Can Trubisky Lead the Chicago Bears in Year Two?

By Wanda Wiedman // @WandaW63

The hype train has made its way to Chicago. A new head coach, several new weapons added from free agency and the NFL Draft and a young second-year quarterback to lead them.

It’s a lot to put on the shoulders of a 23-year old. But when this has been your dream since childhood, you better be ready.

Having been taken number two overall in the 2017 NFL Draft after only playing one full season at North Carolina, the pressure to prove himself was an understatement. Unfortunately, quarterback Mitch Trubisky was thrown in without a chance to learn a system and make it his own.

Poor coaching and play calling overshadowed his true talent. But this year is different. This year Trubisky will play with a swagger the NFL did not get to see. His love of the game will be on display and it will show in a big way.

Can Trubisky lead the Chicago Bears to a winning season in 2018? I tend to think so for several reasons.

Continue reading “Can Trubisky Lead the Chicago Bears in Year Two?” →

NFL gives no R-E-S-P-E-C-T to Bears RB Jordan Howard

By Wanda Wiedman // @WandaW63

Every year the NFL lists the top 100 players who were voted by players as a means of respect for what they do on the field. Some of those players don’t even have to play the whole season to get on this list. Adrian Peterson was on the 2017 list and missed the entire season. Since this article will be solely based on running backs currently mentioned on the 2018 list, it is a crying shame that Chicago Bears running back Jordan Howard is missing.

So far on this list are RB Carlos Hyde, rookie Leonard Fournette, Mark Ingram, Ezekiel Elliott (suspension and all), and Devonta Freeman. The fact of the matter is that in 2017, nine running backs were on that list, including Peterson; LeGarrette Blount, Jay Ajayi, Freeman, DeMarco Murray, LeSean McCoy, David Johnson, Le’Veon Bell, and Elliott.

Continue reading “NFL gives no R-E-S-P-E-C-T to Bears RB Jordan Howard” →

Chicago Bears 53-Man Prediction and Then Some

By Wanda Wiedman // @WandaW63

With rookie mini-camp complete and OTAs underway, the Chicago Bears are slowly putting together a well-balanced team. Ryan Pace and company have done their due diligence in signing key players that will have an immediate impact on the team.

But it’s those additional spots, the supplemental players that will have to be ready to step in on a moment’s notice. Who will make a statement in training camp that they belong on this team? Who will shine when it matters and when it counts?

Continue reading “Chicago Bears 53-Man Prediction and Then Some” →

Chicago Bears Building a Wall of Defense

By Wanda Wiedman // @WandaW63

The Chicago Bears signed seven key players to contracts that would officially keep them on the roster. But after the NFL Draft was finished the Bears continued to sign players that were undrafted hopefuls in an attempt to put together a strong solid roster, including a solid practice squad as insurance.

So imagine general manager Ryan Pace setting the roster like the chess game in the movie Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. With training camp and preseason coming up, which of the pieces (players) will stay, and which will eventually be cut?

Continue reading “Chicago Bears Building a Wall of Defense” →

Chicago Bears Finish Strong in 2018 NFL Draft

By Wanda Wiedman // @WandaW63

It has been said by many analysts, writers, and fans that general manager Ryan Pace had to be aggressive in this draft. The Chicago Bears could not afford to continue to spiral into the NFC oblivion.

It was imperative that they drafted key players and address positions that would help the Bears compete within the division of the NFC North. Pace came through and he started with the best linebacker in the draft in Roquan Smith in the first round, center James Daniels and wide receiver Anthony Miller in the second round.

Continue reading “Chicago Bears Finish Strong in 2018 NFL Draft” →

The rise of the Monsters of The Midway starts with Smith

By Wanda Wiedman//@WandaW63

All the questions and panic are over. The Chicago Bears made it very clear last night that the rise of the Monsters of the Midway starts with inside linebacker Roquan Smith. As the eighth overall pick in the first round, Smith brings an incredible burst off the seam that reminds me of one of the great Bears linebackers Mike Singletary. A little undersized for a linebacker, but his quickness and speed make up for it. It’s a perfect fit for the Bears.

Smith is fluid and explosive in space which makes him perfect in the Jack position as an inside linebacker. He was praised by Georgia head coach Kirby Smart as being a “tremendous leader”, which is what Singletary became on the Bears defense. Under the veteran leadership of Akiem Hicks, he will gain the respect and pride of his fellow teammates.

Continue reading “The rise of the Monsters of The Midway starts with Smith” →

Bears Must Go Defense No Matter What

by Wanda/Wiedman // @WandaW63

In the 2014 movie Draft Day, general manager Sonny Weaver Jr. is under pressure as to whom to pick at the number one spot. Throughout the movie, Weaver carries a Post-it note with something written on it. As the drama of his life unfolds, the camera reveals these words, “Vontae Mack no matter what,” linebacker with a chip on his shoulder. Thirty-two teams with thirty-two GMs and head coaches put their jobs on the line for that number one draft pick. The question is who will it be?

For the Chicago Bears, they must go defense no matter what. With the eighth pick in the first-round, they have the option of moving up or trading down, especially if they go defense. The Bears hosted the sought after and elite edge rusher out of North Carolina, Bradley Chubb, just a few weeks ago. They were not disappointed. But what are they willing to trade to get him? Well, with limited picks I don’t see that happening. However, it is the NFL and anything can happen, but Chubb falling to the Bears at eight is a stretch. Continue reading “Bears Must Go Defense No Matter What” →

OurTurf’s Mock NFL Draft Part 1

By Wanda Wiedman//@WandaW63

Free agency is pretty much on the quiet front with some players still trickling on to teams, such as quarterback Blaine Gabbert to the Tennessee Titans, and defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh to the Los Angeles Rams. But now it’s all about the draft and filling the holes that will make or break a team. So here is my attempt at Round 1 of the NFL Draft.

Continue reading “OurTurf’s Mock NFL Draft Part 1” →

Chicago Bears: Possible Gems in Future-Reserve Den

By Wanda Wiedman // @WandaW63

Most teams, scout for players from all over to future contracts in hopes that a secret weapon will emerge from the pile. Last preseason, the Chicago Bears saw a taste of that in rookie wide receiver Tanner Gentry. The chemistry between quarterback Mitch Trubisky and Gentry lit a fire under most Bears fans as the next dynamic duo. But that was soon squelched as Gentry needed more training in blocking and separation skills.

He is maybe among the strong list of receivers the Bears have acquired this offseason that includes, Allen Robinson, Taylor Gabriel, Kevin White, Kendall Wright and hopefully Cameron Meredith. But what impact can the other nine players make on the team? There are a few on the Bears list that could make an immediate impact on the team if they make a splash during the preseason.

Continue reading “Chicago Bears: Possible Gems in Future-Reserve Den” →