Tag: Waddle and Silvy

Bears OC Luke Getsy on Justin Fields: ‘We got our guy’

Louis Riddick’s conversation with Bears OC Luke Getsy should put to rest any doubts about the team’s commitment to Justin Fields.

Ever since general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberlus began their tenure with the Bears, conversations surrounding quarterback Justin Fields have been top of mind. No matter the day, week, or month, questions about whether or not Fields remains in the long-term plans persist.

Even when the team makes a bold move such as trading out of the No. 1 overall pick with the Carolina Panthers to move down to No. 9, essentially taking them out of the running for the top quarterbacks of the 2023 draft class. Despite those conversations continuing to take place in the media, offensive coordinator Luke Getsy made a strong statement to one NFL analyst about his quarterback that should silence those talks.

ESPN NFL analyst Louis Riddick joined ESPN 1000’s Waddle & Silvy show on Friday to discuss the upcoming draft and what the Bears should do. After he sang the praises of Tennessee offensive tackle Darnell Wright and discussed the risks when it comes to drafting Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter, he dropped a nugget about Fields after a conversation he had with Getsy.

“I talked to Luke Getsy down in Alabama for the Bryce Young pro day and I was like ‘hey, you down here looking at these quarterbacks?” Riddick said. “You trying to find one?’ And he was like ‘nope. We got our guy, we just need to help him out. Protect him and get him weapons. And we’re doing a pretty good job of it. We have a good start.’ I could not agree more so it’s not even a discussion in my book.”

Throughout the entire offseason, the Bears brass has somewhat played coy when Fields has come up in conversations. Poles and Eberflus have praised him, but haven’t fully come out to say that he’s the guy going forward. If anything, their actions speak louder than words with the trade out of the top pick while also acquiring wide receiver D.J. Moore from the Panthers. They’re showing a commitment to Fields, even if they’re not literally saying it out loud.

The Bears didn’t need to come out and say Fields is the guy moving forward, but Getsy putting it in black and white was refreshing to hear. It’s also worth pointing out that he talks about how they have a “good start” when it comes to getting him help. This conversation took place a month ago and Getsy isn’t shy about saying they need to put more around Fields. Perhaps it’s an indicator of what the Bears will do early in the draft.

Fields showed special ability last year when he scored 25 total touchdowns (17 through the air and eight on the ground) despite having a leaky offensive line and a poor supporting cast of receivers. He threw for 2,242 yards and ran for 1,143 yards in 15 games. His passing does need to improve but with the addition of Moore, a healthy Darnell Mooney, a full season of Chase Claypool, and hopefully more line reinforcements in the draft, he should take another step in 2023.

Getsy sees the potential and his conversation with Riddick is yet another reminder of the Bears’ commitment to Fields. Maybe now national analysts will move off the topic of trading the quarterback, but don’t hold your breath.

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Robbie Gould says he would ‘absolutely’ come back to play for the Bears again

Robbie Gould would welcome a return to the Bears this offseason.

It’s been nearly eight years since the Chicago Bears said goodbye to kicker Robbie Gould, but if he were presented the opportunity to come back this offseason, he’s letting everyone know he would be all for it.

Gould, a free agent after spending the last six seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, joined ESPN 1000’s Waddle & Silvy show for the station’s 25th anniversary special on Friday afternoon at the House of Blues in Chicago. After reminiscing about Gould’s relationship with the station where he’s been a frequent guest and co-host, the conversation eventually turned to free agency and whether or not he would welcome a reunion with the Bears. He didn’t mince words.

“If Chicago called me and said ‘we want you back,’ would I do it? Absolutely,” Gould told the hosts, resulting in a round of applause from the live audience. He then praised the Bears and general manager Ryan Poles for their offseason up to this point, from trading the No. 1 overall pick to the signings of players like Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards, and how the team is coming together around Justin Fields before reiterating his desire to play again for his former team. “Yeah, I would love to come back and play for Chicago for sure.”

The all-time leading scorer in Bears history and fan-favorite player was with the team from 2005-2015 and converted 85.4% of his field goals during his tenure. He was released just prior to the 2016 season and spent one year with the New York Giants before winding up with the 49ers. Now he wants to kick closer to home and though he has a desire to end up with the Bears again, the cards are stacked against him.

The Bears still have Cairo Santos on the roster and Poles appears to be content with keeping him for another season. Santos has been the Bears kicker since 2020 and is entering the final year of his deal with a cap hit of $4.5 million this season. Santos converted 91.3% of his field goals in 2022, nearly seven percent higher than Gould (84.4%). Though Gould has been clutch, particularly in the postseason where he has yet to miss a field goal, it would be surprising to see the Bears move away from Santos at this time.

For now, Bears fans will be left dreaming of a reunion with Gould. At least the feeling is mutual for many of them.

Adam Schefter believes Bears will get ‘unbelievable offers’ for No. 1 pick

If the Bears want to trade the No. 1 overall pick, ESPN’s Adam Schefter believes it will net a massive return.

Even though all eyes have been on the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles this week ahead of Super Bowl LVII, the 2023 NFL Draft is still the topic of conversation among fans of the Chicago Bears.

The Bears hold the top overall selection in this year’s draft after finishing the 2022 season with the worst record in the league at 3-14 and fans have been dreaming about the possibilities of what that pick might bring in a trade with a quarterback-needy team. If one NFL insider is correct, the haul could be huge.

ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter joined ESPN 1000’s Waddle & Silvy on Wednesday afternoon, sharing that he believes the massive trade offers for the pick are going to come soon enough.

“I can just tell you right now, that the Bears are going to have the opportunity to listen to some unbelievable offers for the No. 1 pick,” Schefter said. “And they’re gonna have the chance to parlay that one pick – that came as a benefit from the Houston Texans, playing a game that they never should have won – into a bevy of future picks that can set up that franchise for years to come.”

Schefter did say he had not spoken to anyone specifically about offers yet, but did say Bears fans should dream big when it comes a trade.

“That pick is going to be worth a small fortune and the Bears are holding a lottery ticket if they want to cash it in,” he said.

General manager Ryan Poles stated he’s open to everything when it comes to the pick, including trading down. But chances are a deal won’t happen anytime soon.

Historically, teams don’t make any major draft trades until March at the earliest and with the NFL Combine and pro days still weeks away, any sort of deal likely won’t materialize for quite a while.

Still, Schefter is bullish on teams making the Bears an offer they cannot refuse and that’s exciting for fans who are pining for more draft picks that can help turn this team around sooner rather than later.

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Jay Cutler doesn’t want to see the Bears move out of Soldier Field

The former Bears quarterback isn’t a fan of the team potentially moving out of Chicago and into the suburbs.

The days of the Chicago Bears calling Soldier Field home aren’t over yet, but they’re likely dwindling as news continues to leak out that they’re inching closer to finalizing a deal to move to suburban Arlington Heights. 

While most fans appear to be in favor of the change in location, one prominent former Bears player doesn’t want to see the team move away from the lakefront.

Former Bears quarterback Jay Cutler joined ESPN 1000’s Waddle and Silvy on Thursday afternoon and in between promoting his participation in the American Cornhole League tournament in Bedford Park, he reminisced about his time in a Bears uniform at Soldier Field and made it clear he doesn’t want them to move. “I don’t know if they’re going to move out, if they’re actually going to do that, but I hate that they’re going to be leaving the city at some point. It sucks.” Cutler said. “In the city, Soldier Field, you’re on the lake. I remember driving into the city and thinking ‘alright this is cool…’ It was just a cool atmosphere of being in the city of Chicago, in the winter playing there. It just had an atmosphere and a vibe to it.”

Cutler did admit the situation between the Bears and the stadium isn’t ideal considering they don’t own Soldier Field, it’s one of the smallest stadiums in the league, and they’re not able to make many renovations, but he still doesn’t want the the team to move into the suburbs. “They shouldn’t leave the city of Chicago,” He said emphatically.

The Bears’ all-time leading passer might appreciate his old home, but he didn’t exactly have a stellar career on the lakefront. He went 28-26 during his tenure with the Bears at Soldier Field, including the postseason from 2009-2016. But like many fans, he enjoys the tradition of football on the lakefront, including the notion of “Bear Weather” and playing in the elements. “It’s homefield! Leave it open.” Cutler said when asked about a new stadium potentially having a retractable roof in the winter.

Cutler may not get his wish as the Bears continue to do work on the Arlington International Racecourse land they purchased last fall, but they aren’t expected to make a final decision until 2023 at the earliest.

Former Bears QB Jay Cutler weighs in on the decision to start or sit rookie Justin Fields

There are arguments to be made on both sides regarding if Justin Fields should start Week 1 for the Bears. Here are Jay Cutler’s thoughts.

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The conversation surrounding Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Justin Fields and whether or not he should be the Week 1 starter continues to be a point of discussion amongst football fans and analysts alike.

Would it be more beneficial for Fields to sit behind veteran Andy Dalton for an extended period of time to learn what it takes to be an NFL quarterback? Or does it make more sense for Fields to start immediately if he shows he’s more than ready to lead an NFL offense?

There are arguments to be made on both sides, despite the fact the Bears are still two months away from beginning training camp, let alone playing in a preseason game. But someone who was once in a very similar position as Fields and is very familiar with playing the position in Chicago decided to share what he thinks of the team’s quarterback situation and how he would approach the dilemma.

Former Bears quarterback Jay Cutler joined ESPN 1000’s Waddle and Silvy on Tuesday afternoon and was asked if he thought Fields should start or sit. In a surprise to some, Cutler erred on the side of caution:

“I wouldn’t play the kid [Fields] to start. That’s what I would do, I would let him watch. I think it’s just a tough spot to put someone out there, especially in Chicago and I think Andy [Dalton] is more than serviceable. I think they can win games with Andy and kind of float the ship along until the kid is ready.”

Cutler is most remembered for his many years spent in Chicago where he became the Bears’ all-time leading passer, but he began his career with the Denver Broncos when he was drafted 11th overall in the 2006 NFL draft. He wound up not playing right away and sat behind veteran Jake Plummer for the first 11 games of the season his rookie year before supplanting him as the  starter in early December of 2006.

When discussing Fields, who coincidentally was also the 11th overall pick when the Bears traded up to select him, Cutler reflected back on his own journey and admitted that sitting to start his career benefitted him in the long run.

“I didn’t feel equipped to play Week 1 just because mentally, I wasn’t taking the reps. It’s different for me, I need the reps, I need to see it. I didn’t take the reps so I wasn’t ready to play. But I also think it benefitted me tremendously of watching it, seeing the ups and downs, see us lose games, see us win games. And Jake [Plummer] was a consummate pro. He was fabulous with me and just seeing how he handled life as an NFL quarterback those first 10-12 weeks was insanely valuable for me. Whenever I stepped in, he supported the hell out of me and helped me, answered questions and was there.

“Everyone is different, I’ve always just been on the side of ‘what’s 10 games, what’s a season’ in the grand scheme of this kid’s career. If you believe he’s the guy, then get everything set up so when he’s in there, he’s supported and he can make things happen the way he should instead of battling through all this stuff and seeing ghosts five years from now.”

Cutler’s situation with Plummer was somewhat similar, but also different, when compared to Fields and Dalton. Plummer wasn’t a world-beater at the position, but had just led the Broncos to 13-3 record and played in the AFC Championship game, losing to the eventual Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers in 2005. He also was named to his first Pro Bowl that season as well. The Broncos clearly felt comfortable riding with Plummer while Cutler studied under him to start the 2006 season.

The Bears don’t have that same history with Dalton, who was signed in free agency back in March and was assured he would be the starter come week one. Bears head coach Matt Nagy doubled down on that assurance after the selection of Fields. But neither Fields or Dalton has taken a snap as a Bear, however does Dalton have 10 years of experience in the league playing for the Cincinnati Bengals and Dallas Cowboys.

Though he said everyone is different and you truly never know when someone is ready to play quarterback in the NFL, Cutler felt strong about how he was brought along in Denver and believes the Bears would be wise to do something similar with Fields. We’ll see if that continues to be the plan, or if Nagy is forced to roll with the rookie earlier than he’d like.

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Brian Urlacher isn’t a fan of the Bears signing Robert Quinn

The addition of EDGE Robert Quinn has been hailed by many as a great signing. But not everyone is happy with Quinn’s signing.

The Chicago Bears made one of the biggest splashes in free agency a couple of weeks ago when they agreed to a deal with veteran edge rusher Robert Quinn. The former Dallas Cowboy signed a five-year, $70 million contract with $30 million fully guaranteed.

The acquisition also saw the release of outside linebacker Leonard Floyd, who was drafted with the ninth overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft.

Most fans were happy with the move, as Quinn will start opposite outside linebacker Khalil Mack to give the Bears a boost when it comes to pressuring the quarterback. But one Bears Hall of Famer was not among them.

Former Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher was a guest on ESPN 1000’s Waddle and Silvy show on Tuesday afternoon and revealed he didn’t think the team should have signed the former All-Pro.

“This isn’t a knock on the player, [but] I didn’t love the signing of Robert Quinn,” Urlacher said. “I liked him, he had a great season last year, really good football player. I just – you paid Khalil [Mack] all this money, he gets all this money. Akiem Hicks is a badass in the middle, making all this money. I understand you get rid of Floyd. But do you need to spend that much money on another guy up front?”

Urlacher went on to say he believes a healthy Hicks will greatly improve the defense and the front-seven would be fine without Quinn.

“I would think you could find someone to put pressure from that side,” Urlacher said. “Khalil is getting two guys no matter who is over there anyway, and with Akiem back, it’s going to be different. Once he’s healthy, we all saw how much he meant to their defense when he wasn’t in there.”

The former Bears’ great reiterated he thinks highly of Quinn, who had 11.5 sacks last year as a member of the Cowboys, but believes putting that much money into one part of the defense isn’t necessary.

Are you content with the amount of money the Bears reportedly gave Quinn? Or should they have spent that money on bolstering other positions such as the offensive line or wide receiver?

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Chase Daniel wants to return to Bears, but will ‘keep options open’ in free agency

Backup QB Chase Daniel would like to return to the Bears next season, but he’s keeping his options open in free agency.

The Chicago Bears have come out swinging during the first week of the offseason. Firing and hiring coaches within one day of each other, and restructuring one of their top defenders while locking up another in a long-term deal, all taking place within a matter of days.

Still, the big question looming is what will the team do at the quarterback position? Will they stick with starter Mitchell Trubisky following a lackluster 2019 season, or work to find someone who can push him either via free agency or the draft? While that question still remains to be seen, his current backup may have shed some light on what’s in store this offseason when it comes to his own situation.

Free agent quarterback Chase Daniel, finishing his second season in the Windy City after appearing in three games in 2019, joined ESPN 1000’s Waddle and Silvy show on Friday afternoon to discuss the season, coach Matt Nagy, Trubisky, and more. When asked if he expects to be back in Chicago, Daniel stated his desire to return, but will do what’s in the best interest of his family.

“Would I love to be back in Chicago? Absolutely,” Daniel said. “I love Matt (Nagy), I love Mitch (Trubisky), I love the scheme…everything about the city we’re in love with. But I will keep my options open of course, what’s in the best interest of my family.”

Daniel continued, saying he feels great from a physical standpoint and believes he can play for a long time.

“Honestly, I’m 33, I feel like I’m in the prime of my career right now,” Daniel said. “I feel like I’m playing some of the best ball. My body feels the best it’s been. I feel like I still have a really long career ahead of me.”

Translation: Daniel would like to stay in Chicago, but at his price. He’s finishing a two-year, $10 million deal that paid him $6 million last season, the second-highest salary for a backup quarterback in the NFL behind New Orleans Saints quarterback Teddy Bridgewater.

It’s unlikely Bears general manager Ryan Pace will once again commit that kind of money to Daniel, who is coming off a season in which he threw 435 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions over the course of three games in relief of Trubisky due to injury, including going 0-1 in his lone start against the Oakland Raiders.

At this point, the Bears know who Daniel is; a capable backup quarterback who can keep the ship afloat if called upon for a limited period of time. He was fine as the Bears backup, but with continued uncertainty surrounding Trubisky, Pace and the front office may opt for someone who can push the fourth-year pro instead of just serving as a de facto coach.

The answer will come soon enough as the 2020 NFL season officially begins March 18.

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Bears DE Akiem Hicks abruptly ends interview over injury remarks

During tough times, there’s usually some frustrations that occur for players, including Bears DE Akiem Hicks who ended an interview early.

When a professional sports team is going through tough times, there are certain actions that usually take place during the season. They range from teammates fighting inside the locker room and visible frustrations on the sidelines, to surprise benchings and players squabbling with the local media. That last action occurred Tuesday afternoon involving Bears star defensive end Akiem Hicks and former Chicago Bears wide receiver Tom Waddle.

Hicks, appearing for his weekly hit on ESPN 1000’s Waddle & Silvy show, discussed topics ranging from his favorite Thanksgiving pies, his rehab progression and how he feels when fans boo his team. Things took a turn, however, when Hicks began to question the hosts’ fandom and what it means to be a real fan of the Bears following teammate running back Tarik Cohen’s comments on booing.

“If the wind blows a certain a way, don’t hop off the bandwagon,” Hicks said. “Ride with us, we’re down right now, we know that but we’re fighting to get back up. So roll with us, we didn’t do this on purpose. We didn’t try to get ourselves in this situation. But we’re doing everything that we can to climb out of this hole. So be supportive.”

Waddle, who played with the Bears from 1989-1994, then sarcastically rebutted, asking if Hicks was trying to get himself injured in Week 5 against the Oakland Raiders.

“You mean you didn’t put your arm in between those two Raiders and it popped out of joint on purpose?” he asked. “No, I’m joking.”

Hicks immediately took offense to the question. “Hey! That’s a joke?!” the Pro-Bowl lineman asked. “You think that’s a joke? You’re going to joke about somebody’s injury? No, I’m perfectly respectful. I’ll tell you what, you will not joke about an injury. You have a blessed day, this is the last time I’m on this radio station.” He then hung up.

While Waddle and co-host Marc Silverman (known on the show as “Silvy”) apologized and attempted to reconnect with Hicks, No. 96 took his frustrations to social media, tweeting: “Lol they got me! Baited me right into it. Good work 👍” He then added “You don’t joke about someone’s nearly season ending injury. It’s just not funny. Shouldn’t have lost my cool but ‘To err is human, to forgive divine.'”

This isn’t the first time a Bears player has gotten into it with the media, but situations like these rarely happen when the team is winning. Frustrations can sometimes boil over, though, and Hicks was not pleased with where the conversation was going.

Prior to the altercation, though, Hicks did reveal his rehab is progressing well.

“We’re in a good position and we’re going the right direction,” he said.

Hicks wouldn’t commit to returning in Week 15 against the Green Bay Packers, the earliest he could come back from injured reserve.

While his next appearance on Waddle & Silvy is up in the air, Hicks is working hard to return to the field at some point this season.