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I think bears fans just experienced their first Kirk cousins game from the other side. Happy there is improvement, or rather happy that he’s finally hitting some of these open receivers, but the coaching staff is a problem. Oh joy

I know it’s early but despite all these warranted qualifiers I’m annoyed that some of my concerns have been so quickly proven. I was worried the OL was skating by on Fields being the QB last year (and I mean both positively and negatively). By the end of last season I was wondering if the team could get an explosive run outside of Fields. Now I’m wondering if they can run block at all which isn’t great because Caleb isn’t good enough to rise above questionable scheme and atrocious OL play (he occasionally creates his own problems but the OL absolutely needs to play better) Now onto Poles. For a regime that only scouted Williams (let’s not forget that) you would think he would work his ass off to bolster the IOL for his barely 6ft QB. That should’ve been the bare minimum. Damn it all Brees NEEDED a strong IOL. I’m not shocked that Keenan Allen is hurt, he usually is, but the allocation of money now feels mismanaged if we get no production out of him and the OL is bad. I don’t want to see another single designed play for Gerald Everett, Carter, and Travis homer ever again. The Caleb talk is still too soon but he NEEDS to play better and capitalize on some the of those nfl open receivers he keeps missing. Picks only matter to me if that’s all he’s throwing.

Now who doesn’t love a little structure? I’d appreciate it but also wouldn’t mind a bit of stream of consciousness. To express my feelings on the performance of the offense I’ll pose a hypothetical. Hypothetically if I had twitter I would be tweeting non stop at Danny the mush Parkins “generational talent *derogatory*” for every bad IOL play, every missed throw, botched snap reception, botched rb handoff, and every head scratching Waldron call. Thankfully I’m a reasonable person and have never had twitter, and I guess I’m a more measured fan. Happy they won but the QB and OC need to be better. I’ve given up on expecting consistency from the IOL. 16 more to go.

I guess I’m still one of those people that still believes all possibilities are on the table. The degree to which I believe Caleb will bust has been minimized since camp and preseason but I still think it’s a possibility. I’m excited and hopeful but I’m still jaded from poles wasting all our time with fields.

Yeah the HC and the line depth is my biggest issue. Maybe a scoring offense helps mitigate the Flus’ extremely conservative play calling (again a lot to put on Caleb but that’s the bet the Gm is making) but we won’t know until they play. Poles tripling down on the OL is hilarious considering who the players are.

The hard knocks thing is just whatever. It’s kind of boring and already has a lot of filler in 2 episodes. I didn’t hate the first episode but if it wasn’t the bears I wouldn’t have given it my time (didn’t even bother watching episode 2)

Welcome back and I gotta say I missed your commentary on all this non news happening the last three months. Edit: you should have a wealth of audio drops from Caleb Williams saying bears like punctuation.

Welcome back gentlemen. On the cynicism I think I could have been more excited if Eberflus was fired (along with the rest of staff) or if the prudent thing was done and Getsy was fired after the horrendous start to the season. As is there has been enough weird with the process that I just can’t stop this nagging feeling of dread. I don’t like divorcing Poles from the bears QB development ineptitude. He just hasn’t earned that from me, and he has put me in a weird spot. I guess I’m supposed to take comfort in the fact that he had no intention of developing Fields and it was always about the next QB? Because if that was a serious attempt to develop Fields then Caleb Williams should definitely be concerned. Also I believe the defense has the majority of the draft picks and 3x the money spent on it. So yeah can we invest in offense now that Poles doesn’t have to pretend to develop Fields? This franchise is already 4 decades behind everyone else so it feels prudent. Also who’s this McMahon you speak of, and why does it sound like y’all want Baker Mayfield. Good luck to everyone.

I hope somebody loves you the way mark loves the idea of Caleb Williams. The world would be better if everyone looked at you with that kind of hope. Now what did make me laugh was at no point was it mentioned that Eberflus remains the head coach of the bears. I don’t view Caleb or any of the other QB prospects in the same light as Mark view but at no point have I lied to myself and thought any of these moves the last two years were for Fields. They’re drafting Caleb and my question for the team remains: how do you plan to develop him with the new offensive staff and that defensive head coach that reeks of duck? Caleb is going to have to lead this team to a playoff victory because the defense’s window and the addition of Keenan Allen is now. Damn it all I would actually be excited if they actually fired flus. Alas I’m gritting my teeth through this offseason praying this team doesn’t bungle it the exact same way they’ve had these last two QBs.

Man I’m just not there on drinking the kool aid. I know they’re going to draft a QB (they should) I just don’t believe he’s some fully realized prospect that won’t need developing. The talk about generational and unicorn player really bothers me when we’re currently living through the best QB in NFL history cement his legacy. These are not fair expectations to put on Caleb. He isn’t Mahomes nor will his career play out like Mahomes. It always comes back to the developing part for me because you know…Bears. How are you going to make it as safe a landing spot as possible? How can Eberflus and Waldron minimize his flaws and maximize his strengths? Can poles actually draft good skill position players? While it’s true the Bears aren’t your typical #1 overall pick team I still have strong concerns and questions about how they intend to turn Williams into the franchise QB. Edit: it really is funny that any time Justin does something he either has to expound upon his word/actions or backtrack honest comments. The way Fields was reported on and gets talked about needs to have an honest evaluation some time down the road. hope mark has a safe trip.

Chris every time McCaffrey is mentioned: GET HIM A BODY BAG! Edit: in real talk I agree with mark that the bears need to keep searching for that amazing QB. I’m just flabbergasted that people keep disrespecting Mahomes’ pro career by having him comped to college prospects. It’s insane that the nfl draft cottage industry does this almost every year now and face zero consequences for just being flat out wrong and incredibly harmful to these prospects. I’m also deeply concerned that Poles has no clue how to handle a QB because if how he handled Fields was him sincerely trying to develop a QB then Caleb needs to do everything he can to get the hell away from Chicago. The QB conversation is absolutely exhausting and vitriolic which isn’t fun at all. I hope that isn’t a sign to come of Caleb’s bears career. Hoping to be proven wrong but the bears have consistently shown that you have to bet the under on them.

I disagree with Mark about the nest. The offense does not have a sufficient infrastructure that gives me any comfort for a rookie QB (that I assume they’re going to draft). While the tackle positions appear fine for now, they need to get a center and stop f**king around. It’s not great that the OL looked as bad as it did during the tank year when faced against any decent DL (see Browns and Packers games). You need starters and depth in the interior but it doesn’t seem like they have the draft capital to address it all. Poles’ prior center free agent acquisitions were Patrick and Feeney (they cannot be starting games next year). The skill position group outside of Moore and Kmet is disastrously lackluster (Kmet simply cannot be your 2nd leading receiver). So far Poles has had more misses at the skill position than hits. The list includes: Byron Pringle (bad), Trestan Ebner (who?), Chase Claypool (bad expensive and gone), Velus Jones (perhaps Poles’ worst draft pick), EQ St. Brown (good only if you compare him to claypool), Tonyan (rarely used and tbh you only remember the drops), Roschon Johnson (organizationally overhyped which isn’t his fault but little usage so inconclusive), and Tyler Scott (I swear he dropped more TDs than had completions). Fields’ own rushing stats covered up another year of inconsistent rushing production from the RBs. The offensive coaching was…well most of the staff was fired so it’s not necessary to rehash them beyond bad and gone. Perhaps Waldron will be an improvement and actually develop a rookie QB. I don’t know. I do know he’ll be fired in two years if Caleb isn’t good. In short I don’t like the offensive infrastructure at all. There isn’t much beyond Moore and some young guys here or there. It kind of goes to show how much the offense relied on Fields doing something stupidly awesome (sadly we can’t live that way nor should it be his life as a pro). Now maybe poles can draft an OL but I do not trust him with the skill position players. I shudder to think how Caleb’s career pans out if Poles goes about it with as little effort as he did with Fields. How can I forget, keeping Flus has completely undercut any goodwill I might have given Poles. Other than that Mrs. Lincoln how was the play? Good ep. Can’t wait to hear from you two again.

For a second I thought mark was about to exhibit signs of Bagent mania with how fiercely he was divorcing himself from Fields. Thankfully the perceived symptoms for bagent mania were merely speculation but it seems narrowly avoided. Advised to keep patient under quarantine. Key phrases to note for a bagent maniac: quick release, good bloodlines, middle of the field, and most concerning 🤮 Getsy’s offense looked better. So far no treatment has worked for those suffering from bagent mania, we feel it may have something to do with the McCown-Heine strain but more tests are needed. Those confirmed afflicted by bagent mania must remain quarantined and labeled out of touch with reality. Edit: other than that yeah I have no hope for the bears org. Just waiting for them all to be fired and I’m just not as high on Caleb Williams (generational label seems excessive and just begging for failure of expectations). It feels foolhardy to have to essentially beg that a QB prospect is so good that they remain steadfastly bears proof. To rise above bad organizational process because the organization refuses to do it on its own. I’ll remain open to the idea that eventually the Bears could luck their way into one, and that Caleb has the potential to be the one. Bears hope is Sisyphus pushing the rock. Retaining eberflus just makes me want the rock to crush us all. Other than that fun ep

I’ll never be sorry to see the Packers win, and I’m ecstatic about Love, but seriously…the Bears need to get it together. I’m sick of this rivalry being a joke.

Vikes fan here, enjoyed the pod. I think you guys are spot on about Fields. If you're still debating if he's the guy after 3 years....well there's your answer. You have your pick of QBs from a very strong QB class. You have to take one.

tough luck guys, better days ahead from a packers fan

Sorry, man. I know it must suck. I'm a Packer fan, but love your show.

I gotta say it’s 8:20 am on black Monday and I’ve still heard nothing on the staff being fired. It makes all the logical sense in the world to fire them so that is exactly why they won’t do it I fear.

I would not be ok if the decision was to move off from only Fields. I simply refuse to believe that the coach player influence is only one way, (Fields had to beg any one who would listen that there were more things wrong than just his play and they made him retract it) and the beginning of the season was truly awful on all fronts.

I’m relaying my thoughts fully aware Fields is not going to be the Bears franchise QB. I think it was over the moment Carolina traded away their 1st. I’m still ticked that Poles never fully committed to making Fields’ job as easy as possible. The tank year was probably a good indicator that fields would eventually be moved off from. GMs are notoriously wrong all the time about QBs. Not arguing either way on Fields. I’m fully aware he is playing a rigged game right now and we’re all just waiting for the season’s conclusion to stop acting like it’s been a fair evaluation. The current crop of QB prospects aren’t exactly blowing me away. If Caleb Williams comes in under 6’0 I’m hitting the abort button immediately. He shows the same tendencies Fields does + he’s shorter, smaller 💪🏼, and slower. Can’t wait to root for him if he’s (you know) good. The rest are the personified version of 🤷🏽‍♂️. If the QB change happens then a new coaching staff better be installed prior to the draft. Seriously enough with Getsy (who’s so slimy with the politics he should run for congress). Seriously I’ve never heard a bad OC get reamed less by reporters. Move on from Flus. Side note: did you see the press conference where Getsy almost took accountability for his bad play call? I’m peeved at the reporters because they asked 3 leading follow up questions essentially begging him to put accountability on Fields for that 4th and 1.

My listen to this felt like a fever dream. I know I listened to it but I can both summarize the episode and not name a single point of the conversation. A conversation I know I’ve had too many times and maybe not enough.

Pain. Defense good vs bad QBs. Fumbles bad need work. Still won. Ooga booga. With dearest intent, Chicago caveman

Appreciate the dedication to discuss another coaching debacle. On the offensive series prior to the safety I told my brother “this is setting up beautifully to be blamed on Justin.” I’m frustrated fumbles are an issue but he’s so far down my list of concerns for that game. He was so much better coming off injury than I thought he’d be. Alas coaching scared will get you burned more often than not.

I’m sorry I just noticed the disassociated hand coming out the chest. All talk of what ifs around fields must cease until the hand gets checked out by a professional.

Another week another live stream stolen away from me. I kid. Can’t wait for Fields to actually play.

Here I am on the edge of my seat waiting for a live episode and you hit me with a promo short. Sirs you already got me no need to sell me on anything let’s rip into this dumb team.

There isn’t a way in hell you could tell me it wasn’t Getsy whispering that nonsense into collinsworth’s ear. I’m sad that it can’t be credibly said the bears did everything they could to fairly evaluate and support Fields before they jettisoned him off the team. Bears.

I’ve had this thing with this regime where I understand their actions but not committing harder to improving the team around Fields. They’ve only ever really dipped their toes into supporting him and that’s partly due to the needed tear down but it’s been bothering me as the season has gone on. Why is the OL still not fixed (improved from last year is still too low of a bar), you get DJ Moore (but still don’t throw it to him enough) but Claypool almost counter acts that. Just things I consider when I consider Poles’ job security. Bears.

Did not expect to hear the lame ducks out so early in season. Unsurprisingly getsy does his bus tossing dance and utters his favorite phrase of player execution. I shudder to think what hell will be wrought upon us if Bagent performs well. The ego stroking from the coaches would be intolerable.

Bears.

I will not be giving the Blackhawks any attention. They were done in my eyes as soon as the news of their scandal broke. I’d rather watch this train wreck of a bears season just to see the fallout than go crawling back to the same arms that protected a sexual predator. I do a lot of jumping thru hoops for professional sports but I refuse to give that hockey team any more of my time… Go bears

Was waiting for a punch line that never came. Just sadness. I don't know if I can stomach another McCaskey search for GM and head coach to coach up another lottery ticket of a QB. Yes I'm already there.

I’m having real issues with how the Justin conferences have been reported on. The first one being skewed to make it sound like Justin is blaming the coaches doesn’t shock me, but I’ve heard a bunch of reporters being disappointed that he had a follow up and I gotta say I don’t feel like he actually back tracked his initial comments. Also the beat reporters are acting like the response to Fields’ conference wasn’t purposely skewed and I’m absolutely annoyed by it.

For the fans that don’t sleep. Bears.

Ah so that’s what happened. No worries technology is fickle at times.

I was surprised by how much I came away from this game utterly disgusted with the coaching. The turnovers were bad but damn I hated getsy today. Bears.

I’m also done with the over analysis of game 1. Ultimately the goal of this season is find out if Fields is the future or not. If we win enough that we’re actually competing for the division then that’s nice but not the true goal. A bad answer isn’t necessarily the worst option, but I shouldn’t have my mind made up until after the conclusion of this season. I cannot believe I could have a visceral reaction to Nagy play designs still but I was shaking in disgust as I watched the chiefs fail Mahomes. I’m actually worried that, once he retires, Reid will hand over the reigns to Nagy (a man who literally failed upward). Reid is very lucky that Mahomes has rocketed his reputation past the division round loss wall. Bears.

Damn what’s up with this weird excitement for the falcons. I’ve actívely made fun of Robert mays and Nate Tice for their excitement because it feels like an obvious trap. Can they even throw? Bears.

Pre season can be boring

Bears

Happy I actually caught the stream.

Not sure I wanna explain pog. Probably shout it at you during a Livestream.

Not sure I wanna explain what pog means.

Huh wasn’t alerted for this

It’s weird hearing the exhaustion with pace and n Nagy. It feels like it was long ago but it’s only been a few years.

Oh can’t wait to dump my Wiederer hate on your live shows.

I’m only finding out now you have a TH-cam channel? They’re gonna hear it whenever this livestream may or may not happen.

Looks like the news feed from the draft was delayed by 27 months. Better late than never. How do you feel about this season?