Monthly Archives: January 2016

Some Senior Bowl Observations: A Good Year for Defense, a Bad Year to Need a Quarterback

Posted on January 31, 2016 by Tom Shannon

Like all fans of the 30 non-playoff teams, my thoughts have already turned to the offseason and ponderings upon who will be going where in the NFL draft. The four month long odyssey to the April draft begins every year in … Continue reading →

Posted in Chicago Bears | 3 Comments

Vikings Change but For the Better or Worse?

Posted on January 31, 2016 by Tom Shannon

Chip Scoggins at the Minneapolis Star-Tribune discusses the curious hire of a seemingly overly qualified Pat Shurmer for the Vikings tight ends coach position. Shurmer reportedly had better opportunities. For instance, he refused an interview for the Rams passing game coordinator … Continue reading →

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John Fox Goes All-In with Dowell Loggains as He Lets Mike Groh Go

Posted on January 29, 2016 by Tom Shannon

Brad Biggs at the Chicago Tribune answers yet another question. He points out that the Bears gave permission for wide receivers coach Mike Groh to interview for a job with the Rams which he eventually took: “Why did the Bears … Continue reading →

Posted in Chicago Bears, St. Louis Rams | 1 Comment

The Jared Allen Deal to Carolina in Retrospect

Posted on January 29, 2016 by Tom Shannon

Brad Biggs at the Chicago Tribune answers more of your questions: “Do Bears a have conditional pick on Jared Allen? What are conditions? Does it go up if Panthers make the Super Bowl? — @JonGlck “No conditions on the pick … Continue reading →

Posted in Carolina Panthers, Chicago Bears | Leave a comment

Malik Jackson Could Be a Fit for the Bears Defensive Line

Posted on January 29, 2016 by Tom Shannon

Brad Biggs at the Chicago Tribune answers your questions: “Do you see the Bears making a push to sign Malik Jackson if Denver does not re-sign him? — @bkelz417″ “[The Broncos] would like to keep Jackson too but there might … Continue reading →

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Accountability Isn’t Just For the Players

Posted on January 27, 2016 by Tom Shannon

Mike Florio at profootballtalk.com comments upon the decision of former Bears offensive coordinator and new Dolphins head coach Adam Gase to keep much of the previous Dolphins staff hired by Joe Philbin: “On one hand, the move can be viewed … Continue reading →

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Defensive Linemen on the Rise in 2016 NFL Draft. Offensive Linemen, Not So Much.

Posted on January 27, 2016 by Tom Shannon

Reports from the Senior Bowl at nfl.com support previous indications that the defensive linemen are going to be a strength in this year’s NFL draft. Here’s a cross section of the comments from the first day of practice: “Mike Mayock … Continue reading →

Posted in Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, New England Patriots | 1 Comment

Way Too Early for Predictions But…

Posted on January 26, 2016 by Tom Shannon

Steve Rosenbloom at the Chicago Tribune comments upon the Super Bowl and points out that both teams were formerly coached by Bears head coach John Fox. That leads him to this statement: “Fox’s history says he’s a quick-turnaround coach. Fox’s … Continue reading →

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Bradford to the 49ers? No Way.

Posted on January 24, 2016 by Tom Shannon

Martin Frank at delawareonline.com speculates that the 49ers might be interested in trading for Sam Bradford: “Chip Kelly always liked to use the phrase ‘open competition’ to describe the battle for the starting quarterback when he coached the Eagles, whether … Continue reading →

Posted in Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers | Leave a comment

Vernon Adams Is a Name that Bears Fans Should Know Going Into the 2016 NFL Draft

Posted on January 24, 2016 by Tom Shannon

Michael David Smith at profootballtalk.com comments upon the outstanding showing that Orgeon quarterback Vernon Adams put on at the East-West Shrine Bowl: “Adams has a lot going against him in the eyes of the NFL: He’s only 5-foot-11 and 195 pounds. He played only one … Continue reading →

Posted in Chicago Bears, New Orleans Saints, San Francisco 49ers | 1 Comment