The answer to the critical quarterback problem in Chicago could be much simpler than most fans realize, and it all starts with Brian Hoyer.
The Chicago Bears have four quarterbacks set to hit the free agent market… four. In addition to that, most expect Jay Cutler to be cut or traded before the 2017 season begins. That leaves a huge hole for Ryan Pace and his staff to fill this off-season.
There are several different routes to fixing this problem and most involve a high level of risk. Putting all your hope into a rookie quarterback could be a recipe for disaster, especially with the weak class this year, and trading the farm for an unproven veteran in Jimmy Garoppolo or an off-injured Tony Romo might set the franchise back even further.
So, inevitably, the question becomes ‘what should Pace do?’
Let’s think about this for a moment. An interesting stat worth considering is the following:
The youngest QB left in the playoffs is Matt Ryan drafted in 2008. Proof most players need development time in the NFL. Good luck #Bears.
As my tweet indicates, the Dak Prescotts and Ben Roethlisbergers of the world are rare (rookie QBs that light the NFL on fire), most veterans at the position took a decent amount of time to develop. If the mediocre play of rookies Carson Wentz and Jared Goff this season wasn’t enough proof of that, take Aaron Rodgers as another example. In his first two seasons Rodgers put up QB ratings of 39.6 and 48.2. The Chicago Bears general manager is well aware of this…that’s why he sees the value in taking multiple swings when trying to hit a home run at the quarterback position.
“I think it’s a good idea to add a quarterback every year.” Pace said.
The part of Pace’s statement that should be pointed out, because it isn’t included in the quote, is it must be done in a cost effective way. There’s a reason the Bears are expected to be ranked in the top 10, maybe top 5, for cap space in 2017 and it’s because Pace is a wise spender. Therefore, adding a quarterback every year is great but one wrong contract could easily derail this thought process.
For example, if the Bears traded a second and third-round pick for Garoppolo then turned around and signed him to a $100 million contract in 2018, Pace’s options for adding quality QBs every year would become quite limited.
When trying to minimize risk and come up with a solution that will give Bears fans confidence moving forward, there seems to be one clear answer. Here’s a solution that could become incredibly realistic as the draft process plays out.
On Tuesday night, against the Colorado Avalanche, Marian Hossa recorded his 600th career assist on a Tanner Kero goal. With that apple he became only the 32nd player in NHL history to record 500 goals and 600 assists. The list includes Hall of Famers like Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux and Stan Mikita, Michel Goulet from the Chicago Blackhawks.
To make the moment even more special was that it was the Blackhawks father’s trip. In attendance was Marian’s father, Frantisek, to witness his son’s accomplishment.
It’s no secret that the Chicago White Sox are in a rebuilding phase now. They’re finally taking a similar route to success that their crosstown rival Cubs used to such effectiveness. That being to unload their best veteran assets for a boatload of talented, young prospects. Initial impressions from the assorted deals made thus far is they cleaned up in a big way.
Michael Kopech was considered one of the centerpieces of the Chris Sale trade to the Boston Red Sox a few months ago. The 20-year old pitch is viewed as one of the top pitching prospects in the country. A 6’3″ kid out of Texas, most have come to know him for being a fireballer. Few can throw it harder from the mound than him.
Just how strong of an arm does he have? Exceptional by the look of this video from early practices down in the minors.
Kopech can reach 100 MPH regularly on the mound during games and was clocked hitting 105 on the gun in 2014. Such an arm could be of tremendous use to a team in the majors. Just ask the Cubs how they did with Aroldis Chapman during their run in 2016. Kopech still has plenty of work to do before he’s ready, but it’s good to see he’s off to a great start.
White Sox fans will love him when he’s finally brought up.
Coach Quenneville decided to switch up his lines after the Blackhawks were held to two goals in their last two games. Hartman and Panik were moved up to the top line with Toews and Hossa was moved to the third. The move seemed to spark the third and fourth line much more as they accounted for all of the scoring.
Things started quickly for the Blackhawks with a Nick Schmaltz goal but Nathan MacKinnon tied it shortly thereafter. Later on in the first period, Seabrook sent a blast to a well-screened goalie that found its way in.
The second saw furious action and four goals between the two teams. MacKinnon got his second to tie the game at 2 and then the Avalanche took the 3-2 lead only 1:03 later. The Blackhawks responded about :30 later with a Kero put back. Matt Duchene put the Avs up 4-3 shortly before the end of the period.
The third period saw little action for the first half of the period but then Vinnie Hinostroza was woke. He scored two goals in consecutive shifts to give the Blackhawks a 5-4 lead. His first was a breakaway that was easily the highlight of the night(see below). Kero added an empty netter to seal the Blackhawks win 6-4.
Highs: The third and fourth line scoring was ignited and took the pressure off the Kane-Anisimov-Panarin line.
Lows: Playing in a game this tight with a poor Avalanche team which only has 5 home wins.
The Bulls really wanted to avenge the ugly loss to the Dallas Mavericks back in December. When you lose 107-82 to the team with the NBA’s worst record, things tend to get ugly. That’s exactly what happened, when cranky point guard Rajon Rondo threw a towel at associate head coach Jim Boylen. That behavioral outburst earned the veteran a one game suspension, and the chatter surrounding the front office’s decision to sign him last summer picked up steam.
Fast forward to 2017, and the Bulls were slightly less pathetic this time around. Instead of a 25 point loss, Chicago lost to the Mavericks 99-98. It’s not a great sign that Fred Hoiberg needed a near-triple double from Jimmy Butler and a season-high 21 from center Robin Lopez to play level with Dallas, still one of the worst teams in the league. Butler finished with 24 points, 12 assists and 9 rebounds. The 12 dimes were a career high for Jimmy, but he couldn’t be the hero again in this one.
Butler put the Bulls up 98-96 with a pull up jumper late in a back and forth 4th quarter. But Wesley Matthews answered right back with a three pointer to give Dallas the lead with 11 seconds left. On the ensuing possession, Butler took the inbounds pass but lost the ball off the dribble. Dwyane Wade scooped up the loose ball and forced a tough jump shot from the left corner as time expired. It rimmed out off the back iron, and the birthday boy’s team went home with another disappointing loss. Wade, who turned 35 on Tuesday, scored 17 points.
The Bulls (21-22) fell back below .500 after winning their previous two games. Expect more of the same from this painfully mediocre squad this season.
Quick Hits
Nikola Mirotic returned after a 4 game absence because of illness. He was a total non-factor, scoring just 6 points in 22 minutes. His fellow “shooter” on the second unit Doug McDermott had another rough night, scoring 7 points on 3-10 shooting.
Rookie 2nd round pick Paul Zipser got his second consecutive start for the Bulls with Taj Gibson out resting a sore left ankle. The German forward tallied 5 points and 3 rebounds in 19 minutes. Hoiberg said at the team’s shootaround that Gibson’s ankle isn’t serious, and he rested the veteran as a precautionary measure. He hopes that Gibson will play on Friday.
Ames, Iowa product Harrison Barnes led the Mavericks with 20 points. Franchise staple Dirk Nowitzki had a double double with 10 points and 10 rebounds.
Next Up: The Bulls travel to Atlanta to battle the Hawks on Friday. Butler poured in 39 points in Chicago’s 115-107 loss to the Hawks on November 9. Tipoff is at 7:00 PM CST.
There is a long list of things that killed the Chicago Bears 2016 season. Topping the list of course is a piss poor secondary that routinely couldn’t force turnovers and gave up big plays. Then there was the carousel situation at quarterback due to injuries. To say nothing of the health problems throughout the rest of the roster.
One particular area that really sped up the spiral downward to a 3-13 finish was the disaster at tight end. Concern for the position really began when the team traded Martellus Bennett to New England in the off-season. The move was understood at the time, but there was a caution that they’d need to find a way to improve depth to compensate.
Ryan Pace certainly tried. He attempted to sign restricted free agent Josh Hill from New Orleans but was blocked. Then he tried trading up to get Arkansas standout Hunter Henry in the draft. Unfortunately he was taken by the Chargers. That meant the burden fell on veteran Zach Miller to stay healthy. Sure enough, he suffered a season-ending foot injury.
Now the Bears must find a way to bolster the position this off-season, and they may soon have a major opportunity to do so.
As I sat down to chat with St. Rita’s heralded three-time State Champion, Austin O’Connor, I was overcome with the sense that this just wasn’t any ol’ wrestler. This was someone who eats, breathes, bleeds and more than likely, sleeps on the mat. This was someone who was going to utilize his abilities to do something extremely special one day and make a lot of people proud.
O’Connor, in what can only be considered as pure coincidence, began wrestling shortly after his family took a trip to the local car dealership to purchase a new vehicle. While there, his brother was recruited by a car salesman to give wrestling a go. Austin followed closely behind and at the age of just four he began his relentless pursuit towards greatness.
The Lockport native is now on the verge of joining some extremely elite company. This season marks the 80th year in which Illinois state champions will be crowned in wrestling. Looking back, only 14 wrestlers have won four state titles, all of which occurred during the 33-year span between 1981 and 2014.
In February, Austin will look to join this prestigious list, which includes fellow Mustang Albert White (2007). As St. Rita’s John Nee reported, Austin is also three-time CCL Champion having pinned every opponent he’s faced in his first three years, which is just mind-boggling.
As I began reading off his résumé, I looked to see if there was any type of reaction coming from O’Connor, whether it be one of satisfaction, excitement or maybe even awe. What I got was a look of ‘dude, you ain’t seen nothing yet’.
Austin O’Connor
18-year-old senior
Committed to the University of North Carolina
175-4 (School record 113 pins), including 31-0 in 2016-17
3x State Champion
3x Catholic League Champion
On a night in which he, along with his fellow seniors were due to be honored for their efforts over the past four years, O’Connor was all business. I wasn’t even sure he was aware, but I had just learned that InterMat Wrestling called to inform coach Mike Boyd that Austin would be ranked #1 in the nation at 145 pounds following his most recent tournament victory at the Al Dvorak Memorial on December 23.
Al Dvorak Memorial Wrestling Tournament Champ
Austin, with coaches Alan Lick, John Murphy, Dan Manzella and Mike Boyd (left to right) became a 4X Dvorak Champion and 2X Dvorak Most Outstanding Wrestler of the tournament award winner back in December.
In a recent article by the Illinois Matmen, head coach Dan Manzella provided some insight as to why “OC” is unlike any other kid he’s ever coached.
“I’ve never wrestled with or been around anybody that wants to win as much as he does, ” St. Rita coach Dan Manzella said of O’Connor. “The kid’s tenacity is out of control and so is his will to win. And he’s never happier than when he’s wearing a pair of wrestling shoes.”
There is a something different about Austin, he’s not just happy with getting the W, he wants to inflict damage to his opponent during the six or so minutes he has with them on the mat. He is cerebral and methodical. He breaks their desire to engage while he dismantles them both physically and mentally.
As I spoke further with Boyd, who will replace Manzella as the head coach next season, I began to understand just why O’Connor was different than virtually any other wrestler in the country.
“Austin has the best short offense in the country. When a guy shoots, Austin punishes you then scores. Kids refuse to shoot on him now. Of all the 4X State champions, he is the most feared. Some were good on top, has explosive attacks, but none would physically beat you up until you quit, ” said Boyd.
Austin looks to drive his opponent into the mat.
So, what’s different about Austin you ask?
You would assume he was just born with it, right?
Wrong.
“He isn’t a great athlete. wasn’t born with talent. He is just the hardest working high school wrestler I have ever seen. The second I say single legs, he is shooting singles. He fights for every rep, and makes sure that he gets the last rep in every go, ” said Boyd.
Boyd, a former state champion in his own right having went 50-0 his senior season in high school, went on to say Austin isn’t a wrestler you can replace. “I don’t recruit the most talented. I look for the most relentless. The kid who shows up to a tournament and is the first one warming up. The kid who comes to the high school tournaments. The kid who knows the top five ranked in IHSA and the top five ranked in the NCAA, ” said Boyd.
“When I first got here, I thought coaching the “1%” was a cookie cutter format. I coached 15 wrestlers who received Division I scholarships, but Austin is a different breed of wrestler. He doesn’t care about the cool wrestling shoes, doesn’t care about girls coming to see him, doesn’t care about how many likes he gets on Instagram. He is a student of the game and we have a very mature relationship. I see what works for him and I realize my way isn’t the only way to be successful, ” added Boyd.
As the accolades piled up, so to did the phone calls and interest in Austin. There was Illinois and Missouri, there was Nebraska and Michigan, but ultimately it was the coaching staff, which includes local legend Tony Ramos and Coleman Scott, of North Carolina that sold O’Connor on attending Chapel Hill.
This past Saturday, his title win at Lincoln-Way East gave him his fourth Illini Classic title and the beat goes on.
ILLINI CLASSIC CHAMP
O’Connor became just the second wrestler ever to win four straight Illini Classic Titles with his tournament win on Saturday.
Are you starting to get the picture? The kid’s not only a beast, but he’s own worst critic. He’s constantly watching tape and trying to improve. Even in victory, O’Connor is never satisfied trying to plot out how he can defeat the opponent even faster if they meet again.
In early January, he won his fourth individual title at the prestigious Cheesehead Invitational, an accomplishment Austin holds in very high regard.
Increasing scoring in the NHL is a subject of debate every offseason and they decided to make some changes for this season. Instead of making nets bigger they’re decreasing the size of goalie equipment again. The rule will mandate the goaltenders will wear pants that are more fitting to their size. The problem, they waited until February 4th to enforce these new rules.
The idea is to have goalies wear equipment that fits their body type properly. Guys with skinny waists will have pants that fit closer to their waist and guys with long legs will have pants that don’t hang as low(insert jokes here).
Players have been known to go to the limit on sizes because they could. Tighter pants could reduce a goalie’s width by as much as six inches, some say, increasing open shooting areas.
Tendies would also let the laces of their pants hang off but now all the laces have been removed. Seriously, these guys took advantage of everything given to them.
So, it’s not just Corey Crawford and Scott Darling that will have gaping five-holes. It’s the whole league. Let’s just hope that this increases the Blackhawks scoring in the lead up to the playoffs.
NHL has issued memo to all clubs/goalies saying all netminders must be wearing the "new" re-designed/size appropriate pants by Feb 4.
A new report states that the Chicago Cubs are showing interest in a former first round pick. (Photo courtesy of Twitter)
The Chicago Cubs quest for a starting pitcher this offseason has been far from a secret. The team was one of the finalists to sign Tyson Ross and has shown trade interest in pitchers such as Chris Archer and Sonny Gray.
As the Cubs search for starting pitching depth, the club is reportedly interested in a former first round pick.
According to Fan Rag Sport’s Tommy Stoke, the Chicago Cubs have begun showing interest in former Red Sox, Padre and Brave Casey Kelly.
As #Cubs search for pitching depth, they're among teams to show interest in former #RedSox 1st rounder Casey Kelly.
Kelly was once considered one of the better pitching prospects in the MLB. In 2010, ESPN ranked him as the 10th best prospect in baseball. He was one of the main pieces, along with Anthony Rizzo, that the Red Sox traded to San Diego in the Adrian Gonzalez trade.
After being traded from the Padres to Braves, Kelly hasn’t had much luck on the free agent. This is due to his atrocious performance on the mound over his three years in the league.
Kelly has appeared in 19 games and 62 innings. He holds a career 2-8 record with a 6.39 ERA and a 40/20 K/BB ratio.
Clearly the Chicago Cubs see something in Kelly. It’s important to note that Theo Epstein was Boston’s General Manager when Kelly was drafted. Perhaps Epstein feels that Kelly could return to his former top prospect glory.
If nothing else it would be a good buy-low signing for the Cubs. Kelly would likely have to settle for a minor league contract. If he can right the ship in the minors then he could potentially get a shot in the minors. But even if he doesn’t live up to that potential, the Cubs shouldn’t have too much money invested in him.
Casey Kelly isn’t Tyson Ross, or even Jason Hammel for that matter. But Theo Epstein was the one who drafted him, and clearly he thinks Kelly has potential.
It makes sense for a team like the Cubs to take a chance on the once promising prospect. It won’t blow fans away, but there’s a chance Epstein signs his former first round pick and brings Casey Kelly to the Windy City.
Feel free to continue the conversation on Twitter: @DFappiano14
This offseason, Bleacher Report has published a series of articles dedicated to ten players at each position who you should be paying attention to in Spring Training. The Chicago White Sox have seen their fair share of players make that watch list.
But Spring Training isn’t all about the young guns. In Bleacher Report’s newest list, a White Sox veteran was named as one of the more interest players to watch this Spring.
White Sox fans have been patiently waiting for answers surrounding Todd Frazier. The third baseman is reportedly on the trade block, but he hasn’t seen much interest. Frazier is currently in limbo and his status for the 2017 season is uncertain.
He would be attractive trade bait based not just on his talent, but his affordability with only one season left in between him and free agency. And while his market is dormant for now, it could liven up if teams with uncertain situations at third base decide to seek a certain solution.
Spring Training not only gives the team a chance to watch Frazier, but it gives other teams a chance to evaluate their own third base position. If that team feels that the production is not up to par, they could contact the White Sox in an effort to acquire Frazier.
One team that comes to mind is the Boston Red Sox. The team is currently poised to go into the season with Pablo Sandoval as their starting third baseman. But if he flames out over Spring Training, Frazier could be Boston’s answer.
Perhaps the Rockies look at their team on the diamond and feel that it’s playoff ready. They could look to acquire Frazier as a first baseman, flipping one of their outfielders for a pitcher.
The options could be endless for Frazier come Spring Training. While his market may not be hot now, any team in need of power could come calling. With injuries likely to occur, Frazier could be one of the most coveted position players on the market.
Fans already know what to expect in Frazier, power; and lots of it. But Spring Training will allow for other teams to evaluate their roster. And if there is a hole, Frazier could be a quick fix.
It isn’t a 100% guarantee that the White Sox third baseman is moved during Spring Training. But the potential seems quite high, and atleast to Bleacher Report, makes Todd Frazier one of the most interesting third baseman to watch this Spring.
Feel free to continue the conversation on Twitter: @DFappiano14
