The Bear's Den: December 8, 2016

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

BEARRRSSSS

Biggs Q&A: Matt Barkley's potential, draft plans, salary cap and more - Chicago Tribune - I’m not knocking Barkley but let’s be realistic about what he is and what the franchise’s plans for the position will be in the offseason that awaits us.

Wiederer: John Fox, Vic Fangio address rumored tension on Bears staff - Chicago Tribune - As word spreads through NFL circles that a John Fox-Vic Fangio divorce could be looming when this season ends for the Chicago Bears, an awkward vibe accompanied Wednesday's proceedings at Halas Hall. Ken's Note: Word spread through NFL circles because somebody at the Tribune spread it. Cover-up at 435 N. Michigan Avenue? I wonder...

Cox: Nick Kwiatkoski made up for John Timu’s struggles vs 49ers - Bears Wire - Chicago Bears rookie linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski greatly out-played his fellow-starter John Timu, who struggled in the middle of the defense.

John Fox discusses upcoming matchup vs. Lions - CSN Chicago - John Fox talks about the Bears' upcoming matchup against the Lions.

Mullin: The standard for Bears evaluating Matt Barkley? Use what John Fox uses - CSN Chicago - Taking care of the ball will prove to be the test source of evaluating how far Matt Barkley has come, and what his potential can be for the Bears.

Zeglinski: Bears plan and resolve shine in win - The Rock River Times - A conversation of meaningful games for the Chicago Bears has struck up in the past few weeks. In a season where for many reasons the Bears are out of the race

Finley: Could 3-win Bears' Akiem Hicks push for a Pro Bowl berth? - Chicago Sun-Times - Asked Sunday if he was happy with his play, Akiem Hicks turned and quizzed the man in the locker next to him.

Bernstein: Remembering Rashaan Salaam - CBS Chicago - Drafted by the Bears in 1995, Salaam was found dead Monday in Boulder, Colorado at age 42.

Sam Acho Tabbed As Bears’ Walter Payton Man Of The Year Nominee - CBS Chicago - The award is given annually to a player for community service activities as well as excellence on the field.

Cox: Lions’ secondary will provide first real test for Matt Barkley - Bears Wire - Chicago Bears quarterback Matt Barkley will face his most difficult opponent yet as he tries to continue his success in Detroit.

Emma: Bears’ John Fox, Vic Fangio Deny Friction - CBS Chicago - Fox stated that he wants the entire coaching staff back in 2017.

Lance Briggs Show, with special guest Charles Tillman - CSN Chicago - Check out the latest edition of the Lance Briggs Show, featuring special guest and former teammate Charles Tillman.

Fangio has intention to be back with Bears next season - CSN Chicago - Bears defensive coordinator Vic Fangio says he has full intention to return to the Bears next season, despite what rumors say.

Mullin: John Fox, Vic Fangio nix report of rift in Bears coaching ranks - CSN Chicago - Bears head coach John Fix and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio dismissed reports that there's a rift between them.

PFW Chicago Podcast: Previewing Bears-Lions Part II, plus fantasy and Fangio talk - Pro Football Weekly - The guys are back to recap a snowy victory for the Bears over the 49ers. The defense played well, so why is there a report about Vic Fangio's job status (5:30)? Kevin and John analyze that situation before the guys turn the page to the NFC North-lead

NFLN: Defensive Players of the Week - ChicagoBears.com - The "Good Morning Football" crew reveals the Week 13 defensive players of the week.

POLISH SAUSAGE

Hanzus: Beckham says Stevie Wonder could have seen missed calls - NFL.com - Odell Beckham knows he should stop talking about game officials. He just can't help himself. Beckham was fired up about what he believes were several missed calls in Sunday's loss to the Steelers.

Smith: NFL says refs have discretion to penalize players’ snow angels - ProFootballTalk - Sunday afternoon's NFL action featured two snow games, and two players deciding to have a little fun by making snow angels. But only one player was flagged. In Chicago, 49ers cornerback Rashard Robinson celebrated a big play by making a snow angel and was penalized. Ken's note: Since one of the players involved was a Packer, obviously there could be no penalty against them. The other? Not a Packer, throw the flag.

Kadar: 2017 NFL mock draft, What if the QBs just aren’t that good? - SBNation.com - It’s no sure thing a quarterback goes in the top 10. In this week’s mock, we look at what happens if they don’t.

Fucillo: Updated group of players accepting invitations to the 2017 Reese’s Senior Bowl - Niners Nation - The 49ers will be plenty active scouting the college postseason all star games. Here is an early look at the Senior Bowl.

The Shek Report Week 13 - Snow Kap - NFL Videos - NFL Media’s Dave Dameshek breaks down the most shameful plays and players of Week 13 in the NFL.

KNOW THY ENEMY

Reisman: How much of an impact will Joique Bell make? - Pride Of Detroit - Can the veteran running back make an impact upon his return to Detroit?

Miami49erFan: 49ers secondary gets the cold shoulder - Niners Nation - The Bears 2-minute drive before the half sealed our fate. At the 1:43 mark, in the play below D. Thompson (CHI) manhandles Brock at the line. Brock (top of the screen) gets pushed off so bad he falls into some sort of a weird speed turn and gives up 8 yards on 3rd and 6. Why we are playing bump and run in a blizzard? Who knows.

Reisman: Lions postseason chances skyrocket after win over Saints - Pride Of Detroit - Anything but playoffs would be a disaster.

Reisman: The Lions’ defensive turnaround is for real - Pride Of Detroit - They may not be great, but they sure are improved.

Reisman: Lions can’t let guard down against injured Bears - Pride Of Detroit - The Lions are the clear favorite in their Week 14 matchup, but the Bears pose an interesting challenge.

Reisman: Lions place three players on IR, sign Joique Bell - Pride Of Detroit - Joique Bell is back, but the Lions lost three more players for the season.

Here's why Matthew Stafford is grading among the top 10 NFL QBs this season:https://t.co/HLo7HOJZRD pic.twitter.com/F1YrbVknNg

— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) December 7, 2016

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT ON WINDY CITY GRIDIRON

Wiltfong: Chicago Bears’ Akiem Hicks named NFC Defensive Player of the Week - Windy City Gridiron - The Chicago Bears’ Akiem Hicks has been named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week after his 10 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 tackles for loss, 2 quarterback hits and 1 forced fumble. Hicks helped lead a...

Silverstein: A sad farewell to Rashaan Salaam - Windy City Gridiron - At the tender age of 42, ex-Bears running back and Heisman Trophy winner Rashaan Salaam is dead. He leaves behind memories of his smile and warmth and more questions about the toll of football.

Wiltfong: John Fox and Vic Fangio both deny that Fangio is out at season’s end - Windy City Gridiron - One day after rumors circulated that the Chicago Bears and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio were ready to part ways at season’s end, both Fangio and head coach John Fox met the media today and shot...

Mitchell's WCG Power Rankings: Steady At The Top & Niners Sink Past Cleveland - Windy City Gridiron - The AFC West leads the way, while the Niners fall off the chart

FANPOSTS

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