Author Archives: Tom Shannon

Could the Answer at Guard Already Be on the Roster?

Posted on January 16, 2016 by Tom Shannon

Kevin Fishbain at chicagosports.com reviews the performance of the offensive line in 2015: “Next for [offensive line coach] Dave Magazu and [general manager Ryan] Pace is finding a starting right guard, whether it’s through the draft, free agency or bringing … Continue reading →

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Not the Best Question I Ever Asked

Posted on January 15, 2016 by Tom Shannon

Brad Biggs at the Chicago Tribune responds to a question from this ignorant fan: “I’ve been hesitant to get behind Dowell Loggains because he was Johnny Manziel’s quarterbacks coach during a miserable season last year. I recognize that by far … Continue reading →

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Cleaner Play, Better Defense the Real Key to Packers Success

Posted on December 29, 2015 by Tom Shannon

Michael Cohen of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel explains what happened on the Packers offensive line in Sunday’s blow out loss to the Arizona Cardinals: “[David] Bakhtiari is out, [Brian] Bulaga goes down, [T.J.] Lang and [Corey] Linsley both miss portions … Continue reading →

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Buccaneers Game a Highlight for the Coordinators

Posted on December 28, 2015 by Tom Shannon

Rich Campbell at the Chicago Tribune reviews the Bears victory over the Buccaneers Sunday: “I-formation: The Bears used two tailbacks in an I-formation on some short-yardage plays, including both of Carey’s touchdowns. “Carey was the up back on both scores, … Continue reading →

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Quick Game Comments: Bears at Buccaneers 12/27/15

Posted on December 27, 2015 by Tom Shannon

Offense Tampa Bay played a familiar Lovie Smith-style bend but don’t break defense but the blitzed more than is usual, presumably to put pressure on the somewhat weak Bears offensive line. It was reasonably effective. The Bears responded by trying … Continue reading →

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The Chip Kelly Conundrum

Posted on December 26, 2015 by Tom Shannon

Darius Walker at nfl.com comments upon the disconnect between the offensive system and running back Demarco Murray, who the Eagles gave a $40 million contract to in the offseason: “Chip Kelly‘s high-powered spread offense revolves around spacing. The majority of … Continue reading →

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Only Limited Similarity Between John Fox and Lovie Smith

Posted on December 26, 2015 by Tom Shannon

David Haugh at the Chicago Tribune praises former Bears head coach Lovie Smith but at the same time under-states the positives of current head coach John Fox by stating that there’s not much difference between the two: “The praise heaped … Continue reading →

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Bears 2015 Draft Was Very Good but 2016 Needs to Be Better

Posted on December 25, 2015 by Tom Shannon

Former Bears director of college scouting Greg Gabriel takes a “first look at the 2016 NFL draft”. It is, in fact, more of a look back at 2015: “In the 2015 Draft, the Bears got four players who already have … Continue reading →

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Decision on Class Act Matt Forte Can’t Come Until the Offseason

Posted on December 24, 2015 by Tom Shannon

Dan Wiederer at the Chicago Tribune quotes running back Matt Forte on the Bears letting his contract run out before making a decision on what to do moving forward: “Forte expressed his desire for a contract extension last offseason, even … Continue reading →

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Will Trent Baalke Be the Owner, Too?

Posted on December 23, 2015 by Tom Shannon

Anyone wondering what the problem is with the 49ers need wonder no longer. Darin Gantt at profootballtalk.com comments: “Trent Baalke’s apparently doing more than delivering players such as defensive backs Jimmie Ward and Jaquiski Tartt for the 49ers. “He’s apparently … Continue reading →

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