The Bear’s Den: February 28, 2020

THE DAILY SPONGIE SPECIAL

Last week, we went with videos that were world-class awful from the 1980’s. This week we are going to give you a daily two-for-the-price-of-none. Song one is an 80’s video classic, song two is just a great song and video recorded in the 1980’s (some may have been released right at the edge of the 90’s but they were recorded in the 80’s) but you will probably only remember it if you are a fan of the band/artist involved. Be aware some of these songs have political messages, feel free to discuss the songs (but not the politics... besides, these are politics of 35-40 years ago). Enjoy!

The Classic (did somebody mention Lilith Fair?)

The “Known To Fans Of The Band/Artist” song

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

BEARRRSSSS

Halas Intrigue Bears podcast: Who do the Bears draft? - Chicago Sun-Times - Jason Lieser and Patrick Finley break down where the team is most likely to focus and the effect of free agency.

Chicago Bears Combine Report: Bears Heavily Researching EDGE Prospects - Chicago Audible Podcast - The Chicago Bears are doing their homework on these EDGE players at the NFL Combine.

Here’s how the Bears can fix their tight end problem in NFL free agency, draft - NBC Sports Chicago - The Bears desperately have to be better at tight end in 2020. Could a combination of Austin Hooper, a draft pick and some competition get the results Matt Nagy needs?

There’s a ‘strong sense’ Chicago Bears will add a veteran QB in free agency - NBC Sports Chicago - There’s a growing sense that the Bears will, in fact, add a veteran quarterback who can challenge Mitch Trubisky this offseason.

These 3 tight ends improved their stock at the 2020 NFL Combine - NBC Sports Chicago - Here are three tight ends who had a strong showing at the 2020 NFL Combine.

Pace discusses recent moves Bears have mad - ChicagoBears.com - General manager Ryan Pace offers his take on the handful of moves the Bears have already made this offseason, including the signing of Pro Bowl safety Eddie Jackson to a four-year contract extension.

Bears scout Jeff Shiver wins prestigious award - ChicagoBears.com - Longtime Bears college scout Jeff Shiver received the inaugural C.O. Brocato Award for Distinguished Service to Scouting Wednesday night at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis.

Wood: Combine Focus - A Deeper Dive into the Bears Need for Speed - Da Bears Blog - The NFL gathers this week in Indianapolis for the NFL Combine (or Underwear Olympics, as Jeff prefers to call them), when fans watch eagerly to see how well their favorite players perform in a number of drills testing athleticism.

Bernstein: Could Bears Pursue Tom Brady? - 670 The Score - There are many reasons why it seems unlikely for veteran quarterback Tom Brady to join the Bears, but the team also has a few factors working in its favor.

NFL free agency: Bears want Austin Hooper, but can they afford him? - Chicago Sun-Times - Hooper is the best tight end on the market, but the Bears are strapped for cash. But it’s worth going all-in at one of the most important—and questionable—positions on their roster.

4 places Bears need to regain their edge - Chicago Sun-Times - Bears coach Matt Nagy was in the process of again diffusing blame away from quarterback Mitch Trubisky this week when he stumbled upon a rare public criticism of his players.

POLISH SAUSAGE

Bengals seemingly haven’t ruled out an Andy Dalton return - Will the Bengals trade Andy Dalton this offseason?

NFL Scouting Combine 2020: Examining Andy Dalton as a fallback plan for the Patriots - Charlie Weis states his case for Andy Dalton being the backup plan should the Patriots lose Tom Brady

.NFL expects huge cash influx from next wave of TV deals, if they’re done soon - ProFootballTalk - Some are agreeing to disagree on whether waiting a year to finalize a new CBA will shrink the potentially gigantic return the NFL will realize under its next wave of TV contract. Setting that question aside, here’s the reality: The NFL currently expects a huge cash influx from the next wave of TV deals, if those deals can be done in the immediate future.

Tom Brady’s agents met with Chargers, Raiders, Colts - NBC Sports - New England appears to welcome the talks between their quarterback’s representation and potential Tom Brady suitors Chargers, Raiders and Colts.

Under proposed CBA, 2018 draft class sees significant change to fifth-year option - ProFootballTalk - Per a league source, the new labor deal would wipe out the current formula for determining the amount of the fifth-year option, replacing it with a formula premised on performance or playing time.

NFLPA boss understands player disdain for 17th game, expects CBA to pass anyway - Chicago Sun-Times - He said NFL owners made an early agreement contingent on adding the extra game. Players have cited their own safety in arguing against Game 17.

Andy Dalton trade would get Bengals mid-round draft pick, per Schefter
- Adam Schefter: "I would expect that the Cincinnati Bengals would get the same thing back for Andy Dalton" that the Ravens got for Joe Flacco.

KNOW THINE ENEMY

2020 NFL Draft profile: Does TCU’s DT Ross Blacklock fit Detroit Lions’ profile? - Pride Of Detroit - It’s no secret that the Lions need help on their interior defensive line, and Ross Blacklock could immediately upgrade it.

NFL Combine 2020: Defensive back weigh-in results & measurements - Acme Packing Company - Keep in mind the Packers’ height requirements when deciding which DBs to look at closely

IN CASE YOU YOU MISSED IT ON WINDY CITY GRIDIRON

Duerrwaechter: Reports - Bears to Pursue Austin Hooper, Competition at Quarterback in Free Agency - Windy City Gridiron - Ryan Pace knows the tight ends position is a mess, and he intends on striking quickly with a 2-time Pro Bowl selection.

WCG CONTRIBUTORS BEARS PODCASTS & STREAMS

Windy City Gridiron Podcast Channel which includes Bear With Me from Robert Schmitz, Bears Over Beers featuring Jeff Berckes & EJ Snyder, and T Formation Conversation from Lester A. Wiltfong Jr.; Steven’s Streaming Twitch Channel from Steven Schweickert; and Robert Zeglinski’s The Blitz Network

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. No personal attacks, politics, gender based insults of any kind, racial insults, etc.

WCG CONTRIBUTORS BEARS PODCASTS & STREAMS

Windy City Gridiron Podcast Channel which includes Bear With Me from Robert Schmitz, Bears Over Beers featuring Jeff Berckes & EJ Snyder, Bears Banter hosted by Bill Zimmerman, and T Formation Conversation from Lester A. Wiltfong Jr.; Steven’s Streaming Twitch Channel from Steven Schweickert; and Robert Zeglinski’s The Blitz Network

Click on our names to follow us on Twitter: Jeff Berckes; Patti Curl; Eric Christopher Duerrwaechter; Kev H; Sam Householder; Jacob Infante; Aaron Lemming; Ken Mitchell; Steven Schweickert; Jack Silverstein; EJ Snyder; Lester Wiltfong, Jr.; Whiskey Ranger; Robert Schmitz; Robert Zeglinski; Bill Zimmerman; Like us on Facebook.