The Bear’s Den, January 9, 2025

WE WANT YOU!

Would you like to show your Chicago Bears spirit to the world? I’m starting a feature where Windy City Gridiron readers can share pictures of themselves and their families and friends in Bears attire. Simply email a picture to me at the following address: denmasterken at aol dot com. The pictures need to be clear, and full resolution (i.e. full size from your phone if that’s how you take them). Include any description information you like along with the photo!

THE DAILY SPONGIE SPECIAL

DENMASTER KEN’S DAILY GRAB BAG

BEARRRSSSS

Four Positives Takes from GM Ryan Poles' Evaluation of 2024 - SI - Analysis: The numerous negative aspects of the season-ending Bears press conference are obvious and being criticized or lampooned but there were actual positives involved.

Chicago Bears urged to pursue this highly productive edge rusher in free agency - SI - The Chicago Bears need to add a pass rusher opposite Montez Sweat this offseason, and Pro Football Focus offered a highly productive option they could sign in free agency.

Thoughts on the Coaching Searches Around the League - Da Bears Blog - Instead of just stringing together social media posts, I figure why not use my own website to collect all my thoughts concerning the head coaching searches in Chicago, and around the league.

Poles: Bears’ offensive line struggles a collective issue - 670 - The Bears offensive line struggled mightily in a disappointing 2024 season, as rookie quarterback Caleb Williams was sacked an NFL-high 68 times.

Bears conduct virtual interview with Mike Vrabel - 670 - The Bears on Wednesday held their first interview of this hiring cycle by meeting virtually with Titans head coach Mike Vrabel, one of the most coveted candidates available on the market.

Bears’ Josh Blackwell named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week - Chicago Sun-Times - He returned a punt 94 yards for a touchdown against the Packers.

Why Chicago Bears’ Cairo Santos baffled NFL fans with Chelsea-themed game-winner celebration - The Athletic - After his game-winning kick against Green Bay on Sunday, Chicago’s Santos took inspiration from a legend at his beloved Chelsea

The Bears have failed to develop first-time NFL head coaches; should they stop trying? - Chicago Sun-Times - Hiring a head coach in the NFL is hard enough. Projecting how an assistant will do as a head coach is even harder. Yet that’s how the Bears have operated for almost the entirety of their 105-year history.

Bears are far from lone enticing option for top coaching candidates like Mike Vrabel, Ben Johnson - Chicago Sun-Times - Other teams like the Patriots, Jaguars and Raiders can offer compelling situations in terms of power, quarterback and future assets.

Why Bears Interview with Mike Vrabel Can’t Be Taken Seriously - SI - Mike Vrabel is no doubt a candidate for the Bears job...

KNOW THINE ENEMY

Matt LaFleur: We’re anticipating Jalen Hurts is going to play - NBC Sports - There is some uncertainty with the Packers’ quarterback situation entering wild card weekend, but the other side of the matchup seems more settled as the practice week begins.

With Vikings-Rams set for L.A. on Monday, the NFL is “closely monitoring” wildfires - NBC Sports - League is in contact with both clubs and the NFLPA.

Jordan Love says he’s “hopeful” he’ll play Sunday vs. Eagles - NBC Sports - Packers quarterback Jordan Love was limited in Wednesday’s practice, but it’s certainly still possible — if not probable — that he’ll start Sunday’s game against the Eagles.

POLISH SAUSAGE

Chicago Bears Sackwatch 2024: Week 18 vs Green Bay Packers - Windy City Gridiron - Only one sack allowed this week, and that was partly due to Chicago’s quick pass game plan.

Josh Blackwell Enjoys an Award at the Packers' Expense - SI - Bears DB named as NFC Special Teams Player of the Week for 94-yard punt return on trick play against Green Bay.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT ON WINDY CITY GRIDIRON

Bears Over Beers: Lambeau Field Experience, Coaching Search - Windy City Gridiron - It’s our mid-week pivot show where you drive the discussion.

Ranking Chicago Bears 15 coaching candidates from least to most likely - Windy City Gridiron - The Chicago Bears have a huge list, just how likely is each candidate?

Josh Blackwell Named Week 18 NFC Special Teams Player of the Week - Windy City Gridiron - The Chicago Bears closed the 2024 season with a win over the rival Green Bay Packers, and cornerback Josh Blackwell got to cap his year off by winning the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week...

Chicago Bears Sackwatch 2024: Week 18 vs Green Bay Packers - Windy City Gridiron - Only one sack allowed this week, and that was partly due to Chicago’s quick pass game plan.

Postseason Bears Poll: Are you confident in the franchise’s direction? - Windy City Gridiron - Vote in our end of season Chicago Bears Reacts confidence survey question.

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THE RULES

Windy City Gridiron Community Guidelines - SBNation.com - We strive to make our communities open and inclusive to sports fans of all backgrounds. The following are not permitted in comments. No personal attacks, politics, gender-based insults of any kind, racial insults, etc.

2nd City Gridiron Podcast Channel which includes Bears Banter hosted by Bill Zimmerman, Bear & Balanced from Jeff Berckes and Lester A. Wiltfong Jr., Bears Over Beers featuring a rotating host line-up of Ryan Droste, Khari Thompson, Jacob Infante, and Bryan Orenchuk, Making Monsters with Taylor Doll, Bear Bones from Dr. Mason West, and an occasional T Formation Conversation from Lester; Steven’s Streaming Twitch Channel from Steven Schweickert is another fun one.

Click on our names to follow us on Twitter: Jeff Berckes; Dr. Patti Curl; Ryan Droste; Eric Christopher Duerrwaechter; Dan Durkin; Taylor Doll; Kev H; Sam Householder; Jacob Infante; Aaron Lemming; Dr. Ken Mitchell; Danny Meehan; Bryan Orenchuk; Jack R Salo; Khari Thompson; Steven Schweickert; Jack Silverstein; Lester Wiltfong, Jr.; T.J. Starman; Khari Thompson; Dr. Mason West; Bill Zimmerman; 2nd City Gridiron; Like WCG on Facebook; Like 2nd City Gridiron on Facebook.

A few of us are also over at Bluesky.