The Bear’s Den, August 20, 2018

FIRST, A FEW OBSERVATIONS I HAVE ABOUT THE DENVER GAME

For the most part, we haven’t even seen Nagy’s actual offense... except for a few plays.

Want to know what his offense is going to look like? He’s calling actual game plays when we are in scoring position, those misdirection hidden receiver plays that are ending up walk-ins. Movement on every play, different sets, misdirection... we’ve only seen the barest taste of them so far. There’s going to be times that it’s rough, especially early on, but this is going to be a fun offense to watch.

The Bears are keeping 2 QB’s, IMHO. Chase Daniel is no Mitch, but he CAN keep us competitive.

Anthony Miller is the real deal.

When Nall played, he didn’t play well. Good chance this year’s RB/FB corps is the big 3 (Howard, Cohen, Cunningham are locks) plus Burton at FB, with Mizzell & Nall getting PS offers.

We didn’t see as much of guys like Fitts because he’s already got his chance to show what he can do. I think Fitts has made the team already.

The helmet rule is going to lead to much higher scoring in the league as two-to-four drives are extended per game by the call.

The bottom of the WR depth chart is a fascinating battle to watch.

Shaheen? I’m worried. Floyd? I’m not, you can play OLB with a taped up hand.

How long will it be before Denver has a QB1 controversy? I’m thinking next week. Never been sold on Case, and Kelly (for whatever else his problems are) throws lightning bolts all over the field.

Denver’s going to be a lot better this year than they were last year, because that front 7 is very, very good.

It’s a good thing we had a joint practice with Denver and played them in the pre-season... they are going to have to release/trade a couple of pass rushers and we got a REALLY good look at them. Could be a situation similar to how we ended up with Cre’von LeBlanc out of the Patriots 53-man roster cuts a couple of years ago.

Now... onto the Den...

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

BEARRRSSSS / DRAFT / FREE AGENCY

Campbell: Bears first-string offense has some good, bad and ugly in 24-23 exhibition win over Broncos - Chicago Tribune - Nine days after the Bears offensive starters netted minus-1 yard on eight plays in their exhibition debut against the Bengals, Matt Nagy wanted to see some life. He got that against the Broncos — and some negative moments too.

Jahns: What's next for quarterback Mitch Trubisky? - Chicago Sun-Times - From possible changes at center to less changes at receiver, here's what's next for Bears quarterback Mitch Trubisky this week.

Finley: Is it time to worry about Bears' edge rush? - Chicago Sun-Times - The Bears have three weeks until they play a meaningful game, but it’s not too soon to be concerned about their pass-rush depth.

Jahns: Running back Jordan Howard enjoyed playing the Broncos - Chicago Sun-Times - Bears running back Jordan Howard ran for 32 yards on nine carries against the Broncos in preseason play.

Finley: Bears will lean on tight end depth with Adam Shaheen hurt - Chicago Sun-Times - Ben Braunecker's touchdown catch proved to be game-winner in a 24-23 victory that was more Pyrrhic than promising.

Jahns: Bears vs. Broncos: Mitch Trubisky flashes in third preseason game - Chicago Sun-Times - From Mitch Trubisky's touchdown and interception to losing two to injuries, there was a lot to digest from the Bears' 24-23 win.

Finley: Bears, Mitch Trubisky show flashes, also drop ball - Chicago Sun-Times - After losing their first two preseason games, the Bears had plenty of blame to go around in their third contest.

Morrissey: Bears' Mitch Trubisky up and down in his second outing of preseason - Chicago Sun-Times - There was more progression than regression for the second-year quarterback, but there surely were more episodes of regression than Trubisky wanted.

Jahns: Quick thoughts on Mitch Trubisky and more - Chicago Sun-Times - Quarterback Mitch Trubisky had his good and bad moments against the Broncos.

Perez: Trubisky on White ‘We’re going to keep getting the ball in his hands’ - Bears Wire - Chicago Bears QB Mitch Trubisky said the Bears are going to keep targeting wide receiver Kevin White

Perez: Studs and Duds from Chicago Bears’ preseason loss to Broncos - Bears Wire - A look at the studs and duds from the Chicago Bears' preseason loss to the Denver Broncos

Mullin: With youth, pedigree and good fortune, Bears OL has rare opportunity to reach rare heights - NBC Sports Chicago - Mixed preseason numbers notwithstanding, the Bears stand on the brink of a potentially elite offensive line, in the hands of one of the most highly regarded coaches in the game.

Mullin: Bears offense opens up in 24-23 comeback win over Denver Broncos - NBC Sports Chicago - The Bears achieved their first win under Nagy on the right arm of No. 2 quarterback Chase Daniel.

Mullin: Thoughts from Bears-Broncos: Injury absences, special teams woes and a world of confusion over new helmet rule - NBC Sports Chicago - Our John "Moon" Mullin provides his initial thoughts on the Bears-Broncos Saturday night preaseason matchup.

Chicago Bears-Denver Broncos Postgame Show: Bears Get the Win, But Injuries Cause Concerns - Da Bears Brothers Podcast - In this episode, Da Bears Brothers break down all of the action that unfolded Saturday night between the Chicago Bears and Denver Broncos.

Hub Arkush: Bears' preseason win overshadowed by injuries to TE Shaheen, LB Floyd - Daily Herald - For all practical purposes, anything that really mattered to the Chicago Bears in their exhibition game with the Denver Broncos Saturday night was wrapped up with 6:19 left in the first half, when Mitch Trubisky threw an interception to Denver's Justin Simmons on his final play of the evening, and Adam Shaheen and Leonard Floyd were already through for the night.

Campbell: 5 observations after rewatching the Bears-Broncos preseason game - Chicago Tribune - Chicago Bears quarterback Mitch Trubisky had good plays and bad in Saturday's preseason game against the Broncos. Trey Burton proved how he fits in Matt Nagy's scheme, which Nagy unveiled more of during the game.

Campbell: Rookie linebacker Roquan Smith sits out Bears exhibition game against Broncos - Chicago Tribune - Roquan Smith did not play in the Chicago Bears preseason game against the Denver Broncos on Saturday. He practiced three times, including only once in pads, since ending his 29-day contract holdout Tuesday.

Brad Biggs' 10 thoughts on the Bears' 24-23 win over the Broncos - Chicago Tribune - Brad Biggs offers 10 Thoughts after every Bears game. Leonard Floyd's hand injury has to be concerning for the Bears as durability has been an issue for him. Akiem Hicks was held out with a sore knee but did a lot of running pregame. Plus much more.

Bears vs. Broncos - Game Recap - August 18, 2018 - ESPN - Get a recap of the Chicago Bears vs. Denver Broncos football game.

Hughes: Notes on the Broncos Practice Game - Da Bears Blog - This entire game comes down to the medical status of Adam Shaheen (pictured above) and Leonard Floyd. If Shaheen is significantly hurt, the Bears will be devastated.

Medina: Adam Shaheen's Ankle Injury Might Not Be As Bad As Once Feared - Bleacher Nation - Some good news regarding Adam Shaheen's ankle injury.

Medina: Two Mistakes Spoiled an Otherwise Good Game by Mitch Trubisky - Bleacher Nation - It wasn't all that bad of a performance from Mitch Trubisky.

Game Recap: Late comeback lifts Bears over Broncos - ChicagoBears.com
- preseason game, erasing a 23-10 deficit with two late touchdown passes by backup quarterback Chase Daniel.

Two-minute drill: Burton shines in preseason victory - ChicagoBears.com - Continuing to develop a rapport with quarterback Mitchell Trubisky, Bears tight end Trey Burton caught four passes for 45 yards, including a 7-yard touchdown, in the first half of Saturday night’s 24-23 preseason win over the Broncos.

Inside slant: Trubisky elevates game in Denver - ChicagoBears.com - Mitchell Trubisky completed nine passes and threw for his first touchdown of the preseason in the Bears’ 24-23 preseason win over the Broncos Saturday night.

Mayer: Pace discusses Broncos practices, signing Smith on pre-game show - ChicagoBears.com - Bears general manager Ryan Pace spoke to play-by-play announcer Jeff Joniak on WBBM Newsradio 780 AM and 105.9 FM prior to Saturday night's preseason game against the Broncos in Denver.

Perez: Matt Nagy calls Trubisky INT a ‘teachable moment’ - Bears Wire - Chicago Bears coach called Mitch Trubisky's interception against the Broncos a teachable moment

Hoge: Bears Got Better In Denver - WGN Radio - Regardless of what the scoreboard ended up saying Saturday night, it was clear that the Bears were going to leave Colorado feeling much better about themselves than they did a week ago in Cincinnati.

Perez: Trey Burton earns spot on Pro Football Focus’ Team of the Week - Bears Wire - Chicago Bears TE Trey Burton earned a spot on Pro Football Focus' Team of the Week for his strong performance against the Denver Broncos

Haugh: Observations From Bears-Broncos - 670 The Score - Mitchell Trubisky needs to elevate his play, while Trey Burton looks good.

Gabriel: Bears-Broncos Takeaways - 670 The Score - For the first time this season, the Bears have some meaningful injury concerns.

Arthur Arkush: Tests reportedly reveal low ankle sprain for Bears TE Shaheen - Pro Football Weekly - Shaheen, who has had strong second camp with Bears, could still play in Week 1

Wesseling: Shaheen low ankle sprain, not ruled out opening day, Chargers lose S Jaylen Watkins to ACL injury - NFL.com - The Chargers' aberrant injury luck shows no signs of abating. The team learned Sunday that safety Jaylen Watkins' initial test results revealed a torn ACL, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported.

Perez: Kasim Edebali continues to impress as pass rusher for Chicago Bears - Bears Wire - Unheralded OLB Kasim Edebali has been one of the Chicago Bears' best pass rushers this preseason

Bears preview: Chicago got better in offseason, an NFC sleeper? - SI.com - The Bears win total is one of the hardest picks on the board. There’s a ton of optimism in Chicago after an offseason of vast improvement. But are the Bears still one year away due to playing in a grueling NFC North?

Eurich: Khalil Mack potential trade cost for Bears - 247Sports - The Khalil Mack rumors continue to surface in the NFL.

Eurich: Mitch Trubisky offensive growing pains - 247Sports - Mitch Trubisky was willing to take the blame for his interception on Saturday night.

Payne: Vance Joseph hopes the "Peanut Punch" fumble by Isaiah McKenzie doesn’t set him back and that “he just keeps pushing forward” - Mile High Report - Confidence was an issue with McKenzie last season.

POLISH SAUSAGE

Wiedman: Do NFL Rookies Get the Gravity of Money? - Our Turf Football - OTFB’s Wanda Wiedman questions whether or not NFL Rookies are prepared for the financial burden that comes with an NFL Paycheck.

Report: Bengals releasing George Iloka – ProFootballTalk - The Bengals are reportedly parting ways with a five-year starter in their secondary. NFL Media reports that the team will release safety George Iloka.

E.J. Gaines carted off at Browns practice – ProFootballTalk - The Browns may be down a cornerback for a while. According to multiple reports from Sunday’s practice, E.J. Gaines was carted off with what appeared to be a right knee injury. Gaines was a sixth-round pick of the Rams in 2014 and missed the entire 2015 season with a Lisfranc injury.

KNOW THY ENEMY

Mike Zimmer says that Cedrick Lang will be going on injured reserve - Daily Norseman - And there will probably be more where that came from

NFL Network goes full “Heidi Game,” cuts off final minutes of Vikings/Jaguars - Daily Norseman - It wasn’t over, except in the NFL Network control room

DeShone Kizer is making the Packers’ backup QB race a real competition - Acme Packing Company - After a second preseason game, Kizer is showing more than enough so far to earn the No. 2 job.

Detroit Lions vs. New York Giants stock report: Superb Slay, sadly subs struggle - Pride Of Detroit - The Lions starting offense had it’s struggles, but that didn’t compare to the subs on both sides of the ball.

2018 Lions vs. Giants final score: Offensive line struggles in 30-17 defeat - Pride Of Detroit - Get up-to-the-second info rom the Lions’ second preseason game.

Five things we learned from the Broncos 24-23 defeat by the Bears - Mile High Report - It was a loss, but there is plenty to feel good about after last night’s game against the Bears. Ken’s Note: I find it interesting that nowhere in Denver’s coverage that I’ve seen do they talk about the fact that when the Broncos actually started moving the ball well, it was Denver’s 1’s against Chicago’s 2’s.

It is time for the Broncos to move on from Paxton Lynch - Mile High Report - Need to do sooner rather than later.

Denver Broncos vs Chicago Bears: 6 winners and 3 losers - Mile High Report - Denver lost its second game but there were some positive developments that should make the team (and fans) feel better.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT ON WINDY CITY GRIDIRON

Infante: Report - Adam Shaheen’s injury not as bad as expected, could still play Week 1 - Windy City Gridiron - Adam Shaheen is presumably out for the rest of the preseason, but he could be ready to go for the start of the regular season.

Zeglinski: Chicago Bears-Denver Broncos winners and losers - Just a flesh wound - Windy City Gridiron - The Bears left Mile High in Denver with a preseason victory. Injuries suffered in the process could have them already taking on too much water.

Infante: Bears vs. Broncos - Notes from a close 24-23 preseason victory - Windy City Gridiron - The Bears cut down a 13-point deficit to win their first preseason game of the year.

Curl's Preseason Week 2 Postgame: Chicago Bears ruthlessly devour reeling Broncos in 24-23 humiliation - Windy City Gridiron - The Bears first-team finally got a reasonable portion of game time, with mixed results!

Wiltfong: Bears’ Adam Shaheen carted off the field with an ankle injury - Windy City Gridiron - Early in the first quarter, Chicago Bears’ tight end Adam Shaheen caught a pass from Mitchell Trubisky for a five yard gain, but he seemed to have injured his ankle on the tackle. He scooted along...

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