Is it just me or are weekends getting shorter as I’m getting older?
As s often the case on Sundays, this Sunday set of BN Bears Bullets features a mess of things that I bookmarked during the week but never got around to writing about for any number of reasons. But because seemingly everything is digital now, I can’t even blame my dog for eating my work. And, sure, not having a dog would make that excuse dead on arrival. But I’ve got some good pup friends that would vouch for my work. They deserve treats.
It’s nice to see Tyson Bagent put in some extra work in the offseason:
There is no denying the Tyson Bagent experience was an entertaining story to follow last year. Well, as entertaining as it can get for a quarterback who they’re more interceptions (6) than touchdowns (3). But I digress. I still think Bagent can carve out a niche in the league — even if he isn’t the next Brock Purdy. If Bagent wants to stick around in the NFL, he’ll need to be more than a fun story. Hence, I am fascinated by how he has gone about working out to take his game to another level.
A fun and random thought: Tyson Bagent will enter the Bears offseason workout plan as the team’s QB1. Justin Fields is no longer ahead of him on the depth chart. And even with Brett Rypien joining the team in a backup role, Bagent should get whatever reps come this time of year for starting quarterbacks. It isn’t going to be much because workouts this time of year are limited. But that still doesn’t mean there is any excuse to not make the most of any sliver of opportunity that comes your way.
How about some fantasy football rookie quarterback rankings from Pro Football Focus? because it’s never too early to get a leg up on your competition. After all, you don’t want to be doing the Waffle House challenge because you finished dead last in your league again. Or maybe you do? I haven’t had Waffle House since March 2023 and I could really go for some right now.
I love seeing small school prospects get some buzz. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports that Southeast Missouri State wide receiver Ryan Flournoy had recent visits with the Buffalo Bills and Chicago Bears. Flournoy stood out at the Senior Bowl after showing some playmaking ability while at SEMO. In two years with the Redhawks, Flournoy had 118 catches, 1,823 receiving yards, and 13 touchdown catches. He also added 9 carries, 88 rushing yards, and 2 ground scores for good measure. We know Bears GM Ryan Poles loves a good hometown story. So maybe the Homewood-Flossmoor product finds his way on the Bears after the dust settles on draft weekend.
Pre-draft smokescreen season is my favorite:
Here’s hoping the draft still has a fair share of surprises.
ESPN’s Pete Thamel reports Hines Ward is joining the Arizona State University football team’s coaching staff where he’ll work with receivers. Ward had a decorated NFL career that features four Pro Bowl nods, two Super Bowl rings, a Super Bowl XL MVP trophy, 1,000 receptions, 12,083 yards, and 85 touchdowns. But he has also picked up coaching experience with FAU, the New York Jets, and in the XFL. The post-playing career of NFL players can be such a fun thing to follow.
Now, I’m trying to think of which ex-Bears would I want as a coach. Let me chew on that and circle back to you later.
Hey, look who was a the White Sox-Reds game on Saturday:
It is hard to beat a Saturday at the park, even if it is the White Sox and Reds playing.
The reason behind not getting around to re-sharing this is because I didn’t have a peg for it. But the context provided by The MMQB’s Albert Breer was interesting enough:
I have a friend who reminds me that Bears Head Coach Matt Eberflus remained employed this offseason while Pete Carroll and Bill Belichick were shown the door by the respective franchises that they won Super Bowls for in the past. This isn’t to ignore the nuance that went into those decisions. But still … it is surprising that Belichick didn’t have more interest.
Something I’m looking forward to in the future: ESPN has begun production on a 30-for-30 documentary of broadcast icon Stuart Scott. As someone who grew up in the prime era of ESPN SportsCenter and loved Stuart Scott, this will be must-see for me. (Deadline)
BLEACHER NATION ON TWITTER: BN Bears | BN Cubs | BN Bulls | BN Blackhawks
The Blackhawks signed prospect Frank Nazar to an entry-level contract, which begins NOW! Seems like a big deal for Chicago hockey fans.
Eli pulls up with the final set of Bullets of the regular season at BN Bulls.
I’m very much here for a Willie Harris-Seiya Suzuki buddy cop comedy after watching this:
NEWSLETTER
