Chicago News Today | Live | Outlets | Now

Chicago Bears: 3 players worthy of trading 2nd Round pickon February 20, 2020 at 12:00 pm

Use your <- -> (arrows) to browse

Chicago Bears (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Without a pick in the first or third round this year, would the Chicago Bears even entertain trading one of their second-rounders?

Before you laugh or look away, let’s get real honest with ourselves. We do remember who the general manager of the Chicago Bears is, right?

Ryan Pace is notorious for making deals, especially come draft day. He can’t get enough of them, and funny enough, some of the big ones have involved second-round picks. Just look at a couple of the notable trades Pace has pulled off.

In the 2018 NFL Draft, the Bears traded up to select Anthony Miller at pick no. 51 in the second round. Chicago sent the New England Patriots their 2019 second-round pick to go along with the 105th pick in the 2018 draft.

Then, later in 2018, it was the blockbuster deal for Khalil Mack which had fans in a joyful ruckus. In that deal, Pace managed to net an extra second-round pick which saw Chicago trade two first-round picks to Oakland along with a couple other pick exchanges.

Somehow, some way, I think Pace strikes a deal once again this year. I wouldn’t be shocked, in the least, if the Bears traded one of their second-round picks.

I understand the pushback on this. The Bears hardly have any cap room and don’t possess draft picks in two of the first three rounds. I get it. But, I also understand that Pace is a risk-taking general manager.

So, if the Bears end up dealing one of their second-round picks (and maybe more), which players or prospects would be worth it? Off the top of my head, there are three key names which come to mind.

Next: Player No. 1

Next1 of 4Prev post

Use your <- -> (arrows) to browse

Load Comments

Chicago Bears: 3 players worthy of trading 2nd Round pickon February 20, 2020 at 12:00 pm Read More »

Chicago Bears: New playoff format would really help teamon February 20, 2020 at 12:26 am

Chicago Bears (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

If the NFL is actually changing the playoff format starting in 2020, the Chicago Bears would really benefit from the change.

The Chicago Bears went 8-8 in an incredibly disappointing season that had Super Bowl or bust expectations going into it. They were one of the first teams out of the playoffs in 2019 with their .500 schedule. They need many improvements to their team, but the NFL might have just given them another boost that could really help them get in the 2020-21 NFL Playoffs.

ESPN’s top football insider, Adam Schefter, is reporting that the new proposed CBA has there being seven teams making the playoffs from each conference. He is reporting that this would go into effect this upcoming season. It would have each conference with one team on a bye week. The new CBA would still need to be approved over the next few weeks.

This structure would certainly keep the Bears in the race a lot longer next season. They still need to iron out the quarterback situation, the offensive line, and a tight end. With that said, having an extra team from the NFC in the playoffs would significantly increase their chances in 2020. If the structure was that way in 2019, the Los Angeles Rams would have been the seventh team and the Bears would have been the first team out.

That means that if they make some of those needed moves, they could absolutely be in the playoffs in 2020. It would at the very least, give the Bears a chance to be in the race all the way through to the end of the season. It would also make it much more entertaining for pretty much every team in the NFL as more teams would be in the race longer.

This move would expand the regular season to 17 games per team while shortening the preseason to three games. That is another interesting note to consider when evaluating how the Bears will be in 2020. Either way, adding a playoff team would increase the Bears’ chances of being in the playoffs for the foreseeable future.

Load Comments

Chicago Bears: New playoff format would really help teamon February 20, 2020 at 12:26 am Read More »

Chicago Blackhawks: Artemi Panarin returns to Chicago with NYRon February 19, 2020 at 2:00 pm

CHICAGO, IL – MARCH 19: Fans cheer as Artemi Panarin #72 of the Chicago Blackhawks celebrates a third period goal against the Colorado Avalanche at the United Center on March 19, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. The Blackhawks defeated the Avalanche 6-3. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

The Chicago Blackhawks are welcoming in an old friend as Artemi Panarin makes his first return to the United Center as a member of the New York Rangers.

The Chicago Blackhawks traded Artemi Panarin to the Columbus Blue Jackets a few seasons ago now. They got back Brandon Saad in return and Saad is a very good player. He is, however, not as good as Panarin and it really isn’t even close. Panarin has developed into one of the very best players in the NHL since his departure from Chicago. Anybody who thought Panarin was only good because of Kane looks very wrong now.

He has returned to United Center as a member of the Columbus Blue Jackets but this will be his first time as a member of the New York Rangers where he signed a lucrative deal over this past summer. He is so far, worth every penny of his 11.6 million dollar cap hit. If the Rangers were a little bit closer to playoff contention, Panarin would be in the conversation for the Hart Trophy.

With that said, there is still a hockey game to be played. The Blackhawks are finally back at home after a five-game Western Canadian road trip where they were awful. Their 1-4 run out west has made the playoffs look very bleak. This might be their last chance for management to see a reason not to be complete sellers this trade deadline.

The Rangers have a lot of great players having good years outside of Panarin. They are probably not going to the playoffs, but they have an extremely bright future ahead of them. With forwards like Mika Zibanejad, Ryan Strome, and Chris Kreider to help Panarin, there is no doubt they can score some goals. They also have a great defense with guys like Jacob Trouba, Adam Fox, and Brady Skjei. Their goaltending is also a solid group, as they use three goalies on their roster which is a bit unusual.

As a nationally televised game, it is important for Chicago to get off to a good start in this one. If the players want to make one last showcase to the management team before some big decisions are made, this is the time to do it. It won’t be easy against a pesky team like the Rangers.

Load Comments

Chicago Blackhawks: Artemi Panarin returns to Chicago with NYRon February 19, 2020 at 2:00 pm Read More »

2020 NBA All Star Game: Chicago was sweet home for new formaton February 19, 2020 at 1:00 pm

Chicago Bulls (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images)

The Chicago Bulls didn’t place a player in the 2020 NBA All-Star Game, but no matter, as basketball fans everywhere ended up entertained.

While the Chicago Bulls sat at home or in the stands and watched with the rest of us, a fairly run-of-the-mill all-star game, which was light on defense, as usual, turned into the best vs. the best duking it out for charity in the fourth quarter.

Like many folks, I’ve often dismissed the NBA and NHL all-star games because of their lack of defense. That doesn’t mean I don’t understand it – teams, especially playoff contenders, don’t want their players getting hurt in an exhibition game; and the relaxed defense allows the most talented athletes to show off offensive moves/take shots that they couldn’t or wouldn’t in a regular-season contest. The problem is that the offensive fireworks get boring after a while.

This year, the scoring format was changed. Instead of normal scoring, the score would reset after each quarter. However, the cumulative score would still be tallied. Then, 24 points would be added to the lead team’s score as a target number, and the game clock would be turned off, although the shot clock would remain in effect. Whichever team reached the target first would be the winner.

The number 24 was chosen in honor of the late Kobe Bryant, who along with his daughter Gianna and several others, perished in a helicopter crash in January. The fourth quarter would also run commercial-free.

So, as the NBA said in a press release, if, for example, the cumulative score was 100-95 entering the fourth, the target would be 124, and the team that had 100 points would need just 24 points to win, while the trailing team would need 29.

The 2020 NBA All-Star Game had a target of 157 points.

Team LeBron and Team Giannis – the teams were selected by LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo – switched gears from a game of dunks and lightly contested shots to one of actual defense in the fourth. Players started showing the same intensity of a regular-season game, and actually expressed anger at foul calls. Yes, there were suddenly foul calls in an all-star game.

It came down to an Anthony Davis free-throw, which he sunk to give Team LeBron a 157-155 victory. But the real winner was the NBA – the new format gave viewers a reason to stick around for the fourth quarter, instead of bailing as soon as they were tired of the dunks.

While it’s not a given that the new format will provide this type of drama every year, it’s probably more likely that teams will have to slug it out, creating a chance for fans to watch what happens when the league’s best players are actually trying, as opposed to running what’s essentially a lay-up line.

Yes, if one team has a huge lead in cumulative scoring after three quarters, the drama will be sucked out a bit. For example – a 120-90 score would take the edge off, as it’s likelier that the team with 120 points is getting to 144 quicker than the one that would need 54 before the other guys scored 24.

And even a tied game could go sideways if one team got on a quick run.

Still, there’s more chance for drama than not. And tacking the target onto the lead score gives both teams an incentive to work to keep it close through three. Certainly just asking teams to be the first to 24 would be silly, since it would make the first three quarters irrelevant.

Next: Jimmy Butler open to a return?

Chicago has seen great basketball over the years, and not just from the Bulls. The 1988 NBA All-Star Game is still remembered for its dunk contest. So it’s fitting that over 30 years later, the 2020 NBA All-Star Game, taking place just across the street, created memories of its own.

Load Comments

2020 NBA All Star Game: Chicago was sweet home for new formaton February 19, 2020 at 1:00 pm Read More »

Chicago Bears Rumors: Derek Carr teases fans with IG poston February 20, 2020 at 5:21 pm

Chicago Bears (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images)

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr teases fans and sparks Chicago Bears rumors with a cryptic Instagram post.

Depending on who you talk to, you’ll hear Chicago Bears rumors are committed to Mitchell Trubisky for 2020, or committed to finding his replacement. If the latter is true, one candidate who would make a lot of sense is current Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr.

There have been rumors that the Raiders may be looking to move on, and that a potential landing spot could be the Bears. Well, Carr did nothing to quiet those rumors with his latest Instagram post.

According to many reports, the Raiders are going to be very aggressive in going after superstar Tom Brady, and are apparently prepared to give him $30 million per year to kick off their first year in Sin-City. It also appears that head coach Jon Gruden has not been 100 percent sold on Carr since he took over the team.

The Raiders could save approximately $16 million by moving on from Carr, and his reasonable contract might make him an attractive candidate for the Bears.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Derek Carr (@derekcarrqb) on Feb 20, 2020 at 8:25am PST

Something else that might make him an attractive option is his relationship with current Bears’ superstar, Khalil Mack, who has not hidden his “bromance” with his former quarterback. And If Carr’s current IG post is any indication, he clearly feels the same way.

Now there is no way to know whether Carr is trying to cryptically tell us all something, or if it was just an innocent post, honoring his close friend. The reality is the truth is probably somewhere in the middle, with Carr sending a not so subtle signal that he would be more than open to the idea of coming to Chicago to be their starting quarterback.

Carr is much better in the 10-20 yard range. And a lot better even on the longer passes. pic.twitter.com/L1v3XDpEYe

— Patrick Sheldon (@P_Shels) February 2, 2020

The question is “would the Bears want him to be their starting quarterback.” The logical answer is “they absolutely should be.” Yes, Carr does not come without his own limitations, but he is a much more effective (and accurate) passer than Trubisky to all levels of the football field.

Next: Nightmare scenario brewing for Bears?

He would be precisely the type of above-average game manager that Alex Smith was during his one year of overlap with Matt Nagy in Kansas City. If he is sending a signal and looking for someone to toss him a lifeline and get him out of Las Vegas, then Ryan Pace should be first in line to extend his hand.

Load Comments

Chicago Bears Rumors: Derek Carr teases fans with IG poston February 20, 2020 at 5:21 pm Read More »

Chicago Bears: Why the Bears should avoid Teddy Bridgewateron February 20, 2020 at 5:00 pm

Chicago Bears (Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images)

With the Chicago Bears looking to add to the quarterback room this offseason, why should they avoid Teddy Bridgewater?

This offseason, if there is a position that many are expecting the Chicago Bears to make a move at, it’s quarterback. And one name that many seem to have their eyes on is Teddy Bridgewater. For a lot of reasons, Bridgewater seems like the perfect guy to come in and push Mitchell Trubisky.

At just 27 years old, there’s no doubt that some team views Bridgewater as a future starter. However, he’s reportedly set to receive a multi-year deal that could see him earn up to $30 million dollars a year.

Yet the best case scenario for general manager Ryan Pace and head coach Matt Nagy is to avoid Bridgewater altogether. While some will argue that Bridgewater was an ascending quarterback in the NFL just five years ago, he’s never been the same player after his gruesome knee injury which he sustained in 2016.

In the hypothetical scenario where the Bears do sign Bridgewater, they’d be signing a boom-or-bust free agent. Paying big money to a guy who hasn’t been a full-time starter since 2015 is the biggest example of that.

Another area of concern regarding Bridgewater is when he was with the New York Jets briefly in 2018 and he was unable to beat out then-rookie quarterback Sam Darnold for the starting job. Some will argue that the Jets opted to go with Darnold since he was the future of the franchise however Bridgewater had more experience even if he was a stopgap quarterback.

Since his knee injury in 2016, Bridgewater has started just six games with five of them being in 2019. Even during his five starts in 2019, his numbers weren’t all that great but they were certainly better than Trubisky’s.

During his five starts in 2019, Bridgewater would post nine touchdowns, two interceptions, and have a quarterback rating of 99.1 along with 1384 yards. These numbers may jump off the screen to some but it is worth noting that he was surrounded by playmakers at nearly every position, some of which included guys like Michael Thomas and Alvin Kamara.

The question now needs to be asked: Was Bridgewater merely a product of the scheme he played in and the talent that he was surrounded by or was he legitimately good enough to carry the Saints when Drew Brees went down?

Next: Chicago Bears: 4 Free Agents that would require caution

Wherever Bridgewater is playing next season, there’s no guarantee he’s able to replicate the success he had in 2019. And for the Bears, it’s better that they stay away from him and just hope that Trubisky can turn things around.

Load Comments

Chicago Bears: Why the Bears should avoid Teddy Bridgewateron February 20, 2020 at 5:00 pm Read More »

Chicago Blackhawks: Power play is to blame for bad streakon February 20, 2020 at 4:00 pm

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – DECEMBER 27: Jonathan Toews #19 of the Chicago Blackhawks talks with Patrick Kane #88 before a face-off against the New York Islanders at the United Center on December 27, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. The Blackhawks defeated the Islanders 5-2. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

The Chicago Blackhawks are in a big funk that has basically taken them out of the playoffs and the power play deserves a lot of blame.

The Chicago Blackhawks are 1-5-0 in their last six games. That bad streak has basically taken them out of the playoff race in the Western Conference. They are now eight points back of the final spot in the Western Conference final wild card spot. Those six games that saw them go 1-5 all have one thing in common, the power play has been putrid.

You cannot win games in the National Hockey League if the power play is bad. It needs to be able to score some goals in order for the team to have a chance at the playoffs. In those six games, they are 0-17 on the man advantage. You read that right. The team with Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Alex DeBrincat, Brandon Saad, Dominik Kubalik, and Dylan Strome is 0 for their last 17 on the power play.

That has dropped them to 31st out of 31st in the entire National Hockey League in power-play percentage at 13.8 percent. They are almost a full percent behind the Detroit Red Wings who are dead last in the NHL with a 15-43-4 and having one of the worst seasons in NHL history. The Hawks are likely not going to the playoffs this year but addressing the man advantage is something that must be done if they are to end the playoff drought in 2020-21.

They went 0 for 3 against the New York Rangers in the 6-3 loss. It was a game where the Blackhawks were almost even with New York in shots. It was a high-danger chance filled game but the Blackhawks were never able to gain any steam. They are all but out of it at this point as the trade deadline approaches.

The Blackhawks next chance to end the power-play drought and perhaps get a win comes tomorrow when the Nashville Predators come to town. They feel that their power play is bad too but it is worlds better than Chicago’s. This is perhaps the Hawks’ last chance to start a run before being truly declared dead if they aren’t already.

Load Comments

Chicago Blackhawks: Power play is to blame for bad streakon February 20, 2020 at 4:00 pm Read More »

Chicago Bears News: What the Demetrius Harris signing meanson February 20, 2020 at 3:00 pm

Chicago Bears (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)

The Chicago Bears inked a new tight end and an old friend of Matt Nagy. What does this signing mean for the tight ends going forward?

On Wednesday afternoon, the Chicago Bears made a free agency move before the period officially begins on March 18. After the Cleveland Browns cut ties with tight end Demetrius Harris, Chicago scooped him up on a 1-year deal.

The 28-year-old Harris is entering his seventh season in the NFL and only played one of those with the Browns. His career began back in 2014 with the Kansas City Chiefs, which is of course where he played under current Bears head coach Matt Nagy.

Harris joins a group of tight ends which was arguably the worst in the NFL last year.

The Bears will likely keep Trey Burton around, because cutting him and absorbing the dead cap makes zero sense. Seeing if Burton can regain himself both physically and mentally is their only choice with their starting tight end at this point.

Aside from Burton, the Bears still have Adam Shaheen and could bring back J.P. Holtz. Out of those two, Holtz is much more valuable at this stage. It’s sad to say, but the Shaheen pick was a swing and miss by Ryan Pace.

More from Chicago Bears

Going forward, Harris will likely function as mostly a blocking tight end. Although he is fairly athletic, Harris is a much better blocker than he is a receiver. In six NFL seasons, Harris has only caught 72 passes for 754 yards and nine touchdowns.

It’s not that he isn’t capable of catching the football, but his skillset is better used in blocking. In football terms, he’ll be used at the ‘Y’ tight end.

The Bears have to go out and sign or draft at least one more at the position, because Burton is the only true receiving threat at the moment. If they wanted to grab one via free agency, the big names available are going to be Austin Hooper, Eric Ebron and Hunter Henry.

The draft has quite a few notable names which could fit what the Bears do, but the limited capital makes it difficult to spend an early pick unless the value is too good in the second round.

Harris is a decent start to bolstering the tight end group, but the Bears are no where near done. I could even see Pace bringing in two more which would have a shot to make the final roster while keeping Holtz and maybe even Jesper Horsted for training camp, at minimum.

Next: Bears: 4 free agents who require caution

Whether they add more via free agency or the rookie class remains to be seen. What we do know, though, is that there will be more additions to this group. You can count on it.

Load Comments

Chicago Bears News: What the Demetrius Harris signing meanson February 20, 2020 at 3:00 pm Read More »

Chicago Blackhawks: Trade scenarios and consequences for both goalieson February 20, 2020 at 2:00 pm

Next1 of 4Prev post

Use your <- -> (arrows) to browse

(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

The Chicago Blackhawks are likely not going to the playoffs. They would be smart to trade both goalies for some future assets.

The Chicago Blackhawks are, in all likelihood, not going to the Stanley Cup Playoffs at the conclusion of the 2019-20 season. It is going to be the third year in a row without a playoff appearance despite some of the best play from the organization’s top players. It is not a good look for this team to be out with this level of talent and they need to do something about it soon. It is time to move on and get some future assets.

The thing is, both goalies on the team are on expiring contracts. Robin Lehner and Corey Crawford have been awesome this year for the Chicago Blackhawks but the rest of the team outside of Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Brandon Saad, and Dominik Kubalik have not been good enough. It would be wise to move both goalies for the Blackhawks because they would be able to get a pretty good return on both of them from teams that need a goalie headed into the playoffs.

With both of them on expiring contracts, it makes sense to get something out of both of them instead of losing them both for nothing. These are two goalies that certain teams might pay a decent price to acquire at the deadline. There are also some good goaltenders that will be on the market in the summer via free agency for the Hawks to try and sign. There is also a chance that they try to bring back one of these two once free agency hits.

Each goalie would bring something different to whichever team acquired him. It would also prove to have some consequence for the Blackhawks for the rest of this season and beyond. It is a shame that it has come to this after having some home a few weeks ago, but this is what it is.

Next: Corey Crawford

Next1 of 4Prev post

Use your <- -> (arrows) to browse

Load Comments

Chicago Blackhawks: Trade scenarios and consequences for both goalieson February 20, 2020 at 2:00 pm Read More »

Chicago Bears News: Insider suggests nightmare scenario at QB positionon February 20, 2020 at 1:00 pm

Chicago Bears (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

According to one Chicago Bears insider, don’t expect big changes at the quarterback position.

The debate over the state of the quarterback position for the Chicago Bears continues to rage on over social media. Each day there are Twitter sparring matches between the “Trubisky Truthers,” and the “Trubisky Haters.” Even those who simply demand more from the quarterback position and want the team to bring in a legitimate option to both challenge Mitchell Trubisky and potentially win the starting role, are labeled “haters.”

In short, the battle rages on, and according to one Bears insider, it does not appear the latter two groups are going to get their wish. However, if you are a fan of Trubisky and still believe he can be a star quarterback in this league, then I have some good news for you. Regardless of how you feel about Trubisky, Biggs outlines what is, in my opinion, the worst-case scenario for the Bears.

On the most recent Bear Download podcast, Chicago Tribune member and Bears’ beat reporter Brad Biggs spoke about what he believes Ryan Pace will do to address the position. Biggs, who is one of the most connected Bears insiders out there had some very interesting thoughts. Now, he did not tie these comments to anything specific he heard, but because of how connected he is, anytime he renders an opinion, fans should take notice.

Biggs said he believed there were a number of fans who are of the belief that the Bears are going to “reboot” the quarterback position this offseason. However, Biggs stated he does not think that is going to happen, adding “I think they’re committed to holding on to hope that Mitch Trubisky can become and evolve and improve and rise to the level of that franchise quarterback.”

If the team isn’t going to bring in a front-line starter to challenge or supplant Mitch, how will they address the position? Biggs thinks they will look to add someone who has a lot of experience playing games, to serve in a true backup role. Because that type of scenario will not be appealing to many of the free-agent quarterbacks, Biggs thinks the Bears may need to ultimately trade for a backup quarterback.

So let me get this straight: 1.) the Bears are not going to bring in legitimate competition, 2.) they are going to risk squandering what little is left on their Super Bowl window, and 3.) they are going to use some of their very limited draft capital to acquire a quarterback to strictly serve as a backup?

Next: Bears should proceed with caution on these FAs

That sounds like the worst possible scenario for the Bears, but also one that is very possible because — well — they’re the Bears, and nothing surprises me anymore with this franchise.

Load Comments

Chicago Bears News: Insider suggests nightmare scenario at QB positionon February 20, 2020 at 1:00 pm Read More »

What’s New

Without a pick in the first or third round this year, would the Chicago Bears even entertain trading one of their second-rounders?

RELATED PRODUCT

BRIAN URLACHER CHICAGO BEARS NFL CAREER STATS BOBBLEHEAD

If the NFL is actually changing the playoff format starting in 2020, the Chicago Bears would really benefit from the change.

The Chicago Blackhawks are welcoming in an old friend as Artemi Panarin makes his first return to the United Center as a member of the New York Rangers.

The Chicago Bulls didn’t place a player in the 2020 NBA All-Star Game, but no matter, as basketball fans everywhere ended up entertained.

RELATED PRODUCT

Tailgate Men’s Chicago Bulls Long Sleeve Tee Red L

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr teases fans and sparks Chicago Bears rumors with a cryptic Instagram post.

RELATED PRODUCT

Download theScore App for the latest Pro Football Scores, Stats, News and Odds

With the Chicago Bears looking to add to the quarterback room this offseason, why should they avoid Teddy Bridgewater?

RELATED PRODUCT

Download theScore App for the latest Pro Football Scores, Stats, News and Odds

The Chicago Blackhawks are in a big funk that has basically taken them out of the playoffs and the power play deserves a lot of blame.

The Chicago Bears inked a new tight end and an old friend of Matt Nagy. What does this signing mean for the tight ends going forward?

More from Chicago Bears

RELATED PRODUCT

SNL Da Bears Navy Performance Athletic T-Shirt

The Chicago Blackhawks are likely not going to the playoffs. They would be smart to trade both goalies for some future assets.

According to one Chicago Bears insider, don’t expect big changes at the quarterback position.