AZ54

It is PFF and their subjective evaluations but I think we all know Daniels is improving each week. Still some things are just indisputable facts like the statement below. https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/pro-after-a-slow-start-bears-guard-james-daniels-is-emerging-as-a-top-rookie-lineman Much more at the link.. In Week 11, Daniels was tasked with stopping many of the Minnesota Vikings’ large-bodied linemen. Throughout the game, he blocked Everson Griffen, Linval Joseph and Sheldon Richardson, among others. On 40 pass-block snaps, he allowed 0 pressures to a unit with the seventh-most sacks and 14th-most pressures. Since Joseph joined the Vikings in 2014, there had yet to be a game where both he and Griffen were held without a pressure — that is, until their Thanksgiving duel with a much improved Bears offensive line.

OLB Khalil Mack, CB Kyle Fuller, returner Tarik Cohen, and FS Eddie Jackson. The biggest challenge will be getting Akiem Hicks into the Pro Bowl. The last I read he was way back in fan voting but I have to think players and coaches will close that gap. http://nfltraderumors.co/2019-pro-bowl-voting-leaders/

Injury Report for the game: https://www.chicagobears.com/team/injury-report/ Trubisky is biggest question mark but we are getting Shaheen back this week which will be a huge help for both the running game and whoever our QB is. Aaron Lynch will also return and that bodes well for our run defense against Saquon. I'm worried about Hicks showing up on the injury report with an achilles issue. He did not participate in practice. On the Giants side I don't see any big names except for Evan Engram, but I don't know their roster. Engram didn't participate in practice today so that's at least a big plus for us. There is zero doubt what they are worried about when you see the questions Nate Solder and Chad Wheeler had to answer: https://corner.bigblueinteractive.com/index.php?mode=2&thread=576365 https://corner.bigblueinteractive.com/index.php?mode=2&thread=576360 I don't see any way Solder or Wheeler can handle Mack one-on-one so how will the Giants scheme this one with regards to Saquon? He's elite when he's out in space so do they go with the quick outlets and give him the ball instead of holding him in for pass protection? That's likely, with TEs kept in for pass protection. If Engram is on the field he isn't blocking anyone but I'd just as soon not have him running around so the ILB can focus on Saquon. If you can bottle him up a bit Saquon will dance around leading to several lost yards. Knowing what Shurmur ran against us last year (Vikings and Keenum) with all the screens I'd say we can expect a heavy dose of them this game. Roquan has been playing better each week. If he wants a national coming out party he's got his opportunity this week. Why in the world did they spend $10mil guaranteed for Omameh? Now they trot out street FAs as Oline starters. https://gmenhq.com/2018/10/21/new-york-giants-patrick-omameh-gets-benched-and-line-dance-continues/ Giants D is ranked around 20th and is equally average on both run defense and pass coverage. Landon Collins is the stud on their D. Last is Shurmur's comments: https://corner.bigblueinteractive.com/index.php?mode=2&thread=576359

This too will come to pass.

This is the meme right now among the media and no longer just Bears fans saying it. People are realizing the Packers have wasted elite talent. Watching coach-killer Rodgers run McCarthy out of town has been fun so far. Most Bears fans aren't realizing this is going on but in most press conferences Rodgers is taking jabs at the "system". It will only get better when the Packers get one more loss. For an organization that was hell-bent on not changing their offensive system for decades it will be interesting to see what they do.

Exactly what Green Bay said before trading Clinton-Dix.

Thanks.

I came across this video of Khalil Mack and his father visiting the Mack assembly line. The video was made back in the summer long before we ever thought he'd be on the Bears. It's 21min long but it gives some good insight to the player and his family values. I don't know what he drives these days but in this video it is clear what he wants to be driving. I thought I'd share it for those who might be interested.

I would say this year Howard has had a much higher percentage of runs in kill-the-clock situations when the entire world knows you will run versus the past two years. Especially since we weren't winning many games in his first two seasons. While total carries per game might be somewhat similar the context of many of those runs is probably different.

Stop Saquon and make Eli beat you.

That's why he will get paid to stay in Chicago and Amos won't.

I've watched this play a few times and the more I see it the more I think it's a brilliant play design. That's not my main point of this post. I think this play shows how well the defense is coming together. With Mack on board now for a few months there's a consistency to our pass rush and teams are reacting to that, and him. He's seeing the usual double and sometimes triple teams but teams are also working the quicker passing routes. That was the Lions scheme in our second matchup to negate our pass rush. Now these players and coaches have been together with Mack and are all coming to understand each other. This includes an improving Roquan Smith in the middle. With more consistency in execution among the young defenders Fangio dials up this blitz package knowing Jackson has the speed to get to the outside coverage. You typically expect him to get handed off one of the interior receivers. Fangio, and I think Jackson, also knows this is likely the hot route Stafford wants to hit. You can see Jackson hiding among the traffic before he makes his burst to the outside. Fangio might not be a fan of blitzing much but when you have this much versatile talent then there are many combinations of blitzes and coverages he can call. Floyd, Smith, Trevathan, Jackson can all drop into coverage and do it well. I wasn't the biggest fan of Roquan Smith in the draft but when I saw him blow the coverage on Golladay by reacting a step late to his route I wasn't happy. Then he ran him down and tackled him some 30 yards later and I was impressed. You just don't see that kind of speed often from LBs. As Smith improves we might be seeing the beginning of a new blitz trend for Lord Fangio. On the flip side what Jackson is showing on tape lately is going to make QBs start to focus more on him after the snap. Reading the safety is common anyway but for how long into the play? In the video we can see Stafford looking for the replay because he wants to know where Jackson came from and how he missed that read. These are littles things but they might get a blitzing defender another half step closer to the QB before he recognizes it. It also will make some QBs start to hesitate a bit on throwing the timing routes. I think the best is yet to come on blitzes with this defense.

Not too early to start, I'd rather get some names out there now while the college games are still ongoing. The Suntimes sports writers have been doing a good job covering the back stories of this team and here is what they say about Mizzell, along with Nagy's quote. I don't necessarily agree on Mizzell's advantages on the field but I can't argue too much with a coach who has completely turned around one of the worst offenses in the 2017 NFL season. Below that quote the Suntimes linked to an article about how Nagy wants the Bears to run better. So running better isn't an advantage MIzzell offers and apparently route running/pass catching isn't an advantage Howard offers. https://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/bears-lions-five-takaways-observations-analysis-week-12/ The Bears’ use of Mizzell likely will continue, even if it means fewer snaps for starter Jordan Howard. Mizzell has a skill set that Nagy likes for his offense. “We feel like we have some advantages with him in the pass game,” Nagy said. RELATED • Eddie Jackson ‘could be playing some WR,’ but he’s dominating at safety instead • Matt Nagy: Bears must run better, but fan concerns rooted in fantasy football That’s not always the case with the slower Howard. The Bears designed the pick play that resulted in Mizzell’s first career touchdown a day before playing the Lions. Mizzell lined up in the near left slot against former Bears linebacker Christian Jones and cut around receiver Allen Robinson, who turned to Daniel and impeded Jones’ path. The touchdown came a play after Mizzell made a falling catch on a route out of the backfield for an 11-yard gain. Mizzell also ran for seven yards on a run-pass option play to close out the first quarter. Mizzell’s nine snaps against the Lions were the most he has had since being promoted from the practice squad against the Bills on Nov. 4. He had only one play (one carry for a one-yard loss) against the Vikings.

I only saw the second half but I did expect Howard to play a bigger role in this game. Then I read your comment and I thought, yes we should have ran Howard more often. I saw how effective Blount was shaking off tired defenders and expected Howard would be able to do similar damage in the second half. On the other hand I remember years ago when Detroit had a bad pass defense but a good run defense (I think it was the Jauron era or maybe Lovie) and we went there and just tried to run the ball and barely tested their secondary. I think it was because we got off the bus running or something like that. We lost that game. At least Nagy can recognize where his offense has an advantage over a defense and call plays to that effect. In that respect I won't complain too much but at some point we must get the running game going if we're going to make a good run in the playoffs. Nagy has acknowledge that as well a couple weeks ago. Since then we've been without Sims so I'm hoping Nagy will start calling those running plays more often once he gets Shaheen back on the field as an inline blocker.

I"m really surprised Bray is getting called up. I expected or was hoping that Trubisky could at least be the backup for the game. That would indicate the injury was less severe. Nagy is adamant that Trubisky won't take a snap this week. Now I'm thinking he could miss a couple games.

Let's take it from the top where I said... "looking for someone who should be available on the 3rd day" (This is Rd 4-7) "keeping Jordan Howard for another year makes sense but adding him to the mix with Cohen and Howard gives us one more dynamic weapon" and then I recently added... "I said it before but the fact Mizzell is on the active roster tells me they are searching for something else in their 3rd RB. " As to your first point we can't guarantee anyone taken in the draft. That's a non-starter for discussion at any pick. Your second point... I said... "With RBs being in more demand lately, the good 3rd RB is often taken in Rd 2." RBs have clearly moved up in terms of draft value in recent years. Here's just the last 3 years data showing the recent increase in RB draft position. I'll stand by my assertion that talented RBs that used to be available in Rd 3 are more likely to be drafted in Rd 2 next year, if not that then likely before we pick late in Rd 3. RBs in Rd 1 -- 3 in 2018, 2 in 2017, 1 in 2016 RBs in Rd 2 -- 4 in 2018, 2 in 2017, 1 in 2016 You absolutely were all over Cohen but that doesn't change the narrative of the media widely criticizing Pace for drafting him in Rd 4. Nor does it change Pace's draft history where when he really likes a player he goes and drafts them even if it's a bit early as compared to conventional draft wisdom. There's a good list of players he moved up to draft, or drafted earlier than the media expected, and I might not get them all right: Trubisky, Shaheen, AMiller, Whitehair, Floyd, Kwit, Cohen. I absolutely feel that if he sees a BPA RB sitting there in Rd 3 who fits Nagy's scheme he'll draft him. I don't think that is the most likely scenario for our 2019 draft because around that point in the draft RB grades tend to flatten out. What is our dire position of need? Filling the RT position this offseason has to be at the top of the list because Massie is a FA. Beyond that? We're talking dire needs, not just needs.

I'd be all in on that deal. With RBs being in more demand lately, the good 3rd RB is often taken in Rd 2. If not, then likely before we pick late in the 3rd Rd. Then again everyone said Pace was crazy for taking Cohen in Rd 4. If he really likes someone, at any position, he will just go get 'em.

We are dangerous. Even without the consistency we have so many ways to beat a team today. We can either put of 40 or 50pts or hold the opponent to 13pts with multiple turnovers. Week to week is always a crap shoot, even this week with such a short turn around. However it is very clear we are getting better each month.

There is this thing called recency bias. I listen to "analysts' talk up this game like it was the highest scoring game ever but I believe the Bears once put up 63pts on a team in the playoffs. Somewhere in their own graphic there was a higher combined score from 1966 (or something way back when). How that could possibly occur when the rules weren't as slanted towards the offense and these modern-day gurus weren't even born yet is beyond me. History aside everyone is ignoring the bad defenses we just watched. It's normal people like to celebrate offense. As a Bears fan I like good defense. There were some clear issues that I saw with both QBs (Goff and Mahomes) when they were under pressure. We will get our chance to match up against the Rams soon and I'm very curious to see this one play out. I believe we can compete against them. For now I view the Saints as the clear best team in the NFL and with Brees at the helm they won't likely have the issues Goff and Mahomes displayed last night when the game gets tight. If we are deserving of being in the top 5 it will show up the next 3 weeks. Power Ranking Def yds/gm DVOA Ranking 1) Saints 16th 24th 2) Rams 21st 16th 3) Chiefs 30th 26th 4) Steelers 6th 13th 5) Patriots 24th 17th 6) Chargers 14th 11th 7) Bears 3rd 1st 8) Texans 7th 3rd 9) Panthers 13th 25th 10) Vikings 5th 5th

I said it before but the fact Mizzell is on the active roster tells me they are searching for something else in their 3rd RB. They are serious enough about it to keep 4 RBs on the game day active rosters several weeks in a row. He's even had a couple carries that normally I would expect to go to Cunningham (zero yards of course). As the season goes along I won't be surprised if they switch Mizzell and Nall just to see what Nall can offer. IIRC Nagy was part of the recruiting process to bring Nall here as a UDFA. I also remember having Knile Davis on the team prior to the season. That may have been just to help with reps in camp. I just don't see Nagy as content as you are with the RB roster so I think someone is added to this group this offseason. It could be a low dollar vet FA too to replace Cunningham. As for the other positions I'd be looking at drafting OT, OG, and a Safety. The Saints have it right with maintaining a solid interior Oline in front of Brees. I want Trubisky to have the same even if someone goes down. Whether it is RB, WR, or TE, I think Nagy will want to add at least one more fast player to the roster. Of those 3 categories I can see us most likely to do nothing at WR with Wims replacing White and we keep Bellamy. That might upset some folks but IMO Bellamy has done well for us this year. Having a good move-TE is so critical to Nagy's scheme that someone sitting there in Rd 3 could be too good to pass up. Unless Shaheen starts lighting it up I'll put this 2nd on the needs list. Sims will be gone but it's unclear how much they like Braunecker or Brown. If there is a good receiving TE talent sitting there in the 3rd or 4th Rd I can see us drafting him. That leaves RB where it seems clear Nagy prefers the athleticism and scheme versatility Cohen provides over Howard.

For those of us who enjoy the draft process it is nearly time for college conference playoffs, and then we move into the bowl season. I like having a few players to watch as these big games happen. I still think we will be looking to add someone to the RB group this offseason so I'm looking for someone who should be available on the 3rd day but also who fits the profile of what we're looking for. Anthony Miller has proven to be worth a 2nd Rd pick. Could we go back to Memphis to draft a RB? Henderson is not a work horse type of RB so keeping Jordan Howard for another year makes sense but adding him to the mix with Cohen and Howard gives us one more dynamic weapon and he can handle go routes and has the hands to make catches deep downfield. Can he handle KRs?

Post-game Nagy said something about Robinson's route timing being off from Trubisky. Clearly there is something there with Robinson not making the cut. Either it's on ARob for not finding his way inside or Trubisky for not reading the inside leverage of the DB. Trubisky threw it right where he expected ARob to be so it's not a bad throw. It's just part of everyone learning a new offense.

I agree with your assessment on Trubisky. I remember him getting up and working his right shoulder a bit so I was concerned but the replay showed the hit on his left shoulder. Hopefully it's minor and is something he can loosen up before the game. In the post-game celebration Shaheen didn't look too happy so I'm thinking he'll have some lingering effects from that concussion and won't play this week. I don't think it was a serious concussion either because he wouldn't have been around the disco ball lights and loud music. Hopefully he's back in Week 13 for the Giants game. We need him to get some reps and be ready to go against the Rams in Week 14.

Losing Kerryon Johnson is huge for their offense. Against the Bears last week he was easily their most productive running back. Add in being down another WR and Stafford's options will be very limited. This is an interesting short week since both teams will have played each other 10 days ago. There's not much time for game planning but there are adjustments that can be made. With Mitch being a "reps" guy this is a rare opportunity to see the same defense so quickly, except they will likely have Slay back on the field. It's Nagy's play calling I'm most curious to see versus the last game. You know he'll have a few twists added in but on a short week with both teams coming off physical games the most obvious thing I'd like to see is Howard getting 20 carries versus the 11 he had in the last game. If that doesn't happen and we still put up another 40pts so be it.