Tag: mike pennel

Bears 2023 free agency preview: Angelo Blackson is out the door

Angelo Blackson went from Week 1 starter to healthy scratch as the year wore on. His days as a Bear are likely over.

NFL free agency will be here before we know it, and the Chicago Bears have plenty of players set to hit the market. From key starters to valuable reserves, general manager Ryan Poles will have important decisions to make about who to bring back.

Here at Bears Wire, we’re going through each individual player and breaking down their 2022 performance and whether or not they fit in the Bears’ long-term plans.

Our next player is Angelo Blackson, a defensive lineman who saw his snaps diminish as the season went on and is on his way out of Chicago.

David Andrews claims Bears DL Mike Pennel never apologized for dirty hit

David Andrews claims he never received an apology from Mike Pennel

The New England Patriots offense got a huge lift at Wednesday’s practice with center David Andrews returning from the concussion he suffered after a blindside hit from Chicago Bears defensive lineman Mike Pennel in Week 7.

It was obviously a dirty play that resulted in Pennel being ejected from the game and Patriots players calling it out in the aftermath. Even Bears coach Matt Eberflus called out his player for the hit that has kept Andrews sidelined for the last two weeks.

According to Andrews, Pennel never apologized for the hit.

“It is what it is,” said Andrews, via MassLive’s Mark Daniels. “It’s a violent game. He decided to do what he wanted to do, so it is what it is.”

Andrews also claimed it was the first time he’d ever had a concussion.

Here’s to hoping it’s his last with the Patriots looking to settle in along the offensive front in hopes of helping the struggling unit operate more efficiently in the second half of the season.

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Patriots fans not happy with punishment for ‘dirty’ hit on David Andrews

Patriots fans aren’t happy with the punishment Mike Pennel received for the “dirty” hit on David Andrews

The punishment is in for Chicago Bears defensive lineman Mike Pennel for the ugly blindside hit he put on New England Patriots center David Andrews in the recent Monday Night Football meeting.

Bears coach Matt Eberflus has already publicly criticized his player for the hit, and Patriots special teams captain Matthew Slater called it an “extremely dirty play.” Andrews has already been ruled out of the Patriots’ Week 8 meeting with the New York Jets due to a concussion.

Per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the league made the decision to punish Pennel with a $6,222 fine for the hit that put Andrews in concussion protocol and ended with the Bears defender being ejected from the game.

The punishment that was ultimately doled out isn’t sitting right with Patriots fans, especially considering Andrews isn’t going to be able to play on Sunday.

Some have called for a heftier fine, and others would have preferred to see a suspension for Pennel.

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Patriots legend calls out ‘extremely dirty’ hit on David Andrews

A Patriots legend and fellow captain called out the “extremely dirty hit” on David Andrews

There’s no arguing around the fact that Chicago Bears defensive tackle Mike Pennel delivered a dirty hit on New England Patriots center David Andrews in Monday night’s game.

Even Bears coach Matt Eberflus came out and criticized the blindside hit from his player that put Andrews out for the rest of the game with a head injury. Now, Patriots special teams legend Matthew Slater spoke out on what he called an “extremely dirty play” in an appearance on WEEI’s Mut at Night, via NESN’s Zack Cox.

“I think the league is making an effort to get those hits out of the game,” said Slater. “I think that was an extremely dirty play (Monday) night, and my concern is with the health and well-being of David. I just hate to see any teammate down on the field like that and having to go through that type of situation. The league’s going to do what they need to do. Hopefully, they handle this situation the right way, with class and with order. But there’s really no place in our game for hits like that or plays like that.”

Patriots coach Bill Belichick was asked about the hit on Tuesday, and he deferred to the comments made by Eberflus. It clearly was a dangerous play by Pennel at a time when the league is trying to crack down on head injuries.

Andrews’ availability for the Patriots’ Week 8 matchup with the New York Jets is now up in the air, and that could be a big problem with right tackle Isaiah Wynn also dealing with an injury.

A banged up offensive line is the last thing the team needs while still playing musical chairs at the quarterback position.

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10 Bears on the roster bubble to watch in preseason opener vs. Chiefs

The Bears kick off the preseason against the Chiefs on Saturday, and there are a number of players vying for roster spots.

The Chicago Bears kick off the preseason against the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday, and there are a number of players vying for roster spots and starting jobs.

While the starters will play around 15 to 20 snaps, it’s the players on the roster bubble who will see plenty of opportunities on Saturday. There are a number of players who have made waves during training camp, but they’ll need to have it translate to the preseason, where they’ll see their first live action of the summer.

Ahead of Chicago’s preseason opener, we’re taking a look at some roster bubble players to keep an eye on against Kansas City:

5 sleepers to watch on defense in Bears training camp

As the Bears head into training camp, let’s take a look at some sleepers on defense you should keep an eye out for this summer.

The Chicago Bears are gearing up for the start of training camp next week, which will feature no shortage of storylines. There will be plenty of competition for starting jobs and roster spots.

All eyes will be on some of Chicago’s big-name stars, including Justin Fields and Roquan Smith. But each year, there are a few players for the Bears who fly under the radar and can become household names in training camp.

As the Bears head into training camp, let’s take a look at some sleepers on the defensive side of the ball you may want to keep an eye out for this summer.

Bears 2022 training camp preview: Interior defensive line

We’re taking a look at the Bears defensive line ahead of training camp and examining the biggest question facing the position group.

Chicago Bears training camp is less than a month away, so it’s time to start looking ahead at the roster the team is bringing to Lake Forest.

This time we’re looking at the interior defensive line. Historically a strength of the Bears, this year’s position group gives cause for concern. Many current players on the roster either haven’t played in a 4-3 since college or are not 4-3 defensive linemen.

The most significant signing this offseason was Justin Jones at three-technique after the failed physical of Larry Ogunjobi. Jones fits the mold of the linemen previously mentioned. He’s a 3-4 defensive tackle being asked to play in a 4-3.

Most of the defensive linemen on the roster will have low sack totals and low-pressure rates. It’s a combination of playing interior defensive line and playing in a system where linemen are asked to take on blocks, not penetrate and make disruptive plays.

Let’s look at the interior defensive line heading into training camp.

10 under-the-radar Bears players to watch during training camp

While all eyes will be on some of the bigger names on the Bears roster, here are some under-the-radar players to watch in training camp.

The Chicago Bears kick off training camp in a couple of weeks, where there will be plenty of players fighting for a roster spot and looking to contribute in 2022.

There will no doubt be the big names everyone will be watching — including Justin Fields, David Montgomery, Darnell Mooney, Roquan Smith and Jaylon Johnson. Even top rookie selections Kyler Gordon, Jaquan Brisker and Velus Jones Jr.

But there are a handful of players who also bear watching when Chicago kicks off camp — those players who will be competing for a roster spot and/or starting job.

While all eyes will be on some of the bigger names, here’s a list of some under-the-radar players to watch during training camp.

7 most intriguing position battles to watch at 2022 Bears training camp

We’re taking a look at the most intriguing position battles heading into Bears training camp later this month.

The Chicago Bears are set to report to training camp on July 26, and there will be no shortage of position battles to watch as camp and the preseason unfolds. There are not only starting jobs on the line but roster spots, as well.

With a new regime in place, there’s been some notable roster turnover this offseason, which includes a lot of players on one-year, prove-it deals. But there’s also plenty of young talent on the roster looking to establish themselves as long-term starters.

Here’s a look at the most intriguing position battles heading into Bears training camp later this month, from offensive line to defensive end to wide receiver.

Updated look at Bears interior defensive line depth after Mike Pennel signing

Following the Mike Pennel signing, here’s a look at where the Bears’ interior defensive line depth stands.

The Chicago Bears added more depth along the interior of the defensive line with the signing of nose tackle Mike Pennel on Monday night.

Pennel is back for his second stint in Chicago after being on the roster last training camp. He landed on injured reserve and was released in late August. Now, he’s reunited with general manager Ryan Poles, who knew Pennel from his time with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Head coach Matt Eberflus explained there will be a rotation along the defensive line this season. Pennel is a welcome addition to the roster, where he’ll be battling Khyiris Tonga for the starting nose tackle job.

Following the signing of Pennel, here’s a look at the Bears’ interior defensive line depth: