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Here’s a New Reason To Believe Leonard Floyd Will Dominate 2017

leonard floyd

The Vic Fangio reputation by this point has spread across the entire NFL. Most believe him to be one of the 3-4 best defensive coordinators in professional football. A disciplined mad scientist with great attention to detail who just understands how to instruct his players. New Bears cornerback Prince Amukamara even said recently that other coaches he knew told him to go to Chicago so he could play for Fangio.

The guy has been coaching defense since 1979. He broke into the pros in 1984 for the now defunct United States Football League. Two years later he was linebackers coach for the New Orleans Saints. He was just 28-years old at the time. A bright young mind who was about to show the world what he could do. Suffice to say it didn’t take long for him to impress.

Most people are focused on the secondary this season. The Bears made a ton of additions this year in hopes of improving that group after a difficult 2016. Though that’s important, the one player that people need to watch is Leonard Floyd. Especially when it comes to Fangio.

Vic Fangio reputation with pass rushers runs deep

It was stated earlier this year that Fangio would be putting more of his personal time into coaching the linebackers in 2017. This is great news for the Bears. For those who don’t know, this is a job that the man knows well. His first NFL assistant position was linebackers coach in New Orleans. In fact it was there that he began a trend that continues to hold true to this day.

That trend involves the rapid improvement of his pass rushers. Go back to each and every team he’s coached on. It won’t take long to find one young rusher who made a massive jump in productivity from his first year to his second under Fangio.

New Orleans Saints

  • Pat Swilling (1986) – 4 sacks
  • Pat Swilling (1987) – 10.5 sacks

Carolina Panthers

  • Lamar Lathon (1995) – 8 sacks
  • Lamar Lathon (1996) – 13.5 sacks

Indianapolis Colts

  • Marcus Washington (2000) – 2 sacks
  • Marcus Washington (2001) – 8 sacks

Houston Texans

  • Kailee Wong (2003) – 3 sacks
  • Kailee Wong (2004) – 5.5 sacks

San Francisco 49ers

  • Aldon Smith (2011) – 14 sacks
  • Aldon Smith (2012) – 19.5 sacks

That’s pretty consistent work by Fangio. It’s also great news for Floyd. Expectations are high for the young outside linebacker. Despite missing four games with injury in 2016, he still produced seven sacks including 6.5 over a five-game span. There is no denying his immense athletic potential. It’s about whether he can find the technical prowess to match it. That’s where Fangio comes in.

Given his track record to date, there is every reason in the world to expect a big year from Floyd. If the numbers are averaged out from each of his stops, fans can expect somewhere in the vicinity of a 5.2 sack increase to Floyd’s season total. That means he will hit the 12-sack mark this year. It’s hard not to get excited about that.

If he does that and the secondary improves, then the Bears defense will be in business for the first time in years. That should get the fans revved up again.

Mitch Trubisky Projected To Overtake Mike Glennon After This Many Games

chicago bears stat projections

It’s important to never get too lost in the raw numbers when it comes to predicting how an NFL season will go. At the same time, math might be one of the most important parts of professional sports. If nothing else they can reveal a lot that people might not see. So see the Chicago Bears stat projections for 2017 from ESPN was more than a little revealing.

Their expert Mike Clay, who also hosts a radio show on SiriusXM, did a full comprehensive breakdown of the Bears’s season. Not just the likely numbers their players will put up too. He did win total as well. There were more than few revealing tidbits from it, which can be see below. Suffice to say there is some to like and some to dislike.

Chicago Bears stat projections

Jordan Howard dominates

Perhaps the most predictable note from this list is the fact that running back Jordan Howard continues his ascent to the top of the NFL. Expectations are for him to post 1,274 yards rushing with another 232 through the air and nine total touchdowns. That’s solid work given he’ll almost certainly be the focus of opposing defenses.

Disappointing record 

Normally it should be a good thing when a team doubles their win total from the year before. It rings kind of hollow though when it involves going from 3-13 to 6-10. This would mark the fourth-straight losing season for the Bears. It would also result in just 14 total wins for head coach John Fox across three years. Almost a certain result that will get him fired.

Improved secondary

As a team the Bears secondary had just eight interceptions total in 2016. That’s bad. Really bad. It’s a big reason why they invested so heavily in the unit this offseason. Expectations are for things to get better in 2017. Clay sees the starters posting nine interceptions with an additional two from linebackers Jerrell Freeman and Danny Trevathan.

Glennon survives 12 games before Trubisky switch

By far the most interesting projection on the chart though stood at quarterback. Not so much the gross yardage or touchdown totals either. It’s how long starter Mike Glennon lasts before rookie Mitch Trubisky replaces him. The Bears have been quite adamant that they intend for Glennon to play the full season. Anyone with common sense knows though that the team will make the switch when the time is right.

Glennon is expected to make it 12 games, having posted just 15 touchdown passes to nine interceptions by that point. Given the expected Bears record, it’s not hard to see why the switch would take place. Based on the layout it would come in Week 13 against the San Francisco 49ers at Soldier Field. Seems reasonable enough. Debut the kid at home against another rebuilding team.

That will give him a solid month of playing time towards the end of the year on a relatively lighter schedule. A great way to get him some experience and confidence going into 2018. Whether all of this comes true won’t be known until they play the actual games. Bears fans can only hope some of it does and some of it doesn’t.

Former Coach Explains Why Mitch Trubisky Will Be an NFL Success

mitch trubisky starting job

Keith Heckendorf may be young by coaching standards, but the guys knows what good quarterbacks look like. He should. The current North Carolina quarterbacks coach played the position in college himself. It’s really been his job since he was a teenager. Every waking moment since that time has been devoted to understanding the makeup of the position. So if anybody knows if Mitch Trubisky success in Chicago is possible, it’s him.

He sat down to continue a recent interview with The Draft Wire to continue talking about his former pupil. Certain topics were brought up such as Mitch’s comparison to other recent top five draft picks like Marcus Mariota and Jameis Winston. Or whether his having a strong arm or not was important at the pro level.

The most interesting segment though came when Heckendorf talked about the overall makeup  of Trubisky. Specifically the traits that he possesses that give him the best possible chance to excel against the best in the business.

Mitch Trubisky success hinges on work ethic and decision-making

Heckendorf began by describing what separates the top quarterbacks in the NFL from the rest of the pack. Why is it teams fear those guys but not so much others? It can’t be physical talent. There are plenty of QBs more gifted than Tom Brady. Yet he has five rings and a bust waiting in Canton. So what’s the deal?

“When you start looking at how guys transition to the next level, there has to be a hunger about them. They have to be able to walk themselves into their new building and go get it. They have to have an attitude about them, especially at the quarterback position, and Mitch possesses that.”

Trubisky has made it clear from the start his priorities are centered on the team. Every time people have brought up other subjects like his hobbies or his contract, the 22-year old shrugged them off like snowflakes. Over and over again he made it clear his attention was on immersing himself in the offense. Nothing else matters. That’s the sort of laser focus people expect from the quarterback position.

Did Jay Cutler have it? Maybe, but it never really seemed that way. Regardless, Heckendorf is confident Mitch has the drive. So what about the tools?

The Big Three

There are plenty of traits great quarterbacks must have to make it in the NFL. Then again, most experts today agree that there are three core elements. If they are missing just one of them, the chances of success drop significantly. The coach laid them out in detail.

“Competitiveness is the first one. I need to have a guy who’s the ultimate competitor because he should be the one who influences everybody else around your football team. I think the quarterback has to be a guy that understands football; he has to have the ability to process information at a high level and in order to do that, you have to love the game because you have to spend a lot of time studying in the off-season, even when you’re away from the field.

Finally, he needs to have the ability to place the ball where you want it. You have to be accurate. Those windows open and close really fast in that league [NFL] and you’ve got to be able to put it where you want it on time. The ability to do that on a consistent basis is key.”

Look at the top quarterbacks in the NFL these days and those qualities stand out in a big way. In fact there might even be a way to measure them out with statistics. For competitiveness it could be their late-game heroics and fourth quarter comebacks. The football processor how fast they unload the ball. Lastly is turnover ratio for accuracy.

Tom Brady

  • 4th quarter comebacks (career):  39 
  • Average time to throw:  2.57 seconds
  • TD to INT ratio:  28 to 2

Drew Brees

  • 4th quarter comebacks (career):  28
  • Average time to throw:  2.42 seconds
  • TD to INT ratio:  37 to 15

Aaron Rodgers

  • 4th quarter comebacks (career):  10
  • Average time to throw:  2.87 seconds
  • TD to INT ratio:  40 to 7

Derek Carr

  • 4th quarter comebacks (career):  12
  • Average time to throw:  2.49 seconds
  • TD to INT ratio:  28 to 6

Matt Ryan

  • 4th quarter comebacks (career):  25
  • Average time to throw:  2.64 seconds
  • TD to INT ratio:  38 to 7

So how does Mitch Trubisky measure up to those big names, at least in terms of his brief college run?  Well he had two fourth quarter comebacks in 13 games. He threw 30 touchdowns to just six interceptions. His exact time average time to throw is unknown since college stats don’t cover that but most agree he’s got the necessary quick release.

There is still a ton of proving to do and the Bears have must do their part to help him thrive. That means getting as many good blockers and receivers as they can possibly muster. If everything goes according to plan, this could be the best investment the team has made in decades.

White Sox Call Up Prospect Alen Hansen

Feb 21, 2014; Bradenton, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Alen Hanson (63) poses for a photo at Pirate City. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Just days after Rick Hahn snagged Alen Hansen off of waivers from the Pittsburg Pirates, he will make his White Sox debut. Because he was picked up just days ago, Hansen is probably more of an unknown to most White Sox fans than not. Here, we dive into what he can be for a White Sox team that is starting to lose ground fast in the American League.

Tools

Hansen plays SS/2B mainly, but also saw some time at 3B and OF with the Pirates. His best tool is his elite speed, which grades out at 60 on the 20-80 scale. He is a guy that can get on base through bunts, and soft infield singles. When he does get the barrel on the ball, he has the ability to stretch a single into a double if outfielders sleep on him. While his power and arm tools are both slightly below average, his hit and field tools both grade out at 50, which is considered average.

Role

Hansen is by no means a top prospect, but he does have the ability to help the team in a variety of ways. Right now, he is probably going to be used in a super-utility type role. Renteria could plug him in anywhere he wants in the infield (except 1B obviously). He should get the green light to swipe bags more often than not once he gets on base, and can also be used as a very effective pinch runner for late-game situations.

Final Thoughts

Alen Hansen should be an overall solid addition to the White Sox. One thing to look out for is his maturity, as he had some attitude issues while in Pittsburg. His flexibility and speed tool should help Renteria modify lineups and defensive schemes as he sees fit. He should hit anywhere from the leadoff spot, to the eight or nine hole. Rick Hahn picked up a speedy player who has the ability to play all over the diamond. If Hansen can consistently start to hit more, he could end up being a steal.

Chicago Blackhawks Could Trade A Core Player Very Soon

The Chicago Blackhawks could be making a major shakeup to the roster that would involve the departure of a core player very soon.

It’s uncertain which player will be dealt, but 670 The Score’s Jay Zawaski seems to believe a trade is looming. Zawaski added some more details regarding what he’s been hearing.

The only definite points in Zawaski’s report (we’ll get to Kruger later) is that the trade will not involve Toews. However, this deal will hurt the Hawks immediately. Who does that leave as potential trade bait? It’s safe to assume Patrick Kane, Duncan Keith, Artemi Panarin and Corey Crawford are all safe and nobody will take Marian Hossa’s contract.

That leaves Brent Seabrook, Niklas Hjalmarsson, Artem Anisimov as the key players who could be the most exposed.

Seabrook is obviously the ideal person to deal despite his affinity among the fan base. He’s entering the second year of a brutal eight-year extension that he signed in 2015. However, Seabrook has shown signs of regression the past two seasons and is 32 years old. Just imagine what he’ll look like come 2024.

This won’t be easy to swallow, but the Hawks should try to get Seabrook off the books at all costs. The compensation is less of a concern, as Seabrook’s $6.875 million average annual salary is hampering the organization.

As we saw with the Bryan Bickell trade, a sacrificial lamb (Teuvo Teravainen, in that case) might need to be offered to get a deal done.

HockeyBuzz.com’s John Jaeckel reports he’s heard rumors suggesting the Vancouver Canucks and Toronto Maple Leafs might be interested in working out a deal for Seabrook. Vancouver has more than $17 million in salary cap space, while the ascending Leafs have a bit more than $12 million in cap room.

Hjalmarsson might present the most value to prospective trade partners. He has only two years remaining on his contract and is still a great defender. Shedding his $4.1 million average salary would give the team some precious breathing room financially, but it would deal a serious blow to Chicago’s odds of winning it all next season.

Anisimov has gelled well with Kane and Panarin on Chicago’s explosive second line. However, he was exposed in the faceoff dot and the Hawks could probably find a serviceable partner between Kane and Panarin for cheaper than $4.55 million.

As for Kruger, it appears his tenure in Chicago will end after seven seasons. He has two years left on his contract and will make $3.083 the next two seasons. All indications seem to be Kruger will wind up with the Las Vegas expansion team and Jaeckel reports a deal is likely.

This annual dump is something Blackhawks fans should be accustomed to now. Two years ago, the team dealt Patrick Sharp to Central Division rival Dallas and let plenty of other contributors from the 2015 Stanley Cup team leave. Last year, Teravainen was sacrificed to get Bickell off the books in a trade to the Carolina Hurricanes.

Rumors are buzzing about the Hawks with just a couple of weeks until the team hosts the 2017 NHL Draft at the United Center. As recent history as shown us, when there’s smoke, there tends to be a fire.

The Cubs Are STILL Being Rewarded For Winning The World Series

It’s good to be champs.

Even though they won the World Series championship over seven months ago, the Chicago Cubs are still reaping all the benefits. Before Wednesday’s game against the Miami Marlins, the team received these absolutely SICK customized putters from a local golf shop.

Bettinardi Golf, which is based in Tinley Park, IL, created these beautiful custom-fitted putters for members of the team, coaches, and front office staff. Bob Bettinardi has created a tradition of gifting customized putters to Chicago teams who win championships (Blackhawks 2010 and White Sox 2005) and the Cubs are the latest recipients of these bad ass putters.

Per E. Michael Johnson of Golfdigest.com,

“The putters are a limited-edition DASS model with the Chicago Cubs logo and 2016 World Series Champions stamped on the sole. The back cavity has a simple blue W and the rear bumpers have 1908 and 2016 in red paintfill. The headover is a striking replica of the Cubs’ home white pinstriped uniforms, complete with Cubs logo in blue and red.”

Many of the Cubs play golf in the off-season and from what I’ve read, it would come down to Kyle Hendricks or Kris Bryant being the best golfer on the team but let’s face it folks — if the Cubs don’t start playing better baseball, they’ll be getting to use this putter a lot sooner than they’d hoped.

First Impressions of Alshon Jeffery Are Coming Out in Philadelphia

alshon jeffery eagles

It was a dark day for a lot of Chicago Bears fans when they heard the Alshon Jeffery Eagles signing went down. Many people were depressed because the team had lost its second former Pro Bowl receiver in two offseasons. That depression quickly turned to anger when they heard reports that Alshon actually called insider Adam Schefter asking what the other wide receivers were set to make in free agency.

Right then it became clear to Bears fans that Jeffery was only ever interested in making the most money possible. All his lines about wanting to stay in Chicago and the team would win a Super Bowl was BS. A fact driven home when he only signed a one-year deal with Philadelphia. It was apparent he wanted a guaranteed prove-it contract so he could increase his value before getting right back on the market

Of course all of that savvy planning hinges on one critical factor. He has to play well this season. Really well. Otherwise it’s a moot point.

Alshon Jeffery Eagles run off to a slow start

One can imagine Philadelphia fans were over the moon when the Jeffery signing went down. The overall goal of the entire 2017 offseason for their team was to put better receivers around their young quarterback Carson Wentz. This was considered their biggest fish captured. He was going to be the guy that made everything better.

So naturally he’d make that clear from the start, right? Well not so much. According to Eliot Shorr-Parks who covers the Eagles for NJ.com, he was asked whether Jeffery has stood out in Organized Team Activities thus far. The answer didn’t leave much room for interpretation.

That’s certainly not something Eagles fans will want to hear. If it holds true into the season? Oh dear. Alshon is in for a world of pain. There are few fan bases that can be more brutal than Philadelphia when they aren’t happy. Shorr-Parks backtracked shortly afterwards stating Jeffery looked good but had not produced any “WOW” moments thus far.

There is no doubt the credibility of Alshon as a supposed #1 wide receiver is on life support. He hasn’t made the Pro Bowl since 2013 and hasn’t produced over 1,000 yards since 2014. Two years ago his seasons was reduced to nine games because of numerous injuries. Last year he missed another four due to a PED suspension.

In many ways this is his last serious chance at a big pay day. Could he find yet another way to blow it? Given his reputation, Bears fans would not be the least bit surprised.

This Story of How Prince Amukamara Learned the Peanut Punch Is Tremendous

peanut punch
GREEN BAY, WI - SEPTEMBER 13: Charles Tillman #33 of the Chicago Bears forces a fumble by Jermichael Finley #88 of the Green Bay Packers during the game at Lambeau Field on September 13, 2012 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers won 23-10. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

By this point pretty much all Chicago Bears fans have heard of the infamous “Peanut Punch.” It’s a style of play pioneered and perfected by by former Pro Bowl cornerback Charles Tillman. One in which he would quite literally punch the football out of the grasp of ball carriers. He did it so many times that soon he began teaching teammates how to do it.

Little did he know that he was changing how the game of football would be played by defensive backs. New Bears cornerback Prince Amukamara said as much during a recent interview with the Chicago Sun-Times. In the midst of talking about his expectations for 2017, the 28-year old couldn’t help but reference his connections to the franchise.

Most notably a story about how he first encountered the Peanut Punch and how it caught on with him and many others on the New York Giants.

Peanut Punch arrived in Big Apple via Zack Bowman

“Zack Bowman brought the Bears’ big secret to the Giants and, after some prodding, spread it like religion.

In 2014, members of his new team noticed that Bowman, a little-used cornerback toward the end of his six-year Bears career, kept forcing fumbles during preseason practice.

“It was crazy,” cornerback Prince Amukamara said. “Bowman came there and was getting about two turnovers a day just by punching the ball. Just because it was new. (Receivers) didn’t know how to lock it in. Guys hadn’t seen it or experienced that type of pressure.”

Finally, his fellow Giants cornerbacks — including Amukamara, who the Bears signed to a one-year, $7 million deal in March — asked him about the secret.

It was, of course, the Peanut Punch, popularized by former Bears cornerback Charles Tillman.

“Guys started inquiring, and asking, ‘Man, how are you doing it?’” Amukamara said. “And then after that, me and the other guys, we started doing it. …

“We were all thankful that Bowman taught us that.”

Zack Bowman was embracing the punch long before he arrived in New York. In fact he employed it successfully on a number of occasions. None more memorable, ironically, than during a game against the Giants in 2010.

Lasting legacy

Bowman spent six seasons with the Bears. He elevated in and out of the starting lineup on defense throughout that time. He never could stick though due to consistency issues. That didn’t stop him from taking the lessons he learned to heart though. Despite spending just one year in New York, his tips about the punch seemed to stick.

A year after Bowman was one the team, the Giants forced 18 fumbles in 2015. Six of them were caused by defensive backs. That’s a pretty substantial impact and a perfect encapsulation of how far Tillman’s influence has gone throughout the league. Nowadays other cornerbacks are using variations of it to great effect. Of course they have a long way to go to top the master.

Tillman retired with 44 forced fumbles in his career. That’s the most for any defensive back in NFL history. People may imitate him, but they’ll never duplicate him.

Everyone At Wrigley Field Knew Anthony Rizzo Struck Out Looking Except For The Ump

Everyone at Wrigley Field knew it, you watching at home, people watching at a bar, your blind uncle, everyone saw Anthony Rizzo take strike three down the middle of the plate in the first inning except for home plate umpire Dan Bellino.

This was so obvious, even if the catcher had to move his glove back across the plate. Rizzo immediately put his head down and began to take a few steps toward the Chicago Cubs dugout, but no, the pitch down the middle of the plate was called ball 3.

It was such a ridiculous call that Len Kasper and Jim Deshaies couldn’t hold their laughter.

Rizzo then took ball four in the dirt and after Ben Zobrist singled, Jason Heyward had a run-scoring hit to center. Zobrist was also able to score on the Heyward hit because the Rockies misplayed the ball in the outfield, giving the Cubs an early 2-0 lead.

So, there you go, umpires still suck. And I don’t care that this favored the Cubs, it’s complete bullshit because it keeps happening when there’s a solution right on the screen to fix the issue of calling balls and strikes.

Three Potential Future Stars Should Be In Play For White Sox At Pick 11

CHICAGO, IL - MARCH 31: General manager Rick Hahn of the Chicago White Sox talks with manager Robin Ventura before the Opening Day game between the White Sox and the Minnesota Twins at U.S. Cellular Field on March 31, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Rick Hahn; Robin Ventura

Now that the Luis Robert hype has finally started to settle, fans will be turning their attention to the next phase of the White Sox rebuild: the 2017 MLB Draft. Everyone already seems to be looking ahead to the 2018 Draft, when Seth Beer will be in play. That’s fine and all, but the 2017 MLB Draft is going to produce many stars in its own right. RHP/SS Hunter Greene, LHP/1B Brendan McKay, and RHP Kyle Wright are the “Big 3” this year, but there is still plenty talent to be had. Today, I see three perfect fits for the White Sox at no. 11. Whether or not they will be there is a different story. That being said, here are the three prospects the White Sox could be in play for come Monday.

 

1) 1B Pavin Smith- Junior, Virginia

Pavin Smith has been regarded as having one of the best bats in the country. Standing at 6’2, 210 lb, he has the build to become a legit slugger in the MLB. And with Jose Abreu not getting any younger, there is eventually going to be a need for a first baseman. Perhaps the most incredible trait Smith possesses is his plate discipline. Through 43 games this season he has 10 home runs, compared to just 6 (!) strikeouts. There is no doubt amongst anyone that he is one of, if not the toughest out in college baseball.

The combination of power, high on-base percentage, and a future need at first base all factor into this pick. If Smith is available at no. 11, don’t be shocked if the White Sox pounce.

 

2) OF Austin Beck- Prep Senior

Beck tore his ACL last season, causing him to miss all of last summer’s showcase circuit. However, this season he has shown everyone why he is still very much worthy of a top-10 pick. A 5-tool player, Beck uses his elite bat speed to generate most of his power. He also uses 60 grade speed both in the field and on the base paths. Some scouts worry about his swing and how he will handle a wooden bat once he goes pro, but if he can adjust, he could be a 25-25 threat and should blossom into a star.

 

1) OF Jeren Kendall- Junior, Vanderbilt

Vanderbilt has a proven track history of producing studs, and Jeren Kendall is just another example of that. The most “toolsy” player in this draft, there were talks of him going no. 1 overall early last year. Standing at just 5’10 180 lb, Kendall possesses a decent amount of strength which comes from his short, simple swing. The best aspect of his game though is definitely his elite speed. Grading out at 70, he uses it both in the field and on the base paths, and can stretch a double into a triple with relative ease. Pair all of this with his cannon of an arm, and we are looking at one of the top talents in the draft. So, why would he be in play for the White Sox outside of the top 10?

Strikeout rate.

Last season his strikeout rate was already high at 21%. This year it has actually gotten worse as it is hovering around 25%, causing some teams to shy away in fear that he won’t tap into his offensive ceiling. Scouts compare his overall game to Jacoby Ellsbury but with a much stronger arm. If he is available at 11, he will undoubtedly be selected by Rick Hahn. Kendall and Luis Robert would eventually form 2/3 of the fastest outfield in all of baseball, and that has to sound enticing to the entire front office.

Earlier today, the 312 Podcast spoke with MLB.com’s Jim Callis on the potential of Kendall dropping to the White Sox. You can check out the full episode above, or skip to 5:10 to hear about the White Sox.