The Bear’s Den, December 27, 2017

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

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BEARRRSSSS

Biggs' grading the Bears: Sam Acho keeps producing with top outside linebackers down - Chicago Tribune - Although the Bears sacked Browns quarterback DeShone Kizer only once Sunday, they hit him 10 times and were effective blitzing.

Rosenbloom: Raise your hand if you want Ted Phillips out of Ryan Pace’s search for next Bears coach - Chicago Tribune - The NFL Network reported Sunday that Bears team president Ted Phillips has been “doing homework” on available coaching candidates if John Fox is fired. Were you like me? Did you scream “Noooooooo!’’ when you heard the Bears’ equivalent to Cubs wonk Crane Kenney was doing coaching legwork?

Mulligan: Draft, not free agency, is place for Bears to make offseason impact - Chicago Tribune - With Chicago Bears quarterback Mitch Trubisky presumably getting new and better offensive coaches with a concentration on scheme over plays, the focus will shift quickly to player procurement.

Campbell; John Fox, Bears enter final week before expected change - Chicago Tribune - While embattled Bears coach John Fox prepares for Sunday's finale against the Vikings, the significance of impending organizational change dwarfs the formality of the game.

Wiederer: Mitch Trubisky spreads his wings, drives ahead after snowy Soldier Field sendoff - Chicago Tribune - With a 20-3 win in his back pocket and additional evidence of his growth, Mitch Trubisky's journey into 2018 comes with optimism and added pressure.

Jahns: 11 takeaways from the Bears' 20-3 win against the Browns - Chicago Sun-Times - Thoughts and observations after watching the film and going through the stats of the Bears’ 20-3 win against the Browns on Sunday.

Jahns: Why it's best for the Bears to find a way to keep CB Kyle Fuller - Chicago Sun-Times - The Sun-Times’ Adam L. Jahns and WGN Radio’s Adam Hoge have co-hosted a Bears podcast since the 2015 season.

Bears mailbag: Is this John Fox's last game? Who takes his place? - Chicago Sun-Times - The Sun-Times’ experts can answer your Bears questions all week on Twitter. Here’s a sampling of queries sent to @patrickfinley, who responds:

Finley: John Fox on Mitch Trubisky's runs - 'A dimension ... not everybody has' - Chicago Sun-Times - Even with unsure footing during the snowstorm Sunday, Mitch Trubisky’s decisiveness and athletic ability made him the Bears’ best weapon.

Potash: Bears' John Fox unfazed by speculation about his job: 'I don't worry about it' - Chicago Sun-Times - Discussing the future seems fruitless and pointless with a coach who isn’t likely to be here in 2018. The game can’t get here quickly enough.

Tleander: Ex-Bears LB Doug Buffone another likely victim of CTE - Chicago Sun-Times - Two months ago, Dana Buffone had Doug’s body exhumed from its resting place and his brain removed and sent to the CTE Center at Boston University.

LeGere: Chicago Bears' Fox calm before imminent storm - Daily Herald - Though his demise may be imminent, and his critics growing more and more vocal, Chicago Bears coach John Fox isn't stressed. "I've never had trouble getting employment in this league," Fox said, "and I'm not going to start worrying about it now."

Bears grades: No coal under the tree after win over Browns - NBC Sports Chicago - The Bears played well, largely, in Christmas Eve's win over the Cleveland Browns.

Stankevitz: John Fox tunes out speculation about being fired - ‘I don’t worry about it’ - NBC Sports Chicago - There's been plenty of speculation about whether John Fox will return next season. The head coach didn't sound worried on Tuesday, though.

Mayer: 3 things that stood out in Week 16 win - ChicagoBears.com - Senior writer Larry Mayer identifies three things that stood out Sunday in the Bears’ 20-3 win over the Browns, including quarterback Mitchell Trubisky making plays with his arm and legs.

Lunch with Larry: 12.26.17 - ChicagoBears.com - Bears Senior Writer Larry Mayer discusses Kyle Fuller's big year, who will be returning to play big roles for next year and the excitement of Mitch Trubisky in his weekly Q&A with fans.

Mayer: Fox talks Trubisky, job security - ChicagoBears.com - Speaking to the media Tuesday at Halas Hall, John Fox discussed quarterback Mitchell Trubisky’s ability to scramble, his job security as Bears coach and more.

Cox: John Fox feels Bears are ‘at a level playing field now’ - Bears Wire - Chicago Bears head coach John Fox thinks his team has reached a level playing field in terms of young talent on the roster.

Pompei: Observations From Bears-Browns - CBS Chicago - Mitchell Trubisky is showing a better feel for when to throw and when not to in his decision-making.

Gabriel: There Have Been Some Positives In Bears’ 2017 Season - CBS Chicago - The development of the likes of Mitchell Trubisky, Eddie Jackson and Nick Kwiatkoski has stood out.

Bernstein: Bears Put Themselves In The Coaching Conversation - CBS Chicago - For the Bears to put themselves in the market signals that there's no going back from here in firing John Fox.

Emma: After Bears Fell Far Short Of Expectations, Fox’s Fate Seems Sealed - CBS Chicago - Fox has yet to inquire about his future as the Bears' head coach, though a change seems likely after this final week of the season.

Seligman: Fox says he’s not worrying about future coaching Bears - The Rock River Times - With a 14-33 record in three years, John Fox might be coaching his final game for the Bears when they finish the season at NFC North champion Minnesota.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT ON WINDY CITY GRIDIRON

Sunderbruch: 10 Thoughts on the NFL - Windy City Gridiron - Santa gave Bears fans an early present and the playoffs are close to set. On the eve of the last week of regular season football, here are some thoughts about the state of professional football.

Wiltfong's NFL Power Rankings: The Bears have won 2 of their last 3 games so... - Windy City Gridiron - The Chicago Bears are trying to get some good vibes heading into the offseason, and winning two of their last three games have helped with that. The NFC North champion Minnesota Vikings are up...

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