NFL

Can Justin Fields Improve From the Pocket, and Which RB Will Step Up?

Published

11 months ago

May 23, 2023

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After finishing with the NFL‘s worst record in 2022, the Chicago Bears will enter their organized team activities (OTAs) with improvement on the brain. Having added multiple impact players through free agency, the draft, and the trade market, could the Bears go from worst to first next season?

Chicago will have nine OTA sessions over the next three weeks before holding a mandatory minicamp from June 13-15. Let’s break down the top storylines from Bears OTAs, including whether their third-year quarterback can take the leap.

2023 Chicago Bears OTAs Preview

Can Justin Fields Develop as a Passer?

Justin Fields’ abilities as a rushing threat can’t be denied. He led all quarterbacks with 1,143 rushing yards a season ago, coming within 70 yards of breaking Lamar Jackson’s QB running record. Fields posted more than 130 rushing yards three times and topped 60 yards in eight of his final nine games.

Fields’ work on the ground gives him a remarkably high floor, but the Bears’ offense won’t be able to take another step forward unless the former first-round pick progresses as a passer. The former Ohio State star finished dead last among 33 qualifying quarterbacks with just 4.63 adjusted net yards per attempt in 2022.

MORE: QB Power Rankings 2023 — Where Does Fields Rank?

Chicago has taken steps to cajole development from Fields, including reinforcing their offensive line and adding new playmakers. But Fields also worked with Bears offensive coordinator Luke Getsy and Andrew Janocko to observe how other quarterbacks play inside similar offensive systems.

“It starts with our film study,” Janocko said earlier this month. “We watch a lot of stuff. We watch our stuff, and we evaluate it. We watch guys around the league. We watch a lot of that, so just seeing stuff be successful — similar offenses, different offenses, but seeing them be successful. So we always have an open dialogue on what we’re studying and just looking at different ways to approach things.

“His studies, his studies with guys around the league, I think that that helps. Seeing guys play within this offense, within this footwork, around the league, different guys — this offense is pretty prevalent throughout the league — seeing those guys do it and then just being able to mimic some things, but put your own way, what he does well.”

The Bears acquired receiver DJ Moore from the Panthers as part of their trade back from No. 1 overall in the 2023 draft, and they also picked up fellow pass catcher Chase Claypool from the Steelers at last year’s trade deadline. Along with Darnell Mooney, Moore and Claypool will give Fields the best set of weapons he’s had at the NFL level and should be able to help Chicago’s passing game become more productive and sustainable.

How Will the Bears’ RB Rotation Work?

Last season, David Montgomery led the Bears with 201 rushing attempts, but he’s gone after signing a free agent deal with the division-rival Lions. Fields will remain a critical part of Chicago’s rushing attack, but the club also has three backs ready to contribute.

Khalil Herbert handled 232 carries over his first two NFL seasons as Montgomery’s backup and is now poised to take on a larger role. Viewed as potentially a better fit for the Bears’ zone scheme than Montgomery was, Herbert has the talent to ascend. However, in order to become an every-down back, he still needs work as a receiver and pass protector.

MORE: Chicago Bears Season Preview — Projected Depth Chart, Rosters, and Predictions

Chicago’s current regime didn’t draft Herbert, but general manager Ryan Poles did sign free agent D’Onta Foreman and use a fourth-round selection on Roschon Johnson. Foreman posted a breakout season as an early-down grinder for the Panthers last year, while Johnson was buried behind Bijan Robinson at Texas but profiles as a bell cow.

None of Herbert, Foreman, or Johnson has demonstrated an ability in the passing game, so the Bears’ RB rotation could become four-deep if Travis Homer is forced to become the team’s third-down back.

chicago bears otas — Jan 8, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears running back Khalil Herbert (24) runs the ball during the third quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-USA TODAY Sports

Is Chicago’s Offensive Line Set?

The Bears’ offensive line figures look quite different in 2023. Although Chicago only added two new players up front, several other projected starters are switching positions.

Braxton Jones, last year’s fifth-round steal of a left tackle, will be the only player remaining in the same spot year-over-year. At right tackle, the Bears will deploy rookie Darnell Wright, whom they selected out of Tennessee after trading back one spot in the first round.

MORE: How the Chemistry Between Justin Fields and DJ Moore Can Work for the Bears

“(Wright) has put some really good stuff on tape from college,” offensive line coach Chris Morgan said after the draft. “He knows what he’s doing. The game is kind of slow for him. That’s one of the things we really liked about him.

“Some guys, when the ball is snapped, they just play. Things look slow for him. He puts his hands where he wants to put them. He’s very controlled in his sets. He’s got good tempo. He does some really nice things.”

Meanwhile, Chicago will insert veteran Nate Davis at right guard after he signed a three-year, $30 million deal. Davis’ addition will force Teven Jenkins — a former second-round pick who thrived after moving inside — to left guard. Cody Whitehair, the longest-tenured player on the Bears’ roster, is scheduled to slide back to center after not having played there full-time since 2018.

Where Will the Pass Rush Come From?

The Bears have spent much of the offseason attempting to rectify a defensive unit that ranked dead last in scoring and efficiency last season. They used early draft picks at defensive tackle and cornerback and spent heavily to sign free agent linebackers Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards.

The one area of the defense that hasn’t been addressed? Defensive end.

Sure, Chicago signed veterans like DeMarcus Walker and Rasheem Green to help fill out the roster. And they can hope that young players like Trevis Gipson or Dominique Robinson can show signs of progression. But given that the Bears managed the second-lowest pressure rate (15.9%) in the league in 2022, they could stand to make another addition.

Luckily, high-quality free agent defensive ends are still available on the board. Veterans like Jadeveon Clowney, Yannick Ngakoue, Justin Houston, Frank Clark, and old friends Robert Quinn and Leonard Floyd are freely available. It shouldn’t be a surprise if Chicago signs a member of that group in the coming weeks.

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Taylor Swift Is Shown Chugging a Beer on the Jumbotron at Super Bowl 58

Published

2 months ago

February 12, 2024

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Global superstar Taylor Swift made it to the big game to support her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce. In the second quarter, it was evident that she was having a good time at the Super Bowl after taking a 12-hour flight from Tokyo the night prior.

Taylor Swift Seen Chugging Beer at Super Bowl

Swift’s attendance has been highly anticipated, as many fans questioned whether she would be able to make it to the big game since she had been in Japan until Saturday for her Eras Tour.

Sure enough, she made it to the Super Bowl and was seen making a grand entrance alongside Blake Lively and Ice Spice.

Swift made it back to the States with plenty of time to make it to Allegiant Stadium to support Kelce. After a leg of her Eras Tour, where she performed several nights in Japan, the singer appeared to let loose.

In a box full of friends, Swift was shown chugging a beer with Ashley Avignone. She was shown on the jumbotron and slammed her cup down after she finished her beer.

Legend 😂 pic.twitter.com/hk27JTAXZ9

— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) February 12, 2024

There was a mix of cheers and boos as Swift was shown on the big screen, and a long pass to Mecole Hardman was the only highlight of the first half for Swift and her friends. The 49ers led the Chiefs, 10-0, late in the second quarter.

On social media, Swift garnered plenty of support from NFL fans.

“If you’re hating on her you can kick rocks man she’s the best,” one user posted on X.

“The one thing I learned this season is that she is actually fun,” another said.

“Booing Taylor Swift chugging a beer is so soft. She’s just one of us now and I respect it ,” another posted.

At the time of the beer chugging, Kelce, Taylor Swift’s boyfriend, has had one catch for a single yard. It came on the first possession, which ended up being a three-and-out. The Kansas City Chiefs hadn’t done much otherwise.

They did have a deep pass play to Hardman, which put them in the red zone, but Isiah Pacheco fumbled on the very next play — one that Kelce was surprisingly on the sideline for.

Swift and Kelce have garnered much media attention as their romance has taken off throughout this NFL season.

Swift was able to support her boyfriend at many of his games throughout the final stretch of the season, as her Eras Tour was on a break. But starting on Feb. 7, she went back on the road.

MORE: NFL World Reacts to Unbelievable Super Bowl Trick Play

Despite performing in Tokyo the night before the Super Bowl, she was able to make it in time to support her boyfriend due to the time difference and is having a good time doing so.

As the 2023 NFL season comes to a close, the 2024 NFL Draft is on the horizon. Pro Football Network has you covered with everything from team draft needs to the Top 100 prospects available. Plus, fire up PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator to put yourself in the general manager’s seat and make all the calls!

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Listen to the PFN Fantasy Podcast! Click the embedded player below to listen, or you can find the PFN Fantasy Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms. Be sure to subscribe and leave us a five-star review! Rather watch instead? Check out the PFN Fantasy Podcast on our Fantasy YouTube channel.

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What Happened to the 49ers Linebacker?

Published

2 months ago

February 12, 2024

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The San Francisco 49ers sustained a massive blow during the second quarter of Super Bowl 58, as linebacker Dre Greenlaw left the game on a medical cart.

CBS Sports confirmed that the veteran Greenlaw suffered an Achilles tear, ruling him out for the rest of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

What Happened to Dre Greenlaw?

The outside linebacker, who had already been battling past injuries to his hamstrings and calves, left with what appeared to be a leg injury.

And somehow, his left leg looked like it buckled as he tried to trot onto the field with the Niners’ defense.

#49ers LB Dre Greenlaw appeared to suffer an injury while running on the field.

pic.twitter.com/zx0l1NjTew

— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) February 12, 2024

Greenlaw clutched his left leg in agony before being helped off the field.

CBS Sports sideline reporter Evan Washburn reported that the outside linebacker left with what was ruled as a lower leg injury. He was later determined to sustain an Achilles injury.

Greenlaw was declared out for the rest of the game.

#49ers LB Dre Greenlaw (Achilles) is now officially out for the game.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 12, 2024

Greenlaw Carted Off in Passenger Seat

Even more noticeable was where Greenlaw sat on the cart.

He ended up leaving not in the back of the medical vehicle but ended up riding shotgun with his leg injury.

He can’t sit in the back? pic.twitter.com/9jpz0rdoF1

— Big Cat (@BarstoolBigCat) February 12, 2024

One would think that with an injury like an Achilles ailment, medical officials would try to make the player as comfortable as possible before they leave. It wasn’t the case here.

MORE: San Francisco 49ers Depth Chart

Regardless, Greenlaw was replaced by Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles for the rest of the first half. Greenlaw became the most significant injury of the game.

As the 2023 NFL season comes to a close, the 2024 NFL Draft is on the horizon. Pro Football Network has you covered with everything from team draft needs to the Top 100 prospects available. Plus, fire up PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator to put yourself in the general manager’s seat and make all the calls!

Listen to the PFN Fantasy Podcast

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NFL World Reacts to Epic Super Bowl Intro From CBS

Published

2 months ago

February 12, 2024

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Super Bowl 58 is here and it’s going to be exciting. The San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs are facing off in the final game of 2023.

CBS is broadcasting the game and the opening was nothing short of amazing. How is the NFL world reacting to the electric Super Bowl-opening video?

Epic CBS Super Bowl Intro Garners Reaction From NFL World

The video, which spanned four minutes and 19 seconds, featured players from both teams talking about the big game and what it means to them. It also featured their families talking about their journeys to this point.

“Amazing intro! Reminds me of my dad! Bravo on the intro!,” one NFL fan said on X (formerly known as Twitter)

And now, the end is near.

And so, the @49ers and @Chiefs face that final curtain. pic.twitter.com/YgIEGOAMb1

— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) February 11, 2024

Additionally, Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” played in the background, giving it a near-movie feel. “This was incredible.,” another person said on X. “And so, the @49ers and @Chiefs face that final curtain,” CBS Sports said.

The 49ers finished the regular season as the top seed in the NFC with a 12-5 record. After their first-round bye, they defeated both the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions to earn their trip to Las Vegas for the Super Bowl. Both of their victories came in comeback fashion, including an NFC Championship-record 17-point comeback.

The Chiefs, on the other hand, had a more uphill battle. Entering the playoffs as the AFC’s third seed, they finished the regular season with an 11-6 record. In the playoffs, they defeated the Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills, and Baltimore Ravens to punch their ticket.

Super Bowl 58 is a re-match of Super Bowl 54 when the Chiefs defeated the 49ers 31-24. The win was the first in Patrick Mahomes career, as he also won Super Bowl MVP. Four years later, the Chiefs have made three more and won another. For the 49ers, this is their first trip back to the big game since.

The game kicked off at 6:30 p.m. ET with the 49ers receiving the opening kick. In addition to being broadcast on CBS, the game is also being streamed on Paramount+.