Pre-Season Notes – Chicago Bears – Game 1

Last year I made it a tradition for me to watch the Chicago Bears Pre-Season games in their entirety, compile notes – note standouts and specific performances. I’m not too certain, though, whether I’ve ever released those notes. This year I am releasing them, though, and it all began yesterday when the Philadelphia Eagles took on my Chicago Bears at Soldier Field for the opening Pre-Season Game.

For this year’s Pre-Season I’ve chosen to keep an eye on the following list of players; and each player will score points based on his performances each week:

  • #25 – Running Back – Ka’Deem Carey – Rookie.
  • #12 – Quarterback – David Fales – Rookie.
  • #95 – Defensive Tackle – Ego Ferguson – Rookie.
  • #45 – Safety – Brock Vereen – Rookie.
  • #93 – Defensive Tackle – Will Sutton – Rookie.
  • #23 – Cornerback – Kyle Fuller – Rookie.
  • #16 – Punter/Holder – Pat O’Donnell – Rookie.
  • #36 – Running Back/Quarterback – Jordan Lynch – Rookie.
  • #57 – Linebacker – Jon Bostic – Second Year.
  • #50 – Linebacker/Defensive End – Shea McClellin – Third Year.

Before rating these specific performances of note, I’ve compiled a list of standouts from the game – which cannot include the players above. In a game where very few Special Team highlights for the Bears were noted, I’ve decided to gloss over that section – and in stead, first look at the defensive standouts. Safety Ryan Mundy and cornerback Sherrick McManis both picked off Nick Foles, and are obvious standouts defensively. Second year Linebacker Khaseem Greene outplayed every 2nd & 3rd string linebacker in the game, and hopefully he can continue to get better – and maybe even battle for a spot with the 1st string. Undrafted rookie cornerback Al Louis-Jean also managed to get a pick, and showed solid movement on the interception itself. Jeremy ‘Jay’ Ratliff also performed well in the game, provided good pressure. My premier defensive standout, however, was defensive end Trevor Scott. He showed an ability to pressure the Quarterback, and was solid on all the snaps he played.

Offensively we have a lot of people to note as well, first and foremost we have our Franchise Quarterback – Jay Cutler. After a poor opening drive, he came back on his second and final – and led his team back in the redzone, and then to the endzone. Cutler managed to find Alshon Jeffery, Brandon Marshall, Dante Rosario and Zach Miller – the latter two being premier offensive standouts. Look out Martellus Bennett. I also have two standouts for the 3rd stringers. First and foremost, former CFL Wide Receiver and Punt Returner Chris Williams performed well, and even had a 70+ yards Touchdown to cap off his night. Finally, I must congratulate 3rd string Quarterback Jimmy Clausen – he’s managed to perform at a level that exceeded that of 2nd stringer Jordan Palmer.


Now we move on to the specific ratings.

  • #25 – Ka’Deem Carey: 2+ points, 1- point; Average Performance; Game 1 Score: 1 point.
  • #12 – David Fales: 1+ point, 2- points; Below Average Performance; Game 1 Score: Negative 1 point.
  • #95 – Ego Ferguson: 3+ points, 2- points; Average Performance; Game 1 Score: 1 point.
  • #45 – Brock Vereen: 2+ points, 2-points; Average Performance; Game 1 Score: 0 points.
  • #93 – Will Sutton: 1+ point, 1- point; Average Performance; Game 1 Score: o points.
  • #23 – Kyle Fuller: 4+ points, 0- points; Above Average Performance; Game 1 Score: 4 points.
  • #16 – Pat O’Donnell: 1+ point, 1- point; Below Average Performance; Game 1 Score: 0 points.
  • #36 – Jordan Lynch: 3+ points, 1- point; Above Average Performance; Game 1 Score: 2 points.
  • #57 – Jon Bostic: 0+ points, 4- points; Below Average Performance; Game 1 Score: Negative 4 points.
  • #50 – Shea McClellin: 1+ point, 5- points; Below Average Performance; Game 1 Score: Negative 4 points.

Rookie of the Game: Kyle Fuller, Cornerback.

Player of the Game: Zach Miller, Tight End.

 

NFL Draft 2014 Review: Chicago Bears

David Fales, QB, San Jose State – 6th Round Pick, Chicago Bears.

The wait is over. After having watched the entirety of the 7 rounds we can now take a step back and look at what we got. Now, I will not be grading our Draft Class, for they haven’t played yet – but I will see if I agree with the picks we’ve made, and if we’ve filled the holes we have on our team – the needs we have on our team. So without further ado:

KYLE FULLER

For some this was their top cornerback (it was not for me, but he was up there), and by that respect it’s a good pick. Now, here’s why many Bears fans are upset with this pick, we had our choice of safeties here… HaHa and Pryor were both there, and the former ended up with Green Bay… Still, this pick gets us a future replacement for Peanut Tillman, as well as scores us a starting Nickelcorner – and that’s an important position to fill when you have opponents like Eric Ebron, Brandon Pettigrew, Randall Cobb etc. I like this pick, but I would’ve taken HaHa Clinton-Dix.

EGO FERGUSON

We needed a Defensive Tackle, and we got one here. I would’ve reached for a safety here – but Ego fills a need as a 2-technigue. I don’t know a lot about this guy.

WILL SUTTON

When we picked our second Defensive Tackle, this one being 3-technigue, a lot of Bears fans were going crazy – in a good way. There’s been some problems with his weight, but he gained weight for the sake of his team, and he’s down to 290 pounds now, I believe. Good pick – but where is our safety?

KA’DEEM CAREY

Value Pick. Ka’Deem Carey is tough to bring down, though as quick as Forte. Here we have a guy to take over for Michael Bush as the short yardage guy, and backup Running Back. I cannot argue with this pick.

BROCK VEREEN

Then we traded back into the fourth round, and that was exciting. Brock Vereen was our guy, a safety from Minnesota. He was on my list for Day 3 in my Day 2 Review, and I’m glad we got him.

DAVID FALES

Here’s a guy I love. Back in January I started looking for a young backup, and then I saw David Fales – and I loved what he showed, how promising he was. Then I ranked the QB’s a few weeks ago, and I mentioned him as a guy I’d love for Trestman to get his hands on. I called this pick, and I love this pick.

PAT O’DONNELL

Punters are people too. This guy is built like a linebacker, and looks to have a big kick. You cannot argue with picking a punter in the 6th round (the best punter in the draft), after having seen Podlesh last year.

CHARLES LENO JR.

Building depth on our offensive line, that’s very important – and who knows, he may be the next Jordan Mills.

– I’m Jeffrey Rex.

NFL Draft Day 2 Review: Chicago Bears 2014

So, guess what? We did not draft the safety we need – thus leaving a lot of options open on day 3. After having taken nickel-corner Kyle Fuller in the first, we grabbed Ego Ferguson, LSU, a defensive tackle who’s to play 2-technigue. In the 3rd round, when we were all complaining about not taking Louis Nix (who actually dropped deep into the 3rd round), we picked up Will Sutton from Arizona State – also a defensive tackle, probably looking at 3-technigue. People really like Will Sutton, whereas Ego was a different story – however, having added both I feel comfortable with our defensive line going forward.

REMAINING NEEDS

Well, we still need a safety – but remaining needs also include a backup QB (though Emery might disagree), a backup running back, added receiving competition and some more linebacking power. I’ve got a list of guys I’d like to share, a list of guys who I’d love to see in a Bears jersey or I think are positional needs that still have value, though not all of them are THAT realistic:

  • Ed Reynolds, Safety, Stanford (PAC-12).
  • Brock Vereen, Safety, Minnesota (Big Ten).
  • Jonathan Dowling, Safety, Western Kentucky (Sun Belt).
  • Craig Loston, Safety, LSU (SEC).
  • Marqueston Huff, Safety, Wyoming (Mountain West).
  • Dion Bailey, Safety, USC (PAC-12)
  • Shayne Skov, Linebacker, Stanford (PAC-12).
  • Michael Sam, Defensive End, Missouri (SEC).
  • Andre Williams, Running Back, Boston College (ACC).
  • Martavis Bryant, Wide Receiver, Clemson (ACC).
  • Marcel Jensen, Tight End, Fresno St. (Mountain West).
  • Devin Street, Wide Receiver, Pittsburgh (ACC).
  • Aaron Murray, Quarterback, Georgia (SEC).
  • David Fales, Quarterback, San Jose St. (Mountain West).
  • A.J. McCarron, Quarterback, Alabama (SEC).
  • Tajh Boyd, Quarterback, Clemson (ACC).

PREVIEW DAY 3

On day 3 we still have 4 picks, 1 in the 4th, 1 in the 5th and 2 in the 6th. Now, I don’t think we need more than 2 or 3 prospects, and if possible I’d like to see Phil Emery trade up a bit to grab the guy he wants. If we leave day 3 with Craig Loston, Shayne Skov and David Fales – for example – I would be happy with this draft.

– I’m Jeffrey Rex.

NFL Draft Day 1 Review: Chicago Bears 2014

So, that was one hell of an opening day. From the shocking Buffalo-trade to the last minute Bridgewater-steal, we had intense debate and intrigue. The big theme of the night was the wait of the QBs. Bridgewater waited all night, Garoppolo was NOT picked and Manziel was picked as #22 (3rd time Cleveland pick a QB at that position). Now, this Day 1 Review will focus on my Bears, as we look at what went right and what went wrong.

NO CIGAR

Close, but no cigar Bears fans… Aaron Donald did indeed drop down in the draft – and as we sat hoping all the pieces would come together, the St.Louis Rams called the Pittsburgh Defensive Tackle, and got defensively greedy. A lot of us would’ve loved Donald, but we also knew it was a stretch to say we would get the opportunity – meanwhile we felt comfortable that some Defensive Tackles would drop (and some did). Now, I was not that deflated by the ‘loss’ of Aaron Donald – for my two top Safeties were still there for us to pick – Calvin Pryor and HaHa Clinton-Dix; I anxiously waited for Emery to make the pick…

JOKE’S ON US

Indeed, the joke is on us – for while Phil Emery decided not to pick a safety – and stuck with a guy he “loves” – HaHa dropped down to #21 and was picked up by the Packers… Also, Calvin Pryor fell to the Jets. Now, who did we get then? Mike Mayock’s 13th ranked player in the entire draft. That sounds great, but we did not fill an immediate need. No safety, no Defensive-line help. Instead we strengthened our Cornerback position. Now, guys, don’t freak out. While we’ve still got Peanut and Jennings – this guy is not JUST the future cornerback, he will also feature in the battle for the nickel-spot. And the nickel position is of importance in today’s NFL. We face people like Eric Ebron, Brandon Pettigrew and Randall Cobb – you’d want a Cornerback taking care of them. Expect to see Virginia Tech Cornerback Kyle Fuller a lot for the Bears – as he is also a top rated Special Teams-player.

PREVIEW DAY 2

With the 2nd and 3rd round picks being announced starting 7 pm Eastern (US), we must now look forward and take a peak at the players we might need. Defensive Tackle and Safety still need to be filled properly. Starting with Safety, we may have a problem. Buccannon, Ward, HaHa and Pryor all went in the first round, and though the remaining players may not be the best in the draft – we desperately need a new Safety – we’re gonna reach. Lamarcus Joyner (Florida State) ranked 65th on Mayock’s Top 100 is still there, as well as his teammate Terrence Brooks and guys like Marqueston Huff. On D-tackle Timmy Jernigan’s still there and so is Hageman & Nix. We have options, but we need to be aware and take the bigger need – not the better player. Go with a safety.

– I’m Jeffrey Rex.

My Draft Board: Chicago Bears

GM Phil Emery of the Chicago Bears.

In this post I will be mentioning players I will be keeping an eye open for, as the Draft begins and moves ahead. Players that I wouldn’t mind having with the Bears. Now, I’m going to be realistic, so no Khalil Mack or Jadeveon Clowney – seeing as they won’t drop to our position, and we can’t trade up. Without further ado, let the Draft Board begin.

Positions of Need

  • Safety.
  • Defensive Tackle.
  • Cornerback.
  • Linebacker.
  • Backup Quarterback.
  • Backup Runningback.

Starting chronologically on the positions of need, we have the safety position. My favourite player who could supposedly get in our reach is HaHa Clinton-Dix from the University of Alabama. I’ve been eyeing this guy for a long time, pretty much the entire off-season. Now, chances are he perhaps won’t be there, teams a couple of picks prior to our 14th pick do want secondary help, and that might hurt our chances at him. If we’re unlucky, and HaHa has already been taken before we get to him, then Calvin Pryor from Louisville is another popular choice. I know more about HaHa than I do about Calvin, but I believe Calvin’s very physical in nature and aggressive in style (which could be a problem and a point of emphasis for scouts). Alternatively, in the second round Jimmie Ward from Northern Illinois would be a popular pick for our Illinois team.  Also, I’ve heard a lot of good about Deone Bucannon, who could be an option if we trade back.

The Bears recently lost Henry Melton, and even though we’ve signed a lot of D-line stars, we still need a young and strong Defensive Tackle to fix our D-line. Aaron Donald would be a dream pick here, but odds are he won’t be there at 14. Now, if we cannot get him it might be better to look at Defensive Tackle in the second round with Dominique Easley.

At Cornerback I really like Darqueze Dennard, but I’ve been told that he’s had a lot of injury problems, and that might hurt his chances with the Bears. Now, Justin Gilbert would fix a lot of things for the Bears, he’d bring added physicality, fresh talent at cornerback and kick-returning abilities. I don’t see Justin falling to 14 either, though. I’ve heard a bit about Pierre Desir of Lindenwood, and I could see him as an option in rounds 3 or 4. Perhaps even in the second.

C.J. Mosley would be great for the Bears at Linebacker, but don’t expect us to pick him as we just grapped 2 linebackers in the draft least year, and signed a few in free agency. Ryan Shazier could take over for Lance Briggs, though, one day – and we should seriously consider him if dropping back in the draft.

Looking at the backup positions I see Andre Williams from Boston College as an option at Running Back, he’s not a pass catcher – but he could fill the need for a strong running back to block and score on short yardage plays like Michael Bush did for us last season. As for backup quarterback? Well, we probably won’t grab one in the early rounds, thus eliminating a lot of people from the equation. David Fales from San Jose State might be an option, though, as a work-in-progress for Trestman.

Enjoy the Draft!

– I’m Jeffrey Rex

I’m Jeffrey Rex ‘Award’ Show Announced

In the next few days, perhaps even hours, if you are lucky, I will be posting a blogpost regarding my personal picks for various ‘Awards’ for 2013. The I’m Jeffrey Rex Award Show will feature the following categories – do note that I have listed at least 2 nominees for each category:

  • Playstation 3 Game of The Year 2013:
    The Last of Us.
    Grand Theft Auto V (5).
  • Playstation 4 Game of The Year 2013:
    LEGO Marvel Super Heroes.
    Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag.
    RESOGUN.
  • Playstation Vita Game of The Year 2013:
    Tearaway.
    Guacamelee!
  • PC/MAC Game of The Year 2013:
    Gone Home.
    Football Manager 2014.
  • Overall Game of The Year 2013:
    The Last of Us.
    Grand Theft Auto V (5).
    RESOGUN.
    Gone Home.
  • Movie of The Year 2013:
    Gravity.
    The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug.
    Jagten/The Hunt (Based on Danish/US Release Date).
  • Best Performance by an Actor in a Cinematic Experience 2013:
    Mads Mikkelsen in Jagten/The Hunt.
    Simon Pegg in The World’s End.
    Martin Freeman in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug.
  • Best Performance by an Actress in a Cinematic Experience 2013:
    Sandra Bullock in Gravity.
    Rinko Kikuchi in Pacific Rim.
    Amy Adams in Man of Steel.
  • Best Performance in Directing a Cinematic Experience 2013:
    Alfonso Cuarón for Gravity.
    Peter Jackson for The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug.
    Guillermo del Toro for Pacific Rim.
  • Television Show of The Year 2013:
    Breaking Bad.
    Game of Thrones.
    House of Cards.
  • Best Peformance by an Actor in a Television Show 2013:
    Bryan Cranston in Breaking Bad.
    Kevin Spacey in House of Cards.
    Mads Mikkelsen in Hannibal.
  • Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Show 2013:
    Robin Wright in House of Cards.
    Vera Farmiga in Bates Motel.
    Emilia Clarke in Game of Thrones.
  • Song of The Year 2013:
    – “Holy Grail” by Jay Z featuring Justin Timberlake.
    – “Headlights” by Eminem featuring Nate Ruess.
  • Chelsea FC Player of The Year 2013:
    Eden Hazard.
    Frank Lampard.
    Juan Mata.
  • Chicago Bears Player of The Year 2013:
    Josh McCown, Backup Quarterback.
    Alshon Jeffery, Wide Receiver.
    Kyle Long, Offensive Lineman (Rookie).
  • FC Copenhagen Player of The Year 2013:
    Nicolai Jørgensen.
    Rurik Gislason.
    Thomas Delaney.
  • Overall Performance of The Year 2013:
    – Creating The Last of Us, by Naughty Dog.
    – Cinematographic and Directorial Achievement in Gravity, by Alfonso Cuarón & Emmanuel Lubezski.
    – Excellence in writing Breaking Bad, by Vince Gilligan (Representing the Writing Staff)

*Do note that when dealing with movies, games and songs I nominate out of the pieces I have seen, played or listened to.

I will announce the winners in the next few days,
– I’m Jeffrey Rex

 

Ideas 2014

I have been thinking about some possible blogposts for the next couple of weeks and going forward. As of right now, I would like to blog about my Chicago Bears in length. I am also seriously considering blogging about my #365Films New Year’s Resolution, perhaps posting a sample review each month of the movies seen.

I also need to update my section on important projects I have done. This past year I worked on some Shakespeare, American Imperialism etc. at the University of Copenhagen. I have been informed that I will be reading both American and English Literature next semester, I am very much looking forward to that.

That’s all for now,
– I’m Jeffrey Rex

 

 

MMXIV

A Status Update

Welcome to 2014 – MMXIV in Roman numerals – a year where things will change and I will probably only be posting few updates, sadly.

“I’m going through changes”:

  • 31st of December 2013 marked the first time in a long time that I did not post a New Year’s Speech.
  • Moving on I expect little or no mentioning of the Tour de France. I simply feel like it would be stupid for me to dedicate a lot of time on the blog to that subject, seeing as it is only my Fifth favorite sport.
  • Expect a prediction for the 2014/2015 NFL season to feature this year, I love the NFL, and hopefully I’ll be better than I was at predicting this year. I mean… I predicted that the Ravens would go to the Super Bowl in the 2012/2013 season…
  • Expect more posts simply about my Chicago Bears.
  • My New Years Resolution for 2014 is to watch 365 movies in 365 days, expect posts about the movies I’ve seen this year.
  • My Game of the Year for 2013 was The Last of Us, best game I have ever played.

So that was that. My second semester at the University of Copenhagen begins this february, if you were wondering.

Don’t we all… Don’t we all…

Catch you later!
– I’m Jeffrey Rex

 

Remembering 54

The 22nd of May 2013 a great Bears Legend retired. I am of course referring to The Great 54. Brian Urlacher played Linebacker for the Chicago Bears from 2000 to 2012, and left the Bears for free agency in 2013. But after not getting a new deal with the Bears, Brian found it very difficult to find a new team. A sad thing for Brian who probably could have played for a few more years, and, in my opinion, should have been with the Bears for at least two more years before retiring. Unfortunately he was not signed to a new deal, and his last memories of his Bears career will not be good. He’ll remember the firing of Lovie Smith, and he’ll remember a, somewhat, poor treatment from the General Manager, Phil Emery.

However, he’ll also remember a great career with a storied franchise – my favorite NFL team, the Chicago Bears. Now, I’ll find it very difficult to say Brian Urlacher is the best Linebacker to ever play the game, and possibly even as hard to say he’s the best Linebacker in Bears’ History – but I won’t do that. Instead, I’ll tell you that Urlacher is the greatest Linebacker I’ve ever seen play. Keep in mind that I was born in 1993, and was introduced to the game around 2005-2007. So I haven’t seen Dick Butkus or Mike Singletary play – sad, but true.

Thankfully, I got to see Brian Urlacher – the best Bears player I’ve ever had the pleasure of seeing play. Some would argue that he isn’t nearly as good as other Bears Legends like Mike Ditka, Gale Sayers, Walter Payton or the aforementioned Linebacker Legends – but he is the best Bears player I have ever seen play. And that’s good enough for me.

Thanks for everything, Brian. I’m glad you only ever wore a Bears jersey.

– I’m Jeffrey Rex.

Post Scriptum: Please don’t do a “Brett Favre”.