn’t pulled its own weight, mainly due to a lack of playmakers and predictable play-calling. Quite frankly, I expect it to improve in the second half as Mitch Trubisky continues to grow as a quarterback and Dontrelle Inman’s presence helps provide a more reliable target outside than Tanner Gentry.

Then there’s the schedule. The Bears sit at 3-5 at the halfway point — a full two games better than most expected them to be at this point in the year. And their second half looks like this: home vs. Packers, home vs. Lions, at Eagles, home vs. 49ers, at Bengals, at Lions, home vs. Browns, and at Vikings. I think the Bears are the better team in their matchups against the Packers, 49ers, Browns, and Bengals. If all goes as it should, they win those games. I think they split with the Lions too (winning the home game). And I’ll expect them to lose to the Eagles, Vikings, and the road Lions game.

That puts the Bears at 8-8, and that means they likely finish at least third in the division. Depending on how the other teams fare in certain matchups, they could be as high second place. At the beginning of the year, this seemed crazy. After watching the first half of the season and where they are now, not so much.

Best Memories From The 2016 World Series Cubs

By
Aldo Soto
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It’s the one-year anniversary of the Chicago Cubs winning the 2016 World Series and you’re damn right Cubs fans are still thinking about it. We can get into what this team is going to do in the offseason at a later time, but right now it’s time to reminisce.

All of these are from Game 7 against the Cleveland Indians and the celebration after.

Right off the bat, Dexter Fowler with the leadoff home run. Amazing start and still the only time there’s been a leadoff homer in a Game 7 of a World Series.

That was huge on two levels. Remember, Corey Kluber was starting for Cleveland and he had already shut down the Cubs in two previous starts, so getting a quick 1-0 lead was big, but just getting anything off of him early certainly gave the Cubs more confidence.

The Cubs knocked Kluber out of the game after Javier Baez hit a home run to start the fifth inning. After winning co-MVP in the NLCS, Baez only had one RBI in the World Series, but it was the last shot to get Kluber out.

Kris Bryant isn’t the fastest player in MLB, but damnit he’s one of the best base runners in the game. He showed that twice in Game 7, scoring on an Addison Russell sac-fly hit to shallow left-center field and then scoring from first base on an Anthony Rizzo single to right field.

That last play was off Andrew Miller, who like Corey Kluber was a machine in the postseason for Cleveland. However, the Cubs got to him as well and it was David Ross who delivered the biggest blow against Miller.

Now we go to the dark times of Game 7.

After Aroldis Chapman gave up the game-tying home run, you thought the Cubs were going to lose. You probably thought it was a guarantee after Joe Maddon brought Chapman back out for the ninth inning. I sure did. I was just waiting for the end that was sure to come because Chapman had nothing left. Go back and check out the ninth inning, all he was throwing were 86 mph sliders over the plate and the Indians somehow didn’t hit one out for a walk-off homer.

Although there was that one foul ball that we thought was going to be a home run and yes I still get a sick feeling in my stomach when I watch.

Damn you Fox cameras!

Anyway, Chapman somehow pitched a 1-2-3 ninth and then the rain delay. The Jason Heyward speech followed and the rest is history.

Anthony Rizzo standing at third base, with his hands on his head in total shock was every Cubs fan watching. At that time you just knew the Cubs were about to win the World Series and it didn’t seem real.

And no, we won’t forget Miguel Montero.

By the way, I know Rajai Davis is the one who had the home run and then the RBI-single in the 10th to make it 8-7, but Brandon Guyer was so damn annoying too. He pinch-hit in the fifth inning, got two hits, drove in a run in the eighth and then he walked and scored with two outs in the 10th inning too.

But at the end all that mattered was the Cubs finally won the World Series.

One of the best postgame moments was definitely Willson Contreras discussing what the win meant to him. He was 24-years-old when the Cubs won last year and has been with the organization since 2009, when he signed as an international free agent. The Cubs is all he’s known for most of his adult life and this moment was a real tear-jerker.

Also, you might be tired of David Ross popping up everywhere on your TV, but there’s no question that him going out on top was a great moment.

Last but not least, Theo Epstein and other Cubs players singing from the rooftop of Murphy’s.

Theo Epstein And The Cubs Serenaded Fans From The Rooftop Of Murphy’s

Predicting The Chicago Bears Second Half Schedule

By
Erik Lambert
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chicago bears schedule

November and December have been cruel months to the Chicago Bears schedule over the past six years. Since 2011 the team has a combined 19-32 record in those two months. Along with an 0-2 mark in early January games they are 19-34 during the second half of their schedule in that span. The last time they had a winning record in over that stretch was 2010 when they went 7-2. It wasn’t a coincidence they made the playoffs as a result.

The 2017 Bears seem like a group growing in confidence. After finishing 3-13 last year they’re already at that same win total halfway through this year. There is a belief that if they can come out of the bye week strong there’s a chance they can make a run at the playoffs. Or at least a winning record. At 3-5 this means they’d need to go at least 6-2 over the final eight games to pull it off.

Can they? Perhaps it’s time to review the schedule ahead armed with the latest information. Each game will be pinpointed and a prediction made as to the outcome that should be expected.

Chicago Bears 2017 second half schedule:

November 12th – vs. Green Bay Packers

This would’ve been a loss a month ago but things change fast in the NFL. Aaron Rodgers broke his collarbone in Minnesota. The man most directly responsible for the Packers’ dominance of Chicago over the past decade is now out of the picture. The last three times the Bears have played a Rodgers-less Packers team, they’ve won. Mike McCarthy is still a good head coach and will keep the game close but this game feels almost inevitable. Bears win (4-5)

November 19th – vs. Detroit Lions

The Bears actually defeated the Lions at Soldier Field last year. There’s no reason to think they can’t do it again. It’s virtually the same Detroit team that funnels all of their success through Matthew Stafford. Considering how improved the Bears defense is, it’s not hard to imagine them suffocating the Lions attack. Also they’ve lost three-straight games. This feels like a team that is on the cusp of spiraling out of control. Bears win (5-5)

November 26th – at Philadelphia Eagles

A reunion with Alshon Jeffery is in store here. The Eagles are the hottest team in the NFL right now. Everything is clicking. The defense remains a strong point and quarterback Carson Wentz is a favorite to win MVP. If that weren’t enough they’re also a perfect 4-0 at home. This just feels like a bad matchup. Chicago would need a concerted effort from their offense to have a chance and at this stage it doesn’t feel realistic. Bears lose (5-6)

December 3rd – vs. San Francisco 49ers

Facing a team with one of the worst records in the NFL is always a welcome sign. Where it gets interesting though is Chicago may be the first team to see the 49ers unveil their new quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. Is that enough to overcome the other problems San Francisco has on that roster? Well if Blaine Gabbert can win a game at Soldier Field, it’s important not to get cocky. Still the 49ers have one of the worst run defenses in the league. It should be a big day for Jordan Howard. Bears win (6-6)

December 10th – at Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals are another of those teams that is difficult to figure out. There are times they look like a playoff contender with assorted offensive weapons and dominant defense. Then they wet the bed against opponents they should crush. This past week they narrowly escaped a humiliating upset at home against the Indianapolis Colts. If nothing else this proves they’re a team that can be had if the Bears play a complete game. Unfortunately that is not a likely scenario with John Fox as head coach. Bears lose (6-7)

December 16th – at Detroit Lions

The rematch at Ford Field is bound to be interesting. The Lions have had a hard time winning there this season. Chicago actually almost got it done there a year ago, holding a 17-13 lead in the fourth quarterback. A late Detroit touchdown allowed them to escape but it was further proof that the Bears have no reason to fear them in that dome. All that said it’s hard to beat a quarterback like Stafford twice in a row. Bears lose (6-8)

December 24th – vs. Cleveland Browns

A Christmas eve clash with what might be the most dysfunctional organization in professional sports. The Browns are a mess. Not only have they lost 23 of their last 24 games, but a botched trade on Halloween revealed a serious divide in their power structure between the coaches and front office. That trickles down the players and their performance on the field. Can Cleveland overcome that to win a game in cold Soldier Field? Not impossible but it doesn’t seem likely. Bears win (7-8)

December 31st – at Minnesota Vikings

Let’s face it. The Bears have a hard time winning in Minnesota. They haven’t won a gave there since the 2011 season. That was when Joe Webb was their quarterback. The Vikings are a better team now and have clobbered Chicago 76-27 over the past two meetings up there. So unless they’ve already wrapped up the division and are cruise control going into the playoffs, it doesn’t feel like the Bears can muster the necessary output to pull off an upset. Bears lose (7-9)

As Things Stand the Bears Have 3 Ways To Stop Vic Fangio Exit

By
Erik Lambert
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chicago bears

Everybody thinks they know what the top priority is for the Chicago Bears going into 2018. It’s obvious enough. The team has no credible threats at wide receiver. Mitch Trubisky can’t become a viable franchise-caliber quarterback until he has the tools to do it with. This should be the number one job for GM Ryan Pace right? Wrong. His first job is somehow preventing a Vic Fangio exit from Chicago.

This year represents the last of the veteran defensive coordinator’s current contract. Given how well his unit has played of late, this is a potential disaster in the making. A young defense losing their conductor just when the orchestra was finding their rhythm. Adam Hoge of WGN Radio made it clear.

“This is a very complicated question, as general manager Ryan Pace will either have to extend Fox, let him go, or ask him to coach out the final year of his contract, which is rare in today’s NFL. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s contract is also up at the end of this season, and keeping him needs to be a top priority.”

The question of course is how? So much of this depends on if Fangio even wants to return. That is no guarantee given the hot rumors from last year that he and Fox weren’t seeing eye to eye. It might take a good deal of convincing to keep him in place. All things considered, the Bears have three avenues that give them a chance.

#1:  Mo’ Money

It’s unclear what Fangio is making in terms of his actual contract. NFL teams tend to keep that under wraps save for the head coaches. On average though a defensive coordinator makes around $600,000 a year. The good ones do better than that making upwards of $1 million per year. It’s conceivable that the Bears might be able to solve their problem with a simple pay raise. They can make his new contract to where he’ll be the highest-paid defensive coordinator in the NFL.

It’s not unheard of for teams to hang on to coordinators through head coaching changes. The Steelers did it with Dick LeBeau. The Bears did it with Buddy Ryan. Money is always the bottom line. Fangio can keep a cushy position in Chicago if he wants.

#2:  Promotion

This would be the option that holds the greatest likelihood of keeping Fangio in place. It’s no secret the man has wanted a shot to be head coach for years. Many felt he deserved to take over for Jim Harbaugh in 2015 but the team went elsewhere. At age 59 his window won’t be open much longer. No doubt he’d pounce at the opportunity if the Bears offered it.

Fangio is known for his honest, straightforward mannerisms and keen attention to detail. These can be valuable qualities for a head coach though it may be difficult to convince Bears ownership. They tend to like guys who aren’t chummy with the media. See Fox and Lovie Smith for an idea.

#3:  Find a coach he’ll serve under

This one could end up being a bit challenging. Not only would the Bears have to find a head coach that is comfortable with Fangio remaining as defensive coordinator, but also a one that Fangio respects and would be willing to stay on for. That could end up narrowing the field of potential candidates, which could prove to be unwise if the Bears are seeking out the right man for the job.

The hope would be that whomever they end up targeting has a full appreciation for Fangio’s reputation and wouldn’t seek to mess up a good thing going on defense.

Nikola Mirotic Has Finally Returned From Never Never Land

By
Matthew Milakovich
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nikola mirotic continues distance bulls teammates

Lately, Nikola Mirotic sightings have been in a similar vein as old stories of Bigfoot or my personal favorite, the Chupacabra…

A hell of a lot of rumors and conjecture and not a ton of factual evidence.

Well that changed yesterday, as K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune reported that Mirotic (who may or may not still have a Quasimodoesque lump on his face) returned to workout at the Bulls’ Advocate Center– but only after the team departed for Miami.

Johnson goes on to explain more here-

Nikola Mirotic visited the Advocate Center on Wednesday for his first supervised, light workout since Bobby Portis punched him in the face on Oct. 17, breaking two facial bones and causing a concussion.

That Mirotic worked out after the Bulls departed for a two-game trip beginning Wednesday in Miami—even factoring in the possibility he had previous morning obligations—only adds to the widespread belief that the two power forwards will have difficulty co-existing moving forward.

What Happens Now?

Its worth noting that If Paxson’s plan is to trade Mirotic, he can’t do so until January 15– as was reported in a well written piece by my colleague Matt Peck, chronicaling all the need-to-know info pertinent to the Mirotic-Portis feud. So aside from reporting that a sad Niko has been seen riding a bike supervised by Bulls staff members there’s really nothing else to say that can’t be found there.

However, considering for all we know Mirotic might have been healing his face in the sacred waters of Lake Minnetonka, or doing back strokes in the Caspian sea with Cat Stevens; this is most definitely something. Literally no one knew where the guy was or exactly how he was feeling for quite some time. So as far as progress goes, this certainly can be categorized as just that-

Progress.

The Bulls play the Miami Heat tonight at 6:30 in Miami.

Former NFL MVP Warns Bears Not to Keep John Fox

By
Erik Lambert
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john fox

John Fox is insistent on his stated goal for 2017. He still fully expects the Chicago Bears to compete for the division and make the playoffs. Problem is he’s going to need every shred of good luck he’s got left to make it happen. The Minnesota Vikings are cruising at 6-2. They already own a victory over the Bears and show no signs of letting up.

Even the wild card situation isn’t looking good. Excluding the division leaders, there are currently five teams with a better record than the Bears’ 3-5 mark. If that weren’t bad enough the Bears are already 0-2 in the division and 1-5 in the NFC. So unless they’re set to run the table for an 11-5 finish, their odds of reaching the postseason aren’t rosy.

This of course puts the future of Fox in question. He’s already had two losing seasons in Chicago at 6-10 and 3-13. General NFL creed is a coach must have at least one winning season in his first three to get more time. The Bears would have to go 6-2 during the second half to make that happen. Given the state of their passing game, that feels like an impossible task.

For one prominent former player, this may end up being a good thing.

Boomer Esiason believes Bears can’t unlock Trubisky with Fox

He may not be on the top tier of memorable great quarterbacks, but for a stretch Boomer Esiason was one of the best in the business. His four Pro Bowls and MVP award prove that much. He also understands the value of having a head coach who understands the position he plays. It makes sense he’d be an advocate of having an offensive guy in charge.

The best stretch of his career between Cincinnati and New York always involved an offensive head coach. His lone year with a defensive guy may have been his worst. It’s this experience and his time spent watching the Bears this season that has him convinced. If Chicago wants to get the most out of Mitch Trubisky, they have to let Fox go.

“I don’t necessarily know that this is the coaching staff or the offense that is going to get the most out of him. This is a defense-first coach (Fox). I never like that. I always want to see an offensive coach, much like Sean McVay, handling a high draft pick, much like Jared Goff in L.A.”

Is he right? On average do offensive head coaches get more out of quarterbacks than defensive ones? This is seems like a fun little research project to explore.

Offensive vs. defensive head coaches at the QB position

Below is a breakdown of 10 top quarterback names from the Super Bowl era. Each is either a Hall of Famer, a champion or both. Under their names will be listed the coach(es) they had during their career and what sort of background they came from. Maybe it will shed some light on what Esiason is saying.

Peyton Manning
  • Jim Mora (D)
  • Tony Dungy (D)
  • Jim Caldwell (O)
  • John Fox (D)
Tom Brady 
  • Bill Belichick (D)
Brett Favre
  • Mike Holmgren (O)
  • Mike Sherman (O)
  • Mike McCarthy (O)
  • Brad Childress (O)
Drew Brees
  • Marty Schottenheimer (D)
  • Sean Payton (O)
John Elway
  • Dan Reeves (O)
  • Wade Phillips (D)
  • Mike Shanahan (O)
Dan Marino
  • Don Shula (D)
  • Jimmy Johnson (D)
Joe Montana
  • Bill Walsh (O)
  • George Seifert (D)
  • Marty Schottenheimer (D)
Terry Bradshaw
  • Chuck Noll (D)
Fran Tarkenton
  • Norm Van Brocklin (O)
  • Allie Sherman (O)
  • Bud Grant (O)
Eli Manning
  • Tom Coughlin (O)
  • Ben McAdoo (O)

So what does the final tally reveal? Of the 10 names listed above, six of them had an offensive coach for all or the majority of their careers. The interesting part here is in the championship department. Combined the six QBs who had primarily offensive coaches won 10 Super Bowls. The four who had defensive coaches? They won 11.

At the same time it’s worth noting those defensive coaches were aided by offensive assistants who went on to become head coaches themselves. Peyton Manning had Bruce Arians and Adam Gase. Brady had Josh McDaniels and Bill O’Brien. The point being that on average quarterbacks do better when they have an offensive head coach somewhere on the staff.

Jokes aside it’s clear the Bears need to think long and hard about what they’re going to do with Fox come January.

A Few Questions From This Picture Of Tom Ricketts On Halloween

By
Aldo Soto
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Chicago Cubs owner Tom Ricketts greeted trick-or-treaters on Halloween Tuesday night and damnit, he owes everyone some answers.

First the photo:

My buddy is neighbors with the Ricketts family. Screw candy, take a baseball.

All right, the questions we need answers to.

  1. You’re the owner of the Cubs, why are you handing out fun-sized candy bars?
  2. You have a dutch door, why are you handing out fun-sized candy bars?
  3. Do you have a dutch door because you don’t want a dog running out, or do you enjoy answering the door without needing to have pants on?
  4. Are the baseballs signed?
  5. Are those baseballs also juiced?
  6. Are you trying to get rid of evidence of juiced baseballs?
  7. Are you saving money on Halloween candy to sign Bryce Harper?

OK, that concludes the questioning of Tom Ricketts.

h/t: Reddit

NFL Referee VPs Unanimous On if Zach Miller Scored that TD

By
Erik Lambert
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zach miller

It’s already been a few days but Chicago Bears fans are still talking about the game in New Orleans. Much of the furious debate centers around how bad the officiating crew was. There were a host of awful calls across the four quarters. However, none could even hold a candle to the mind-boggling sequence late in the third on the Zach Miller touchdown. Or non-touchdown.

Trailing 14-3, the Bears were driving deep in Saints territory. On third down, Mitch Trubisky dropped back to throw and lofted a 25-yard strike to the end zone. Tight end Zach Miller appeared to collect the pass with one hand for the touchdown. Unfortunately the 33-year old suffered a gruesome dislocated knee on the play.

It was a gorgeous play that ended in tragedy for Miller who was swiftly taken to the hospital. There he discovered he’d torn the main artery in his knee and almost lost the entire bottom half of his leg. Thankfully the rapid response of the doctors allowed them to repair the issue and he’s now recovering. Yet for Miller the worst part was what came right after the play itself.

Referees VPs join in bafflement of Zach Miller touchdown overturn

As the medics were getting him off the field, the call came in from the refs that the touchdown had been overturned because Miller had failed to maintain control. Yet every conceivable replay showed no evidence that the ball had hit the group. The game announcers were flummoxed by the overturn. Even several players took to social media saying it was a terrible call.

Of course the most interesting opinions to get are from current or former referees who understand the job. In that regard there was no change in opinion. Top guys Mike Pereira and Dean Blandino who represented the headquarters in New York were clear on where they stood.

Losing the TD proved to be the decisive moment of the game. If the Bears get it called their way, it’s 14-10 with plenty of time left. This means their touchdown later in the game wouldn’t have required a two-point conversion attempt. That would’ve made it 20-17 when Chicago began their final drive of the game. Only a field goal would’ve been needed to tie the game. It changes how both the offense and defense plays.

In the end it went down the way it did and the Bears now know they got robbed.

It’s Going To Take A Miracle For The Cubs To Sign Japanese Phenom

By
Sean Sears
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The dream of landing Japanese superstar Shohei Otani has been flirted with by most Cubs fans. A legitimate two-way player is always going to catch the attention of even the most casual of fans.

The Cubs need starters, and Otani could possibly be the most dynamic arm on the market in years. The majority of talk has centered around finding back of the rotation help. But when a player is being referred to as his countries Babe Ruth, you have my full attention. However, Otani has always been unlikely piece to end up in Chicago, even after he announced he was coming to the MLB in 2018.

Show Me The Money

For starters, the Cubs can only offer him somewhere in the range of a 300k signing bonus due to the new CBA. For reference, the Rangers can offer the most bonus money at $3,535,000.

So, the Cubs are playing from behind in that regard. But, the good news on Otani posting earlier than expected is that he is forgoing a massive payday to come play in the MLB this year. Like a reportedly $190+ mil payday to come to the states, leading people to assume he is doing for the love of the game.

Personally, I find it hard to believe that the most hyped Japanese player since Ichiro is coming to the MLB just because. But here we are.

Pros And Cons For The Cubs

We also don’t know if Otani plans to be an actual two-way player. Clearly, on the mound is where teams want his focus at, where he registered a 1.86 ERA in 2016. But Otani hit .322 with 22 home runs in 2016 and another 8 homers in 2017.

His skill set is a much better fit in the AL with the DH, especially with his recent ankle injury that kept him to just 25 games this season in the NPB. But if Otani is committed to consistently hitting everyday, playing the outfield in Chicago for at bats might not be what he is looking for.

A pro for the Cubs are that everyone has the same ceiling. Otani’s choice will depend on the fit on the team and the city, which should give an advantage to the Cubs. However, since there is a cap on how much Otani can make, every single team is going to be involved.

Plus, if he does want regular at bats, he likely profiles better in the AL. But, if there’s one thing I will never do is count this front office out on any deal.

 

So, The Cubs Chances Are…?

While the Cubs are limited in funds, they are still one of the best teams in baseball. They also happened to have one of the more entertaining clubhouses in baseball. Surely Joe Maddon would find ways to get Otani to the plate throughout the season.

It’s not entirely impossible that Otani agrees to an extension for 2019 – in theory, of course. The ‘spirit of the CBA’ is something you are going to hear a lot as the Otani-Mania starts. Essentially, the MLB is concerned teams are negotiating under the table deals for extensions or bonuses as a way around the strict CBA rules.

But, if the Cubs can sell the Japanese flame-thrower on a ‘prove it’ one year deal with hope of a mammoth extension – maybe he signs?

All of this is speculation of course, but with Otani likely capped at roughly $3.5 mil for 2018, teams are going to get creative to stand out from the rest. He could also supplement his contract with marketing opportunities in a larger city. New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago quickly come to mind.

But, the entire situation boils down to two things. Does he want to get paid or does he want to win? Coming a year earlier than expected to make less money would lean more towards winning. And if he is truly looking to play for a contender, the Cubs stand a better chance than most.

 

Seat for Chicago Bears Coaching Staff is “Red Hot”

By
Erik Lambert
-
john fox era

The Chicago Bears coaching staff is on quite the roller coaster. Well most of them are anyway. Vic Fangio seems like the only man who has managed to endear himself to fans and media. That of course thanks to the way his defense has played this season, especially the past three weeks. As for head coach John Fox, offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains and everybody else? Not so much.

Truth be told the buzz over the job security of this staff has felt shaky since January. Understandable since the team finished 3-13. There was a growing belief the Bears might cut ties. In fact back in December I was informed that Fox came exceedingly close to getting fired but would end up staying. Though expect a lot of changes.

Both came to pass. Fox remained but the Bears remade much of their assistant staff including wide receiver, running back, offensive line, outside linebackers and safeties. The warning was clear though. The staff was brought back reluctantly under the belief that a better run of health might change fortunes.

Chicago Bears coaching staff have failed to gain any ground

Truth be told not much has changed. The Bears are still getting banged up and still finding way to lose games they should be winning. Much of it due to simple mistakes that a well-disciplined team should never make. Just the game in New Orleans offered examples. Kyle Fuller lining up offsides on a field goal attempt. Charles Leno committing a false start on the first play of the final drive that put the offense behind the sticks.

It’s something that hasn’t changed for three years, and that all goes back to the man at the top in Fox. Everything I’ve heard to this point says he’s gone in the next two months. However, in the interests of corroboration I reached out to somebody else who has a prior history covering Fox in Broncos insider Benjamin Allbright. His reply? Fairly difficult to dispute.

One thing is for sure. Even opponents have no respect for the Bears coaching staff. Dan Hampton talked about it on the radio after the loss to New Orleans. He spoke to a Saints player about their impression of the Bears. The answer was equal parts exciting and infuriating. Take a guess on which side the coaches fell.

It’s clear now that GM Ryan Pace is going to uphold the Bears tradition of letting a head coach finish out a season. If it can happen for Marc Trestman, it can happen for Fox. Then again Trestman had a better winning percentage. Petty digs aside it feels like the final eight games of 2017 are do-or-die time for them.

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