The Bear’s Den, June 13, 2020

A NOTE ABOUT THE CURRENT STATE OF UNREST

While we have a firm, non-bending rule against discussion of politics of any kind here in the Den, right now there are many WCG family members (and that’s what you are to us, our extended and sometimes dysfunctional family members) who live in areas nearby or even in civil disruption zones.

It’s OK to talk about that here in the Den (leaving politics entirely aside...). There are things happening in society that transcend our little sandbox full of toys here at WCG. All I ask is that you keep it civil, keep politics 100 percent out of it, and respect other people’s right to their own opinion.

If in doubt, don’t say it or word it in as non-confrontational of a way as possible. If it gets out of hand, well... let’s make sure it doesn’t come to that, m’kay?

Ken

THE DAILY SPONGIE SPECIAL

This wraps up Southern Fried Rock week! What better way to end it than the gents from Texas?

And since this is my favorite ZZ song, you are getting it again (even though it’s a repeat)...

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

BEARRRSSSS

Mitch Trubisky reveals his initial reaction when Bears traded for Nick Foles - NBC Sports Chicago - The QB chatted about how this offseason has unfolded from his point of view.

Roquan Smith: The Man, The Myth, The Chip – On Tap Sports Net - A deep dive into what we can expect from the former first-round pick in 2020.

Mitchell Trubisky Conceding Nothing to Nick Foles - SI.com - If Mitchell Trubisky is going to lose his Bears starting quarterback job to Nick Foles, it won’t be with his head down and pouting.

Chicago Bears QB Mitchell Trubisky excited to compete for starting job - ChicagoBears.com - Speaking to the media Friday for the first time this offseason, Mitchell Trubisky discussed his competition for the Bears’ starting quarterback position with Nick Foles, the determination to rebound from a disappointing 2019 season and more.

Chalk Talk: Who is on the Chicago Bears’ Mount Rushmore? - ChicagoBears.com - Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses who he’d put on the Bears’ “Mount Rushmore,” how many NFL quarterbacks have posted a perfect passing rating in a game and which teams quarterback Nick Foles has excelled against.

Chicago Bears S Eddie Jackson misses football, working with teammates - ChicagoBears.com - After participating in an offseason program that was conducted entirely on a virtual basis due to the coronavirus, Bears two-time Pro Bowl safety Eddie Jackson is eager to get back onto the practice field with his teammates.

Bears QB Mitchell Trubisky Out To Prove ‘This Is My Team’ - 670 The Score - As Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky addressed the uncertainty that awaits him in the 2020 season in a video conference with reporters Friday, a message was plastered on the wall behind him.

Trubisky On Foles Addition: ‘Pissed Off In A Good Way’ - 670 The Score - Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky found motivation when the team traded for veteran quarterback Nick Foles in March, explaining that he’s eager to prove himself in 2020.

Mitch Trubisky was "pissed off, in a good way" about Nick Foles trade - ProFootballTalk - Bears quarterback Mitch Trubisky spoke to reporters on Friday for the first time this offseason, which meant it was the first time that he got to share his thoughts about the team’s decision to trade for Nick Foles.

Chicago Bears’ QB Mitch Trubisky: Nick Foles trade left me ‘kinda pissed off — in a good way’ - Chicago Sun-Times - The competitor in Trubisky was upset when the Bears traded a fourth-round pick to the Jaguars in March and guaranteed Nick Foles $21 million to try to take his starting job. The realist in him wasn’t surprised, though.

QB Mitch Trubisky feels like Bears are his team, but that’s never been less true - Chicago Sun-Times - With the arrival of Nick Foles and the Bears declining his fifth-year option, there’s a big difference between reality and what Trubisky wants to believe.

Germain Ifedi embracing change with Chicago Bears - Chicago Sun-Times - The former Seahawks starting right tackle, a 2016 first-round draft pick, is putting his faith in new line coach Juan Castillo and a switch to his natural position of guard for a career boost.

Chicago Bears safety Eddie Jackson itching to practice, jell with new teammates - Chicago Sun-Times - How does a team develop chemistry when no one can be in the same room together until at least late July?

Column: Mitch Trubisky confident he can win Chicago Bears job - Chicago Tribune - Mitch Trubisky owned up to his shortcomings last season. But in a 20-minunte interview with reporters, the quarterback came across as confident he can win the Chicago Bears starting job.

Mitch Trubisky on Chicago Bears' trade for Nick Foles - Chicago Tribune - Mitch Trubisky spoke to the media for the first time since the Chicago Bears traded for Nick Foles, declared it an “open competition” to be the starting quarterback and declined Trubisky’s fifth-year option.

Countdown to Camp 2020: Chicago Bears Safety Preview - The Chicago Audible continues its annual countdown to Chicago Bears training camp with an in-depth look at (and preview of) the team's safeties.

Bears’ Mitch Trubisky wrong to think he has edge over Nick Foles - NBC Sports Chicago - Mitch Trubisky thinks his experience with his teammates gives him an edge over Nick Foles in a short preseason. Bears Insider JJ Stankevitz explains why it's a misguided thought.

Mitch Trubisky details what exactly went wrong for Bears in 2019 season - NBC Sports Chicago - Spoiler alert: you've heard it before.

POLISH SAUSAGE

John Harbaugh voices concerns with NFL's COVID-19 protocols - NFL.com - Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh discussed the NFL's recently released COVID-19 guidelines for when players return to team facilities.

NFL to observe Juneteenth as league holiday - NFL.com - NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced Friday in an internal memo to staff that the league will observe Juneteenth on Friday, June 19 as a recognized holiday and the league's offices will be closed that day.

KNOW THINE ENEMY

Robert Ayers explains why he was a Detroit Lion for just a day - Pride Of Detroit - Ayers apparently didn’t agree with Matt Patricia on... something.

Did CBS Sports get the right “Franchise Five” for the Vikings? - Daily Norseman - Let’s take a look at their criteria and picks

Why the Packers should sign former Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen - Acme Packing Company - Former Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen remains a free agent. The Packers should fix that.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT ON WINDY CITY GRIDIRON

Zeglinski: Chicago Bears’ Mitchell Trubisky in an apparent healthy place - Windy City Gridiron - Headed into a season of uncertainty, the former top pick appears to be finding new motivation.

Infante: Which non-QB NFC North player would you add to the Bears? - Windy City Gridiron- If given the opportunity, which non-quarterback divisional rival would you bring to the Windy City?

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.

Editor’s note: The COVID-19 pandemic is a subject that requires sensitivity and care. Many families and people have already been impacted by this crisis as it unfolds. This is a reminder to please express yourself respectfully while also exercising common courtesy in interactions with one another in the comments. All WCG commentary guidelines remain in effect and apply especially. Stay safe and healthy, everyone.

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.; EJ also co-hosts The Bootleg Football Podcast with Brett Kollmann; R. Schmitz has a film breakdown show on YouTube titled Run Pass Opinion; and Steven’s Streaming Twitch Channel from Steven Schweickert.

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