Tag: Walter Payton

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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All-Time Saints Villains: Who has the most career rushing yards against New Orleans?

Who has the most career rushing yards against the Saints? The Panthers’ duo of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart was challenging to say the least:

Some seriously talented runners have suited up against the New Orleans Saints over the years — but which rusher stands on top? Who challenged the Saints defense the most as a threat to make a big play on the ground?

We’ve already looked at the highest-scoring quarterbacks and most-accomplished wide receivers to oppose the black and gold. Now let’s look back on the Saints’ biggest rivals at running back, thanks to Statmuse:

10 best first round picks in Chicago Bears history

Here’s a look at the 10 best first-round picks by the Bears in franchise history, a list that includes all Hall of Famers.

The Chicago Bears have had some memorable — and Hall of Fame — first-round picks during their storied 102-year history, with linebacker Brian Urlacher being the most recent.

Chicago hasn’t had much success in the first round in recent history — whether it was during the Jerry Angelo, Phil Emery or Ryan Pace eras. The hope is that changes with quarterback Justin Fields, who was the team’s last first-round pick in 2021.

After not having a first-round selection in three of the last four years, the Bears will pick in the top 10 in the 2023 NFL draft. They traded the No. 1 overall pick to the Carolina Panthers for two first-round picks, two second-round selections and wide receiver DJ Moore.

But Chicago does have the No. 9 pick — which will be Ryan Poles’ first-ever first-round selection — something that worked out well for the franchise back in 2000.

Here’s a look at the 10 best first-round picks by the Bears in team history, a list that includes all Hall of Famers:

LOOK: Eagles’ fans boo Dak Prescott while he was accepting the Walter Payton Man Of The Year award

Philadelphia Eagles fans are deep at the #SuperBowl and promptly booed Cowboys QB Dak Prescott while he was accepting the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award

Dak Prescott couldn’t bring himself to root for the Eagles in the Super Bowl, so he shouldn’t be shocked that Philadelphia fans returned the favor.

Prior to the kickoff of Super Bowl LVII, Andrew Whitworth presented the Cowboys’ star quarterback with the 2022 Walter Payton Man of the Year award.

The moment recognized Prescott’s work in the community and is centered around the great Walter Payton, one of the NFL’s greatest players and greatest men.

While being introduced as the winner of the award, Eagles fans didn’t hold back the boos and let them rain down on Prescott.

Social media reacts to everything, and the reaction to Philly fans was what you’d expect.

Bears are just 279 rushing yards away from setting single-season franchise record

The #Bears will break a single-season franchise record if they can gain just under 300 rushing yards over their next two games

For all the ups and downs (mostly downs) of the Chicago Bears’ 2022 campaign, their impressive ability to run the ball with Justin Fields, David Montgomery, and Khalil Herbert has been nothing short of spectacular to watch on Sundays. They currently lead the NFL in total rushing yards, and with contributions from Darrynton Evans, Trestan Ebner, and their various speedy receivers, the team has a real chance to break their single-season franchise rushing yardage record over the next two weeks.

They’ll need to average just under 150 rushing yards per game to accomplish this herculean feat, but with the talent at their disposal and lack of an established passing game, they just might be able to make it happen. Justin Fields has rushed for over 100 yards in two contests this season and has gone for more than eighty yards in four others.

Coupled with Montgomery and Herbert, Fields has a legitimate shot to help lead the Bears to a win in Week 17 with Chicago’s ground game playing a featured role when they take the field. Head coach Matt Eberflus knows that his team isn’t in contention for the playoffs and that setting a new high over a long-held franchise record could be the lipstick on this pig of his first season at the helm of the Bears organization.

The previous franchise-best mark for rushing yards in a season was set by the 1984 Bears team led by legendary running back Walter Payton, who rushed for 1,684 yards, the second-most in a single season in his career.

Though they won’t have the benefit of an all-time great running back to help push them over the 279-yard threshold in these final games, Fields’ abilities should serve the Bears well as they look to break this record. The end is in sight for Chicago’s season, and setting this high-water mark would be their most impressive team accomplishment to date.

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Chiefs nominate QB Patrick Mahomes for 2022 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award

The #Chiefs have nominated QB Patrick Mahomes for the 2022 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award.

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The NFL has announced the players nominated by each of the 32 NFL teams for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. One of the highest annual honors by the NFL, the award signifies on-field excellence and a commitment toward serving their communities off the field.

The Kansas City Chiefs have a new nominee for the prestigious award this year. Last season, S Tyrann Mathieu was their nominee for his on-field performance and his work in his communities through The Tyrann Mathieu Foundation. This year, the team has chosen star QB Patrick Mahomes as their nominee.

“We are honored to have Patrick Mahomes represent the Chiefs organization and the Kansas City community as our nominee for this year’s Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award,” Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt wrote, via press release. “This award is arguably the most prestigious honor the NFL has as it identifies greatness both on and off the field, and I believe Patrick embodies the true characteristics this award recognizes. Since joining the Chiefs in 2017, Patrick has continued to display an unwavering commitment to helping those in need. The work he does through the 15 and the Mahomies Foundation has impacted many in our community, and there really is no limit to what he can and will continue to do for Chiefs Kingdom and beyond.”

Mahomes has been extremely active in the Kansas City community throughout his NFL career. He established his 15 and The Mahomies Foundation back in 2019 to help serve kids in underserved communities. Over the years they’ve partnered with a number of different charities like Harvesters Food Bank and SEAL Legacy foundation. They’ve established various programs throughout the Kansas City area such as “15 for 15” and “Read for 15.” Most recently, Mahomes’ work to support the renovation and rededication of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Square Park has been highlighted.

“I’m incredibly grateful to be recognized as the Chiefs Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year,” Mahomes said. “I know how special this honor is and the history behind it here in Kansas City. Brittany and I take great pride in the platform we have to give back to a community that has given us so much over the last six years. Through the 15 and the Mahomies Foundation, we’ve been able to make an impact and support underserved children, but we still have a long way to go and we’re going to continue to provide resources to give these kids more and more opportunities. To be recognized for such a prestigious award means the world to me and I’m thankful to represent my foundation, Walter Payton and his family, the Hunt family, this team and all of Chiefs Kingdom on such a significant stage.”

Mahomes will wear a Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year helmet decal through the end of the season, along with the other 31 nominees, in recognition of their accomplishments on and off the field.

Each of the 32 nominees receives a $40,000 donation to a charity of their choice and will be recognized ahead of the NFL Honors ceremony leading up to Super Bowl LVII. The winner of the Walter Payton Award will receive a $250,000 donation to a charity of their choice courtesy of the NFL Foundation and Nationwide.

Chiefs fans can support Mahomes by voting on Twitter by voting for him in the “Charity Challenge” using the #WPMOYChallenge hashtag followed by “Mahomes” or his Twitter handle. If Mahomes receives the most votes between Dec. 6 and Jan. 8, he will receive a $25,000 contribution to a charity of his choice. The first player to reach 1 million votes receives an additional $10,000 from Nationwide.

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Seahawks nominate WR Tyler Lockett for Walter Payton award again

The Seattle Seahawks have made wide receiver Tyler Lockett their Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee for the second straight year.

The Seattle Seahawks have made wide receiver Tyler Lockett their Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee for the second straight year.

Lockett is being honored for his play on the field as well as his work off of it, specifically his Light It Up Foundation, which helps Black communities in his hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma.

With the exception of Bobby Wagner – who almost single-handedly beat his former team on Sunday – Lockett is the classiest player to come along during the Pete Carroll era. He’s carried himself with nothing but grace and has always represented the team well.

Through 12 games in 2022, Lockett has posted 66 catches, 836 receiving yards and scored seven touchdowns.

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Eagles’ DE Brandon Graham nominated for Walter Payton Man of the Year Award

Philadelphia Eagles long-time defensive end Brand Graham is the organization’s nominee for the Walter Payton #NFL Man of the Year Award#WPMOYChallenge | #WPMOY

The Philadelphia Eagles have announced Brandon Graham as its 2022 nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award presented by Nationwide.

Considered one of the league’s most prestigious honors, the award recognizes an NFL player for outstanding community service activities off the field, as well as excellence on the field.

“I’m incredibly honored to be named the Eagles’ Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year,” said Graham. “My journey in Philadelphia over the past 13 years has been a humbling one. This city has embraced me and supported me throughout my career. It’s been a blessing to not only play in front of the best fans in the NFL, but to have the chance to give back to a community that has now become my home. I’ve cherished every moment of this journey, and I’m grateful to be recognized alongside an inspiring group of men who are making a difference in their communities.”

As a nominee for the national award, Brandon will wear a Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year helmet decal through the end of the season in recognition of his accomplishments on and off the field.

All 32 team winners will be highlighted as nominees and recognized for their important work during the week leading up to Super Bowl LVII. The 2022 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year presented by Nationwide will be announced during NFL Honors, a primetime awards special to air the Thursday before Super Bowl LVII, on NBC.

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Justin Fields sets mark with Bears not done since Walter Payton

Justin Fields is in rare company when it comes to Chicago Bears greats. #GoBucks

If you’re a fan of college football, you knew Justin Fields was a prolific passing quarterback in college. If not for a shortened season in 2020 due to COVID-19, Fields may have rewritten many of the records at Ohio State. And while he could move the ball with his feet when needed, his arm is what got him selected in the first round by the Chicago Bears.

The Bears, however, haven’t done a great job of putting the pieces around their franchise QB to help him be successful. If you’ve had the opportunity to watch Chicago play, you’ll see Fields getting knocked around like a rag doll because the offensive line simply hasn’t been good in pass protection.

So Fields has made some adjustments of his own. Knowing that he won’t have much time to throw, he’s started using his legs more and has almost single-handedly kept the Bears in position to win games.

Just two weeks ago, Fields broke the single-game rushing record by a quarterback, besting Michael Vick’s previous mark of 173 yards by 5 yards with 178. Then last Sunday, Fields went off again with 147 yards on the ground putting him in some pretty rare company with another Chicago great. Fields became the first Chicago Bear to rush for at least 147 yards in consecutive games since Walter Payton all the way back in 1984 per Chicago Bears senior writer, Larry Mayer.

Fields is playing in a league of his own right now. Unfortunately, the Bear’s front office traded away key players on the defense which is now giving up points in droves. However, don’t let the poor record blind you from the greatness we are witnessing.

Let’s take a look at what others are saying about Justin Fields and his record-setting performances.

Every player with a passing TD, rushing TD, and receiving TD in the same game

With Christian McCaffrey’s triple-crown day, there are 11 players pro football history to throw, run, and catch a touchdown in the same game. Here they all are.

On Sunday, San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey did something that hasn’t been done in pro football in 17 years. McCaffrey threw a 34-yard touchdown pass to receiver Brandon Aiyuk with 12:10 left in the first half.

Then, with 1:51 left in the third quarter, McCaffrey extended his short route as Jimmy Garoppolo rolled around to avoid pressure, coming up with this great nine-yard touchdown catch.

And THEN, with 12:07 left in the game, McCaffrey bashed it in for this one-yard touchdown run.

It’s been since 2005 since any player has touchdowns in all three ways in a single game, and only 11 players have done it in pro football history. Who else has pulled off this impressive feat?