👋 Good morning!
The Ravens moving on from John Harbaugh after 18 seasons is bananas, right?
Of the six vacancies (excluding Baltimore), Harbaugh should be the first call each team makes in their process.
In fact, I wonder if there are teams that weren’t previously planning to make a coaching change but will now at least consider entering the sweepstakes for one of the best in the game.
I can think of three that should: the Buccaneers, Dolphins and Jets.
There are probably more, too.
A Shining New Era
After a thrilling loss in San Francisco a week prior, the Bears, plain and simple, came out completely flat on Sunday against the Detroit Lions.
That loss is in the past. And there’s no reason to think they’ll look flat on Saturday against the Packers in a literal playoff setting.
Caleb Williams won’t let it happen.
Williams said Tuesday: “We don't have time for that anymore. We'll make sure we don't (start flat) and that starts with me. That starts with me and we will make sure that that doesn't happen, creating a spark early, whether it's running the ball, whether it's passing the ball, whether it's me making a play for the guys.”
Starting Fast: How do the Bears prevent a flat start? Avoiding the mistakes and mental errors that’ve stalled drives and left the defense on the field longer.
Linebacker D’Marco Jackson’s decision to jump and ride the moshpit of players on the opening kickoff when the Packers came to Chicago a few weeks ago was a boneheaded one that deflated the crowd early.
That can’t happen again.
Kevin Byard III on staying disciplined: “We have to be smart enough. … Understanding that the personal foul penalties almost hurt us in the last (Packers) game, so we can't have that this week. That's something that we're going to be talking about as a team. The intensity level is going to be there. I mean, it's Green Bay at Soldier Field. The emotions are going to be high, it's going to be a super exciting atmosphere, but also understanding it’s the playoffs. The refs are probably going to call it a little tighter.
For Caleb Williams, starting fast comes down to seeing the ball go through the hoop.
Williams on correcting the slow starts: “Seeing the ball caught, whether it's a deep pass, a short pass, whatever the case may be. Seeing the ball caught. Then just focusing on the small details, the footwork, keeping my base up under me and all these different things, that helps me get off to a good start.”
The Return: Nickelback Kyler Gordon (groin) was officially designated to return from injured reserve on Tuesday afternoon. He was listed as a limited participant in the team’s estimated injury report yesterday.
That’s massive. When Gordon is healthy and active, the Bears are 3-0 this season. Additionally, his backup, nickel C.J. Gardner-Johnson, is in concussion protocol.
The Bears also designated left tackle Braxton Jones (knee) to return from IR. Jones was placed on injured reserve after Week 7. Before his injury, he’d lost his starting role to Theo Benedet, who subsequently lost it to rookie Ozzy Trapilo.
Trapilo, who missed Week 18 with a knee and quad injury, was estimated as a limited participant again on Tuesday due to a lingering quad issue. Jones would’ve been a full participant.
Receiver Rome Odunze (foot) was also listed as questionable, but Caleb Williams sounded pretty confident that he’d have his early-season No. 1 target back for Saturday against the Packers.
Williams said Tuesday: “It's going to be great. I'm excited to have him back. We were talking a few weeks ago when he went down before pre-game, texted him after the game, said, ‘I got you.’ We'll get to the playoffs and we'll handle business when you come back. But I need you back healthy and ready to go.”
Now it’s all about the mental focus.
Only Jaylon Johnson, Cole Kmet and Cairo Santos were in Chicago when the Bears last made a run into the postseason (2020 season).
That doesn’t seem to matter among this group. After all, it’s a much different team. It wasn’t a miracle that they squeaked into the postseason this time around.
But for the Bears, this journey is only beginning.
Cole Kmet on reflecting on a successful year: “It's been fun, but look, we haven't done anything yet. The goal at the end of the day, there's only 32 teams, so the goal is the Super Bowl and that's what our mission is and we have to take care of this first one here in order to be on our path there.”
Ben Johnson: “We're mentally prepared to play for five more weeks. That's our intent. How do you do that? You go out and you win the first one.”
Enough said.
Why beating the Packers is essential to Bears’ next step behind Ben Johnson, Caleb Williams
On The Horizon: Good news! Connor Bedard was a non-contact participant in the Blackhawks’ practice on Tuesday morning. Coach Jeff Blashill told reporters Bedard wouldn’t play on Wednesday (tonight) against the St. Louis Blues, but that they’ll take it day by day going forward.
Bedard on his health: “I feel good, feel really good. Got out with the guys a little bit today and kind of just keep ramping up. It feels really good, though.”
Bedard also told reporters that Team Canada informed him he’s among players on “standby” for the Olympics in case of emergency.
🐻 Hoge & Jahns
12:00 on YouTube
📺 CHGO Bears
1:00 on YouTube
📺 CHGO Cubs
2:00 on YouTube
📺 CHGO White Sox
4:30 on YouTube
📺 CHGO Bulls
Pregame at 5:30 on YouTube
🏀 Bulls at Pistons
6:00 on CHSN
📺 CHGO Bulls
Postgame on YouTube
🏒 Blackhawks vs. Blues
8:30 on TNT & HBO Max
📺 CHGO Blackhawks
Postgame on YouTube
Something on your mind? Rate this issue and leave a comment, question or topic to discuss!
Talk to you tomorrow!
– P.N.
