Tag: Velus Jones Jr.

Bear Necessities: Chicago in contention for No. 1 pick in 2023 NFL draft

With an eighth straight loss and the Texans winning, the Bears have a path to the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft.

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The Bears suffered a 35-13 loss to the Bills on Christmas Eve. It was Chicago’s eighth consecutive loss, which tied a franchise record set in 1978.

But while the Bears have been doing an awful lot of losing lately, it could be what’s best in the long term as they’re inching closer to the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft.

Yes, you read that right. It’s not just the second overall pick up for grabs — it’s the top selection.

With the Bears losing and the Texans defeating the Titans, Chicago is half a game out of the No. 1 overall pick. If Houston wins one more game and the Bears lose their final two games, Chicago will lock down the top selection in the 2023 draft.

The Texans will face the Jaguars and Colts in their final two games of the 2022 season while the Bears will battle the Lions and Vikings. It’s certainly a recipe for the first overall pick, which could garner substantial draft capital from quarterback-needy teams.

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Bears NFL power rankings round-up going into Week 16

The Bears lost a close one to the Eagles on Sunday, 25-20. Let’s take a look at where they stand in the power rankings going into Week 16.

The Chicago Bears have lost seven straight games. In Week 15, the Bears hosted the NFC top-seeded Philadelphia Eagles, who are now 13-1 on the year. This week, they will play the first-place team in the AFC in the 11-3 Buffalo Bills.

On Christmas Eve, the Bears have a chance to shock the NFL world, as they are currently heavy underdogs against the best team in the AFC. They played competitively against the Eagles and had multiple opportunities to win that football game.

If they can capitalize on offense and create turnovers on defense, they will put some pressure on the Bills. Matt Eberflus has to put an emphasis on finishing this week. Chicago has had chances to win big games this year but failed to do so in the fourth quarter. It’s been a long time since they’ve won a football game, but their last win just so happens to have come against an AFC East opponent.

With that being said, let’s take a look at where Chicago stands in the power rankings going into Week 16.

Bears HC Matt Eberflus on Velus Jones’ fumble vs. Eagles: ‘I don’t like that’

Matt Eberflus wasn’t pleased with Bears rookie Velus Jones’ fumble against the Eagles.

It’s been a rough rookie season for Bears wide receiver Velus Jones Jr., who hasn’t been able to carve out a role for himself on this team.

Jones notably struggled earlier this season returning punts, which included two costly fumbles. But the third-round pick also has failed to see the field much on offense, which has been concerning.

With Chicago down four of its top receivers — Darnell Mooney, Chase Claypool, N’Keal Harry and Equanimeous St. Brown — Jones saw more opportunities on offense in Sunday’s loss to the Eagles.

Unfortunately, his performance was marred by a single, familiar mistake.

After the Bears defense forced a three-and-out for the Eagles, Chicago’s offense had an opportunity to take the lead (or come to within one point) on the ensuing series. Jones got the carry but fumbled the ball on Philadelphia’s 40-yard line, and it was recovered by the Eagles.

“I don’t like that,” Eberflus said of Jones’ fumble. “I don’t like it. I don’t like when guys lose the football. It’s not good. Guys have to do a better job securing the ball.

“Again, I’ll look at the tape. But when you’re in traffic, you have to have five points of pressure on the ball and put your (indiscernible) over the other hand. That’s an important piece to it. Like I said, we’ll look at it and see where it is.”

This isn’t Jones’ first fumble of the season. He most notably muffed two punts earlier this season, which resulted in him being a healthy scratch for two games. But Eberflus notes the two situations are like comparing apples to oranges.

“The other two, you have two muffed punts because it’s different, not when you have the ball secured,” Eberflus said. “We’ll look at it. Again, he’s got to stay encouraged. He’s got to keep working and do the right things. I know he can do it right. We’ll coach him to do it that way.”

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4 bold predictions for Bears vs. Eagles

From Velus Jones’ resurgence to Jaquan Brisker’s big return, here are our bold predictions for Bears vs. Eagles.

After two weeks off, the Chicago Bears finally play a football game this weekend. Unfortunately, it comes against arguably the best team in the league. The Bears (3-10) face off against the Philadelphia Eagles (12-1) on the lakefront in a game that could provide a glimpse into the future.

Many believe the Eagles are the perfect roadmap for the Bears. They re-worked their defense over the last couple of seasons and let their young, dynamic quarterback grow in their system while also surrounding him with improved players at the skill positions. The result has been a stellar team led by an MVP candidate. The Bears are hoping they can do the same with their quarterback next season.

Speaking of quarterbacks. the matchup between Justin Fields and Jalen Hurts is on everyone’s mind, but it’s more than just them. Here are four bold predictions for Sunday’s game.

Bye week grades for the Bears 2022 rookie draft class

Bye week grades for the Bears 2022 rookie draft class

The Chicago Bears won’t be taking the field this weekend due to their bye week, but it presents a good opportunity to evaluate their 11 draft picks they selected earlier this spring.

Some players have stood out in big ways, while others have disappointed despite getting numerous opportunities. And then there’s the other group that has seen just a few snaps here and there, waiting for their opportunity to make an impact.

After 13 games, here are our grades for the 2022 Bears draft class.

Bear Necessities: Velus Jones says he’s ‘special’ with the ball in his hands

Bears rookie Velus Jones Jr. has “all the confidence in the world” right now.

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Bears receiver Velus Jones Jr. has already experienced his fair share of adversity during his rookie season. Specifically when it comes as a returner on special teams, which found him sidelined in Weeks 9 and 10.

But he remained patient, and he saw his return to the field on Sunday, where he proved himself in a big way on special teams. Jones returned Chicago’s opening kickoff 55 yards, showcasing his speed and playmaking ability.

“I have all the confidence in the world in myself,” Jones said, via NBC Sports Chicago. “I’m special with the ball in my hands, and I know that. I never forgot that. No matter what people say.

“I always live by, I don’t have to prove nothing to anybody but myself,” Jones said. “I know who I am. I know how special I was since a kid with the ball in my hands. That hasn’t changed with all the adversity this season, from being a healthy scratch these past two weeks. When your number is called, make a play. That’s in the past. There’s nothing I can do about it. Just keep moving forward.”

Jones got an up close look at one of the best to ever do it in kick returns during Sunday’s game against the Falcons. Former Bear Cordarrelle Patterson returned a 103-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, which gave him the most in NFL history.

Jones expressed interest in wanting to work with Patterson this offseason. Which would make sense, given both played college ball at Tennessee.

“For sure,” Jones said. “We both Vols. He’s a great guy. Like to share knowledge and stuff like that. I definitely told him I need his jersey. That’s priceless. The playmaker he is, the ability, and being so good in the return game with the ball in his hands, that’s what kept him around for a while.”

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Bear Necessities: Rookie Velus Jones working to get back on the field

Bears rookie Velus Jones Jr. has been a healthy scratch in the last two games. That could change Sunday.

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There have been several Bears rookies that have made positive impacts in their first season. But it’s been a rough road for third-round rookie receiver Velus Jones Jr., who hasn’t been able to carve out a role for himself — be it on offense or defense.

Jones has been a healthy scratch in the last two games. The problem is, Chicago’s receiving room is crowded (there are currently seven receivers on the active roster). And Jones’ best bet to see the field would be to prove his value on special teams. The only problem is, he’s struggled returning punts. Namely, he’s had two muffed punts that cost the Bears a chance at victory this season.

For Jones, he’s taking everything in stride, recognizing the ups and downs that come with acclimating to the NFL. And he’s keeping a positive attitude as he looks to get back out on the field.

“Dante [Pettis] gave me some talks before,” Jones said Thursday, via NBC Sports Chicago. “He gave me some examples of his rookie season and what was difficult, giving me some advice being a rookie. You just learning how to become a pro. Your work habits and how you approach every day.

“I definitely feel like it starts off with a positive mentality. That’s why I come in the building, I’m ready to work, be a sponge, learn more and more, and fix the things that need to be fixed. That just shows the coaches that you want to learn and that you’re trying to get better.”

While Mooney is the same age as Jones, he has a few years under his belt in this league and has learned plenty. So he shared his advice for Jones.

“Just keep working,” Mooney said, via NBC Sports Chicago. “Don’t think about anything bad or negative. Just be ready. It’s your rookie year, but you honestly just have to be ready at any moment. Anytime you can be called back up and you have to be ready when your number is called. Don’t be down on it. Don’t be down on yourself. Don’t doubt yourself. Because when you can come back up and the ball is in the air and it’s your chance, you got to be able to make the most of it.”

After being inactive for the last two games, Jones could finally see his number called on Sunday against the Falcons. The Bears are without kickoff returner Khalil Herbert, who is on injured reserve with a hip injury. Receiver N’Keal Harry has also been ruled out with an illness. If Jones gets his shot, he knows he needs to take advantage.

“Everything that happens in life, including football, it’s a lesson you can take from everything,” Jones said. “I just look at it as reflecting on what I can do better to help my team. Whether it’s some work habits or stuff that need to change. Just take a lesson from it and let it motivate you.

“It’s really nothing I need to fix. It’s just your work habits. You can get better at every part of your game. Even your strengths, you can get better at that as well. Not just your weaknesses. Just overall, I would say the position I’m in, control what you can control and just keep pushing.”

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5 Bold predictions for Bears vs. Falcons

Justin Fields will once again run for over 100 yards and throw for two TDs. That and more in our bold predictions for Bears vs. Falcons.

The Chicago Bears travel south to take on the Atlanta Falcons for their Week 11 matchup. The Bears (3-7) are looking to snap a three-game losing streak despite scoring more than 29 points in each of their losses. The Falcons (4-6) are also riding a losing streak, but are still within striking distance of the division lead and look to get back on track.

Both teams have similar tendencies this season, given they have an excellent running game, so-so defense, and an ability to fall apart in the fourth quarter. But this game will be a reunion for many involved, considering former Bears players, coaches, and front office personnel are with the Falcons and will be facing their former team for the first time.

Perhaps they’ll be treated to another dazzling show from Justin Fields, who continues to set the league on fire with his historic performances. Is another one on the table when he returns to his home state for the first time as a pro? Here are our bold predictions ahead of Bears vs. Falcons.

What Bears rookie Velus Jones Jr. needs to do to see the field on offense

What does Bears rookie Velus Jones need to do to see the field on offense? Matt Eberflus was brutally honest.

It’s been a tough road for Bears rookie receiver Velus Jones Jr., who hasn’t been able to carve out a role for himself on this team, be it offense or special teams.

While Jones has struggled as a returner on special teams — he’s had two muffed punts that have cost Chicago — he hasn’t really seen the field much on offense.

So what does Jones need to do?

“Just compete,” coach Matt Eberflus said, via ESPN’s Courtney Cronin. “Obviously the room’s a little bit fuller now because we’ve got guys back and with additions of certain players you’re just in there competing…

“Do you know your job? Do you know your motions? Do you know how to block the point, when we’re running the ball on he perimeter and hustle on the back side, but then it comes down to being a playmaker. That position to me is a game-changer, play-making position.”

As Eberflus mentioned, the receiving room is starting to get a little crowded. Darnell Mooney and Chase Claypool are the top guys, but there are plenty of questions behind them. Equanimeous St. Brown and Dante Pettis have been unreliable; N’Keal Harry is fresh off injured reserve; and Byron Pringle is close to returning from IR.

It also sounds like Jones has a lot of work to do before he finds himself a bigger role on offense, including a better understanding of the scheme. But he did miss some of training camp and the preseason with an injury.

Still, this season is about development. So the hope is third-round rookie Jones does get some more opportunities out there in these final eight games.

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7 Takeaways from the Bears’ shootout loss to the Dolphins

From Justin Fields’ stardom to Chase Claypool’s encouraging debut, here are our takeaways from Sunday’s game between the Bears and Dolphins.

The Chicago Bears may be piling up losses, but when it results in some of the greatest quarterback play in franchise history, it somehow feels okay. The Bears fell to the Miami Dolphins 35-32 on the lakefront on Sunday, but once again saw an offensive explosion thanks to quarterback Justin Fields. The second-year signal caller was sensational in a record-setting performance, totaling four touchdowns on the day.

While the offense continues to do its thing, the defense is becoming a shell of itself. The Dolphins were able to score at will against the Bears, having wide-open receivers and gaping holes for the running backs for much of the day. Despite those issues, however, the win was within reach for the Bears late, but a missed penalty and a brutal fourth-down drop ended those hopes.

If you ask any player, they’ll tell you there’s no moral victories in the NFL. But fans have a different perspective as they see a powerful offense for the first time in years that has the potential to carry the Bears for the foreseeable future. Here are our takeaways from Sunday’s game.