Tag: Bears Twitter

Bears QB Justin Fields is No. 86 on NFL Top 100 Players of 2023

Justin Fields was voted the No. 86 in the NFL’s Top 100 Players of 2023. It’s the first time a Bears quarterback has made the list.

For the first time ever, the Chicago Bears have a quarterback on the NFL’s Top 100 Players list. On Tuesday, the NFL announced the next wave of players in their Top 100 list of 2023 on NFL+, and Bears quarterback Justin Fields came in at No. 86 overall.

The list is made up by NFL players and it’s clear they have respect for Fields after an electric sophomore season. The Bears quarterback had one of the best outputs in NFL history for a running quarterback, rushing for 1,143 yards and eight touchdowns in 15 games. He broke multiple NFL records, most notably the single-game rushing record by a quarterback with 178 yards in Week 9 against the Miami Dolphins.

Though Fields didn’t have the passing stats that other quarterbacks have, throwing for just 2,242 yards and 17 touchdowns, he showed enough to the league to be considered for a spot. Fields was notably higher on the list than players such as Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence, Detroit Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson, and New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore.

Fields’ inclusion in the list isn’t the end-all, be-all when it comes to player success but it’s nice to see a Bears quarterback get that type of recognition. Fans were ecstatic when the news came out and some couldn’t believe Fields was higher than Lawrence.

Colin Cowherd believes Bears QB Justin Fields has an ego problem

Buckle up, Bears fans. Your favorite media personality has another questionable Justin Fields take.

Don’t look now Chicago Bears fans, but your favorite media personality is at it again. It seems FS1’s Colin Cowherd has a monthly quota he needs to hit when talking about the Bears, specifically quarterback Justin Fields, and he recently had another hot take that has fans up in arms.

On Wednesday’s edition of “The Herd with Colin Cowherd”, Fields and his top-five running quarterback list became a topic of conversation. Cowherd wasn’t happy that the quarterback listed himself in that list, which also included Lamar Jackson, Cam Newton, Michael Vick, and Steve Young. The host went as far to say that Fields lacks self-awareness because he named himself to the list and seems to have an ego instead of confidence. “At quarterback, you’re the face of the franchise and you’re the coach on the field. So I’m going to hold you to a much higher standard of self-awareness and confidence over ego and chutzpah,” Cowherd said. “This isn’t the end of the world, it’s five percent. But I don’t love it for a quarterback that’s 5-20 and right now is closer to a bust than a star.”

The FS1 personality compared Fields to players like Johnny Manziel, Baker Mayfield, and Jameis Winston for having egos instead of confidence at the position. All because Fields named himself in a list of the top running quarterbacks in NFL history after he produced 1,143 rushing yards and eight touchdowns in 15 games while also breaking multiple records in the process. His 1,143 rushing yards were second-most for a quarterback in league history, only behind Jackson.

Cowherd believes Fields should have left himself off the list because of his lack of accomplishments in the win column. And though he repeatedly said that it wasn’t a big deal, the host continued to harp on the point.

Fields knows he needs to improve in certain areas heading into Year 3 and would be the first person to say that. In nearly every press conference, he’s exuded humility and a quiet confidence surrounding his abilities. If anything, him acknowledging his prowess as a running quarterback is the first hint of any ego at all.

It was another questionable take from Cowherd, who has had a few of those regarding the Bears in the last 12 months. But fans were having none of it on Twitter.

NFL analyst believes Bears RB Khalil Herbert in line for ‘big year’

Could Bears RB Khalil Herbert be in for a breakout year? One NFL analyst believes so.

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What do you think when someone says, “Chicago Bears?” It’s a multi-faceted question that can have many answers, all of them holding truth. One person might attach an identity to the team, saying “hard-nosed football.” The Bears lead the NFL with a whopping 30 players inducted in the NFL Hall of Fame; another fan might acknowledge one of them as the personification of the team, like the legendary Walter Payton.

For many, however, the Bears are known for having a long history of positional excellence that has withstood the test of time. Linebackers, defensive lineman, cornerbacks, running backs — excellence has graced these positions over the team’s 104-year history and many of those players are considered Bears legends.

The tradition is still alive and well in the modern age, as several recent players have brought elite skill to their respective positions. All-Pro Roquan Smith was the center piece of some truly terrifying Chicago defenses as the team’s middle linebacker, and the powerful duo of Akiem Hicks and Khalil Mack were whirlwinds of freak power and athleticism that opposing lineman couldn’t weather. As for running backs… it’s a bit of a different story.

While former Bear David Montgomery was an above-average running back whose ability to break tackles couldn’t be denied, Chicago has not had a truly great running back since 2015 — since Matt Forte was catching bullet passes from quarterback Jay Cutler. If history is truly meant to repeat itself, then where is Chicago’s next great running back? Well, one reputable football analyst claims that he’s already on the roster: Khalil Herbert.

Herbert has become a bit of a social media darling in Bears circles the last week or so. Fans are claiming that Chicago’s apparent commitment to an “running back by committee” approach on the ground can pave the way for Herbert to stand out among his teammates. Analyst Clay Harbor, however, believes an advanced metric from last season could indicate a “BIG year for Herbert.”

In the graph Harbor posted, Herbert ranks above other prominent running backs in a statistic called Average Rush Yards over Expected, with the Bears running back comfortably above one yard. For those who may not be aware, formulas are utilized to estimate what a ball carrier should average on any given play, based on a number of factors.

In this case, the formula Harbor posted is from the website Football Insights. So, the graph effectively demonstrates that Herbert gained one more yard per running play than the formula would have predicted Herbert to gain.

That number may seem inconsequential, but football is a game of inches. That one yard more Herbert gains on average could be the difference between getting stuffed at the goal line or scoring a touchdown.

Herbert’s breakout year could be imminent, if Harbor and the rest of the Bears’ faithful is to be believed. Which means Herbert may be taking his first steps into becoming Chicago’s next great running back.

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LOOK: Justin Fields and Bears receivers practice at local high school

Bears fans are excited to see players working out on their own time but they can’t get over Darnell Mooney’s new physique.

Chicago Bears training camp doesn’t begin for another few weeks, but a few players aren’t wasting any time working on their reps. Quarterback Justin Fields, tight end Cole Kmet, and wide receivers D.J. Moore and Darnell Mooney went out to Main South High School in Park Ridge to get work in on Monday ahead of the 4th of July holiday. The players posed for a photo with Maine South football coach Dave Inserra as well.

NFL players getting together to workout at local high schools during the offseason isn’t anything new, but seeing Mooney on a football field is notable and he looks like a new man. The fourth-year receiver suffered a broken ankle last November against the New York Jets and missed the rest of the season. He’s worked hard to rehab the injury but was unable to participate in organized team activities or mini camp the last couple of months.

Head coach Matt Eberflus said Mooney was “on track” to return for training camp and that seems to be accurate seeing as he’s getting in work with his quarterback. Mooney, Kmet, and especially Moore will be counted on as Fields’ top options in the passing game when the season begins.

Anytime Bears fans get a glimpse at players getting work in outside of team activities, it generates plenty of excitement. But seeing Mooney and his new physique take part in those activities really dialed it up a notch.

Michael Vick visits with Bears QB Justin Fields at Halas Hall

Two of the most electrifying quarterbacks of the last 20 years met up to talk shop this week.

A meeting of the minds took place at Halas Hall this week between two of the most electrifying quarterbacks to play in the NFL over the last 20 years. Former NFL star Michael Vick visited the Chicago Bears facilities and had a chance to talk with Justin Fields. The team released photos of the interactions on Friday, one day following the conclusion of organized team activities (OTAs).

When it comes to quarterbacks visiting with Fields, Vick fits the bill for a couple of reasons. All last season, Fields was being compared to Vick for his dynamic running ability that was on display in nearly every single game. Fields broke Vick’s single-game rushing record against the Miami Dolphins in Week 9 with 178 yards. He also surpassed Vick’s single-season rushing total as well with 1,143 yards. But their connection goes deeper than that.

Fields, a native of Kennesaw, Georgia located just outside Atlanta, grew up idolizing Vick when he was a member of the Falcons. The two connected when Fields entered the league and have stayed close since then, with Vick going to bat for the young quarterback in the media. “I think he’s a great player,” said Vick earlier this year via Chris Emma of Marquee Sports Network. “I think Justin has a lot of room to grow. As a quarterback and in general, but growing in the passing game. Another year in the system, some weapons around you.”

After coming into the league in 2001 with the Falcons as the No. 1 overall pick, Vick set quarterback rushing records and was one of the most dangerous dual-threat options. His time in Atlanta was cut short, however, when he was convicted on dog fighting charges and was suspended while also having to serve 18 months in federal prison.

After being released, Vick had a career renaissance with the Philadelphia Eagles in the early 2010s, earning Comeback Player of the Year in 2010 and rebuilding his public image in the process. Now, Vick stays involved with football in the media and helps mentor players like Fields, who is looking to take another major step in his development in 2023.

Though the topics of their meeting and conversation are still unknown, fans were hyped to see the two dynamic quarterbacks come together this week.

Twitter reacts to the Bears’ selection of LB Noah Sewell

The Bears added Noah Sewell in the fifth round as linebacker depth. Here is how Twitter reacted to the pick.

The Chicago Bears just added a wrinkle to their rivalry with the Detroit Lions. General manager Ryan Poles and the Bears selected Oregon linebacker Noah Sewell with the No. 148 pick of the 2023 NFL Draft. Sewell is the younger brother of Lions offensive tackle Penei Sewell, who was drafted with the No. 6 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft two years ago.

Noah Sewell is an inside linebacker who will compete for playing time with the Bears’ revamped group. He was a three-year starter with the Ducks and has outstanding size at the position. He joins players such as Tremaine Edmunds, T.J. Edwards, and Jack Sanborn but will most likely contribute on special teams to begin his career.

Sewell has name recognition but are Bears fans satisfied with the pick? Here is how Twitter reacted to the selection.

Twitter reacts to the Bears’ selection of WR Tyler Scott

Bears fans can’t stop smiling after the selection of wide receiver Tyler Scott.

Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles continues to find weapons for quarterback Justin Fields and the passing attack. The Bears selected Cincinnati wide receiver Tyler Scott with the No. 133 pick in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He’s the second skill player to be taken in the fourth round, following Texas running back Roschon Johnson who was selected with pick No. 115.

Scott is a speedster who can get behind the defense and make things happen with the ball in his hands. He had 54 receptions for 899 yards and nine touchdowns for the Bearcats in 2022. He joins an overhauled wide receiver corps that includes D.J. Moore, Darnell Mooney, Chase Claypool, Equanimeous St. Brown, and Velus Jones Jr.

The Bears have committed to helping Fields out with picks on the offensive line, running back, and now wide receiver. Twitter loves what Poles is doing so far on Day 3.

Twitter reacts to the Bears’ selection of RB Roschon Johnson

Bears fans love the decision to draft Texas running back Roschon Johnson.

The Chicago Bears took their first skill position player of the 2023 NFL Draft, selecting Texas running back Roschon Johnson with the No. 115 pick. The Bears originally held the No. 103 pick of the draft to open up the fourth round, but general manager Ryan Poles traded down with the New Orleans Saints and picked up an additional fifth-round selection in the process.

Johnson was overshadowed by star running back Bijan Robinson at Texas, who was selected No. 8 overall by the Atlanta Falcons but he’s an excellent player in his own right. He totaled 554 yards on just 93 carries, averaging 6.0 yards per attempt with five touchdowns on the ground. Johnson also added 128 receiving yards with a touchdown in 12 games for the Longhorns. His addition creates more competition for veterans Khalil Herbert, D’Onta Foreman, Travis Homer, and Trestan Ebner and he could be seeing carries sooner rather than later.

Fans appear to be over the moon with the pick, though. Here is how Twitter reacted when Johnson was selected.

Twitter reacts to the Bears’ selection of DT Zacch Pickens

The Bears doubled up on defensive line with the selection of Zacch Pickens and fans appear to be happy with the move.

Defense has been the story for Day 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft for the Chicago Bears. They completed their trio of defensive picks to open the third round, selecting South Carolina defensive tackle Zacch Pickens with the No. 64 pick.

Pickens is the second defensive tackle the Bears took in the draft, joining Gervon Dexter Sr. out of Florida. Unlike Dexter, though, Pickens has a solid first step coming off the line and could be the team’s solution at 3 technique. He totaled 42 tackles last season (four for a loss) and 2.5 sacks with the Gamecocks. Their other selection of the night was cornerback Tyrique Stevenson out of Miami.

This is the second time the Bears doubled up on defensive tackles in a decade, last doing so in 2014 when they selected Ego Ferguson and Will Sutton in the second and third round, respectively. Here is how Bears fans are reacting to the pick.

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Twitter reacts to the Bears’ selection of CB Tyrique Stevenson

Bears fans seem to like the pick of cornerback Tyrique Stevenson.

The Chicago Bears didn’t wait long to make their second pick of the night. Shortly after they selected defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr. with the No. 53 pick, general manager Ryan Poles traded up with the Jacksonville Jaguars at No. 56 to select cornerback Tyrique Stevenson out of Miami.

Stevenson is a physical corner who has the size to matchup with receivers on the outside. He should compete right away for the outside corner job with Kindle Vildor, while Jaylon Johnson mans the other side and Kyler Gordon plays in the nickel position. The Bears sent the No. 61 and No. 135 to the Jaguars for the selection as they continue to focus on defense.

With Stevenson in the fold, the Bears secondary becomes one of the biggest strengths of the team. Here is how Twitter reacted to the pick.