The Bear’s Den, June 4, 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 is part of our week long Xmaslovechild & Ken personal favorites (that aren’t mainstream, at least not in 2020) week. First his, then mine.

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

BEARRRSSSS, POLISH SAUSAGE, NEWS, NOTES, KNOW THINE ENEMY, HELL EVERYTHING ALL IN ONE SECTION BECAUSE SORTING IT WAS TOO BIG OF A PAIN IN THE ARSE

Chicago Bears WR Allen Robinson confident key message of protests following George Floyd's death being heard - ChicagoBears.com - Bears receiver Allen Robinson believes that the important message protestors are delivering throughout the country following George Floyd’s death is being heard.

Chalk Talk: Will Chicago Bears rookie CB Jaylon Johnson be Week 1 starter? - ChicagoBears.com - Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses the likelihood of rookie cornerback Jaylon Johnson being an opening-day starter, if the NFL would consider testing the tabled onside kick rule in the preseason and where Wilber Marshall ranks among all-time great Bears

Chicago Bears WR Allen Robinson hopeful, encouraged by diverse group protesting death of George Floyd - ChicagoBears.com - Seeing people from all walks of life protesting the death of George Floyd has brought hope and encouragement to Bears receiver Allen Robinson.

How the Bears Stack Up in the NFC North: Offense - Da Bears Blog - It could be argued that no NFC North team improved as much as the Chicago Bears this off-season. Whether they can reclaim their spot on top of the NFC North is still a major question.

How Bears Are Reflecting, Responding To Racial Issues - 670 The Score - Chicago has celebrated Akiem Hicks since his arrival to the city in 2016, cherishing his Pro Bowl play on the Bears' defensive line and relishing his rambunctious personality. But Hicks has also experienced the difficulties that so many black men in America face every day.

Zeglinski: Chicago Bears leaders, Robinson, Hicks, Trevathan, speak out on protests, police violence - Windy City Gridiron - As protests over police violence and racism across America continue, several Bears players decided to vocalize their platforms.

WCG’s NFC North Consensus Top 50: Nos. 50-41 - Windy City Gridiron - In the first article of a six-part roundtable series, the staff of Windy City Gridiron come together to rank the top 50 players in the NFC North heading into 2020, starting with players ranked 50-41.

Wiltfong: Allen Robinson wins the Ed Block Courage Award - Windy City Gridiron - For the second time in his NFL career, Allen Robinson is the recipient of the Ed Block Courage Award. His first win came as a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2015, and he’s now the 2019...

Which current and former Bears player would you like to sit down and have a beer with? - Windy City Gridiron - You may not be a beer drinker (or 21-years old for that matter), so for those of you that aren’t, just think of today’s question in terms of a couple guys you’d like to hang out and shoot the...

The North & South Podcast S02 EP12: Previewing Week 5 Bucs/Bears with Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. - Bucs Nation - Of SB Nation’s Windy City Gridiron.

Chicago Bears Q&A with Brad Biggs - Chicago Tribune - With the Bears starting (virtual) OTAs this week, Brad Biggs opens the mailbag for questions about Tarik Cohen, under-the-radar position groups and, of course, the quarterback competition.

Will NFL players start kneeling again? For Bears, the answer's not so simple - NBC Sports Chicago - With a renewed focus on Colin Kaepernick's message, what comes next isn't quite clear yet.

Akiem Hicks explains why Bears recent meeting 'changed his perspective' on life - NBC Sports Chicago - Hicks was shockingly honest about the Bears' recent team meeting.

Matt Forte calls for police accountability at peaceful Chicago protest - NBC Sports Chicago - The former Bears running back shared both ideals, and concrete solutions to police accountability problems.

Allen Robinson explains why winning Ed Block Courage award is so important - NBC Sports Chicago - The receiver's one of only a few who have won the award multiple times.

NFL players respond to Vic Fangio claiming "I don’t see racism at all" in NFL - NBC Sports Chicago - Denver's coach is in hot water with NFL players after his comments on Tuesday afternoon.

Allen Robinson's Thoughts on New Deal and Bears QB - SI.com - For a receiver of renowned skills, Allen Robinson seems to be the victim of poor timing. None of it has to do with his play on the football field, or at least not directly.

Chicago Bears 2020 Breakout Candidate: WR Javon Wims - Bear Report - What should we expect from wide receiver Javon Wims who is going into his third season and facing competition at the position?

Chicago Bears team meeting to discuss death of George Floyd, protests described as life-changing - ChicagoBears.com - The emotional video meeting the Bears held Monday to discuss George Floyd's death and the protests that have followed was unlike anything players or coaches have ever experienced.

Aaron Rodgers: It's never been about the flag - ProFootballTalk - “A few years ago we were criticized for locking arms in solidarity before the game. It has NEVER been about an anthem or a flag,” Rodgers wrote. “Not then. Not now. Listen with an open heart, let’s educate ourselves, and then turn word and thought into action.”

Akiem Hicks on Colin Kaepernick's unemployment: We signed Mike Glennon - ProFootballTalk - Akiem Hicks could have said a lot when asked about Colin Kaepernick’s continued unemployment. Instead, he needed only four words to make his point.

Matt Nagy on possible player demonstrations: We'll talk and we'll do it together - ProFootballTalk - The Bears spent Monday’s team meetings discussing the issues surrounding the killing of George Floyd that have dominated the national landscape over the last two weeks and it won’t be the last time that the team has a conversation about those matters.

Virtual reality: Bears talk it out — and come together - Chicago Sun-Times - In the wake of the civil unrest that has engulfed the nation, Matt Nagy convened his team on Zoom for a heart-to-heart exchange that had a tremendous impact. "It changed my perspective on life," Akiem Hicks said.

Akiem Hicks says Colin Kaepernick lost career over kneeling, adds, ‘We signed Mike Glennon’ - Chicago Sun-Times - It was a throwaway line at the end of a long answer about Kaepernick’s saga, but he didn’t backtrack when pressed on it later.

Matt Nagy: If Bears demonstrate to protest racial inequality, it’ll be in unison - Chicago Sun-Times - The Bears coach did not commit to supporting individual players opting to kneel or otherwise demonstrate during the national anthem. Instead, he was optimistic the team will find a way to communicate a unified message.

Broncos coach Vic Fangio apologizes for comments about racism in the NFL - Chicago Sun-Times - The former Bears defensive coordinator called the league a meritocracy, saying, "I don’t see discrimination in the NFL."

Colin Kaepernick and George Floyd are connected - Chicago Sun-Times - The quarterback’s kneeling foreshadowed Floyd’s death from a policeman’s knee.

Allen Robinson talks social justice, Colin Kaepernick in wake of George Floyd killing - Chicago Sun-Times - "This isn’t something that just started going on," Bears receiver Robinson said. "Even if you date back to the whole Colin Kaepernick thing, his whole stand was this."

Chicago Bears: Allen Robinson addresses George Floyd fallout - Chicago Tribune - Chicago Bears wide receiver Allen Robinson addressed the protests and unrest around the country following a Minneapolis police officer’s killing of George Floyd and the NFL’s response to previous protests.

Detroit Lions offer statement on racism, social injustice: ‘Immediate change is necessary’ - Pride Of Detroit - On Wednesday evening, the Lions offered a message in light of recent racism in America.

Detroit Lions delay Phase 3 of offseason to hold player-led meetings on racism - Pride Of Detroit - Football is on hold for the Detroit Lions.

Marshall, Moss among players deemed best in NFL history to wear their numbers - Daily Norseman - Six Vikings made the list in all

Vic Fangio: I was wrong to say there's no racism in the NFL - ProFootballTalk - Broncos head coach Vic Fangio raised quite a few eyebrows around the league on Tuesday when he told reporters that he doesn’t “see racism at all” in the NFL and he heard some responses from inside and outside the organization after making that comment.

Baker Mayfield voluntarily taking part in other position meetings - ProFootballTalk - Baker Mayfield is doing all the right things as he prepares for an important third NFL season.

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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