Sunday, November 15, 2026
EDGE is live. Chicago fans can now access and explore the beta.
Home Blog Page 436

Cole Kmet Couldn’t Hide How Nervous He Is About Colston Loveland

cole kmet
Jul 23, 2025; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet (85) speaks during training camp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Cole Kmet went to Notre Dame. He isn’t stupid. The guy is smart enough to understand that the NFL can be a cruel beast if you aren’t careful. There is no such thing as being comfortable with your situation. That kind of mindset is how you lose your job. Shannon Sharpe was a superstar in Denver. One would think he was confident in his place with the team. Yet he worked maniacally every offseason. When asked why, his statement was matter-of-fact. “Nobody was taking my job.”

It appears Kmet is getting a taste of what Sharpe felt back then. Across four seasons, the former 2nd round pick has been the unquestioned starting tight end for the Bears. He’s done a pretty good job in that time, putting up solid production and becoming one of their more reliable players. However, his down season in 2024 seems to have worked against him, prompting the Bears to select Colston Loveland in the 1st round. While Kmet has been professional about the decision since it happened, you could hear the uneasiness in his words during his recent presser before training camp.

“I think there’s naturally areas where we are going to compete with one another because we are in the same position and both pass catchers. As long as you can show the coaches you can handle certain things, they will put you all over the field. There will be aspects of it that’s a competition and aspects where we are going to be able to complement each other’s game really well.”

Cole Kmet now understands football reality.

He is far from the only noteworthy player who saw his spot threatened by a high draft choice. Loveland didn’t come here to make his life miserable, but he did come here to play and win. Like any competitor, he wants the ball in his hands. Cole Kmet has contented himself with playing a secondary role in the passing game over the past few years. That mentality must go out the window. It’s about survival now. If he wants a future in Chicago, he must accept the challenge the Bears have put in front of him. Yes, he and Loveland will forge a tandem in the passing game, but there are only so many footballs to go around. Somebody will be the #1 and the other will be #2. Kmet will get lost in the shuffle if he can’t make a statement in this camp.

MLB All-Star Game is Officially Returning to Wrigley Field

May 16, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Fans walk to the ballpark before a game between the Chicago Cubs and the Chicago White Sox at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

The Chicago Cubs will host the 2027 All-Star Game according to Justin Laurence, a reporter for Crain’s Chicago Business.

According to Laurence, the official announcement will come next Friday at Wrigley Field when the Cubs host the Baltimore Orioles.

Via Crain’s Chicago Business.

The official announcement, which has been anticipated for months, will be unveiled at Wrigley Field, with MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred and local elected officials in attendance, during an event planned for August 1, according to sources familiar with the roll out. 

While the game will be the marquee event of the week, the All-Star festivities are expected to include events at locations throughout the city. MLB officials and members of the city’s host committee have been exploring options, including a fan festival at Navy Pier.

The Cubs last hosted MLB’s All-Star Game in 1990. The city of Chicago last played host in 2003, when the White Sox were center stage for the midsummer classic at U.S. Cellular Field. 670 The Score’s Bruce Levine originally reported that the Cubs would be awarded the 2027 All-Star Game earlier this year.

(Previous Update)

It’s about damn time. The Chicago Cubs last hosted the MLB All-Star Game during the 1990 season and that drought is finally coming to an end with an official announcement coming later this summer. According to Chicago baseball insider Bruce Levine, the Cubs will be named the host of the 2027 All-Star Game.

According to Levine, the main issue that was holding back Wrigley Field from hosting the midsummer classic again was a security concern surrounding the ballpark.

Via 670 The Score.

Wrigley Field and the Cubs will be named the hosts of the 2027 MLB All-Star Game, sources told Score reporter Bruce Levine on Thursday afternoon. An official announcement will come later this summer.

Security concerns had long been the main impediment to the Cubs and Wrigley Field being awarded another All-Star Game, as MLB was concerned about the ballpark being the target of a coordinated attack. Those concerns were allayed in large part by the city and the Cubs recently getting on the same page about the implementation of concrete bollards around the stadium.

According to the Chicago Sun-Times and ordinance was presented at a city council meeting earlier this week for the installation of concrete bollards that would surround Wrigley Field at the cost of at least $30 million. The city has agreed to contribute $10 million per the agreement or one-third of the final guaranteed maximum price.

The city also expects to receive $12 million from the state to fund the security project. The Cubs will pay at least $8 million and the team has also settled other land disputes around Wrigley Field.

Chicago last hosted the MLB All-Star Game in 2003, when the White Sox served as the host at U.S.Cellular Field.

Chicago Bears Undrafted Rookie Started Training Camp With Massive Bang

chicago bears
Nov 23, 2024; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; TCU Horned Frogs wide receiver JP Richardson (7) runs for touchdown against the Arizona Wildcats in the second half at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-Imagn Images

Training camp serves many purposes for the Chicago Bears. It gets players in shape for a long, grueling season. It helps coaches install and perfect their systems for the upcoming chess matches. Perhaps most intriguingly, it serves as an ideal platform for no-name guys to gain attention. Every year, there seems to be at least one player who rises from the depths of nowhere to draw the interest of fans. Underdogs are one of the favorite things of sports lovers, and camp standouts are among the most popular.

Thus far, nobody has established himself as the unquestioned name to watch. However, it appears someone decided to fire the first shot. According to multiple reports, things started with a bang on the first day of training camp courtesy of wide receiver JP Richardson. The undrafted free agent fought through tight coverage on a downfield throw from Tyson Bagent to make a glorious one-handed catch. It was the type of play that got everybody on the field fired up, and undoubtedly forced the coaches to take notice.

The Chicago Bears’ interest in Richardson isn’t hard to understand.

Coaches always love guys who can catch the football well. It is clear Richardson can do that. He also seems to thrive in the slot thanks to his quick feet and route-running skill. Ben Johnson’s offense loves to feature the slot position. It makes sense he’d target receivers who can play it well. Richardson took an important first step in his quest to steal a roster spot. The Chicago Bears have loads of depth at wide receiver with D.J. Moore, Rome Odunze, Luther Burden, and Olamide Zacchaeus virtually guaranteed roster spots. That leaves two left for the rookie to challenge for. To get there, he’ll have to get past names like Devin Duvernay, Tyler Scott, and Miles Boykin. That is asking a lot. Still, Richardson is no stranger to challenges.

He had to transfer from Oklahoma State after not getting enough opportunities. In 2023, he landed with TCU, where he helped them rebound from their national championship defeat. One big advantage he’ll have in this race is his punt return experience. He had 23 returns last season, including a touchdown.

Luther Burden Stirs Up New Controversy With Vikings Comment

luther burden
May 9, 2025; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III speaks during the Rookie Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Luther Burden hasn’t done much since joining the Chicago Bears. Hopes and expectations are high for the 2nd round pick. Nobody doubts that. He has more than enough talent to become a stud in the NFL. However, that must be earned. Thus far, Burden hasn’t had much luck. He missed most of OTAs and minicamps with a hamstring issue. Now he failed to suit up for the first training camp practice, raising alarms about his status. Answers are likely coming in the next day or two. Meanwhile, it appears the rookie hasn’t been shy about raising the stakes for the next month.

Burden has a YouTube channel. He and fellow draft choice Colston Loveland recently did a live stream playing some video games. Somebody asked him what his thoughts are on the Bears’ opening night matchup against the Minnesota Vikings in September. Burden didn’t need many words to convey his assessment.

“Belt. Belt with spikes.”

For those who aren’t familiar, that is a reference to a popular hip-hop song lyric: “Belt to the ass.” Burden is pretty much saying that is what the Bears will do to the Vikings in that game.

Luther Burden certainly operates like a young gun.

This is something you often see in rookies. They don’t carry the same emotional baggage as veterans do. They come in still overflowing with college enthusiasm and brimming with confidence. Luther Burden saw plenty of success at Missouri and has no plans to lower expectations in the NFL. No doubt the Vikings won’t appreciate his words, likely seeing it as disrespectful. From the Bears’ perspective, they have nothing to lose. They haven’t beaten Minnesota much in recent years. Trash-talking them a bit isn’t likely to change that fate. If nothing else, Luther Burden deserves credit for bringing a little swagger to the situation. Chicago needs more of that. Before taking on the cream of the NFC, they must build self-confidence. Taking a belt to Vikings would certainly do that.

Cubs Sign Draft Pick to Record-Breaking Deal

The Chicago Cubs have reportedly signed sixth round draft pick Josiah Hartshorn to a record-breaking deal. According to MLB prospects analyst Jim Callis the Cubs were able to pry Hartshorn from his commitment to Texas A&M with a $2 million signing bonus for the 181st overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft.

Hartshorn, a switch-hitting outfielder out of southern California, now has the highest ever signing bonus for a sixth-round pick in MLB history. His slot value was set at $355,800, meaning the $2 million bonus is a little more than 5.5x the original value. The Cubs are more than happy to pay way above the slot value to get Hartshorn in their minor-league system.

Here’s the scouting report from MLB.com on Hartshorn.

Via MLB.com.

When healthy, Hartshorn is a talented switch-hitter with ability from both sides of the plate. A left-handed thrower, he actually hit only right-handed for nearly all of his first three years in high school because an issue in his left elbow made it hard for him to swing lefty. But then a back issue made hitting right-handed, a more consistent and easier swing, too difficult near the end of his junior season, so he brought the lefty swing back. It was clunky at first, but while you don’t want to put too much stock in a home run derby, the fact he found his lefty swing enough to share in the MLB High School Derby win was impressive. He’s back to hitting from both sides now, with a solid overall approach and some feel for it, an understanding of the zone and raw power he can get to from either side.

It will largely be the run-producing potential of Hartshorn’s bat that will get him drafted, though he was moving around better than expected in the outfield during his senior season. He moves well for someone his size with a little sneaky speed, with more conviction he can handle an outfield corner, even though his arm that used to throw up to 94 mph off the mound is still coming back from that elbow issue. 

MLB Pipeline writer Sam Dykstra named Hartshorn as the biggest steal of the sixth round in this year’s draft.

The 18-year-old wasn’t the only draft pick out of high school that the Cubs paid over slot this year. In the fourth round the Cubs selected right-handed pitcher Kaleb Wing and gave him a signing bonus worth $1.5 million to lure him away from Loyola-Marymount. With their 14th round pick the Cubs went with Kaemyn Franklin, another righty who was committed to Oklahoma.

Not to be forgotten, the Cubs officially announced the signing of 10 draft picks, including first-rounder Ethan Conrad. The 21-year-old outfielder out of Wake Forest agreed to a $3,563,100 signing bonus, which was about $1.2 million below slot value for the No. 17 overall pick.

Conrad was limited to 21 games at Wake Forest this past season, missing time because of a dislocated shoulder. Prior to the injury the left-handed slugger hit seven home runs in 97 plate appearances and posted a 1.238 OPS.

New Opportunity Has Developed For The White Sox

Jun 30, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Erick Fedde (12) delivers a pitch against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Less than a year after being the centerpiece of a blockbuster three-team, eight-player trade, Erick Fedde’s career has quickly headed south. The St. Louis Cardinals designated the 32-year-old right-hander for assignment earlier this afternoon, ending an unsuccessful tenure between the two parties. Despite his recent struggles, the Cardinals’ loss could be the White Sox treasure. A reunion with Fedde makes sense for multiple reasons.

Fedde’s Fall From Grace

After a breakout 2024 season with the White Sox, Fedde has been unable to continue that positive momentum this season. His ERA sits at an inflated 5.22 across 101.2 innings, and his 5.09 FIP suggests he has not been unlucky either. Every pitch in his repertoire has become worse than last season per Baseball Savant’s run value, with his sweeper and cutter in particular falling off a cliff in effectiveness. 

The decline of his pitch effectiveness has disastrously impacted his stats. His K% has dropped over 7% from last season (21.2% to 14.1%), while his BB% has increased over 3% (7.2% to 10.5%). Opposing batters are also hitting .270 off of him compared to just .233 last season. 

Following another poor performance against the MLB-worst Colorado Rockies on Tuesday night in which he gave up six runs in three innings, Fedde admitted to reporters postgame that his confidence has taken a hit this season.

“Confidence, for sure, an all-time low. I’ve had lows and highs in this game and I’m just trying to be professional, show up every day and give it my best. The team deserves better and I’m trying to pick it up.” Fedde said.

The Cardinals gave him a long leash to turn things around, but they had seen enough. They officially parted ways this afternoon, paving the way for young right-hander Michael McGreevy to get an opportunity. Fedde will likely clear waivers over the next few days, allowing any interested team to bring him in for minimal money. 

White Sox Crumbling Pitching Depth

Despite his struggles, a reunion between Fedde and the White Sox could make sense. With just over a week until the trade deadline, Chicago will make several trades to continue their rebuild efforts. Adrian Houser will certainly head elsewhere, while Aaron Civale could also be on the move. Shane Smith recently went on the injured list, while Davis Martin has also battled injury issues. Martín Pérez is nearing a minor league rehab stint, but it is unclear how much he will be able to provide after a serious elbow injury suffered early in the season.

It won’t be long before the White Sox will need pitchers capable of starting games. Unfortunately, there are minimal reinforcements in the minors. The Triple-A Charlotte Knights have a hodgepodge of veterans and younger pitchers capable of starting games. Mike Clevinger, Noah Syndergaard, Jesse Scholtens, Yoendrys Gómez, and Evan McKendry all fall into this category. However, they are all either past their primes or never experienced much MLB success to begin with. Fedde would represent another option who is durable and takes the ball. He has started 81 games between the KBO and MLB over the past three seasons.

White Sox Reunion Makes Sense

Fedde’s prior success with the White Sox is also a factor. He signed a two year/$15 million contract with the team before the 2024 season after an excellent season with the NC Dinos in Korea. The South Siders gambled that Fedde had figured it out, and it appeared that he did while he was in Chicago. By far the best stretch of Fedde’s eight-year MLB career was with the White Sox last season when he pitched to an impressive 3.11 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, 3.77 FIP, and 8.0 K/9 in 121.2 innings across 21 starts. He was one of the lone bright spots on a historically bad team. That familiarity with the organization and pitching coach Ethan Katz could be a reason to pursue this reunion.

Signing Erick Fedde at this juncture would offer the White Sox a fraction of the upside they had when they initially signed him. He is performing poorly again, and even if the team did get him back on track, they wouldn’t be able to trade him for anything. That said, they will need pitchers capable of eating innings soon to protect the younger pitchers on the team. Fedde can do that. It might be an avenue worth exploring.

Cubs Pursuing All-Star Closer in Potential Blockbuster Trade

Aug 29, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Cleveland Guardians relief pitcher Emmanuel Clase (48) celebrates the win over the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Cubs are exploring several avenues to improve the team at the trade deadline and although Jed Hoyer must upgrade the starting rotation he may also look to boost the bullpen. According to the latest trade rumor the Cubs may be big-game hunting as they’re reportedly one of the teams most interested in Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase.

According to Francys Romero the Cubs are all over Cleveland’s reliever as we approach the trade deadline.

The Cubs explored a trade for Clase prior to the 2024 season, but the Guardians were asking for a huge trade package that eventually led to the talks fading in the offseason. The right-hander was unbelievable last season, posting a ridiculous 0.61 ERA in 74.1 innings. Clase was 47-for-50 in save opportunities.

In 2025, Clase has taken a small step back, but that’s almost inconsequential following his historic year. He has a 2.80 ERA in 45 appearances so far this season and continues to be an elite closer, saving 22 of 26 chances. Since April 26, Clase has a 1.30 ERA in 34.2 innings with 36 strikeouts to only seven walks.

Daniel Palencia has been marvelous this year, stepping into the closer role after veteran Ryan Pressly was demoted and Porter Hodge was sidelined with an injury. The 25-year-old blew his first save opportunity of the year on May 19, but since then Palencia has been perfect in 13 consecutive chances. His only other blemish came in an extra-innings loss to the Philadelphia Phillies on June 9.

Sure, adding another reliever may not be the top priority for the Cubs, but going after one of the top high-leverage arms in the game would be a big difference-maker for the team down the stretch. Chicago’s bullpen has been great since April, but we’re seeing signs that a few guys may not be reliable.

Drew Pomeranz and Chris Flexen were incredible for a couple months, but it would be silly to believe they’ll continue to pitch well as the season progresses. Pressly has good numbers since his brutal outing against the San Francisco Giants in May, but the veteran doesn’t necessarily ooze confidence when he’s on the mound.

If the Cubs can pair Palencia with Clase, then Craig Counsell could really shorten games in the final few innings. Yet, it’s difficult to come up with the cost for Clase. He’s elite, relatively young turning 27-years-old in March and he’s under team control through 2028. Clase will earn $6.4 million in 2026 and then has a $10 million club option for 2027 and 2028.

In related news the Cubs have also been connected to Washington Nationals closer Kyle Finnegan. The Cubs were reportedly interested in signing Finnegan in the offseason, but he returned to Washington on a one-year, $6 million deal. The right-hander has struggled in 2025, posting a 4.62 ERA in 37 innings. Finnegan does have a good ground ball rate of 46.8%, which could be great with the Cubs’ infield, but there are certainly some red flags in Finnegan’s profile.

The Cubs may have to cough up multiple top-100 prospects for Clase. Would that be worth it for another elite arm in the bullpen?

Caleb Williams Shows Growing Pains on Day One of Bears Training Camp

caleb williams
Jul 23, 2025; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) runs with the ball during training camp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

The Chicago Bears kicked off 2025 training camp at Halas Hall on Wednesday, with second-year quarterback Caleb Williams under the spotlight. Expectations are high under new head coach Ben Johnson, who’s tasked with helping Williams rebound from an up and down rookie year. But the first practice made it clear the learning curve will take some time.

Williams got off to a rough start, throwing an interception to linebacker Tremaine Edmunds on his first 11 on 11 pass. The offense struggled to execute play calls, and Johnson’s frustration boiled over during 7 on 7 drills when the first team offense failed to line up correctly twice. He pulled the unit from the field, yelling, “You’re out!”

There have been some reports described Williams as looking “uncomfortable.” The 75-minute(ish) session was dominated by the defense, which looked sharp under new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen.

There were some positives. Williams settled down after the early turnover and performed fine during later 11 on 11 work, avoiding additional mistakes. The newly rebuilt offensive line—featuring veterans Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson—offers hope for more stability, although the left tackle spot remains unsettled. Johnson has set a high bar, including a 70% completion goal for Williams in camp which will test Williams on a daily basis.

Panic Meter: 2/10

Johnson’s intensity and Williams shaky start are noteworthy, but it’s only Day 1. Williams arriving early for camp shows commitment, and defenses usually start faster. If struggles continue, concern will grow—but for now, fans should stay patient and focus on how quickly Williams adjusts.

Because Ben Johnson might be the best thing to happen to Caleb Williams. His intense coaching style is exactly what Williams lacked as a rookie.

There may be growing pains, but this pairing is what the franchise needed.

Bears Training Camp Day One: Key Takeaways & Highlights

White Sox Look Like Winners in Fedde Trade After Rocky First Impressions

Jul 22, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Erick Fedde (12) delivers a pitch in the third inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Erick Fedde has been designated for assignment nearly a year after the White Sox traded him to the Cardinals in a three-team, eight-player swap. 

The deal, which occurred last July, sent Fedde and Tommy Pham to the Cardinals and Michael Kopech to the Dodgers in exchange for Miguel Vargas and infield prospects Alexander Albertus and Jeral Perez. 

At the time, the deal was met with heavy scrutiny, especially given the early returns. Fedde was one of the most sought-after arms on the market after posting a 3.11 ERA and 4.7 WAR in 21 starts with the White Sox. He also owned the lowest walk rate of his career while striking out 108 batters through 121.1 innings. 

Kopech had also racked up nine saves out of the White Sox bullpen, while owning one of the highest strikeout rates in baseball at 30.9% at the time of the trade. The hard-throwing right-hander quickly emerged as a key piece of the Dodgers’ bullpen, helping them win the World Series. 

Meanwhile, Vargas was one of the worst hitters in the MLB after joining the White Sox, hitting .107 with a .387 OPS in 42 games. But a year later, Chris Getz’s deal suddenly looks very promising for the White Sox. 

Fedde’s strikeout rate has plummeted to 14.1%, which ranks in the bottom 3% of the MLB, after striking out hitters at a 21.2% clip a season ago. Opponents near 45% hard-hit rate is also one of the worst marks in the league. In Fedde’s last five starts, he’s allowed 26 runs on 33 hits and 11 walks across 17.2 innings. The final straw came on Tuesday, when Fedde got shelled by the Colorado Rockies, allowing 6 runs in just three innings of work. 

Kopech recently underwent surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee, landing him on the 60-day IL, which will keep him out for most of the season. This comes as Vargas has homered in two of his last three games, bringing his season total to 12 on the year with 40 RBIs, leading the White Sox in each category. He has also raised his OPS to .706 on the season, while leading the team with 51 runs scored.

While Vargas has still remained inconsistent at times, he has provided the White Sox lineup with some power and flexibility, with the ability to play multiple positions. His 39 walks and 25 doubles also lead the White Sox. But Vargas may not even be the most impactful piece of the deal. 

Perez has hit 15 homers this season in High-A for the Winston Salem Dash while slugging .430. Meanwhile, Albertus, who recently returned from a fractured tibia suffered last season, is slashing .333/.520/.444 in his first eight games in the Arizona Complex League. 

Regardless, a year removed from the controversial three-team swap, the narrative around the trade has shifted dramatically. If either of the young infielders continues to progress as projected, Chris Getz’s gamble could ultimately be remembered not as a misstep but as one of the more forward-thinking moves of his tenure.

Dennis Allen Gave Ice Cold Answer Why He Was So Brutal On Defense In First Practice

dennis allen
May 9, 2025; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen (L), general manager Ryan Poles (C) and head coach Ben Johnson (R) observe during the Rookie Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Ben Johnson knew he needed somebody proven to handle the defense given his own offensive background. Not only that, but it had to be someone who shared his philosophies on creativity, hard work, discipline, and toughness. That is how he came around to Dennis Allen. Johnson had been following the exploits of the veteran defensive coach for years, from his rise in Denver to his long, successful stint with the New Orleans Saints. An additional reference from Lions head coach Dan Campbell sealed the deal.

Johnson didn’t need long to establish his reputation as a demanding coach. In the first practice of training camp, offensive starters were kicked out of drills after making multiple mistakes. Unfortunately, it wasn’t any better for the defense. On a day when the real feel temperature hovered around 100 degrees, Allen reportedly had players doing up-downs and going through intense drills. He was asked about it afterward. The Bears’ defensive coordinator was unapologetic about his approach. His answer left no room for misinterpretation.

“You have to pay the toll. You have to pay the price. It’s a privilege to be on this defense. Training camp is going to be difficult.”

Dennis Allen has a clear agenda in mind.

His job is to weed out the weak. Yes, it sounds Spartan, but that is the reality of this game. If you want to be a champion, you must be mentally and physically tough. The only way to ensure this becomes a reality in games is by making it so in practice. Dennis Allen isn’t getting paid to make players comfortable. He’s getting paid to win. This defense, while talented, was not good enough last year. Being the best unit on a bad team means nothing. Before getting into the Xs and Os, Allen must determine how many of them are up to the task of going through the grind. There are no days off in training camp. It is constant work. Teams that don’t realize this don’t win. It is a lesson the defensive coordinator learned over a long career.