The Chicago Bears Are On The Clock

The Chicago Bears find themselves in familiar, yet unfamiliar territory. After finishing 3-14 in the 2022 season, they claimed the right to the first overall pick in the draft. And with Justin Fields at the helm, the “presumed” franchise quarterback, they had some wiggle room to deal with. Quarterback needy teams were destined to come calling for that pick - with the right to draft either Bryce Young or CJ Stroud. We all know what happened afterwards. David Tepper and the Panthers gladly took that pick in the process. They swapped picks, added the 61st overall pick, a first round pick in 2024, a second round pick in 2025 and wideout DJ Moore. Carolina then selected Bryce Young over CJ Stroud…and we all know how that turned out. The key part of this is that first round pick in 2024, which ended up culminating in the number one pick for this years draft. More on that in a bit.

In the heads of the Bears and Ryan Poles this was a no brainer. Stockpile picks and pair a Pro Bowl wide receiver with your promising young dual-threat quarterback. We’ve seen it done in other places like Buffalo and Miami. And while it did translate to big numbers from DJ Moore this year, the questions about Fields remain. A 7-10 finish this year, while an improvement, is still not good enough. Fields found himself still searching for that “jump” that we see with year three guys. His somewhat subpar QB play was concerning, and heading into year four with contract talks looming, that’s not the ideal place Chicago wants to be. But with all this uncertainty, the first overall pick has again fallen into their lap. Now we all know the prized possession of this draft is generational talent USC QB Caleb Williams. The Bears have themselves in one of the most interesting draft conundrums in quite some time. 

I want to highlight some of the avenues the Bears can take leading up to the 2024 NFL Draft; what kind of offers could be on the table and what looms for Justin Fields. Who’s gonna offer a king’s ransom for the first overall pick? 

Trade Scenario 1

- The Bears keep the Pick, Trade Fields to ATL and select USC QB Caleb Williams

(Trade Terms: Chicago receives Falcons 2024 2nd, 2026 4th and Cordarelle Patterson)

I feel like this is the most likely situation that occurs. It’s really hard to pass up on a guy like Williams who comes out every once in a blue moon. And from recent comments and actions via Ryan Poles, this seems the most likely situation. They like Fields but don’t think he’s good enough and they want to rebuild the offense around the next franchise QB in Williams. The addition of Patterson here is a nice wrinkle, as the Falcons will give the bulk of the load to Bijan Robinson in his second year. With Tyler Allgeier backing him up, Patterson’s spot becomes expendable. He fits in as a gadget player for Chicago who can do multiple things. For Atlanta, they get a quarterback who can finally play the position, and get the ball to his backs and receivers. While you may think the 2024 2nd rounder is too high, remember that the Falcons will receive either the Jaguars 2nd or 3rd round pick this draft, depending on what happens with Calvin Ridley. So its not a total loss for Atlanta.

Trade Scenario 2

- The Bears keep Fields and trade back with the Patriots. Chicago selects Marvin Harrison Jr. 

(Trade Terms: NE sends 2024 1st, 2024 2nd, 2025 1st, 2025 4th & Matthew Judon) 

This one also really intrigues me. The idea of pairing DJ Moore with a big time talent like Harrison could be a deadly combo. With Luke Getsy fired, they can bring in a new offensive coordinator, who can maximize the talent of Fields and use what works for him while adding an incredibly talented skill player. They’d get big time assets from a rebuilding team like New England and a pass rusher to pair with recently acquired Montez Sweat. 

Trade Scenario 3

-The Bears trade with the Commanders, keep Fields.

(Trade Terms: WAS trades 2024 1st, 2024 2nd, 2025 1st, 2025 3rd, Curtis Samuel & Emmanuel Forbes)  

This one I love. These two teams already have a real relationship after the Montez Sweat deal, and both teams are looking to shake things up. Joe Harris isn’t afraid to swing big as he’s done a bunch of times during his time as 76ers owner, and this time would be no different. The Bears would move back one spot and could still take Harrison. In this scenario, they’d add Samuel whose a multi-gadget offensive weapon and a second year corner in Forbes, who struggled and may need a change of scenery. win-win for both teams.

Trade Scenario 4 

-The Bears trade with the Minnesota Vikings, keep Fields 

(Trade Terms: 2024 1st, 2024 2nd, 2025 1st, 2026 1st, & Danielle Hunter) 

As a lifelong Vikings fan, I’d be perfectly fine doing this for the chance to draft Williams. Hunter was shopped various time over the last two years, so including him in this deal feels like a no brainer. He’d add a presence on the other side of Sweat, coming off a career best season. Chicago could take best available in this spot - maybe Rome Odunze.

Now I do feel like there are other teams that could make a move for this pick; the Broncos and the Raiders being two of them. But I’m not entirely sure they have enough assets to move up that far to take Williams.

However, when it’s all set and done, I believe that there will be a new signal caller under center in 2024 for the Chicago Bears. It’s been a longtime coming for Bears fans - a true franchise quarterback.

Week 8 Power Rankings

This is the official halfway point of the NFL season. We all know what that means - absolutely nothing. At this point last year, the Jacksonville Jaguars were 2-5, the Baltimore Ravens still had Lamar Jackson and everyone thought the Cowboys were Super Bowl contenders. Much of the same goes for this year , but we do have power rankings to get us through. For the third consecutive week, we have a new number one at the top, and this time it’s a familiar face. Lets take a look at where your team is heading into Week 8…

POWER RANKINGS - WEEK 7 (October 19th-October 23rd)

The Usual Suspects

1. Kansas City Chiefs (+2) For the first time all year, the Chiefs are on top. All it took was winning six straight after losing opening night at home by 1 without their best skill player on offense and their defensive captain. Once again, everyone is looking up at the Chiefs.

2. Philadelphia Eagles (+3) After counting out the Eagles last week, they responded in a big way. I know they read this ranking last week and used it as motivation. But seriously, they played well. Jalen Hurst still doesn’t seem to have the same mojo as last year, but this team is still 6-1 and beat Miami comfortably on a national stage.

3. San Francisco 49ers (-1) The Niners drop another spot after their second consecutive loss on the road - this time at the hands of the Vikings. It’s not time to worry…yet. But the question we asked weeks ago was how does Brock Purdy play when he’s behind. Well, we MAY have gotten our answer. Another big test against a rejuvenated Bengals teams awaits them in Santa Clara.

The Record Says Everything - Legitimate AFC Threat

4. Baltimore Ravens (+5) For all the flack I give the Ravens, they answered the bell in a BIG way Sunday. A team red hot came into their building, and the Ravens absolutely pummeled them. It was quite easily the most well rounded game for Lamar and the offense. For the first time in a long time, I can say Mr. Jackson looked like his old MVP self. If the Ravens can keep up this type of play, then watch out.

5. Jacksonville Jaguars (+1) Four games in nineteen days. Four different stadiums. Three different time zones. 4-0. What the Jags just accomplished is remarkable. Add in the fact that when they played all the teams they played they had at least a .500 record. Impressive stuff.

We Need a Statement Game

6. Detroit Lions (-5) I put the Lions number one last week because they were the most consistent team through seven weeks. So naturally they go out Sunday and get kicked to the curb by the Ravens. The Chiefs game is long gone and yes, there is something to say about them beating KC without two studs. Look at how the Lions have beaten so far this season - ATL, GB, CAR, TB. Their losses - SEA, BAL…Hmmm????

7. Miami Dolphins (-3) I can literally right the same thing for Miami as I did for Detroit. I know what Mike McDaniel said, but it can’t be ignored. The two games that they were supposed to “get up” for they lost 48-20 and 31-17. Need a win against a good team.

8. Dallas Cowboys (-1) The Boys were on a bye, but they definitely fit in this category. They need to beat a frisky Rams team this weekend to keep pace with Philadelphia in the NFC East.

9. Seattle Seahawks (+4) The Seahawks are just humming along, now 4-2 in 2023. Their impressive win came on the road against Detroit, but I need to see this team beat San Francisco once this year to have a legitimate shot in the NFC. If they beat SF, then they have no chance.

Oh Shit, These Teams are in the AFC Too?!?!?!?

10. Cleveland Browns (-) This team survived a game they probably should have lost in Indianapolis on Sunday. For the first time all year, the defense got worked and DeShaun Watson I just existing in Cleveland. Yet, the Browns find themselves 4-2 and are firmly entrenched in the AFC mix.

11. Cincinnati Bengals (-) We will find out if the Bengals are really back Sunday when they take on the Niners at their place. They’ve had two weeks to prepare.

12. Houston Texans (+2) After watching a week without Houston, I can firmly say that the Texans are a good team this year. DeMeco Ryans may be leading the pack for 2023 COTY.

13. Pittsburgh Steelers (+5) Find a way. That should be the Steelers 2023 motto. I still don’t think it's sustainable to have an offense this poor and survive the season, but we’ve seen worse. Mike Tomlin continues to do his thing. They have a massive game against Jacksonville at home Sunday. The 5-2 Jags at the 4-2 Steelers? Yes please!!!

14. Buffalo Bills (-6) Panic button has been pushed for the Bills. They answered the bell last year when we hit the panic button, but they also didn’t have these injuries on defense.

15. New York Jets (-) Jets were on a bye, but the win against the Eagles set them up. They have an extremely favorable next three games - NYG, LAC, LV. We will see how serious the Jets are this year.

Are These Teams Actually Good?

16. Minnesota Vikings (+6) Last week I put the Vikings in “the abyss” and mentioned they have to win if they want their season alive. Check. Kirk Cousins is an MVP candidate this season. Yea, I said it.

17. Atlanta Falcons (+4) Now leading the NFC South, the Falcons have a chance to build on their lead with a game against a Titans team who is in flux at QB. If the Falcons can stop turning it over in the red zone though…

Got Turned Away at the “We are Serious” Club.

18. Los Angeles Rams (-6) I really like how the Rams have been competing this year, but you gotta beat the Steelers at home if you want to be a playoff team. LA seems like that team all year that will make you pull your hair out. Impossible to judge.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-2) The Bucs aren’t serious. Its official. I’ll creep the door back open if they beat Buffalo Thursday - but if they lose, I would really consider selling…

20. New Orleans Saints (-4) Derek Carr is now yelling at his players. Chris Olave got arrested. Literally nothing is going right in New Orleans. Dennis Allen - your seat is officially hot.

21. Los Angeles Chargers (-2) I don’t want to hear about Justin Herbert being a top 5 quarterback. Was not that good on Sunday if you watch the game. LA is 2-4 and Brandon Staley will be the first HC fired.

22. Indianapolis Colts (+3) Indy responded in a big way after their embarrassing loss in JAX a week back. Who had Gardner Minshew cooking the Browns defense in Week 7? Not me. But as with Minshew teams, it’s always close but no cigar. Colts 0-2 since Minshew has been inserted as QB1.

The D-II Club

23. Chicago Bears (+3) Tyson Bagent has won as many games as Justin Fields since last October.

You May Not be Tanking, But You Should Be

24. Tennessee Titans (+2) I don’t even know why they moved up - maybe because the teams behind them are so bad? I don’t know. The Titans are weird though. They finally traded someone - Kevin Byard is now in Philly. Will that open the floodgates?

25. Washington Commanders (-5) I liked this team. I don’t anymore. You can’t lose to the Giants 14-7. You just can’t.

26. Las Vegas Raiders (-3) The Raiders lost the ‘back up bowl” and now face a Lions team on Monday Night coming off an embarrassing loss. Good luck!

27. New England Patriots (+4) Congrats to Bill Belichick on win 300. When will 301 come?

Still Ass

28. New York Giants (-) Beat the Jets this week and I will move them up considerably.

29. Denver Broncos (+1) The firesale is held off one more week.

30. Green Bay Packers (-6) Jordan Love is not good right now. The Packers team is awful. Matt LaFleur may be coaching for his job.

They Are Who We Though They Were

31. Arizona Cardinals (-2) Just play the Dennis Green GIF on repeat. WE let this team off the hook. They are that bad.

They Don’t Even Have Their Own Draft Pick…

32. Carolina Panthers (-) At least the Panthers couldn’t lose last week!