Bears 2023 thread V

[ThisGuyFawkes]

Speaking of receivers, that little guy, Conception, from NC State really looks good. Very quick and elusive, a lot of YAC.

There will be some good NCAA games next weekend- GA v AL, WAS v OR. We will see Penix v Nix in the latter. I haven't watched a full game of Nix yet. His numbers are impressive. I think he's solidly the #3 QB in the draft. I'd still go with Maye or Caleb if I had the chance though. Solidify the line with the Bears own pick, unless Braxton really looks like he can make it at LT. For sure target a center in round 2, or 3 at the latest. Get a guard as well. I think receivers you can take a bit later, if you have a star QB.

I once lived in Oregon for about 15 years. I like the Ducks. High octane offense usually. I've watched many Duck games this year. I'm very impressed with Nix. Yes, his numbers are very solid. Caleb might deliver more spectacular plays, but you have to live with his fumbles and INTs. Maye has that stature and arm. But honestly I've watched NC a few times and he doesn't "wow" me as much as he does to others on the board. Nix plays the QB position like a Tom Brady or Joe Burrow. Constantly hitting the underneath routes with deadly accuracy. Keeps those chains moving. Keeps his offense on the field. Very few mistakes. He doesn't beat himself. Great anticipation on his throws. He'll nickel and dime you to death until you commit to stopping those underneath routes, and then he'll stick a shiv in your liver with a long TD. Like that throw he made to Troy Franklin in the AZ State game a few Saturdays ago. If you give Nix weapons and a decent O-Line he will be very successful.. I think the Heisman this year is between Nix and Jayden Daniels. Daniels has the superior numbers when you add in his rushing yards. He probably deserves it. But Nix is on a team with the better record.

It's funny that you've lived in Oregon because I remember you mentioning that you've lived in Austin as well, and I've spent time in both places.

My big worry about Nix is that his team is just a lot better than their opposition on any given Saturday. He gets a LOT of his yards from short passes where his receivers make an amazing play for YAC. I really want to see how Penix and Nix look against SEC competition.

It's also be interesting to see more advanced stats on Nix. I like the fact that he can make the short timing throws and doesn't turn it over, but I'd want him to be closer to Burrows rather than Kyle Orton.

[molepharmer]

Please don’t give up on the kid it’s his rookie season with his main weapon is a average 34 year old receiver
Sent from my iPhone using RealGM Forums

This Bears fan says yes! But as mentioned, I highly doubt Carolina throws in the towel on Young till atleast after year 2

Our entire fanbase has pretty much given up on him.
He looked bad once again vs the Titans.
Crazy we are going to gift you guys the #1 overall pick.

Meh, I watched the game because I'm a Titan fan and don't think Bryce looked nearly as bad as you've suggested. Titans defense constantly had him under pressure and recorded 9 TFLs, plus sacks. He struggled and about the only completions he had were in the middle, between the hash marks; thought he made some good throws and some wild throws.

[Dresden]

DEN beat CLE today, so they are no longer a threat to our draft position. I think it's mainly NE and ARI that are the big threats. And we play ARI, so hopefully we can find a way to lose that one.

[Kurt Heimlich]

The Patriots look like the biggest bum of a team in the NFL, our only hope for them winning is the last week vs the Jets at this point. Maybe Bellicheck goes full Lovie Smith and wins that meaningless game knowing hes fired/done at seasons end?

Panthers schedule is rough, I honestly do feel bad for their fans but obviously rooting for 1-16.

Cardinals are tricky. They're more talented than the bottom 5 IMO, but one it seems like they're motivated to lose? We're the only game left that they should be favorites in. That Xmas eve game is our super bowl lol.

[HearshotKDS]

The Patriots look like the biggest bum of a team in the NFL, our only hope for them winning is the last week vs the Jets at this point. Maybe Bellicheck goes full Lovie Smith and wins that meaningless game knowing hes fired/done at seasons end?

Panthers schedule is rough, I honestly do feel bad for their fans but obviously rooting for 1-16.

Cardinals are tricky. They're more talented than the bottom 5 IMO, but one it seems like they're motivated to lose? We're the only game left that they should be favorites in. That Xmas eve game is our super bowl lol.

ARI probably wants to lose out but Kyler Murray doesnt, hes not going to help draft his replacement by tanking games. The problem is ARI plays 4 playoff teams and the Bears - they have a brutal remaining schedule outside of the one against Chicago. I still dont think CAR is good enough to win more than 1 more game though, think they take #1 overall.

[dice]

good day for bears own pick, certainly

[fleet]

The Patriots look like the biggest bum of a team in the NFL, our only hope for them winning is the last week vs the Jets at this point. Maybe Bellicheck goes full Lovie Smith and wins that meaningless game knowing hes fired/done at seasons end?

Panthers schedule is rough, I honestly do feel bad for their fans but obviously rooting for 1-16.

Cardinals are tricky. They're more talented than the bottom 5 IMO, but one it seems like they're motivated to lose? We're the only game left that they should be favorites in. That Xmas eve game is our super bowl lol.

ARI probably wants to lose out but Kyler Murray doesnt, hes not going to help draft his replacement by tanking games. The problem is ARI plays 4 playoff teams and the Bears - they have a brutal remaining schedule outside of the one against Chicago. I still dont think CAR is good enough to win more than 1 more game though, think they take #1 overall.

My Panthers concern is that FR benches Young for mental health and puts in the Red Rifle. That might give them the ability to steal a game or two. But at least the pick won’t fall out of the top 3 in any case. So the Bears will be getting a quarterback or MHJ with that pick no matter what.

The Bears are not going to lose to the Cardinals. Not the team that I saw against the Rams. They have the look of a team that will lose out, even with Kyler Murray. He’s only gonna be in 4th or 5th gear this season. The Pats are dead. The Bears aren’t picking higher than 4th for sure. But they will get the top tackle or edge on the board with their own pick because it won’t fall below 6th at worst. The outcome haul is going to be a quarterback/MHJ plus the top OT/edge. Of course, Justin balling out will put a trade down in play if MHJ is gone with the Panthers pick. I will be surprised though if the Bears kept Justin just because the financial advantage will be difficult for him to overcome. And I don’t see Fields playing at a high enough level to make that happen.

[Almost Retired]

Speaking of receivers, that little guy, Conception, from NC State really looks good. Very quick and elusive, a lot of YAC.

There will be some good NCAA games next weekend- GA v AL, WAS v OR. We will see Penix v Nix in the latter. I haven't watched a full game of Nix yet. His numbers are impressive. I think he's solidly the #3 QB in the draft. I'd still go with Maye or Caleb if I had the chance though. Solidify the line with the Bears own pick, unless Braxton really looks like he can make it at LT. For sure target a center in round 2, or 3 at the latest. Get a guard as well. I think receivers you can take a bit later, if you have a star QB.

I once lived in Oregon for about 15 years. I like the Ducks. High octane offense usually. I've watched many Duck games this year. I'm very impressed with Nix. Yes, his numbers are very solid. Caleb might deliver more spectacular plays, but you have to live with his fumbles and INTs. Maye has that stature and arm. But honestly I've watched NC a few times and he doesn't "wow" me as much as he does to others on the board. Nix plays the QB position like a Tom Brady or Joe Burrow. Constantly hitting the underneath routes with deadly accuracy. Keeps those chains moving. Keeps his offense on the field. Very few mistakes. He doesn't beat himself. Great anticipation on his throws. He'll nickel and dime you to death until you commit to stopping those underneath routes, and then he'll stick a shiv in your liver with a long TD. Like that throw he made to Troy Franklin in the AZ State game a few Saturdays ago. If you give Nix weapons and a decent O-Line he will be very successful.. I think the Heisman this year is between Nix and Jayden Daniels. Daniels has the superior numbers when you add in his rushing yards. He probably deserves it. But Nix is on a team with the better record.

It's funny that you've lived in Oregon because I remember you mentioning that you've lived in Austin as well, and I've spent time in both places.

My big worry about Nix is that his team is just a lot better than their opposition on any given Saturday. He gets a LOT of his yards from short passes where his receivers make an amazing play for YAC. I really want to see how Penix and Nix look against SEC competition.

It's also be interesting to see more advanced stats on Nix. I like the fact that he can make the short timing throws and doesn't turn

it over, but I'd want him to be closer to Burrows rather than Kyle Orton.

Yeah, I spent about 35 years in Chicago, Back of the Yards South Sider, then 15 years in Oregon before the rain got to me, then about 15 years in Austin until it got too crowded and too expensive. Now in North Carolina. Next stop is a cremation urn. Moving is just too damn much work.

In the modern NFL most of the passing yards are short route plays due to the speed of the pass rush. Nix can do both. I share your concern though about the strength of the competition. The Pac 12 is an offense first league (which makes their games so entertaining). Perhaps Nix would not look nearly as good in the SEC. Oregon may have to up their game starting next year when they join the Big 10. And I have been seeing Nix move up on the draft board. More than one mock has him going at #5, the QB taken off the board.

[Almost Retired]

DEN beat CLE today, so they are no longer a threat to our draft position. I think it's mainly NE and ARI that are the big threats. And we play ARI, so hopefully we can find a way to lose that one.

Start Nathan Peterman.

[Kurt Heimlich]

Welp the inevitable happened Reich is out in Carolina. It'll be interesting if they shut Bryce down out of protection for his body and confidence at this point? He'll be learning a new playbook next year for whatever coach they hire anyways. And Dalton probably gives them a better shot to pull out a random win or two at this point anyways (which wouldn't be ideal for us obviously).

[Betta Bulleavit]

Welp the inevitable happened Reich is out in Carolina. It'll be interesting if they shut Bryce down out of protection for his body and confidence at this point? He'll be learning a new playbook next year for whatever coach they hire anyways. And Dalton probably gives them a better shot to pull out a random win or two at this point anyways (which wouldn't be ideal for us obviously).

Man, how do you get fired back to back years? Mid season on both occasions..damn!

[HoopsterJones]

Welp the inevitable happened Reich is out in Carolina. It'll be interesting if they shut Bryce down out of protection for his body and confidence at this point? He'll be learning a new playbook next year for whatever coach they hire anyways. And Dalton probably gives them a better shot to pull out a random win or two at this point anyways (which wouldn't be ideal for us obviously).

Yeah Frank Reich was calling plays on offense too. They might improve enough to impact the pick they owe the Bears. 4 of their remaining 6 games are against their own division which is the worst in the NFL. @TB, @NO, ATL, GB, @JAX, TB.

Week 17 against TB scares me a little because if they’re out of the playoffs they may sit their starters and improves CAR odds for a win. Let’s hope they only win 1 more game the rest of the way (and ARI wins at least 1 as well).

[molepharmer]

Welp the inevitable happened Reich is out in Carolina. It'll be interesting if they shut Bryce down out of protection for his body and confidence at this point? He'll be learning a new playbook next year for whatever coach they hire anyways. And Dalton probably gives them a better shot to pull out a random win or two at this point anyways (which wouldn't be ideal for us obviously).

Man, how do you get fired back to back years? Mid season on both occasions..damn!

Trigger happy owners + underperforming QBs. Reich has had six different QBs in his last six years as head coach; not all six have been bad.

[JockItch43]

Well, it’s been widely reported he wanted Stroud over Young pre-draft… so there’s that. Too bad he was the coach and not the GM.

[Betta Bulleavit]

Welp the inevitable happened Reich is out in Carolina. It'll be interesting if they shut Bryce down out of protection for his body and confidence at this point? He'll be learning a new playbook next year for whatever coach they hire anyways. And Dalton probably gives them a better shot to pull out a random win or two at this point anyways (which wouldn't be ideal for us obviously).

Man, how do you get fired back to back years? Mid season on both occasions..damn!

Trigger happy owners + underperforming QBs. Reich has had six different QBs in his last six years as head coach; not all six have been bad.

Yeah, this does feel rather trigger happy-ish. It feels like a GM that is floundering in his own mess at this point and wanted to make an example of someone who may not have necessarily been at fault here.

[Dresden]

I once lived in Oregon for about 15 years. I like the Ducks. High octane offense usually. I've watched many Duck games this year. I'm very impressed with Nix. Yes, his numbers are very solid. Caleb might deliver more spectacular plays, but you have to live with his fumbles and INTs. Maye has that stature and arm. But honestly I've watched NC a few times and he doesn't "wow" me as much as he does to others on the board. Nix plays the QB position like a Tom Brady or Joe Burrow. Constantly hitting the underneath routes with deadly accuracy. Keeps those chains moving. Keeps his offense on the field. Very few mistakes. He doesn't beat himself. Great anticipation on his throws. He'll nickel and dime you to death until you commit to stopping those underneath routes, and then he'll stick a shiv in your liver with a long TD. Like that throw he made to Troy Franklin in the AZ State game a few Saturdays ago. If you give Nix weapons and a decent O-Line he will be very successful.. I think the Heisman this year is between Nix and Jayden Daniels. Daniels has the superior numbers when you add in his rushing yards. He probably deserves it. But Nix is on a team with the better record.

It's funny that you've lived in Oregon because I remember you mentioning that you've lived in Austin as well, and I've spent time in both places.

My big worry about Nix is that his team is just a lot better than their opposition on any given Saturday. He gets a LOT of his yards from short passes where his receivers make an amazing play for YAC. I really want to see how Penix and Nix look against SEC competition.

It's also be interesting to see more advanced stats on Nix. I like the fact that he can make the short timing throws and doesn't turn

it over, but I'd want him to be closer to Burrows rather than Kyle Orton.

Yeah, I spent about 35 years in Chicago, Back of the Yards South Sider, then 15 years in Oregon before the rain got to me, then about 15 years in Austin until it got too crowded and too expensive. Now in North Carolina. Next stop is a cremation urn. Moving is just too damn much work.

In the modern NFL most of the passing yards are short route plays due to the speed of the pass rush. Nix can do both. I share your concern though about the strength of the competition. The Pac 12 is an offense first league (which makes their games so entertaining). Perhaps Nix would not look nearly as good in the SEC. Oregon may have to up their game starting next year when they join the Big 10. And I have been seeing Nix move up on the draft board. More than one mock has him going at #5, the QB taken off the board.

I was born at 47th and Western, but we moved out to Palos when I was very young.

You're right about the short passing game being so important these days. But due to the pass rush, it's also key to be able to move around in the pocket and buy time. Both Caleb and Maye are good at that, as well as throwing on the run and finding guys while scrambling. I haven't seen enough of Nix to know how he is in those situations.

The choice seems to be: a) take a top tier QB and a second tier WR, or b) take a top tier WR and a second tier QB. Of course it all depends on far below the top tier you rate the second tier, but all things being equal, it seems like you'd rather have the top tier QB.

Of course there are a lot of second or third tier QBs that achieve success too- Tua, Hurd, Jackson, Purdy, Brees, Brady, and many others. And many of the top WR's in the game were not top 5 picks either. Of the 49'ers top 3 receivers (not counting CMAC), Ayuik, Samuels and Kittle- none were top 15 picks I don't believe. So much of their success comes from coaching and play calling, along with developing guys.

[Almost Retired]

It's funny that you've lived in Oregon because I remember you mentioning that you've lived in Austin as well, and I've spent time in both places.

My big worry about Nix is that his team is just a lot better than their opposition on any given Saturday. He gets a LOT of his yards from short passes where his receivers make an amazing play for YAC. I really want to see how Penix and Nix look against SEC competition.

It's also be interesting to see more advanced stats on Nix. I like the fact that he can make the short timing throws and doesn't turn

it over, but I'd want him to be closer to Burrows rather than Kyle Orton.

Yeah, I spent about 35 years in Chicago, Back of the Yards South Sider, then 15 years in Oregon before the rain got to me, then about 15 years in Austin until it got too crowded and too expensive. Now in North Carolina. Next stop is a cremation urn. Moving is just too damn much work.

In the modern NFL most of the passing yards are short route plays due to the speed of the pass rush. Nix can do both. I share your concern though about the strength of the competition. The Pac 12 is an offense first league (which makes their games so entertaining). Perhaps Nix would not look nearly as good in the SEC. Oregon may have to up their game starting next year when they join the Big 10. And I have been seeing Nix move up on the draft board. More than one mock has him going at #5, the QB taken off the board.

I was born at 47th and Western, but we moved out to Palos when I was very young.

You're right about the short passing game being so important these days. But due to the pass rush, it's also key to be able to move around in the pocket and buy time. Both Caleb and Maye are good at that, as well as throwing on the run and finding guys while scrambling. I haven't seen enough of Nix to know how he is in those situations.

The choice seems to be: a) take a top tier QB and a second tier WR, or b) take a top tier WR and a second tier QB. Of course it all depends on far below the top tier you rate the second tier, but all things being equal, it seems like you'd rather have the top tier QB.

Of course there are a lot of second or third tier QBs that achieve success too- Tua, Hurd, Jackson, Purdy, Brees, Brady, and many others. And many of the top WR's in the game were not top 5 picks either. Of the 49'ers top 3 receivers (not counting CMAC), Ayuik, Samuels and Kittle- none were top 15 picks I don't believe. So much of their success comes from coaching and play calling, along with developing guys.

I spent a lot of time in my youth at Gage Park at 55th and Western. I learned to swim in their pool. We had a lot of extended family in that area. Over time we lived at 51st and May, 52nd and Marshfield, 50th and Hermitage, and 57th and Maplewood. Once I went away to college my mom remarried and they moved to Oak Lawn. We have ties to the Palos area as well. My wife and I got married at the Wayside Chapel on Southwest Highway in Palos Park. Long time ago.

Like a lot of fans I'm torn about which direction to go. I like the idea of Harrison with the Carolina pick, then moving down from our own pick to get more picks and still be able to grab Nix. This is a deep draft. But I would not be that upset if we went with Caleb with the Carolina pick and moved down to grab some other really good WR Prospect like Rome Odunza or Xavier Legette with his size and his 4.3 speed. Caleb has that improvisational aspect to his game, and he's accurate. I just worry about his fumbling tendencies. One thing I really like about Nix is that he protects the ball. Zero fumbles and only 2 INTs this year. As for Maye I've watched several North Carolina games (Since I live here now). I just haven't been as impressed with him as others are. I get a bad Trubisky vibe. He could prove me wrong. But personally I'd pass on him. I'd rather have Jayden Daniels or Nix despite their ages.

The only thing I'm positively sure about is that the coaching staff has to go. And I'm fairly sure Fields is not the guy to stake our future on. Especially with the QB prospects in this draft combined with our Draft positioning. Reset with a new QB that the new coaching staff has input into drafting. I hope it's Harbaugh. He's our best option. He has won at every level. He knows what he needs to build a winner.

[Jimako10]

Carolina imploding... Hilarious because the coaching staff wanted Stroud, yet they are the ones to get the boot. Owner trying to save face by blaming Youngs ineffectiveness on the coaching staff.

Let's hope Poles makes the right decision next year.

[Almost Retired]

Courtney Cronin on Justin Fields:

Fields has had three years to prove he's the franchise QB, yet the debate continues

As the clock wound down on the Bears in an eventual 31-26 loss to the Detroit Lions last Sunday, Fields had one final opportunity to get his team back in the game. Up to that point, Fields had put together a strong performance in his first game back since dislocating his right thumb on Oct. 15. He had over 250 yards passing and rushing and helped Chicago build a 12-point lead with over four minutes remaining. He had only been sacked once and had not turned the ball over.

On the first play of Chicago's last drive, Fields was strip-sacked, and the ball went out of the back of the end zone for a safety.

Chicago's fate was similar against Denver, when Fields played great for three quarters. As the Bears blew a 21-point lead, the team's chances of a last-second comeback were halted when Fields threw an interception.

Chicago is looking closely at Fields' performance in critical situations to determine growth. According to ESPN Stats & Information, Fields has a 4.1 Total QBR with two or fewer minutes remaining in either half with his team trailing this season, which is the worst of any starting quarterback. His completion percentage above expected in those moments is minus-19.4%, just above the Browns' PJ Walker and Watson and the New York Giants' Tommy DeVito.

Over the course of three years with his team trailing in the final two minutes, Fields has completed 57.4% of his passes, thrown two touchdowns and six interceptions and taken nine sacks. With the Bears trailing in the final four minutes, Fields completed 54.5% of his passes, threw three touchdowns, nine interceptions and took 13 sacks.

"That's where we have to improve as a football team. Not just Justin," coach Matt Eberflus said. "It's us as a group. That's where I think we take the next step to finishing games, and of course we've done that in some other games, but again we got to do that versus quality opponents."

Resetting the clock on a rookie QB contract

The Bears have an estimated $82.4 million in salary cap space for 2024. That capital will be spent on premium positions to continue building the roster. Unless the Bears are certain Fields is their long-term answer, tying up resources in the 24-year-old might not be their best financial option.

Chicago has until May 2024 to exercise Fields' fifth-year option, which is an estimated $23.3 million. Given the deadline is after the draft, if the Bears choose to draft a QB, their savings at the position will benefit roster building in the short and long term.

"Justin Fields is going to have to play out of his mind, because if it's close, the economics are so compelling to take another quarterback to reset the clock," ESPN front office insider Mike Tannenbaum said. "If you could reset the clock on a rookie quarterback alone, Justin Fields would have to be two to three times the player to not take a quarterback because you have to think about all those other players you can add with the savings."

[TheSuzerain]

You trade him.

I think Fields can be successful (which should give him decent trade value), but he also very much limits the type of offense you can run with his limitations as a passer/processor.