BEAR DOWN, CHICAGO BEARS, BEAR DOWN!!!!
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Householder: Tampa Bay vs Chicago Betting Picks & Analysis - Sports Bet Collective - Once a division rivalry, the Bears and Bucs meet in Chicago Sunday with identical 2-1 records and looking to get themselves into the conversation as one of the NFL’s better teams. The Bears are coming off two straight wins, ugly as they may be, while Tampa Bay is looking to regain some of the Fitzmagic it might have lost in their 30-27 loss on Monday Night Football to the Steelers.
Medina: For Jordan Howard to Get Right, His Production Must Increase When Running Left - Bleacher Nation - Jordan Howard's ability to run left has diminished. What gives?
Mayer: Bears offense still in early stages of development - ChicagoBears.com - First-year Bears coach Matt Nagy once again preached patience Wednesday with young quarterback Mitchell Trubisky and an offense that’s still in its infancy in Chicago.
Chalk Talk: What happened on sack? - ChicagoBears.com - Senior writer Larry Mayer explains what should have happened on a sack the Bears took in Arizona, if the Bears were thinking about keeping their offense on the field instead of kicking a go-ahead field goal and how defensive statistics are computed.
9 questions to test your knowledge of the Bears-Buccaneers history - ChicagoBears.com - The Bears will host the Buccaneers Sunday at Soldier Field. How much do you know about the two teams? Take this 9-question quiz to test your knowledge.
Wednesday weigh-in: Bears prepping for Buccaneers - ChicagoBears.com - When they host the Buccaneers Sunday at Soldier Field, the Bears will be seeking to win three straight games for the first time since 2013 when they opened 3-0 in Marc Trestman’s first season as coach.
Perez: Mitch Trubisky says Chicago Bears offense will ‘have a breakthrough’ - Bears Wire - Chicago Bears QB Mitch Trubisky spoke with confidence about the team's offense and promised a breakthrough was coming
Stankevitz: Will Tampa Bay's leaky defense lead to a Trubisky breakout performance? - NBC Sports Chicago - Tampa Bay's defense has struggled this year, albeit against good competition. But will it provide a platform for Trubisky to have a big game on Sunday?
Talarico: 2018 Bears Defense Off to Better Start than Legendary 2006 Unit - Da Bears Brothers Blog - It’s too early to say that any team is a legitimate Super Bowl contender just yet, but the 2006 comparison is something that should be addressed.
Campbell: Clearing Mitch Trubisky's mind and unlocking his talent is Matt Nagy's first great challenge - Chicago Tribune - Clearing Bears quarterback Mitch Trubisky's mind and unlocking his talent is Matt Nagy's first great challenge as head coach. That could involve scaling back the game plan Sunday against the Buccaneers.
Resetting NFC North: Impact of Khalil Mack, who's favorite, more - NFC North- ESPN - Three weeks in, the division looks like a jumble with no undefeated teams and the surprising Bears at 2-1. Our insiders take stock of a wild NFC North.
Under Center Podcast: Is this the week for the Bears' offense to cover for the defense? | NBC Sports Chicago - JJ Stankevitz and John “Moon” Mullin wonder if Tampa Bay’s high-powered offense is good enough to give the Bears’ elite defense problems.
Joniak's Journal: Bears Gauging How Much Trubisky Can Digest - 670 The Score - The Bears (2-1) on Wednesday were preparing for a matchup against the Buccaneers (2-1) this Sunday at Soldier Field. Here are the notes and observations of the day.
Bears Breakdown After Week 3: Defense Good, Offense Bad, Fans Conflicted - Da Bears Blog - In many ways it’s a great time to be a Bears fan, but a lot of us aren’t feeling entirely joyful. Through three games I find myself filled with a mix of optimism and frustration. I’m also annoyed by my own frustration because last year I would’ve killed for the Bears to be where they are now.
Medina: Houston-Carson Returns as a Full Participant, But Miller and Amukamara Sat Out - Bleacher Nation - Two important players sit out, but one hops back in.
Medina: The Buccaneers are Preparing Like a Team that Will Start Ryan Fitzpatrick on Sunday - Bleacher Nation - It looks like the Bucs are set to ride the hot hand of Ryan Fitzpatrick ... at least, until it's no longer hot.
Medina: Matt Nagy Gets Defensive of Mitch Trubisky's "Special" Factor … and the QB Appreciates It - Bleacher Nation - Matt Nagy sees special things out of his starting QB, even if others don't.
Medina: Has Bears Safety Eddie Jackson Already Broken Out? - Bleacher Nation - Eddie Jackson is looking like a stud!
Kane: As Bucs stay quiet in Ryan Fitzpatrick-Jameis Winston debate, Bears prep for electric offense - Chicago Tribune - Buccaneers veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick became the first quarterback in NFL history to pass for 400 or more yards in three consecutive games. And yet the Bears are in the odd position this week of at least pondering that they might not face him Sunday at Soldier Field.
Biggs Bears Q&A: Another week, another batch of Mitch Trubisky questions. When can Adam Shaheen return? Is Matt Nagy's team doing better with penalties? - Chicago Tribune - - Brad Biggs answers your Bears questions weekly. More questions about the passing game and Mitch Trubisky. When is tight end Adam Shaheen eligible to return? Are the Bears one of the better teams in the league in terms of penalties? Plus much more.
Kane: 5 things we heard from Bears quarterback Mitch Trubisky on Wednesday - Chicago Tribune - Bears quarterback Mitch Trubisky spoke Wednesday about the information load he is carrying in the new offense, his mental checklist with each play and his conversations with coach Matt Nagy about his comfort in the offense.
Kane: Bears rookie cornerback Kevin Toliver on his NFL defensive debut: ‘Can’t take a play off’ - Chicago Tribune - Bears rookie cornerback Kevin Toliver got an introduction to the NFL learning curve Sunday in the 16-14 victory over the Cardinals.
Potash: Bears red-hot Khalil Mack says Bears defense nothing special — yet - Sun Times - So far, Mack is a rare player who arrived with a tremendous build-up as a playmaker and has exceeded expectations.
Morrissey: Bears coach Matt Nagy stands by Mitch Trubisky - Sun Times - The coach sees a future version of the quarterback that few people can see yet. He puts words to that vision every time a camera starts rolling.
Finley: Will Bears WR Anthony Miller's injury lead to Kevin White's big opportunity? - Chicago Sun-Times - Anthony Miller, who dislocated his left shoulder Sunday, was one of three Bears who didn’t practice Wednesday.
Finley: Mitch Trubisky fine with pared-down plan: 'Do I play faster? Do we play better?' - Chicago Sun-Times - The Bears are betting that refining the playbook allows Mitch Trubisky and his teammates to play faster and be more precise.
Potash: Ryan Fitzpatrick or Jameis Winston? Khalil Mack, Bears defense will be ready for anything vs. Buccaneers - Sun Times - Fitzpatrick is expected to start after setting an NFL record by throwing for 400 or more yards in the Buccaneers' (2-1) first three games.
Telander: Chicago nervously waits for a glimmer of greatness from Mitch Trubisky - Sun Times - Trubisky so far is a hanger-on, a confused student. He’s a player at the most important position who doesn’t win games but merely survives.
Poll: After 3 weeks of football, would Raider Nation rather have Jon Gruden or Khalil Mack? - Silver And Black Pride - In the season opener about two weeks ago Khalil Mack put on a jaw-dropping display against the Green Bay Packers and Aaron Rodgers tallying a pick-six and strip sack. Mack’s play has yet to drop...
POLISH SAUSAGE
Carr wishes Hayes landed on him instead of tearing ACL - NFL.com - Oakland Raider quarterback Derek Carr wishes Miami Dolphins defensive end Williams Hayes landed on him during a sack instead of tearing his ACL.
KNOW THY ENEMY
Calvin Johnson attends Lions game, team still trying to mend fences - Pride Of Detroit - Calvin Johnson’s relationship with his former team has been rocky at best, but it appears the team may be making some headway to mend relations.
Packers’ Jekyll and Hyde defense must find consistency - Acme Packing Company - It’s been streaks of points that have killed Mike Pettine’s defense this season, while they dominate for other stretches.
Vikings fantasy/stat projections for Week 4 - Daily Norseman - Your guide to playing the Vikings in your leagues against the vaunted Rams
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT ON WINDY CITY GRIDIRON
Zeglinski: The Chicago Bears are Pro Football Focus darlings - Windy City Gridiron - An early sparkling defensive start has the Bears shining analytically.
Sunderbruch: 3 Extra Things The Bears Are Doing Well - Windy City Gridiron - Obviously, Khalil Mack is getting the grizzly’s share of the praise the Bears are receiving so far this season, and he deserves it. However, Mack is not the only thing going right for Chicago. Here are a few more that deserve more attention.
Wiltfong's Chicago Bears Sackwatch 2018: Week 3 vs. the Arizona Cardinals - Windy City Gridiron - Through 3 games, Chicago Bears’ quarterback Mitchell Trubisky has been sacked 8% of the time. Last year that number ended up at 8.6%, so we’re not seeing the type of improvement we often see in a...
Wiltfong: Bears sign John Franklin III to their practice squad - Windy City Gridiron - The Bears have made another roster move...
LInk's Chicago Bears Rush Report 2018: Week 3 at the Cardinals - Windy City Gridiron - For the second straight week, the Bears were the favorites. This time, the Arizona Cardinals were the underdog, and at home no less. It wasn’t pretty, but the pass rush has continued to impress....
Duerrwaechter: Fan Challenge Update - Vote for your favorite nickname! - Windy City Gridiron - It’s time for the first round of voting. And thanks to everyone for all the great suggestions!
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 - iTunes - 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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WCG Contributors: Jeff Berckes; Patti Curl; Eric Christopher Duerrwaechter; Kev H; Sam Householder; Jacob Infante; Aaron Lemming; Andrew Link; Ken Mitchell; Steven Schweickert; Jack Silverstein; EJ Snyder; Lester Wiltfong, Jr.; Robert Zeglinski; Like us on Facebook.