The Bear’s Den: January 20, 2018

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

BEARRRSSSS

DeWitt: Analyzing the Bears' New-Look Offensive Coaching Staff - Da Bears Brothers - Take a listen as Da Bears Brothers take an in-depth look at every one of Matt Nagy's hires on offense and explain how each will impact the Bears in 2018.

Letizia: Kyle Fuller - Should He Stay or Should He Go? - Da Bears Brothers - One of Ryan Pace's most important decisions is whether or not to retain Kyle Fuller, but what's the right choice?

Talarico: We Rode the Storm Out - Da Bears Brothers - No more wondering season after season if the Bears are worth watching. The dark days are now officially in the past.

DeWitt: Bears' Coordinators Press Conference Cheat Sheet (Top Takeaways) - Da Bears Brothers - If you missed Thursday's press conference, or don't have the hour to sit down and listen, this guide will give you all the information you need to know.

Thompson: Brian Urlacher likes the Bears' Matt Nagy hire, and, oh yeah, he's a mountain biker now - Chicago Tribune - Brian Urlacher explains why he likes Matt Nagy as head coach of the Bears, and also touches on his new hobby, mountain biking.

Biggs: Bears will retain QB coach Dave Ragone - Chicago Tribune - An NFL source told the Tribune that Dave Ragone will remain as the Bears' quarterbacks coach.

Kane: Bears offensive coordinator Mark Helfrich sees Mitch Trubisky as coachable, accurate - Chicago Tribune - Coach Matt Nagy expects offensive coordinator Mark Helfrich to help pull the most out of quarterback Mitch Trubisky as he moves into his second season, and Helfrich already has drawn some positive opinions from afar.

Wiederer: Back for Season 4 with Bears, Vic Fangio stresses room for improvement - Chicago Tribune - Uncertainty is over and Vic Fangio is back with the Bears as their defensive coordinator. But now Fangio needs to get on the same page with his new boss, Matt Nagy. And he wants his promising defense to recognize its room for improvement.

Biggs: Bears expand offensive vision with new coordinator Mark Helfrich - Chicago Tribune - Mark Helfrich was at the forefront of the college spread offense at Oregon and before that he was schooled in the Air Coryell concepts in college. He provides the Bears more options to pick and choose what they like as they build a playbook.

Campbell: Matt Nagy and Mark Helfrich don't expect overnight success with new Bears offense - Chicago Tribune - As new Bears coach Matt Nagy and offensive coordinator Mark Helfrich brainstorm the new offense, they must develop Mitch Trubisky and find more talent to maximize the spread option concepts they plan to implement.

Biggs: Bears hiring Brock Olivo as assistant special teams coach - Chicago Tribune - New special teams coordinator Chris Tabor has an assistant groomed in the scheme he will bring to the team as the Bears are hiring Brock Olivo to fill the role.

Finley: Why Vic Fangio returned to the Bears despite being passed over for head coach - Chicago Sun-Times - Having listened to his new boss heap praise upon him, Bears defensive coordinator Vic Fangio walked to a microphone podium Thursday with a wry smile.

Jahns: Five things we learned from Bears coach Matt Nagy and his coordinators - Chicago Sun-Times - After what new Bears coach Matt Nagy called “a fun process” during an “exciting time,” he introduced his top lieutenants on Thursday.

Cahill: Chris Berman believes 'NFL Primetime' would lure back football fans - Chicago Sun-Times - With Chris Berman and Tom Jackson narrating the rapid-fire highlights, "NFL Primetime" was appointment television for 18 years.

Jahns: Bears 'brainstorming' cutting-edge offense for Mitch Trubisky - Chicago Sun-Times - Everything will be new offensively under coach Matt Nagy and offensive coordinator Mark Helfrich.

Oberhelman: Wheaton Academy coach shares Arena Football memories with new Bears coach Nagy - Daily Herald - Long before the Chicago Bears had eyes on new head coach Matt Nagy, the former Arena Football League quarterback shared a bond with Steve Thonn, now a Wheaton Academy basketball coach.

LeGere: Helfrich hire proves how important Trubisky's development is to Bears - Daily Herald - Because the development of quarterback Mitch Trubisky is so important to the Bears' future success, it will be a priority not only for new head coach Matt Nagy but for offensive coordinator Mark Helfrich, who helped coach Marcus Mariota to the Heisman Trophy at Oregon. Trubisky, however, is not a delicate orchid or a temperamental star who needs to be treated with kid gloves. And he doesn't have to be nagged to put in the work required to reach his potential. But he still has a tremendous amount of information to process and technique to master, and he can't do it alone.

Video: Best of Nagy, Fangio, Helfrich, Tabor in Bears presser - NBC Sports Chicago - Check out the best moments as Vic Fangio (defensive coordinator) was reintroduced to the Bears while Mark Helfrich (offensive coordinator) and Chris Tabor (special teams coordinator)

Mullin: Mitch Trubisky affecting more than offense, kudos to hiring process - NBC Sports Chicago - It's very clear the Bears' new coaching staff all agrees that the franchise has something special in Mitch Trubisky. That and more from John "Moon" Mullin.

Stankevitz: 'Adapt or die' is the perfect motto for Matt Nagy's coaching staff - NBC Sports Chicago - Bears special teams coach Chris Tabor floated the phrase "adapt or die" during his press conference Thursday, and it's a pretty accurate assessment of Matt nagy and his new staff.

Mullin: Bears' offense touts a new identity whose whole is greater than the sum of its parts - NBC Sports Chicago - The Bears could be a mixture of the West Coast and spread offenses with Matt Nagy and Mark Helfrich on board. It's really unknown at this point, which is a good thing for Mitch and the offense.

Arthur Arkush: Chicago Bears coordinators are in place. 5 takeaways from their intro presser - Pro Football Weekly - Bears new coach Matt Nagy unveiled his top three lieutenants Thursday — Mark Helfrich (offensive coordinator), Vic Fangio (defensive coordinator) and Chris Tabor (special teams coordinator).

Edholm: Vic Fangio, Mark Helfrich both see Mitch Trubisky as good reason to be with Chicago Bears | Pro Football Weekly - Old defensive coordinator, new offensive coordinator both excited to work with Bears QB.

PFW Chicago Podcast 101: New coordinator chatter and offseason to-do list - Pro Football Weekly - Arthur and Hub react to the "love fest" at Halas Hall on Thursday, including the key role Mitch Trubisky's presence played in Matt Nagy luring in Mark Helfrich and luring back Vic Fangio. Ken's Note: Interestingly, Hub keeps stating one of the Bears top needs is Left Tackle, as in it's a huge need. Nobody else is saying that.

Mayer: Nagy sees Helfrich as 'a perfect fit' - ChicagoBears.com - Mark Helfrich's ability to develop quarterbacks at the University of Oregon made him the ideal candidate to become Bears offensive coordinator under new head coach Matt Nagy.

Mayer: Fangio focused on improving current players - ChicagoBears.com - While others may be looking ahead to free agency and the draft, Bears defensive coordinator Vic Fangio is focused on improving the players already on the roster.

Mayer: Which Bears players are due to become free agents? - ChicagoBears.com - Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses Bears players who are due to become free agents, where the Chiefs ranked on offense under Matt Nagy this season and the last time the Bears retained an offensive or defensive coordinator.

Mayer: Bears hire Olivo as Assistant Special Teams Coach - ChicagoBears.com - Head coach Matt Nagy announced the hiring of Brock Olivo, previously the Denver Broncos' special teams coordinator, as assistant special teams coach.

Perez: Chicago Bears 1985 Super Bowl team to be featured in new documentary - Bears Wire - The Chicago Bears 1985 Super Bowl team was one of the most entertaining rosters in NFL history, and now they'll be featured in a special documentary that will air on January 29 in 200 theatres nationwide.

Perez: Allen Robinson may prove too risky for Chicago Bears in free agency - Bears Wire - The Bears will target wide receivers in free agency, but Allen Robinson's injury history may be too big of a gamble for GM Ryan pace

Emma: Bears Special Teams Coordinator Chris Tabor Excited To Use Explosiveness Of Tarik Cohen - CBS Chicago - Tabor is eager to work with Cohen, the Bears returner whom he referred to as a "dynamic" threat.

Bears Hire Brock Olivo As Assistant Specials Teams Coach - CBS Chicago - Olivo was the Broncos' special teams coordinator last season.

Bernstein: Bears Coach Matt Nagy More Open With Media, For Now - CBS Chicago - We're already smarter about what we will see because of something the coach told us.

Emma: Comfort With Bears’ Direction Led Vic Fangio To Stay In Chicago - CBS Chicago - After realizing a fit with Matt Nagy, it was clear to Fangio that Chicago was the place to be.

Perez: Bears RB Jordan Howard hints at lack of respect on Twitter - Bears Wire - Chicago Bears RB Jordan Howard hinted at his lack of respect on Twitter,

Emma: Mark Helfrich Aims To Bring Innovation To Bears Offense - CBS Chicago - The Bears will likely utilize run-pass options among other new looks under the direction of Helfrich and Matt Nagy.

DRAFT / FREE AGENCY

Mel Kiper on Josh Allen: ‘The kid won.’ Huh? - SBNation.com - He’s a promising athlete who could become a great QB. That’s about it!

Western: NFL-record 106 underclassmen have declared for 2018 NFL Draft - Acme Packing Company - That number doesn’t even include the 13 extra players who have declared for the draft after graduating while still having college eligibility.

NFL mock draft 2018: First-round projections, top players, 2018 NFL Draft order (01/19/2018) - Chicago Bears, Courtland Sutton, WR, SMU

2018 NFL Mock Draft - WalterFootball.com - Joshua Jackson, CB, Iowa - Calvin Ridley has been slotted here for several weeks, and he could still be the pick. However, Chicago may opt to take a slightly superior prospect and go after some receivers later. The Bears need some youth at cornerback, as Prince Amukamara doesn't seem like he's in the long-term plans. He's an impending free agent anyway. Team sources have raved about Joshua Jackson, and there's a chance he's the first cornerback selected in the 2018 NFL Draft.

WalterFootball.com: 2018 NFL Mock Draft -Charlie Campbell, Senior Draft Analyst - Chicago Bears -This is a bit of a reach, but the Bears badly need some receiving weapons for Mitch Trubisky. Clearly, Ridley would be an upgrade over Chicago's wideouts.

2018 NFL Draft profile: Sony Michel brings speed, quickness and versatility to the Lions - Pride Of Detroit - Would Sony be a good fit for Detroit?

2018 NFL Mock Draft - NFL Draft Express - Chicago Bears - Courtland Sutton, WR, SMU

Jeremiah mock draft 1.0: Browns, Jets, Fins, Redskins take QB - NFL.com - The Browns, Jets, Dolphins and Redskins address the QB position in Daniel Jeremiah's first mock draft of the year. Have a look at his projection for the first round.

POLISH SAUSAGE

White Sox, Bears Subtly Troll Kim And Kanye Baby Name Announcement - CBS Chicago - The White Sox and Bears are throwing a slight bit of shade on Kim Kardashian, mocking her Twitter post announcing the name of her new baby, Chicago West.

KNOW THY ENEMY

Gates: Seven Good Questions with Bleeding Green Nation - Daily Norseman - Because mo’ important games get mo’ questions.

Vikings Give to the Who Dat Nation - What You Give Will Grow Inspired by Thomas Morstead to donate all funds raised this week from Minnesota Vikings fans to Children’s Minnesota Child Life Program

Reisman: Screw the Bill Belichick Coaching Tree argument against Matt Patricia - Pride Of Detroit - The biggest knock on Matt Patricia is a fallacy to begin with.

WLudford: How to Beat the Eagles Defense - Daily Norseman - Some ideas based on what’s worked earlier in the season

Mays: The Education of the Vikings Defense - The Ringer - All 11 of Minnesota’s defensive starters have been with the team for at least three seasons. That’s exceedingly rare in a league defined by turnover—and it’s created a unit that’s devastatingly complex.

Wagner: Packers’ history of new GMs suggests Gutekunst will be active in first two years - Acme Packing Company - The last four Packer GMs have been aggressive in their first couple seasons, for better or worse.

Bukowski: Mike Pettine’s track record against top QBs offers welcome change for Packers defense - Acme Packing Company - After notorious struggles from Dom Capers’ defenses against the best in the game, Green Bay gets a change.

Payton: Grading Detroit Lions General Manager Bob Quinn at the 2-year mark - Pride Of Detroit - Taking a look at the job Bob Quinn has done as the Lions GM.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT ON WINDY CITY GRIDIRON

Householder: How successful is the Andy Reid coaching tree? - Windy City Gridiron - Andy Reid’s coaching tree accounts for a quarter of the NFL. How successful has that tree been?

Mitchell: Lukewarm at best - Why I’m not on the enthusiasm bandwagon - Windy City Gridiron - We all know what the Bears need. The real question is whether they have the mechanisms in place to do it.

Zeglinski: WCG Radio, Episode 15: Business time for Matt Nagy and the Bears - Windy City Gridiron - Matt Nagy's coaching staff is all but complete. The road back to Bears' relevance begins now.

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’s a chance it will be linked right here in the Den.

THE RULES

Windy City Gridiron Community Guidelines - SBNation.com - We strive to make our communities open and inclusive to sports fans of all backgrounds. The following is not permitted in comments, FanPosts, usernames or anywhere else in an SB Nation community: Comments, FanPosts or usernames that are intolerant or prejudiced; racial or other offensive epithets; Personal attacks or threats on community members; Gendered insults of any kind; Trolling; Click link for full information.

The Bear’s Den Specific Guidelines – The Bear’s Den is a place for Chicago Bears fans to discuss Chicago Bears football, related NFL stories, and general football talk. It is NOT a place to discuss religion or politics or post political pictures or memes, and any posts that do this will be deleted and the poster will be admonished. We do not allow comments posted where the apparent attempt is to cause confrontation in the community. We do not allow gender-directed humor or sexual assault jokes. The staff of WCG are the sole arbiters of what constitutes “apparent attempt to cause confrontation”. We do not allow the “calling out” of other members in any way, shape or form. Posts that do this will be deleted on sight. Bottom line, it’s fine to debate about football, but personal jabs and insults are strictly prohibited. Additionally, if you keep beating the same dead horse over and over and fail to heed a moderator’s warning to stop, you will be banned.

Click on our names to follow us on Twitter:

WCG Contributors: Jeff Berckes; Patti Curl; Eric Christopher Duerrwaechter; Kev H; Sam Householder; Jacob Infante; Andrew Link; Ken Mitchell; Steven Schweickert; Jack Silverstein; EJ Snyder; Lester Wiltfong, Jr.; Robert Zeglinski; Like us on Facebook