Mitchell Making 'Monster' Impact

The NFL preseason is both an exciting and terrifying time for fans and general managers alike. Whether its the emergence of new players, the fall of veterans or the first look at your ‘franchise changing’ draft pick, preseason football has a lot to offer. 

For Bears fans, the past few preseasons have brought with them dramatic offseason changes in management, personnel and front office. Sunday evening Bears fans were dealt somewhat surprising news that veteran cornerback Tim Jennings had been released by the team, later telling reporters the team informed him they ‘wanted to go younger’. The emergence of one young cornerback this preseason may have had a direct impact on Jennings sudden exit.

Terrance Mitchell spent his college career with Oregon, where he started his first year as a red-shirt freshman. He would play three seasons with the Ducks, finishing his college career with a solid stat line (40GP, 144 TKL, 7 INT, 25 PDfl and 4 FF). Heading into the 2014 draft, Mitchell was a projected 3-5th round pick. Due to a below average performance at the combine, Mitchell would find himself waiting well beyond the fifth round to hear his name called.

On the final day of the draft, Mitchell was selected in the 7th round, 254th overall by the Dallas Cowboys. In his first training camp Mitchell found himself with an excellent opportunity to stick in Dallas, however, a lack of production in preseason play led to him being released in the last round of cuts. After declining an offer to sign with the Cowboys practice squad, on September 1, Mitchell signed with the Bears practice squad, and was signed to the active roster one month later. Having not had the opportunity to make an impact in 2014 (active only in week 16) Mitchell is making sure he is in the plans for Vic Fangio’s defence in 2015.

The Chicago defence has been inconsistent to start this preseason, however, there have been a few standouts, with Mitchell leading the way (3 GP, 5 Solo, 1 Ast, 2 PDfl, 1 Int, 1 FF, 1 FR). If there’s one thing Mitchell has proven this offseason, its his ability to cause turnovers. In the Bears preseason game against the Colts, Mitchell showed incredible athleticism reaching over Donte Moncrief to pick off veteran QB Matt Hasselbeck. He would showcase his turnover ability twice in Saturdays’ loss to the Bengals, finishing the game with a fumble recovery and a forced fumble. Mitchell is making the most of his opportunity in a ‘rebuilding’ Chicago defence.

With the recent departure of Tim Jennings, and his emergence in Chicago’s secondary, Terrance Mitchell is doing everything he can to make sure he doesn’t receive another call on the final day of cuts.

References:

Picture sourced from: http://www.chicagofootball.com/2015/08/25/terrance-mitchell-craves-seat-at-chicago-bears-cb-table/a80oq52/

The Senorise Perry 'Special'

A lot has been made about the Bears depth at running back , a crowded group of six backs. Fan favourite Matt Forte is entering his 8th season in Chicago, free agent Jacquizz Rodgers is well known from his time with the Falcons, Daniel Thomas for his time in Miami, and both Jeremy Langford and (to a lesser extent) Ka’Deem Carey are highly touted young rushers. However, there is one man in Chicago’s backfield, often overlooked, and perhaps more of a lock to make the final 53 than Thomas or Carey.

Senorise Perry came to the Bears as an undrafted rookie in 2014 out of Louisville. While with the Cardinals from 2010-2013, Perry put up solid numbers as the ‘1B’ back, in both the 2012 and 2013 campaigns. Rushing for 1,382 yards , 17 TDs (11 in 2012) averaging 5 YPC in the two seasons. In addition to his ground numbers Perry also experienced success as a receiver with 359 Yards, 1 TD averaging 10 yards per reception. Perry was quiet for the Bears in 2014, however when it came to special teams, he made a lot of noise.

Perry is most likely to stick with the Bears as a result of solid special teams play. The rookie back played in all 16 of Chicago’s games last season, making a huge impact on a lack lustre special teams unit. Perry led the team in special teams tackles (17) alongside 2 forced fumbles. In addition, at times Perry was able to provide a spark to the melancholy Bears return game averaging 22 yards on returns. There is no doubt Perry is a special teams standout, however in the 2015 preseason, he has shown flashes of his ability to run the ball and create the big plays NFL offences need.

The Bears currently sit 3rd in rushing in the 2015 preseason, Senorise Perry’s performance against Miami is a big reason why. With a stat line of; 10 Att, 89 Yds, 1 TD, 8.9 YPC and a Long of 46, Perry showed flashes of his Louisville days in the 27-10 win over the Dolphins. Early success in this years preseason, combined with a solid 2014 camp are proving that if called upon, Perry can contribute much more than solid special teams play.  The NFL preseason will always be looked upon as incomparable to regular season play, however, in a time where players are asked to dig deep and show what they're made of, Perry has consistently risen to the task early in his NFL career.

It is always a daunting task for an undrafted player to make (and stick with) and NFL club, however Perry’s ability to contribute on special teams, combined with flashes of NFL calibre rushing will allow Perry to stay with the Bears for at least one more season.



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References;
Picture sourced from; http://www.zimbio.com/photos/Spencer+Paysinger/Senorise+Perry/Miami+Dolphins+v+Chicago+Bears/RS-10_jAUsx

Bears Need to 'Run' with Injuries

Losing your four top receivers is never usually a reason for optimism. However, for the Chicago Bears, during this time of organizational change, it may prove to be just what the doctor ordered.

It was a disappointing blow when the Bears announced highly touted first round pick Kevin White (shin) would miss at least the first 6 weeks of the season. Add to that, injuries to Alshon Jeffery (Calf), Marquess Wilson (Hamstring), and most recently highly anticipated offseason signing Eddie Royal (hip) and the Bears receiving corps is rivalling the Cleveland Browns (sorry Browns fans). Much of the response to the growing list of injuries in Chicago has been expectantly negative, however, if ever there was a time to lean on the running game, it is now.

Over the past two seasons (Trestman era) the Bears finished in the bottom half of the league in team rushing percentage; 21st (2013) 31st (2014). If ever there was a good time to have to lean on the running game, it’s 2015, with Ryan Pace addressing the teams running back depth in the offseason and creating a potentially dangerous three-headed monster in Chicago’s backfield. Despite the lack of carries, Forte was able to put together his third 1,000+ yard season in 2014, and has shown no signs of showing down. With the added depth of veteran back Jacquizz Rodgers, and steal of the 2015 draft Jeremy Langford (right), the Bears running game has the potential to do some real damage this season. The need to rely on the running game, will bring with it a lighter workload for Jay Cutler.

Under Marc Trestman, the Bears threw the ball an average of 62.4% of the time (60.12% in 2013, 64.68 % in 2014) Putting a tremendous amount of unnecessary pressure on Cutler, especially considering Forte is in their backfield. Granted, the Bears found themselves behind on the scoreboard often in 2014, regardless, the team did not run the ball enough at any point in 2014. For all the heat the Bears QB takes, the team has relied far too heavily on him in 2014, especially in comparison to some of the some of the leagues most successful passers (Seattle 48.56%, Rodgers 56.36%, Brady 59.59%) The loss of the top four receivers hurts, a lot, but it could potentially have a lasting positive impact on the direction of the team.

 There is a perfect storm brewing in the windy city; a need to depend on the running game, the best depth the backfield has had in years, having the 3rd ranked rushing attack in the 2015 preseason, combined with a lessened workload for Jay Cutler. Despite a depleted receiving corps, Chicago’s offence has potential to burst out of the gate in 2015.

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References;
Pictures sourced from: http://www.chicagonow.com/chicago-bears-huddle/2011/11/chicago-bears-huddle-stock-report-4/ , http://www.dabearsbeat.com/2015/05/07/an-early-look-at-chicagos-2016-cap/

Thank You Jay Cutler

If you asked 100 NFL fans or writers to define the term "franchise quarterback" you would end up 100 different definitions for the term. One thing is certain, there is a big difference between a franchise quarterback and an elite quarterback.

If you break the league down into three categories (breakdown below); teams with elite quarterbacks, teams with franchise quarterbacks and teams with unstable QB situations (including starters with 2 or less consecutive seasons on their current team) The Chicago Bears do not have an elite quarterback, however, without a doubt,  they have one of the better franchise quarterbacks in the league. 

Considering Cutler is entering the 2015 season with his fifth new coordinator and the seasons of awful offensive line play, no quarterback in the past 6 seasons has had to face more adversity. Stats aren't everything, however when it comes to Cutler, they seem to mean nothing at all, in comparison to his body language and supposed 'lack of leadership'. Most recently in the Bears preseason matchup agains the Colts, Cutlers' toughness, athleticism and leadership were on display in a 23-11victory. Many of the plays Cutler makes are heavily scrutinized by fans and media, is the negativity he receives merely a carry over from his days in Denver?

The plays made by the veteran QB in Saturdays preseason matchup generated a ton of social media attention, mostly positive, but (as with anything he does) the critics were also out in full force, many of those critics being Bears fans. This begs the question; Is the league wide dislike of Cutler fuelled by the fans of the team he plays for? the simple answer is, yes. Compare Cutler to Cam Newton or division rival Matthew Stafford off the field, both QBs for the most part are greatly appreciated by their fan bases, and highly thought of by NFL media,  where as Cutler is strongly disliked by a large number of Chicago fans and NFL media (see Ray Lewis and Marshall Faulk) Shift focus to statistics and on field production, Newton and Stafford find themselves behind Cutler in many categories. 

At the end of the day,  Bears fans alike, should be grateful to have a franchise quarterback in Cutler, and be even more thankful Chicago isn't faced with quarterback carousel situations, similar to Buffalo and Cleveland. Maybe it's time to stop asking the question "Will Cutler finally step up for Chicago?" and start asking "Will Bears fans step up for Cutler?"

** Side by side, compared with the other quarterbacks of the 'franchise' calibre; Tannehill (92.8),  

E. Manning (92.1),  Flacco (91.0), Cutler (88.6),  Matthew Stafford (85.7), Dalton (83.5), Newton (82.1) the Bears quarterback stacks up well, and is a fringe top 10 quarterback in the league. 

*Based on stats since 2009 season (where applicable)

Elite QB teams; New England, Pittsburgh, San Diego, Green Bay, and Dallas. Honourable mentions; New Orleans and Denver.

Franchise QBs: Indianapolis, Seattle, Cincinnati, New York Giants, Carolina, Detroit, Atlanta, Miami and Chicago.

Unstable QB situations; Philidelphia, Oakland, San Francisco, Minnesotta, Washington, Cleveland, New York Jets, Buffalo, San Francisco, Houston, Tennessee, Tampa Bay, Arizona, Jacksonville, St.Louis and Kansas City.

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References;
Picture sourced from: http://www.chicagonow.com/chicago-bears-huddle/2011/11/chicago-bears-huddle-stock-report-4/

Chicago Bears Sophomore Series: Conclusion

In a series of additions which included the signing of veteran backs Jacquizz Rodgers and Daniel Thomas, along with managing the steal of the 2015 draft in Michigan State stud Jeremy Langford, the years of depth issues in the Chicago backfield may finally be over.

Coach John Fox will have a tough decision to make on how the depth chart shapes up behind Matt Forte. With all the additions in the backfield and the noted contributions of Senorise Perry on special teams, promising sophomore Ka'deem Carey might be on the outside looking in.

Sophomore Series:
RB, Ka'Deem Carey, Arizona, 4th Round 117th Overall in 2014
2014  Season Stats: Rushing 36 Rush, 156 Yds, 4.4 Avg    Receiving: 5 Rec, 57 Yds

Rookie Season Recap

Carey was a highly though of running back in last years draft class. He showed great flashes during the 2014 preseason, making many think the team had found the heir apparent to Matt Forte. Considering Marc Trestman's hatred for running the ball, and the effectiveness of Matt Forte, Carey finished the season with a respectable stat line, and showed flashes of great potential in both the rushing and receiving game. However, being a product of the Emery/Trestman era may have cost Carey his shot at becoming a household name in the Chicago backfield.

Sophomore Season Outlook
With Jacquizz Rodgers slated to be the backup to Matt Forte, and the emergence of Jeremy Langford in this preseason, its hard to see Carey making the final 53 man roster. Another road block for the sophomore back comes in fellow returning back Senorise Perry, who is a special teams standout, and sure to have a spot on the final roster. After watching him show great flashes of potential last season, it would be a hard pill to swallow if Carey were cut loose by the new coaching staff, an idea that would have never crossed the mind of Bears fans last season.

Closing Outlook
Ryan Pace did an excellent job of addressing the need for depth at the position this offseason, through free agency and the drafting of Jeremy Langford. Unfortunately for Ka'Deem Carey, the rookie general manager's "best player available" approach led to the Langford pick, which many call the steal of the draft. Will the promising sophomore running back fall victim to the sudden overwhelming depth at the running back position in Chicago?

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References;
Picture sourced from: http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/VDcPdowPu84/Jacksonville+Jaguars+v+Chicago+Bears/BTIBpjzp6g7/Ka'Deem+Carey

Chicago Bears Sophomore Series; Part IV

The safety position for the Bears has been a carousel for as long as I can remember. In recent years the team has looked to the draft to try and solve this issue, taking flyers on various safeties in the mid to late rounds. None of these picks have been able to really stick with the team and become effective members of the secondary. The Bears are hopeful that 2014 5th round pick Brock Vereen won't become the next Chris Conte.

Sophomore Series:
S, Brock Vereen, Minnesota, 4th round 131st overall in 2014

2014 Stats: 16 GP, 9 Ast, 30 Solo, 1 Pass D, 1 Int

Rookie Season Recap:
Entering his rookie season Vereen, much like the rest of the rookie class, had a huge opportunity to make an impact on Chicago's defence. Getting many reps at training camp filling in for the injured Chris Conte, it looked as though Vereen would have a dream opportunity to show his stuff for the Bears. With all the exposure however, Vereen didn't perform at a high enough level last season to allow the new management team to overlook the safety position. With the signing of veteran safety Antrel Rolle and more importantly drafting of highly thought of safety Adrian Amos at the draft, this training camp will prove more difficult for Vereen to see snaps with the first team.

Sophomore Season Outlook:
In the Bears preseason opener against the Miami Dolphins, sophomores Will Sutton and Ego Ferguson looked great, unfortunately the same cannot be said about Brock Vereen. Poor coverage and weak tackling on multiple occasions during the game allowed the sophomore safety to provide Bears fans with terrifying flashbacks to last seasons defence. As early as last week it was announced that Adrian Amos would be getting the start at safety in the Bears preseason contest against the Indianapolis Colts this Saturday, Vereen may not have much of a sophomore season to look out for. Hopefully for him, he will get another chance after Amos comes out of the game along with the first team, and can show that the first preseason game was not a sign of things to come.

Closing Outlook:
With increased competition at safety, and the secondary in general, Brock Vereen has perhaps the biggest uphill climb out of all the Bears sophomore class to stick on this new look defence. Adrian Amos' performance on Saturday may dictate a lot in terms of Vereens future with the team. If Amos shines and shows he is clearly a better option for depth in the secondary, will Brock Vereen find himself joining his former teammates as a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2015?


Next up: RB Ka'Deem Carey

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References;
Picture sourced from: http://www.signalscv.com/archives/128051/

Chicago Bears Sophomore Series; Part III

No player on the Chicago Bears defence had a great season in 2014. When the team decided to keep defensive coordinator Mel Tucker on staff for another season, it foreshadowed another season of abysmal defence, and inadvertently set up the 2014 defensive draft class for a rough go in their first pro seasons. Fast forward to 2015 with a new coaching staff, new attitude and aspirations to return the Bears to their once feared defence, the now sophomore class of Chicago defenders will get their chance to show the fan base what they can really do.

Sophomore Series
Will Sutton, DE, Arizona State, 3rd round 82nd overall in 2014

2014 Stats: 15 GP, 7 Ast, 15 Solo, 2 Pass D

Rookie Season Recap
Much like his draft mate Ego Ferguson (and the entire defence), Sutton had a quiet 2014 season on a bad defence. He played 465 snaps in his first year as a pro, his role was greatly increased when Jeremiah Ratliff was forced to the bench due to injury early in the season, an opportunity which he was unable to take advantage of. Was his ineffectiveness due to scheme? or is he just a below average lineman who will be off the 53 man roster come opening day 2015?

Sophomore Season Outlook
Will Sutton will have one solid opportunity to make this team and stick in Vic Fangio's new 3-4 defence. Sutton at 6'0' 315 Lbs will be too small to play nose tackle in Fangio's defence, so he will have only one avenue to make the final 53, make the switch to end. Based on his rookie campaign this might seem like too daunting a task, however, Sutton was one of the best Bears on either side of the ball in the preseason opener vs. the dolphins, looking athletic and like a different player lining up at the five-technique.

Closing Outlook
For any returning Bears defensive player Vic Fangio's defence is either going to save them, or cause them to find work elsewhere, Will Sutton is a player poised to be saved by the new scheme. Expect him to be an active member on the carousel that will be the Chicago front seven, getting snaps at end, and putting up solid stats. If his performance in the preseason opener was any indication of what's to come, Will Sutton will be a player to watch in 2015 at his new position. Can Will Sutton earn a spot on the Bears 2015 roster, will he become a contributor on this defence, or just another depth lineman?

Next Up: S Brock Vereen

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References;
Picture sourced from: http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20140928/sports/140928358/

Chicago Bears Sophomore Series; Part II

In 2013, the Bears defence was ranked near the bottom in many defensive categories both in pass and run defence, however they were historically bad against the run, and last in many categories by a large margin. It was clear Phil Emery had to address the porous defence in the offseason, and the 2014 draft was where the team turned to begin the rebuild, evident in the team drafting on the defensive side of the ball in the first three rounds, with a focus on the defensive line.

As we all know, the Bears defence was amongst the leagues worst again in 2014, even after focusing solely on the defence in the offseason. Many factors led to another year of awful defence, in my opinion the most significant being the return of Mel Tucker as defensive coordinator. Now, under a competent defensive coordinator, the players brought in to help return the teams defence to glory will have a legitimate shot at proving why they were drafted in 2014. 

Sophomore Series

DT Ego Ferguson, Louisiana State , 2nd round 51st overall in 2014

2014 Season stats:  16 GP , 12 Ast, 12 Solo, 2 Sack, Pass D 3

Rookie Season Recap

There was quite a positive reaction when the Bears managed to snag Ego Ferguson in the second round of last years draft. Everyone knew the team needed to address their run defence, and adding the 6'2' 315lb DT seemed to be a step in the right direction. Ferguson was fairly quiet in his rookie season, although most of the Bears defensive lineman were (aside from Willie Young) Ferguson had an opportunity to make some noise as a rookie DT on a lack lustre line and just didn't quite seem to take advantage or manage to stand out form the crowd, which is a major concern considering the overall skill level of last years defensive unit. 

Sophomore Season Outlook

It will be a tough road ahead for Ferguson, with the drafting of stud NT Eddie Goldman in this offseason's draft, the late season emergence of Jeremiah Ratliff and the Bears switching to a 3-4 defence, his opportunity to become an anchor on Chicago's line may have passed. It is evident the new regime did not feel the crop of defensive players was good enough coming off last season, once again this the Bears brought in a plethora of new faces on the defensive side of the ball, all signs indicate they will be meaner, more aggressive and a scarier unit altogether. Based on last season, Ferguson did not show enough to prove he was an above average DT in the league, let alone the added responsibility that comes when you are asked to fill in at nose in a 3-4 scheme. One opportunity that may arise for the lineman could come in the uniqueness of Fangio's schemes, which often times have players all over the field, filling many different positions. With his size Ferguson may be more suited to rush or play end, and in the new looks Bears defence, this is an opportunity he may get. With the new defensive additions, and a defence with much more depth, it will be an uphill climb for the sophomore lineman to earn snaps at the Bears NT position competing with both Ratliff and Goldman. 

Closing Outlook

Early signs indicate Ratliff and Goldman being the Bears monsters in the middle, after that it will be a fight to earn defensive snaps in Chicago's front seven. Expect Ferguson to become a reliable backup on the d-line for the Bears, and playing an active role in the carousel front seven of Fangio's defence. Ferguson's fate may have been sealed when the Bears drafted Eddie Goldman, does he have enough fight in him to earn snaps on this new Bears defence?

Next Up: DE Will Sutton

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References;
Picture sourced from: http://beargoggleson.com/2015/01/28/key-peeles-new-east-west-bowl-sketch-hilarious-despite-packers/

Chicago Bears Sophomore Series

Following a dismal 5-11 season, which saw one the worst defences in team and league history, a QB controversy which had Jimmy Clausen overtaking Jay Cutler for the starting job, and publicly known veteran unrest within the locker room, Bears fans everywhere were hungry for change, and change is exactly what they got. With names like Mel Tucker, Phil Emery and Marc Trestman being replaced by the likes of John Fox, Vic Fangio and Ryan Pace, the Bears front office has made positive changes towards restoring the Bears to the storied franchise of old.

With the train wreck of last season both on field and off field, the rookie class of 2014-15 came into a tough situation and may have not had a chance to produce as they should have. The main factor against this rookie class was the state of the defence they walked into. With so much change coming into this season, it is important to take time to highlight the now sophomore class of the Bears, who will have a chance this season, to make their impact.

Over the next week we will take time to highlight some key rookies who could thrive under this revamped Chicago Bears staff.

Sophomore Series
Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech , 1st Round 14th Overall in 2014

2014 Season Stats: 16GP   51 TKl   13 AST   10 PDfl   3 FF   4 INT   81 Yds

Rookie Season Recap
 Going into the 2014 draft, IT was well known the Bears needed to address their defensive woes, especially the position groups which were in need of a youthful injection, which is why there was so much excitement when the Bears selected Kyle Fuller to begin the rebuild of their aging secondary. Kyle Fuller shone brightest early in the season (much like the rest of the team before their collapse) most notable was his role in the Bears electrifying 28-20 win over the 49ers on Sunday Night Football. Fuller embraced the Sunday night lights and picked off 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick twice in the fourth quarter, becoming the first Bears rookie with a two pick game since Chris Harris in 2005, and securing the victory for the Bears. Fuller went on to snag 2 more Int's, along with 3 FF's giving Fuller a total of 7 turnovers and quietly, a solid rookie campaign on a terrible defensive unit. Injuries to both Charles Tillman, and Tim Jennings during the season the rookie DB was forced into a more pivotal role than most fans expected him to have, which may have caused deflated numbers, but allowed for invaluable experiences i.e. covering Calvin Johnson Jr. of the Lions which is a task that normally fell to Peanut Tillman.

Sophomore Season Outlook
The Bears have a very different looking secondary coming in to 2016, which is definitely a good thing. The additions of Alan Ball and the (underrated) signing of veteran CB Tracy Porter, there will be some healthy competition at the CB position. To begin the season, expect Fuller to sit #2 on the depth chart behind Veteran Tim Jennings, however, fully expect Fuller to draw from his athleticism and experience from the expanded role in 2014-15, and overtake Jennings for top spot on the depth chart by the end of the season. Considering how the defence ran last season, and his ability to manage 7 turnovers, Fuller should finish the season with 12 or more turnovers on a competent Vic Fangio non Mel Tucker run defence.

Closing Outlook
With so much stacked against him in his rookie season; historically awful defence, incompetent coordinator, locker room drama and being thrown into the fire, Kyle Fuller impressed in his rookie year and should excel in Fangio's new defense. He will remind Bears fans why he was a 1st round pick in 2015. Can he follow in the footsteps of Charles Tillman and become the rock that this Bears secondary needs for years to come?

Next Up: DT Ego Ferguson

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References;
Picture sourced from:http://sportsmockery.com/2015/07/kyle-fuller-shares-lots-in-common-with-all-pro-earl-thomas/