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Ken’s Note: As you are probably aware, there was news regarding the NFL and the National Anthem. While I recognize that this is a legitimate news story, I am not linking it here because it is political, and we don’t do politics in the Den, and frankly that policy is not one I am going to debate. I have few firm rules, that’s one of them. We have a story on the front page of Windy City Gridiron where you can comment whatever you think on this topic. Please feel free to check it out.
BEAR DOWN, CHICAGO BEARS, BEAR DOWN!!!!
BEARRRSSSS / DRAFT / FREE AGENCY
Finley: Tarik Cohen says new NFL rules will make kickoffs 'more like a punt return vibe' - Chicago Sun-Times - To Tarik Cohen, the NFL’s new kick return rules look a lot like a punt return. And that’s a good thing.
Jahns: 'Built Ford Tough' - Bears WR Kevin White gets salty with media, but that's OK - Chicago Sun-Times - It’s time for White to play with the same edge and attitude he showed the media after practice.
Potash: Bears get it right this time - This is Mitch Trubisky's year and this is his team - Chicago Sun-Times - Who knows where the Bears are headed, but there is no doubt that Trubisky will lead them there.
Wiederer & Campbell: Bear Download Podcast - A closer look at the Bears defense - Chicago Tribune - Welcome to the weekly Bear Download podcast with Rich Campbell and Dan Wiederer.
Kane: If public perception changes on Kevin White, it will be because of his play, not his words - Chicago Tribune - Perhaps Kevin White is just tired of the narrative of working back from adversity, now in its third year running, and his work on the field will speak volumes.
Kane: Mitch Trubisky excited about what Anthony Miller brings to Bears wide receivers group - Chicago Tribune - Bears quarterback Mitch Trubisky said he thinks rookie wide receiver Anthony Miller is “going to help that group a lot.”
LeGere: Early indications show Bears QB Trubisky at ease in leadership role - Daily Herald - Mitch Trubiksy must get comfortable enough in the leadership role so that the 23-year-old can flourish and the 2018 Bears have chance to break out of a four-year slump that has included last-place finishes in the NFC North and 10 or more losses each season. The good news is early indications are that Trubisky is completely at ease in his own skin and in his role.
LeGere: Chicago Bears QB Trubisky at ease in leadership role - Pro Football Weekly - With new weapons, the future is now for Bears' offense
Perez: 5 Bears primed for a breakout season in 2018 - NBC Sports Chicago - Taylor Gabriel was one of GM Ryan Pace's key signings this offseason but he's been lost in the conversation about the biggest additions on offense
Perez: Roquan Smith helps shear a sheep at Bears community event - NBC Sports Chicago - Roquan Smith and several other Chicago Bears rookies helped shear a sheep at Lambs Farm during a community event on Monday.
Under Center Podcast: What should we make of Kevin White? - NBC Sports Chicago - Kevin White had a, well, interesting media session on Wednesday, but was he wrong for how he approached it? We discuss in the latest Under Center Podcast.
Stankevitz: Kevin White, Bears focusing on the present and not his unlucky past or uncertain future - NBC Sports Chicago - Bears wide receivers coach Mike Furrey isn't worried about Kevin White's past or future, and wants the star-crossed receiver to focus only on the present.
Mayer: Bears building chemistry on new offense - ChicagoBears.com - Operating a new offense with several new players, Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky is pleased with the chemistry that the unit has developed in OTA practices.
Dannehy: Getting to the Quarterback Key To Goldman’s NFL/Earning Potential - Da Bears Blog - Eddie Goldman was one of the first key defensive additions for Ryan Pace and Vic Fangio as they rebuilt the unit. But his staying and earning power could depend upon his ability to get after the quarterback.
Dickerson: Mitchell Trubisky draws on offseason experience to master offense - ESPN - As he immerses himself in the offense of new coach Matt Nagy, Mitchell Trubisky says his confidence is growing while coaches preach patience.
Eurich: Bears called a surprise team who could make the playoffs in 2018 - 247Sports - The Chicago Bears continue to earn high praise for their 2018 offseason.
Eurich: Recapping Matt Nagy's second OTA session press conference - 247Sports - Matt Nagy met the media once again following the Chicago Bears OTA session on Wednesday.
Eurich: Dion Sims remains an integral part of the Bears offense - 247Sports - Dion Sims signed a three-year deal with the Chicago Bears in 2017.
POLISH SAUSAGE
Finley: NFL draft moving to Nashville for 2019 - Chicago Sun-Times - The NFL draft is moving to its fourth city in as many years: Nashville, Tenn.
KNOW THY ENEMY
Should the Vikings be “in” on Richie Incognito? - Daily Norseman - While the talent may be an upgrade, there are other factors
Minnesota Vikings: Norse Code Podcast Episode 233: The Hater 100 - Daily Norseman - James and Arif return to give an overview of the desert that is the offseason news! We discuss a great new venture the NFL should look into to replace/supplement the NFL 100, new ideas for fantasy football, and where to dine in the greater Minneapolis area (Lake Street Target vs. Knollwood Target - Who you got?).
Reisman: Lions sign former Patriots LB Trevor Bates - Pride Of Detroit - The Lions are adding more experienced, front-7 help.
Baffoe: Brett Favre Rehab Admission A Reminder Of NFL's Lack Of Addiction Concern - 670 The Score - The NFL is an enabler that does little to help its troubled players get right.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT ON WINDY CITY GRIDIRON
Link: 2018 Chicago Bears Offense - To Be (an Outside Zone Team), or Not To Be...That, is the Question - Windy City Gridiron - In 2 seasons with the Bears, Jordan Howard has been highly successful on outside zone runs. But will that ultimately be the scheme that they run? I am not so sure.
Sunderbruch: The best decision the McCaskey Bears have made - Windy City Gridiron - Virginia McCaskey has made a number of interesting decisions regarding the Bears. But one stands out as an act of class and foresight.
Zeglinski: Living for tomorrow - Mitch Trubisky’s 2017 compares well historically - Windy City Gridiron - There are a variety of determining factors for a young quarterback’s success. Trubisky’s rookie season stacks up to recent peers.
WCG CONTRIBUTORS BEARS PODCASTS & STREAMS
2 Minute Drill - Website - iTunes - Andrew Link; Steven’s Streaming – Twitch – Steven Schweickert; T-Formation Conversation - Website - iTunes - Lester Wiltfong, Jr.; WCG Radio - Website - Robert Zeglinski
THE RULES
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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.
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