Sep 29, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears defensive end Austin Booker (94) tackles Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Jordan Whittington (88) during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
The Chicago Bears made it to the bye week intact after starting 0-2. They won two straight games against desperate opponents, all while going through significant injury problems. Head coach Ben Johnson and his staff navigated the stormy waters. With an extra week off, it was hoped the team would have a chance to regroup, make corrections, and most importantly, get healthy. Johnson stood before the media for the first time since the break on Tuesday and had good news to report.
It was made official that defensive end Austin Booker and running back Travis Homer have been activated off Injured Reserve, allowing them to resume practice. That means both have a chance to play Monday night in Washington. Booker should be a major help to the pass rush, while Homer is a key special teams presence. It doesn’t end there. Both cornerback Kyler Gordon and tight end Colston Loveland insisted they expect to suit up for the game as well. If that proves true, the Bears will be closer to full strength than they’ve been all season.
The #Bears have activated the practice window for DL Austin Booker and RB Travis Homer.
Colston Loveland said he feels "good" regarding the hip injury that sidelined him Week 4 vs. Raiders. It's similar to an injury he said he had at Michigan, and he wasn't concerned about it being something he'd have to deal with throughout the season.
That is right tackle Darnell Wright. He missed Chicago’s game in Las Vegas with an elbow injury. It wasn’t certain what his status would be for this game. The Bears already replaced left tackle Braxton Jones with Theo Benedet. If Wright can’t go, it will be the first career start for 2nd round pick Ozzy Trapilo. There is also the lingering absence of Jaylon Johnson. Needless to say, the Bears aren’t all the way back yet. Still, getting all of the above names on the field, along with linebacker T.J. Edwards, is incredibly timely against a good team like Washington. They need all the help they can get against the best rushing offense in the NFL.
Ben Johnson knows how important this game is, both for the team’s schedule and the players’ psyche. Almost all of them were there last season for the Hail Mary fiasco. They need a win. He should have enough pieces in place to make it happen now. We’ll see how the team responds.
Aug 24, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago White Sox right fielder Mike Tauchman (18) singles against the Minnesota Twins during the first inning at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
One of the first orders of business for the White Sox this offseason is deciding whether or not to tender a contract to their arbitration-eligible players for the 2026 season. Matt Swartz at MLB Trade Rumors recently unveiled his arbitration projections, with the White Sox having three players on the list.
Mike Tauchman
The veteran outfielder was mostly as advertised in his first year with the White Sox after signing a one-year/$1.95 million contract with the team last December. Across 385 plate appearances, he compiled a .263/.356/.400 line with 17 doubles, nine home runs, a 112 OPS+, 1.9 bWAR, and 1.4 fWAR. The numbers weren’t Earth-shattering, but he produced when he was available.
Unfortunately, a laundry list of injuries prevented him from consistently being on the field. He only appeared in 93 games thanks to hamstring, groin, shoulder, and knee issues that landed him on the injured list on multiple occasions. He hit just .221 across 159 plate appearances in August and September, and recently had surgery to address a torn meniscus in his right knee.
Despite his physical issues, Tauchman drew rave reviews for his veteran presence on a young team, as well as his local roots and community involvement. He also expressed a desire to return and could serve as a placeholder until top outfield prospect Braden Montgomery is ready for the big leagues. MLB Trade Rumors projects a $3.4 million salary next season, which seems fair considering what he brings to the table.
Decision: Tender
Steven Wilson
The veteran reliever was in the same boat last year as an arbitration-eligible player. The team ultimately tendered him a contract but designated him for assignment in early February. He cleared waivers and was sent to Triple-A, finding his way back to the big league roster by mid-April.
Wilson’s second season with the White Sox was a lot more productive than his first. Across 55.1 innings, he pitched to a respectable 3.42 ERA, 4.29 FIP, 1.30 WHIP, and 8.3 K/9. He also showcased his durability, pitching in 59 games while accumulating ten holds. The 31-year-old was also above average in categories such as fastball run value, breaking run value, barrel%, hard-hit%, and extension per Baseball Savant.
Wilson projects to earn $1.5 million in 2026. He is not a back-end of the bullpen arm, nor does he have overwhelming stuff. However, he took the ball and put up respectable results last season. In a bullpen full of question marks, he can fit into the equation somewhere.
Decision: Tender
Derek Hill
Hill only appeared in four games with the team last season after being claimed off waivers from the Marlins in late September. By this point in the season, Luis Robert Jr., Andrew Benintendi, and the aforementioned Tauchman had all been ruled out for the season. The team needed bodies towards the end of the season, and Hill did the job.
He projects to earn $1 million next season, which isn’t much in the scheme of things. That said, the team will have its starting outfielders back by next year with younger players waiting for their chances. The team is better off using that $1 million elsewhere.
May 4, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Chicago Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga (18) delivers a pitch against the Milwaukee Brewers in the first inning at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
Boy oh boy did that suck, huh? Sure, the Cubs are still alive, needing to win three in a row after losing both games in Milwaukee, but seeing those two losses surely doesn’t inspire any confidence heading into Game 3 of the NLDS. The starting pitching has been awful and the offense looks miserable as it continues to look overmatched in the postseason. The Cubs are on the verge of getting swept by their division rival and there are already a few uncomfortable conversations that need to be had over this embarrassment of series by the club.
Is Kyle Tucker just left-handed hitting Kris Bryant 2.0? By the way, this is not second-guessing the trade for Tucker this past offseason. If it’s just one year that the Cubs got Tucker, then so be it. You always make deals that give your team a better chance at winning. Tucker has been one of the best hitters in baseball and he made the 2025 Cubs a better team. He was a top-five hitter in the National League until July and then just fizzled out.
The KB comparison comes in when we talk about how much money is Tucker going to get in free agency and probably the more important question, is his body going to hold up? Tucker had the finger injury that led him to changing his mechanics during the middle of the season, which then turned him into one of the worst players in MLB. But then, he did recover, got on fire for two weeks until he strained his calf in early September.
Tucker was limited to five games in the last month of the regular season and we know he’s not 100% healthy as he’s been relegated to DH duty in the playoffs. Meanwhile, he’s been close to a non-factor in the postseason, going 3-for-17, with two walks. He doesn’t have any extra-base hits and at this point I’m not really sure if I’m going to be upset at all if the Cubs don’t re-sign Tucker in the offseason.
There is no doubt that Tucker has been a good player throughout his career, but is good worth more than $300 million? Believe me, I’ll bang the drum when it comes to the ridiculousness of the Cubs not going all-in on top free agents, but damn has the past few months really been a bummer watching Tucker.
But is that calf affecting Tucker more than he or the team is letting on? Entire situation sucks and we’re seeing the results of a team that had a star hitter, which Tucker was, turn into a negative. Same thing happened at the end of 2023, when Cody Bellinger cooled off in September after his hot summer.
Meanwhile, is this what Shōta Imanaga is going to be now? A guy who gives up a home run every time he pitches in a game? The lefty was amazing in 2024, began this year with good numbers once again, but ever since he returned from the injured list Imanaga has been serving up batting practice.
From July 25 through the end of the regular season, Imanaga allowed 20 home runs in 69.2 innings. That was four more home runs than any other starting pitcher in baseball.
The stuff has just been worse. In 2024, he still gave up 27 home runs, but Imanaga struck out 174 batters and limited his walks to 28 in 173.1 innings. That resulted in a 25.1 K% and 4.0 BB%. In 2025, Imanaga’s strikeout numbers declined as the left-hander ended the year with a 20.0 K%.
Imanaga’s average fastball velocity decreased a full mph from 2024 as well going from 91.9mph to 90.8mph. You can certainly get away with more mistakes the harder you throw. Once that fastball loses its sting, you get this.
The Cubs signed Imanaga to a unique contract that includes both team and player options. So, do the Cubs trust Imanaga enough to extend his contract for three more years or do they leave it up to him and ultimately have the lefty leave in free agency.
Nominally, the contract is a four-year deal worth that guarantees the southpaw $53MM. That’s not quite how the contract actually works in practice. After the 2025 season, the Cubs face a decision on whether to pick up a three-year, $57MM club option that covers the 2026-28 seasons. If Chicago declines, Imanaga will have a $15MM player option for 2026. If that player option is executed, then there’s another fork in the road ahead. After 2026, the Cubs would have to decide on a two-year, $42MM club option for 2027-28. If they decline that, Imanaga can pick up a $15MM player option for 2027.
All of that is to say that the Cubs are facing a significant decision this offseason. If they don’t exercise their three-year option on Imanaga’s services, he’s all but certain to decline that player option and return to free agency.
That’s a $19 million AAV for three more years that the Cubs will lock into if they pick up the option after this year. A big decision that seemed like a no-brainer three months ago. Now, it’s an uncomfortable thought.
The Chicago Bears appear to be trending in the right direction. Head coach Ben Johnson has made it clear that the team has plenty to clean up. Penalties remain a constant issue. They still can’t run the ball effectively, and the run defense has been Swiss cheese. What people wonder is if there is anything the Bears can do to help themselves beyond just practicing and hoping it gets better. Their last chance to do something approaches as the trade deadline looms at the end of October.
Dealing away draft capital for what might be a short-term fix at best doesn’t seem wise for a roster that still needs work. However, there is an alternative worth considering: a player-for-player deal. They are rare, but do happen sometimes. It must involve teams that need help at a specific position and have players who can fill that role. If the money situation isn’t egregiously different, things can come together. After doing some research, there is one trade the Bears should consider floating.
Wide receiver D.J. Moore for Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons.
Why it makes sense for the Chicago Bears:
Simmons is one of the best defensive linemen in the NFL. He is a powerful pass rusher who has collected around 6-8 sacks every year for the past half-decade. What many forget is that he’s also an excellent run defender, which is something the Bears would benefit from even more. Best of all, his $23 million cap hit is $4 million less than Moore’s, and he’s under contract through 2027. While it would hurt to lose a productive player like D.J., it would allow Luther Burden to finally get more meaningful snaps on offense.
Why it makes sense for the Tennessee Titans:
This team has a young quarterback to develop. Cam Ward has loads of potential. What he needs is weapons. Currently, his only reliable option is Calvin Ridley. Adding Moore to the mix would make life so much easier for him and give D.J. a greater target share than he might be getting in Chicago. Tennessee won’t worry about the slight cap hit because they project to have the most of any team in 2026. They can easily afford the extra $4 million. Like Simmons, he is under contract through 2027.
Last but not least, wide receivers tend to have longer careers than defensive linemen. The Titans could bank on the idea that they’ll have Moore for longer. Losing Simmons would be a blow, but they are a team in a rebuilding phase. He gets to join a team that is still in the thick of the NFC race with an array of talented players on defense. It is a win-win proposition for both sides.
The Chicago Cubs are down 2-0 in the NLDS to the Milwaukee Brewers after losing 7-3 Monday night. For the second straight game the Cubs got out to a first-inning lead just to see it evaporate in the bottom half of the frame. A William Contreras solo home run in the third gave the Brewers a 4-3 lead and Jackson Chourio’s three-run homer in the fourth pretty much put the Cubs out of their misery in Game 2.
Obviously the Cubs’ pitching staff has been completely outmatched against the Brewers. Craig Counsell was able to maneuver through the Wild Card series against the San Diego Padres, but without a true ace in Justin Steele or rising star Cade Horton, the Cubs were always going to be at a disadvantage going up against Milwaukee. As for the offense, it’s been beyond bad.
Monday night’s loss continued a historically awful streak for the Cubs, who have now officially set a new standard for sucking on offense in the postseason. Their series win over the Padres in the Wild Card round was Chicago’s first the 2017 NLDS over the Washington Nationals. Game 5 of that 2017 NLDS, a 9-8 win, also marked the last time the Cubs have scored more than three runs in any playoff game.
How many playoff games in a row has that been?
The Cubs have scored three or fewer runs in 13 consecutive playoff games, the longest such streak in MLB history pic.twitter.com/O9fzP4bqXU
2017 NLCSvs. Dodgers 5-2 loss 4-1 loss 6-1 loss 3-2 win 11-1 loss 2018 Wild Card Game vs. Rockies 2-1 loss 2020 Wild Card series vs. Marlins 5-1 loss 2-0 loss 2025 Wild Card series vs. Padres 3-1 win 3-0 loss 3-1 win 2025 NLDS vs. Brewers 9-3 loss 7-3 loss
Oh and by the way, in that 2017 NLDS against the Nationals, the Cubs were also held to three or fewer runs in the first four games of that series as well before the 9-8 win in Game 5.
Here are the Cubs numbers on offense in their last 18 postseason games, beginning with the start of the 2017 playoffs.
The Cubs offense over their last 18 playoff games:
.176 AVG 39 Runs 17 HR .249 OBP .548 OPS 31.1 K%
That is the worst batting average by a team in any 18 game stretch in postseason history. pic.twitter.com/QV1o5SWc0F
As we saw against the Padres, hitting is a lot harder in the postseason. I always resist the urge to overreact over small samples, which is what the playoffs ultimately give you, but holy shit is this some next level failure by the Cubs. The previous core, this core, awful. Fuck.
The lineup had two hits after Suzuki’s three-run home run in the first inning last night. Justin Turner had a two-out single in the second inning, so that’s only one hit in the final seven innings by the offense. The Brewers ended the game by retiring 15 batters in a row, following Nico Hoerner‘s leadoff single in the fifth inning.
Dec 17, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco (15) throws a pass as Chicago Bears linebacker T.J. Edwards (53) rushes during the first quarter at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
It looked like the Chicago Bears had a clear vision for what to expect coming out of their bye week. First up will be the dangerous Washington Commanders in a rematch from last season. Then it’s a battle against New Orleans before their swing through the AFC North begins against the Baltimore Ravens. Among those games will be a showdown with the Cincinnati Bengals. On paper, that should’ve been a high-profile game against one of the league’s best quarterbacks. However, Joe Burrow went on the shelf for three months with turf toe. That left the offense in the hands of backup Jake Browning.
Things haven’t gone well. Across three starts, the embattled quarterback has six touchdowns and eight interceptions. The Bengals have lost three in a row. Their season is clearly slipping away. So in an act of desperation, they’ve decided to seek outside help. In a wild turn of events, they made a trade with the division rival Cleveland Browns for ageless veteran Joe Flacco. The 40-year-old will assume starting duties moving forward until Burrow gets back, hopefully with the season still alive
Trade: Browns are trading QB Joe Flacco and a 6th-round pick to the Bengals for a 5th-round pick. pic.twitter.com/VbIorM9985
The Chicago Bears would be wise not to shrug off Flacco.
Yes, he’s 40 and nowhere near the quarterback he was a decade ago. However, he has already shown he can burn this team if they’re not careful. Chicago Bears fans would be wise to remember what happened in 2023 when the team coughed up a 17-7 lead in the 4th quarter, thanks to Flacco throwing for over 200 yards in the last 15 minutes. He can catch fire without any warning, and he’ll have plenty of weapons to work with in Cincinnati. The Bears must take this change seriously. The Bengals were already a tough team even without Burrow. Now they’ve at least managed to bandage their biggest weakness. Flacco isn’t anything special, but he’s a wily veteran who still knows how to sling the ball.
Sep 8, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) reacts against the Minnesota Vikings during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
Let’s just rip the Band-Aid off: As of Week 6, the Chicago Bears have an 18.2% chance of making the playoffs. That’s not a typo. That’s Vegas telling you your hopeful tweets about Caleb Williams are probably delusional. And while hope is fun, math doesn’t give a damn about your feelings.
But this isn’t just about odds. This is about context. The Bears are better. Ben Johnson has brought in a real offensive system (imagine that), the O-line isn’t a dumpster fire, and Caleb Williams is no longer being coached like a high school backup. There’s legitimate progress. But that playoff pipe dream? Still hanging on by dental floss.
Let’s break down the reasons this team might sneak into the dance — and the cold, ugly truth about why they probably won’t.
REASONS TO BELIEVE (OR AT LEAST BINGE DRINK WITH HOPE)
1. Ben Johnson is Already Changing the Offense (and Your Life)
It’s wild what happens when you hire a coach who actually understands modern offense. Ben Johnson didn’t just bring over plays from Detroit — he brought over swagger. The Bears are scoring 25.3 points per game (11th in the NFL), and they’re cooking in the red zone with an 63.6% touchdown rate. That’s 14th best in the league. Just last year, they couldn’t punch it in from the one-yard line if the defense was on lunch break.
Johnson’s third-down conversion rate is 45.5% (6th in the NFL), which tells you the offense isn’t just explosive — it’s sustainable. They’re staying on the field, chewing clock, and not relying on fluke plays. For a franchise that’s been allergic to offensive competence, this is huge.
2. The Offensive Line Actually Blocks Now
You remember the 68 sacks from last year? That’s not a typo either. That was NFL-high, and it looked worse in real time. Enter Joe Thuney, Drew Dalman, and Jonah Jackson— three legit dudes who instantly turned this group from a liability into an asset.
Dalman’s 95.1% pass block win rate ranks 9th among centers. Thuney is a walking Super Bowl ring with elite technique. And Jackson already knows Johnson’s system from Detroit. Add all that up and you get a pocket that doesn’t collapse like a cheap lawn chair. Which means Caleb Williams might actually get to finish a read before being folded in half.
Oh, and here’s a stat that’ll blow your damn mind: the Bears have only given up 7 sacks through six weeks. That’s 8th best in the league. From dead-last in 2024 to top-10 in 2025? That’s not improvement — that’s a damn miracle. It’s what happens when you stop trotting out traffic cones to protect your franchise QB.
3. Schedule Sets Up for a Late Push
They started the season with a meat grinder of games. But guess what? Eight of their nine toughest matchups are front-loaded. That matters when you’ve got a new coach, a young QB, and a roster learning how to win.
They went 1-5 in one-score games last year. Regression says that should bounce. They underperformed their expected win total. Regression says that should bounce, too. And if they can stay afloat early, they’ve got a puncher’s chance to heat up when the playoff picture starts taking shape.
And here’s the wildcard that could tip the scales — injuries. The NFL is an attrition game, and this season has already turned into a mash unit across the league. Star QBs, top defenders, offensive linemen — you name it, they’re dropping. That means a bunch of games that looked like automatic Ls on paper back in August? Suddenly a hell of a lot more winnable.
If the Bears can stay relatively healthy — and that’s a big if — they could feast on backup quarterbacks, patchwork lines, and shaken defenses in the next 7–8 weeks. It’s the kind of midseason run that could actually solidify their case for a playoff push instead of just dreaming about one.
WHY THEY’RE PROBABLY STILL SCREWED
1. The NFC North is a Knife Fight
Look, I love the internal improvements. But this division is a war zone. The Lions, Vikings, and Packers all made the playoffs last year — and not as pity picks. We’re talking 15-2, 14-3, and 11-6 records, respectively. That’s not a division. That’s a damn slaughterhouse. And it hasn’t let up. The Lions still look like the favorite to win the entire NFC, and as of Week 6, every team in this division is above .500. So yeah — we knew the NFC North was tough. But it’s proving to be a straight-up buzzsaw again.
And look, the Bears aren’t just trying to rise — they’re trying to leapfrog teams that are already playoff-proven. Add in road trips to places like Philly, Baltimore, and San Francisco, and you’ve got a schedule cooked up in Satan’s Instant Pot.
2. Caleb Williams Still Looks Like a Rookie Sometimes
Yes, he has “wow” throws. Yes, the potential is real. But the inconsistency is too. A 62.5% completion rate (31st in the NFL) and 6.3 yards per attempt (33rd) is not how you make the playoffs. It’s how you throw drive-killing incompletions on 2nd and 6.
Now I’m not a Caleb hater — tbh, I’ve enjoyed the improvements I’ve seen this year. I love what I’m seeing from the kid. But we have to be fair: he isn’t quite there yet to give me full confidence that he can lead us to the playoffs. That opinion can change fast, though. He strings together a nice lil’ run of games and who knows? But right now, gotta call a spade a spade.
3. This Defense Ain’t What It Used to Be
Dennis Allen was brought in to clean up a defense that quietly regressed last year—and that’s being generous. They have forced 9 turnovers (4th in the NFL), but the pass rush is still MIA unless they blitz or pray.
They’re not generating pressure consistently, they’ve lost veteran pieces, and the back end has been more “meh” than menacing. And their run defense is abysmal. They gave up 180 yards to Geanty alone last weekend and are surrendering an average of 6.2 yards per carry — dead last in the NFL. You can’t make the playoffs when teams can consistently do whatever the hell they want on the ground.
Until this defense proves it can make big plays and close games, they’re going to be in weekly shootouts— and that’s not where you want a young QB carrying the load.
The Final Verdict
The Bears are heading in the right direction. Ben Johnson is legit. The offensive line is fixed. Caleb Williams might become That Dude. But this year? Probably not the year.
They’ve got an 18.2% shot at the playoffs and a 3.45% chance to win the division. Vegas isn’t trying to be mean — they’re just watching the same film you are. Too many variables. Too much schedule. Too many unproven pieces.
They’re building something. But it’s still in drywall phase, not move-in ready. So keep cheering, keep drinking, and keep dreaming.
Just don’t bet your rent on January football in Chicago.
There is no more important relationship in a football organization than the one between a quarterback and head coach. This is something the Chicago Bears have struggled to figure out for years. Every pairing they’ve tried seems to fall apart. Jay Cutler never seemed to mesh with Lovie Smith or Marc Trestman. John Fox didn’t want to draft Mitch Trubisky. Matt Nagy soured on him quickly as well. Matt Eberflus didn’t draft Justin Fields. Caleb Williams didn’t seem to respect him in their one season together. Now the team waits to see if something goes wrong with Ben Johnson.
It’s a familiar scenario. The head coach didn’t draft this quarterback. Williams plays a style of football Johnson has never coached before. He’s been exposed almost exclusively to pocket-oriented guys like Ryan Tannehill, Matt Stafford, and Jared Goff. Some wondered if this would be an oil-and-water situation. Johnson would never come around to embracing what Williams can do.
The truth appears to be very different. Signs have increased in recent weeks that the two have developed a strong relationship. Williams provided a fun little taste during a team photograph when he filmed the head coach with his phone. Johnson’s reaction told the story.
Caleb Williams is earning Johnson’s respect and affection.
The head coach has stated that he has been thrilled with the quarterback’s approach to the game. He is putting in a tremendous amount of work to improve, dedicating those extra hours to mastering the nuances of the position. It is showing up on the field. Caleb Williams’ efficiency has drastically improved in several areas already. He’s taking less sacks, converting far more third downs, playing with better timing, and still not turning the ball over. There is plenty of room for improvement, but it is obvious Johnson doesn’t view Williams as anything close to the primary issue with this offense. If anything, he’s the reason it is successful at all.
If things progress as they have, this partnership could end up being the most productive the Bears have experienced since George Halas and Sid Luckman. Williams will only get better as his mastery of this offense grows. If the Bears can address some of their roster issues, they could become a truly competitive team for years to come.
Sep 8, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) drops back to pass against the Minnesota Vikings during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
The question was inevitable. Everybody knew the Chicago Bears had a decision to make at left tackle. Head coach Ben Johnson was asked what his priorities were for the position. He gave the answer most would’ve expected. Left tackles are considered the second-most important position on a football field behind quarterbacks. They are tasked with guarding the blind side of the team’s leader. Johnson stated, clear as day, that his decision would be driven by which guy could show they had the ability to block pass rushers one-on-one the most often.
“To me it’s consistency. It’s, who’s making the least number of mental errors. I think I said in the springtime, tackles, to me, have to be able to pass protect one-on-one on a regular basis and win those one-on-one matchups. Guys that are out there that we’re not having to be conscious of with the play call to give them help all the time, that would be ideal. Certainly not the case everywhere I’ve been. Over the years, you’ve had to help them out with the play calls. But those guys that can block a defensive end one-on-one, they’ll be really at a premium.”
Straightforward, right?
Yet the saying is that actions speak louder than words. It doesn’t feel like Johnson’s actions reflect that approach. In reality, his decisions seem influenced by the run-blocking. We’ll start with Ozzy Trapilo. Everybody thought he was an early favorite for left tackle until he was mysteriously demoted midway through the preseason. Why? His mediocre 61.5 run-blocking grade may have played a role. Meanwhile, Theo Benedet joins the mix almost out of nowhere. His run-blocking grade?
76.6
Ben Johnson benching Braxton Jones follows this trend as well.
The veteran tackle is probably the most athletic pass protector the Bears have. Yet the head coach finally pulled the plug midway through the game in Las Vegas. It wasn’t his protection that did it, though that was bad early in the season, too. No, it was a missed blocking assignment on a run play. That was the final straw in a line of mistakes that had bedeviled Jones all month. His 47.2 run-blocking grade is the worst among all Bears offensive linemen this season.
Facts are facts. Despite what he said in August, one-on-one pass protection doesn’t seem to be what Ben Johnson prioritizes with his offensive linemen. He wants consistent, reliable run-blocking. Maybe Benedet will provide it as he did in the preseason. If not, you can bet that will be what the Bears circle in their draft evaluations come next spring.
Oct 22, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) in the first half against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports
Frustration with GM Ryan Poles hasn’t really slacked among Chicago Bears fans, even after the team’s recent rebound from 0-2 to 2-2. They still see a roster that is flawed in key areas. They don’t have a proven left tackle to protect Caleb Williams, and the defensive line still can’t rush the passer with any consistency. The latter is particularly maddening because of how much money the Bears have sunk into the group with Montez Sweat and Dayo Odeyingbo. They still don’t have a legitimate ace in this group.
If the Bears want to challenge at all in this division, this has to change. Detroit has Aidan Hutchinson. Green Bay just traded for Micah Parsons. Minnesota has Jonathan Greenard. If Sweat isn’t able to fulfill that role, Poles might have to go find someone who can. It sounds like he might have a small window to do just that. There are rumblings that the Las Vegas Raiders are teetering on the brink of a potential reset as their season circles the drain.
According to Raiders Beat, that may include parting with their biggest star.
For better or worse, the other veteran to watch is Maxx Crosby.
Crosby is the heart and soul of the Raiders both in the locker room and on the field. It would take a massive trade offer to pry him away from the Raiders, but the details of the extension he signed in the offseason make it clear that the door was being left open to trade Crosby.
This OverTheCap graphic (below) shows the dead money consequence and future cap savings if Crosby is traded ahead of June 1. It’s rare that a $30+ million per year contract comes with so much flexibility, particularly this early in the deal.
Trading Crosby might seem unthinkable, but it was only 10 months ago that Crosby sounded like a player who was ready to leave the Raiders.
If a couple of first-round picks are on the table before the trade deadline, it’s possible Spytek and Tom Brady will consider hitting a hard reset on the roster and trading Crosby.
Ryan Poles should entertain the idea of Maxx Crosby.
The money will present a challenge. Chicago doesn’t have a ton of cap space to work with. They’d need to free a significant amount to fit Crosby’s deal onto the books. Is it worth it? Absolutely. The 28-year-old is one of the three or four best pass rushers in the NFL. He has averaged nine sacks per year since being drafted. The Bears experienced him at full volume last week as he terrorized their tackles. He would undeniably make that entire defensive front more dangerous. A foursome of him, Sweat, Odeyingbo, and Gervon Dexter would be so much harder to stop.
Acquiring him is obviously the hard part. Ryan Poles would need to put up two 1st round picks in any trade package. That is not something he’s entertained before. Chicago wasn’t even in the Parsons sweepstakes. Perhaps things have changed. Crosby would be a much better fit in Dennis Allen’s defense. If the Bears feel a juiced-up pass rush can push them into the playoff conversation, it is a move they must entertain.
