The Bear’s Den: December 24, 2016

BEAR DOWN, CHICAGO BEARS, BEAR DOWN!!!!

BEARRRSSSS

Biggs, Wiederer & Campbell: Weak Washington defense gives QB Matt Barkley a chance - Chicago Tribune - Bears have enough firepower on offense and toughness on defense to put an end to Redskins' flagging playoff hopes. Watch for these four storylines as the Bears play the Redskins Saturday at Soldier Field.

Mayer: Bears add Freeman; Goldman on IR - ChicagoBears.com - The Bears on Friday added linebacker Jerrell Freeman and offensive lineman Cornelius Edison to the active roster and placed nose tackle Eddie Goldman on injured reserve.

Wiederer: Eddie Goldman's move to IR another setback for Bears' 2015 draft class - Chicago Bears - The move was hardly a shock Friday when Bears nose tackle Eddie Goldman was placed officially on injured reserve, unable to overcome the ankle sprain that has dogged him since September. Goldman last played Dec. 11 in Detroit but left that loss to the Lions after aggravating his left ankle. He hadn't tried to practiced since and the Bears finally opted not to force the issue any further.

Rosenbloom: What Bears coach John Fox should be talking about - Chicago Tribune - Ken’s Note: The following picture will suffice for this article’s description:

Jahns: Daniel Brown, MyCole Pruitt strengthen TE mix - Chicago Sun-Times - Adam L. Jahns' "Inside the Huddle" column appears in game-day editions of the Chicago Sun-Times.

Mullin: Next challenge for Bears focus: Christmas goings-on - CSN Chicago - Might any of the Bears be more inclined to watch "It’s A Wonderful Life" instead of more film on the Washington Redskins?

Hub Arkush: Don't count out Chicago Bears against playoff-hopeful Washington - Pro Football Weekly - Despite 3-11 record, Bears' past 3 losses have come down to wire.

Jahns: Defensive tackle Eddie Goldman is 19th Bears player put on IR - Chicago Sun-Times - Goldman was limited to six games this season because of a left high-ankle sprain.

Jahns: Daniel Brown, MyCole Pruitt strengthen TE mix - Chicago Sun-Times - Adam L. Jahns' "Inside the Huddle" column appears in game-day editions of the Chicago Sun-Times.

Video: Bears grant family’s wish - ChicagoBears.com - As the Ventimiglia family drove past Soldier Field on the way to their son’s medical treatment, they hoped to one day go to a game. The Bears made sure it happened and so much more.

Perez: Armed Forces Bowl to feature wide receiver who could be on Bears’ radar - Bears Wire - Trent Taylor could be a receiver the Bears target on Day 3 of the 2017 NFL draft

Surgery wasn't how I pictured this season ending, but God has a plan! Looking forward to next year with a fresh wheel! pic.twitter.com/4RGHinLgTZ

— Eddie Royal (@EddieRoyalWR) December 23, 2016

Jahns: Kirk Cousins is proof Matt Barkley could be something - Chicago Sun-Times - When Jeff Christensen looks at the play of quarterback Matt Barkley, he not only sees potential but wins for the Bears.

Potash: Matt Barkley adding intrigue to Bears' 2017 QB picture - Chicago Sun-Times - With the opportunity of a lifetime after a disappointing introduction to the NFL, Bears quarterback Matt Barkley is too

Finley: At holidays and in-season, Bears see chapel as 'time well-spent' - Chicago Sun-Times - Before the Bears spent Christmas Eve on the field or Christmas Day with their families, they’ll spend Friday night with each other.

Jahns: Defensive tackle Eddie Goldman is 19th Bears player put on IR - Chicago Sun-Times - Goldman was limited to six games this season because of a left high-ankle sprain

Video: Fox on playing on Christmas Eve - CSN Chicago - Bears coach John Fox talks about keeping the team focused ahead of a Christmas Eve game.

STL: Should the Bears bring back Alshon? - CSN Chicago - The SportsTalk Live panel debates on whether or not the Bears should sign Alshon Jeffery to a contract.

Mullin: Packers G T.J. Lang fined $24,000 for hit on Bears DL Cornelius Washington - CSN Chicago - Packers guard T.J. Lang was fined $24,000 for his hit on Bears defensive lineman Cornelius Washington.

Video: Tracy Porter on fellow cornerback Cre'Von LeBlanc - CSN Chicago - Bears cornerback Tracy Porter talks about teammate Cre'Von LeBlanc ahead of Saturday's game against the Redskins.

LeGere: Will Barkley be part of Bears' future? - Daily Herald - Before he contemplates what his future might be with the Bears, quarterback Matt Barkley remains focused on the present -- Saturday's game vs. Washington. "(That's) kind of where my head is at -- taking this one game at a time and not getting caught up in the emotions of this sport and finishing strong," Barkley said.

Mullin: Bears look to solidify culture change in rematch with Redskins - CSN Chicago - The Bears' losing has not ended, but the losing mentality has. Saturday's game against the Redskins could show the culture has changed.

POLISH SAUSAGE

Knoblach: Chargers agree to lease LA offices in preparation for possible move - NFL.com - The Chargers have agreed to lease a portion of an Orange County office facility and are working to secure nearby land for practice fields as part of their preparations for a potential L.A. move.

Perez: Mike Glennon expected to command $13M-$15M per year in free agency - Bears Wire - Potential Bears target Mike Glennon could cost too much on the open market for Chicago to pursue

KNOW THY ENEMY

NFL 360: Mo' Money, Mo' Problems Cousins vs Redskins - NFL Videos - In a game of money, big time playmakers have cashed in, but for some franchises the decision to pay big hasn't panned out...Mike Silver dishes out whether Kirk Cousins is Washington's answer to the 100 million dollar question.

Florio: Vikings plane slides off runway in Wisconsin while taxiing - ProFootballTalk - The bizarre, upside-down football season in Minnesota continues. The Vikings' plane fell slid off the runway at the airport in Appleton, Wisconsin. According to the team's Twitter count, the plane landed safely but then slid off the runway and got stuck.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT ON WINDY CITY GRIDIRON

Berkes: Jordan Howard’s Milestone - Windy City Gridiron - The rookie running back cleared 1,000 yards for the season - can he get the record?

Wiltfong: Chicago Bears Injury Report: Eddie Goldman placed on injured reserve - Windy City Gridiron - Here’s the full injury report for the Chicago Bears and the Washington Redskins.

Zeglinski: What gifts Santa would get the Chicago Bears this holiday - Windy City Gridiron - Santa’s making a list. He’s checking it twice. Who’s been naughty and who’s been nice for the Bears?

Berckes: Five Questions With Hogs Haven - Windy City Gridiron - We go deep with Hogs Haven’s Alex Rowsey in advance of Saturday’s tilt against Washington

WIltfong: Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains receiving some league wide praise - Windy City Gridiron - Maybe Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains is a keeper after all?

FANPOSTS

FanPosts - Recent - Windy City Gridiron - Here's a link to our FanPost section, where YOU have the opportunity to contribute to Windy City Gridiron. Take a few minutes and write a post about what you are thinking about regarding the Chicago Bears, and there'a chance it will be linked right here in the Den.

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