Bears draft preview: Cornerbacks
April, 21, 2012
Apr 21
9:05
AM CT
By
Michael C. Wright | ESPNChicago.com
AP Photo/Matt CilleyOregon State cornerback Brandon Hardin, left, who has visited with the Bears, could wind up at safety in the NFL.If healthy, Hayden should challenge Tim Jennings for the starting job opposite Charles Tillman. But with Hayden the key word is “if,” which is why it makes sense for the Bears to strongly consider adding a cornerback in the draft capable of challenging for a starting job.
Improved quarterback play around the division with players such as Green Bay’s Aaron Rodgers and Detroit’s Matthew Stafford, coupled with the dangerous receivers of the NFC North intensifies the need to stock rosters with top-notch cover men.
“I don’t have the statistics to say, but I would say from two years ago through last year, our division has definitely improved. I would say it’s going to continue to improve and you start at the quarterback position,” Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy said. “You have four relatively young quarterbacks that are getting ready to play in the high part of their careers.”
The Bears see what’s developing and are making the appropriate moves to compensate. Surely they also view the current situation at cornerback as somewhat unsettled because of Jennings’ struggles last season, paired with the health of Hayden.
Hayden struggled to play with a dislocated toe last season in Atlanta, and the Falcons eventually placed him on the injured reserve. Having started in 47 games in seven seasons, Hayden has also failed multiple team physicals in the past because of a 2010 neck injury, and isn’t yet fully recovered from the toe injury that ended his 2011 campaign.
Wilhite, meanwhile, is viewed as a backup, although he’s displayed the ability to start in the past.
So the Bears could be looking for insurance. The Bears have held private workouts with West Virginia’s Keith Tandy and Montana’s Trumaine Johnson, in addition to bringing in Oregon State cornerback Brandon Hardin in for a visit.
Johnson projects as a second-round pick, while Tandy will likely go undrafted or taken late. Although Hardin and Tandy played corner in college, scouts project both could move to free safety in the NFL.
The next 10: 11. Jayron Hosley, Virginia Tech, 5-10, 178; 12. Chase Minnifield, Virginia, 5-11, 183; 13. Jamell Fleming, Oklahoma, 5-11, 206; 14. Josh Norman, Coastal Carolina, 6-0, 197; 15. Ron Brooks, Louisiana State, 5-10, 190; 16. Trevin Wade, Arizona, 5-10, 192; 17. Omar Bolden, Arizona State, 5-11, 202; 18. Leonard Johnson, Iowa State, 5-10, 196; 19. Shaun Prater, Iowa, 5-10, 190; 20. Asa Jackson, Cal Poly, 5-10, 191.
Position grade: B-.
Analysis: Passing offenses are becoming much more prolific, heightening the demand for shutdown corners. Three appear to be first-round locks, but some of the NFL’s future stars could come from the raw small-school prospects such as Montana’s Johnson, and Coastal Carolina’s Josh Norman. Because of the uncertainty at cornerback opposite Tillman going into 2012, look for the Bears to be in the mix to add at the position.
The Bears have also shown interest in Louisiana State cornerback Ron Brooks, who projects as a fourth to fifth-round pick that would provide added value on special teams as a gunner.
Illinois' Allen wants to blaze new NFL trail
April, 20, 2012
Apr 20
4:55
PM CT
By
Scott Powers | ESPNChicago.com
Chicago’s King High School has always been touted for its basketball history.
From Marcus Liberty to Rashard Griffith to Leon Smith to Thomas Hamilton to Jamie Brandon to Imari Sawyer, the list of basketball stars to come through the Chicago South Side school has been plentiful.
King’s football program is a different story. It isn’t nearly as known, but Jeff Allen plans to change that.
Allen, who graduated from King in 2008 and started four years on the offensive line at Illinois, is expected to be selected somewhere in the opening rounds of the NFL draft next week.
“We have had some decent players from our high school program go onto college,” Allen said of King. “We just haven’t had any great players. That would be an honor for me. We’ve had some great players throughout time, but they obviously played basketball. To be included in the same sentence with them would be an honor.”
Always one of the bigger kids growing up, Allen gravitated toward football at an early age. His dreams of the NFL started not too long after he began playing when he was 9 years old.
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Jeff Hanisch/US PresswireIllinois' Jeff Allen is projected to be selected in the second round of the NFL draft by Mel Kiper.
Jeff Hanisch/US PresswireIllinois' Jeff Allen is projected to be selected in the second round of the NFL draft by Mel Kiper.King’s football program is a different story. It isn’t nearly as known, but Jeff Allen plans to change that.
Allen, who graduated from King in 2008 and started four years on the offensive line at Illinois, is expected to be selected somewhere in the opening rounds of the NFL draft next week.
“We have had some decent players from our high school program go onto college,” Allen said of King. “We just haven’t had any great players. That would be an honor for me. We’ve had some great players throughout time, but they obviously played basketball. To be included in the same sentence with them would be an honor.”
Always one of the bigger kids growing up, Allen gravitated toward football at an early age. His dreams of the NFL started not too long after he began playing when he was 9 years old.
Draft position no concern for NIU's Wedige
April, 20, 2012
Apr 20
12:25
PM CT
By
Jeff Dickerson | ESPNChicago.com
Scott Walstrom, NIU Media ServicesScott Wedige was a two-time first team All-MAC conference selection at center for Northern Illinois.So the stigma of possibly going undrafted in a few weeks does not bother former Northern Illinois center Scott Wedige, who some teams still might view as a potential late-round selection.
"I had a chance to train not too long ago for a few days with Jeff Saturday and Ryan Diem, who also played his college ball at Northern," Wedige said before a recent workout at Breakaway Athletics in Barrington. "I mean, Jeff Saturday went undrafted out of North Carolina and made what, five Pro Bowls? Saturday told me it's all about finding the right fit. He got lucky and look what happened.
Bears draft preview: Safeties
April, 20, 2012
Apr 20
9:59
AM CT
By
Michael C. Wright | ESPNChicago.com
Marvin Gentry/US PresswireAlabama's Mark Barron is considered the top safety prospect.But even with a new general manager in Phil Emery, it's unlikely the Chicago Bears break recent tradition in the NFL Draft. The Bears have used a draft pick on a safety in each of the last seven years of Lovie Smith's eight-year tenure.
Don't expect that to change for 2012.
"I think I'm on record on how I feel about Major Wright. I'm just as excited about Chris Conte," Smith said at the NFL Combine. "I just don't think we've been in this good of a position at the two starting positions [as we are] at our safety position right now. So I'm excited about them."
History indicates such feelings change quickly at that position. Although injuries played a role last season in the team utilizing eight combinations at safety, ineffective play also contributed to turnover. Coming off a 2010 season in which he earned second-team All-Pro honors, Chris Harris fell out of favor quickly in 2011, and was suiting up for the Detroit Lions by season's end.
The team made Brandon Meriweather its highest-paid safety in 2011, starting him in four games before eventually sitting him. Meriweather played a total of 11 contests for the Bears. In four others, Meriweather dressed but didn't take the field.
So while optimism abounds now, Wright and Conte could suffer similar fates as others before them given the bottom-line oriented nature of the NFL, not to mention the general fickleness in recent years displayed by the staff regarding the safety position.
It's no secret the Bears have been eyeing potential safeties this offseason at college workouts. The team had also scheduled a pre-draft visit with Oregon State's Brandon Hardin, who like Conte, played cornerback in college, but projects by some as a mid to late-round safety.
The current roster features Conte, Wright, Craig Steltz, Winston Venable, and Anthony Walters. Outside the starters, Steltz is the only safety with any real experience.
"We do need to provide more depth," Smith said.
The next 10: 11. Charles Mitchell, Mississippi State, 5-11, 202; 12. Duke Ihenacho, San Jose State, 6-0, 213; 13. Janzen Jackson, McNeese State, 6-0, 188; 14. Justin Bethel, Presbyterian (S.C.), 6-0, 200; 15. Sean Richardson, Vanderbilt, 6-2, 216; 16. Cyhl Quarles, Wake Forest, 6-1, 213; 17. Phillip Thomas, Syracuse, 5-11, 198; 18. Eddie Pleasant, Oregon, 5-10, 211; 19. Kelcie McCray, Arkansas State, 6-2, 202; 20. Tavon Wilson, Illinois, 6-0, 205.
Position grade: C.
Analysis: The recent explosion of pass-catching tight ends makes finding ideal prospects at the safety position more difficult because of the varying skill set now required to excel. Now more than ever, safeties need strong coverage skills in addition to the physicality required to support against the run. Only Alabama's Mark Barron is considered a surefire first-round pick in this year's class. But there's plenty of value to be found in the later rounds. Remember, both the Bears' starting safeties are former third-round picks. We're guessing the Bears add another to the position in the mid to late rounds.
Bears draft preview: Wide receivers
April, 19, 2012
Apr 19
7:27
PM CT
By
Michael C. Wright | ESPNChicago.com
Scott Cunningham/Getty ImagesThe Bears met with LSU receiver Rueben Randle, who could be gone by the end of the first round.So while it’s widely believed the team plans to focus on defense in the NFL draft, the likelihood of the Bears taking a receiver in the first round remains. The club’s attendance at the pro days of receivers such as Baylor’s Kendall Wright, Notre Dame’s Michael Floyd and Georgia Tech’s Stephen Hill indicate as much. The Bears also met with Louisiana State receiver Rueben Randle, who is projected to be the third or fourth receiver off the board in the first round.
Of those receivers, only Wright stands shorter than 6-foot-3.
“Very few of the defensive backs are over 6-feet tall,” Bears coach Lovie Smith said at the NFL combine. “So that’s another problem [when a team faces tall receivers]. That’s where the quarterback comes in. You don’t have to have the ball in the perfect spot when you have a big body to throw to. Those things come into play when you look. I think most guys would tell you they would like to have big receivers. But as much as anything, you want to have good receivers who can do something with the ball.”
There’s no shortage of those types in the 2012 draft class. Seven of the top 10 receivers on our list are 6-2 or taller, and on Chicago’s current roster, only Marshall and Earl Bennett -- a No. 3 -- stand out as surefire playmakers headed into the season; meaning the Bears could stand to add a legitimate No. 2.
Marshall likely will finally put an end to the franchise streak of nine consecutive seasons -- longest in the NFL -- without a 1,000-yard receiver. But he’ll need help, whether from the current roster or outside.
“I think every quarterback in the league wants [more weapons],” quarterback Jay Cutler said on “The Waddle & Silvy Show” on ESPN 1000 in February. “We’re not happy unless we’re getting offensive guys year in and year out; more toys to play with.”
The next 10: 11. Chris Givens, Wake Forest, 5-11, 198; 12. Juron Criner, Arizona, 6-3, 224; 13. Rishard Matthews, Nevada, 6-0, 217; 14. Marvin McNutt, Iowa, 6-3, 216; 15. Ryan Broyles, Oklahoma, 5-10, 192; 16. Keshawn Martin, Michigan State, 6-0, 188; 17. Jairus Wright, Arkansas, 5-10, 182; 18. Nick Toon, Wisconsin, 6-2, 215; 19. Tommy Streeter, Miami, 6-5, 219; 20. Marvin Jones, California, 6-2, 199.
Position grade: B.
Analysis: ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. estimates as many as four receivers could be gone by the end of the first round. But beyond the first 32 picks lies immense value because of the depth of this year’s class. Explosive playmakers such as Blackmon and Wright should be off the board early, but at No. 19, the Bears will have plenty of solid options capable of stepping in as the No. 2 to Marshall immediately.
Source: Bears, Hayes agree on 1-year deal
April, 19, 2012
Apr 19
11:30
AM CT
By
Jeff Dickerson and
Michael C. Wright | ESPNChicago.com
CHICAGO -- The Chicago Bears agreed to terms on a one-year contract with linebacker Geno Hayes, a league source confirmed on Thursday.
Read the entire story.
Read the entire story.
Putting the 'Black and Blue' in mothballs
April, 19, 2012
Apr 19
11:00
AM CT
By
Kevin Seifert | ESPNChicago.com
US PresswireThe NFC North is now ruled by quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers, Jay Cutler and Matthew Stafford.By the time the Packers secured a 45-41 victory, Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford had exceeded 5,000 yards passing for the season and Packers backup Matt Flynn had convinced the league he was a starting-caliber quarterback. Where once we could have expected the teams to grind out a classic Black and Blue game, they instead combined for a total of 37 carries. No running back made it to the modest total of 50 yards.
We've spent some time this offseason noting what we could politely call a tilt toward the passing game in both Detroit and Green Bay. We've discussed the Chicago Bears' seeming ambivalence about signing tailback Matt Forte to a long-term extension, and we've pointed out the Minnesota Vikings' uncertainty as tailback Adrian Peterson rehabilitates his shredded knee.
If you looked at this division through a traditional lens, you could consider running back a significant draft need for at least half of the division, if not all of it. But the NFC North's frenzied quarterback acquisitions over the past few years have brought us to a precipice. Are we ready to jump off, once and for all, into the world of Air and Space? Or will our teams step away from that ledge and rebalance their personnel, if not their scheme, to double back on the running game?
As the NFL continues its push toward passing supremacy, it's hard to imagine any NFC North team making anything other than subtle changes. Why take the ball out of the hands Aaron Rodgers, Jay Cutler or Stafford? And why not give Christian Ponder every chance to take the next step in his development?
This offseason, we've heard the Vikings speak often about seeking more playmakers for Ponder. We've watched the Bears sign Michael Bush as insurance against Forte's possible absence, but otherwise the Bears have worked to fortify their passing game with the acquisition of receiver Brandon Marshall and private meetings with many of the draft's top receivers, from Michael Floyd to Stephen Hill to Alshon Jeffery.
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Stafford told reporters this week that "everybody on our team would like to be a little more balanced than we were last year." It's reasonable to think they will be if Best and/or Leshoure are available full-time. But a serious commitment to improve would almost certainly require a draft investment. Best (concussion) has not been cleared for football work, Leshoure (Achilles) is coming back from a serious injury for a running back, and Smith has had difficulty staying healthy throughout his career.
How much do the Lions value that balance? We should find out over draft weekend. Again, most of us would look at their roster and toss question marks all over their backfield. But in 2012, how important is it to have an established and traditional No. 1 running back?
"We want to score as many points as we can," coach Jim Schwartz said at the NFL scouting combine. "Whether you do it running or passing, it doesn't matter. I think you want to try to get the ball in playmakers' hands."
In the end, the Lions might be best-served by pursuing a more modest goal: Being in position to capitalize against imbalanced defenses. Dictating a game on the ground might well be an NFC North artifact.
"If teams take the approach of playing the pass first," Schwartz said, "we should be in the position of having running backs who can make them pay for that."
Yes, there is a more than reasonable argument to be made that you don't need an elite running back when you have elite quarterbacks and receivers. A competent running back who doesn't miss the obvious yards might well suffice.
I don't know if the Lions, or the Packers for that matter, will invest a high draft pick in a running back. None of us do. But is it necessary? Probably not, at least not in our new Air and Space division. Soon we'll know how far off the cliff we've fallen.
NIU's Harnish happy to lay low during draft
April, 18, 2012
Apr 18
4:28
PM CT
By
Jeff Dickerson | ESPNChicago.com
It was impossible for quarterback Chandler Harnish to keep a low profile the past four years at Northern Illinois. The 2011 MAC Conference Offensive Player of the Year, Harnish amassed 11,927 yards of total offense -- the third-highest total in conference history behind Byron Leftwich and former Bears draft choice Dan LeFevour -- and 92 touchdowns (68 passing, 24 rushing) during his career with the Huskies. In 2011, the quarterback threw for 3,216 yards, 28 touchdowns and just six interceptions, while also rushing for 1,379 yards and 11 scores.
But Harnish sounds content to stay out of the spotlight on draft weekend.
"My agent [Cliff Brady] gave me some real sound advice," Harnish said. "He told me not to have a big draft party. Being that I'm a guy projected to be a late-round pick, it's just not a good idea. He's seen it before where guys have these big parties at their house, and then they don't even get drafted. I'm going to be very low key."
Harnish began the draft process by playing in the East-West Shrine game in January before traveling to Indianapolis for the NFL combine the following month. He has been working out at NIU throwing to receivers since the Huskies held their pro day on campus in early March.
Harnish recently made an official visit to the Seattle Seahawks.
"It's kind of been a hectic process, but it's been a great experience," Harnish said. "Nobody really knows exactly where they are going to end up, so it's a kind of an inexact science. I don't get too caught up in the number of visits because sometimes that doesn't matter. I just tried to put my best foot forward whenever I met with all the teams at the combine and pro days. At the end of the day, I 'm proud of myself and feel good about my performance on the field and in the interview rooms."
Whenever a quarterback enjoys great success at the collegiate level in a spread offense, there will usually be questions about his ability to transition to a more traditional NFL offense. For Harnish, the trick will be finding the right system to fit his style of play.
"I think being an athletic quarterback coming out of college is something I could definitely use to my advantage because the NFL’s changing, and quarterbacks are being able to move out of the pocket more and more and that’s a good trend for me," Harnish said. "But again, I still need to show that I can make the throws and do the things from under center and the different dropbacks to prove that I can play in this league."
[+] Enlarge
Andrew Weber/US PresswireNorthern Illinois quarterback Chandler Harnish was the MAC Offensive Player of the Year in 2011.
Andrew Weber/US PresswireNorthern Illinois quarterback Chandler Harnish was the MAC Offensive Player of the Year in 2011."My agent [Cliff Brady] gave me some real sound advice," Harnish said. "He told me not to have a big draft party. Being that I'm a guy projected to be a late-round pick, it's just not a good idea. He's seen it before where guys have these big parties at their house, and then they don't even get drafted. I'm going to be very low key."
Harnish began the draft process by playing in the East-West Shrine game in January before traveling to Indianapolis for the NFL combine the following month. He has been working out at NIU throwing to receivers since the Huskies held their pro day on campus in early March.
Harnish recently made an official visit to the Seattle Seahawks.
"It's kind of been a hectic process, but it's been a great experience," Harnish said. "Nobody really knows exactly where they are going to end up, so it's a kind of an inexact science. I don't get too caught up in the number of visits because sometimes that doesn't matter. I just tried to put my best foot forward whenever I met with all the teams at the combine and pro days. At the end of the day, I 'm proud of myself and feel good about my performance on the field and in the interview rooms."
Whenever a quarterback enjoys great success at the collegiate level in a spread offense, there will usually be questions about his ability to transition to a more traditional NFL offense. For Harnish, the trick will be finding the right system to fit his style of play.
"I think being an athletic quarterback coming out of college is something I could definitely use to my advantage because the NFL’s changing, and quarterbacks are being able to move out of the pocket more and more and that’s a good trend for me," Harnish said. "But again, I still need to show that I can make the throws and do the things from under center and the different dropbacks to prove that I can play in this league."
Bears draft preview: Quarterbacks
April, 18, 2012
Apr 18
2:30
PM CT
By
Michael C. Wright | ESPNChicago.com
Rob Tringali/SportsChrome/Getty ImagesAndrew Luck, who is expected to be the first overall pick of the draft by the Colts, likely will make his NFL debut against the Bears in Week 1.With four signal callers on the current roster, the prospect of adding a quarterback in the NFL draft seems remote. So don’t expect the Bears to go down that path. In fact, it’s not even likely the team will add a proverbial camp arm.
“We feel real good about our quarterback position now,” Bears coach Lovie Smith said.
That certainly wasn’t the sentiment toward the end of 2011, when ineptitude behind Cutler derailed what should have been a playoff season. After starting 7-3 with Cutler at the helm, the Bears lost five of six down the stretch when the quarterback suffered a season-ending thumb injury in a Nov. 20 win over the San Diego Chargers.
Smartly, the Bears leaned on hard lessons from last season in opting to take experience over youth when they brought aboard Campbell and re-signed McCown.
“Each year you learn something,” Smith said.
In 2012, it won’t be a new or inexperienced backup quarterback.
The next 10: 11. Kellen Moore, Boise State, 6-0, 197; 12. B.J. Coleman, Tennessee-Chattanooga, 6-3, 234; 13. Case Keenum, Houston, 6-1, 208; 14. Austin Davis, Southern Mississippi, 6-2, 219; 15. Darron Thomas, Oregon, 6-3, 220; 16. G.J. Kinne, Tulsa, 6-1, 234; 17. Aaron Corp, Richmond, 6-4, 215; 18. Tyler Hansen, Colorado, 6-1, 222; 19. Patrick Witt, Yale, 6-4, 225; 20. Jacory Harris, Miami, 6-3, 203.
Position grade: A.
Analysis: It’s anticipated that teams will take quarterbacks with the first and second picks for the first time since 1999, Cleveland and Philadelphia selected Tim Couch and Donovan McNabb at No. 1 and No. 2. Obviously everyone knows how the careers of Couch and McNabb widely differed, but Luck and Griffin III appear poised to enjoy successful careers. The new rookie salary structure makes it much more advantageous than in years past to take a gamble on a quarterback early. So there’s a good chance this class of quarterbacks could produce a few starters. ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. predicts that five or six quarterbacks could be off the board by the end of the second round.
LB McIntosh visits Bears
April, 18, 2012
Apr 18
8:52
AM CT
By
Jeff Dickerson and
Michael C. Wright | ESPNChicago.com
CHICAGO -- Veteran free-agent linebacker Rocky McIntosh visited the Chicago Bears this week, according to multiple sources familiar with the situation.
Read the entire story.
Read the entire story.
Bears experts make their picks
April, 17, 2012
Apr 17
6:31
PM CT
By
Jeff Dickerson | ESPNChicago.com
ESPN Chicago's Jeff Dickerson takes a quick look at the Bears' 2012 regular season schedule, and along with Michael Wright, takes a crack at predicting the results.
Chicago Bears 2012 Schedule
 | W1: Sun., Sept. 9 vs. IndianapolisThe Bears’ veteran defense will look to teach rookie quarterback Andrew Luck a lesson. Luck is expected to be at the helm for a Colts team that holds the No. 1 overall selection in the draft. Indianapolis should take plenty of lumps early in the post-Peyton Manning era. | Dickerson
| Wright
|
 | W2: Thu., Sept. 13 at Green BayThe road to the NFC North title still goes through Lambeau Field, where the Bears last won a game in 2007. Can the Bears’ defense find a way to contain Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers and all those weapons? Rodgers posted a 142.7 QB rating against the Bears on Christmas night. | Dickerson
| Wright
|
 | W3: Sun., Sept. 23 vs. St. LouisNew St. Louis general manager Les Snead pulled off a mega-trade with Washington which should position the Rams quite nicely in the years to come. However, Snead and new head coach Jeff Fisher will need time to turn around a 2-14 squad, which plays into the Bears’ hands. | Dickerson
| Wright
|
 | W4: Mon., Oct. 1 at DallasTwo of the marquee teams in the county meet for the third time in the past six years. The Bears were not in awe of the enormous video screens when they played in new Cowboys Stadium back in 2010, beating the Cowboys 27-20 as Jay Cutler threw for 3 touchdowns and posted a QB rating of 136.7. | Dickerson
| Wright
|
 | W5: Sun., Oct. 7 at JacksonvilleThe first visit to Jacksonville for the Bears since 2004. Let’s just say the quarterback position is in much better shape than it was in Lovie Smith’s first year in Chicago. Tough to find a compelling angle in this one, unless Bears fans are bitter defensive end Jeremy Mincey opted to stay with the Jags instead of signing with the Bears in free agency. | Dickerson
| Wright
|
BYE | W6: Sun., Oct. 14 | ||
 | W7: Mon., Oct. 22 vs. DetroitThe Bears’ 37-13 home victory over Detroit was one of the top highlights of 2011, a game that also featured an on-field scuffle when D.J. Moore punched Matthew Stafford in the head after the Lions QB pulled the Bears defender down to the ground by his facemask. Emotions figure to run high every time these two teams meet moving forward. | Dickerson
| Wright
|
 | W8: Sun., Oct. 28 vs. CarolinaCarolina QB Cam Newton gave the Bears all they could handle in Week 4 last season. Newton and the upstart Panthers are expected to take the next step in 2012 and challenge for a spot in the playoffs. The teams combined to score 63 points in their previous battle at Soldier Field. It might also be a high number this time around. | Dickerson
| Wright
|
 | W9: Sun., Nov. 4 at TennesseeNashville feels like home for several of the players on the Bears with connections to Vanderbilt. Titans were an under-the-radar team last season, but will probably play the Bears tough at home. Still, just seems as if the Bears have the superior talent. | Dickerson
| Wright
|
 | W10: Sun., Nov. 11 vs. HoustonThis shapes up to be one of the toughest home dates on the Bears’ schedule. With an aggressive and athletic defense, coupled with dynamic playmakers on offense such as Andre Johnson and Arian Foster, the Texans are expected to be a handful for any team they face in 2012. | Dickerson
| Wright
|
 | W11: Mon., Nov. 19 at San FranciscoNothing good ever happens for Chicago teams in San Francisco. It’s a building with a lot of bad history for the Bears. Plus, the Niners boast one of the best defenses in the NFL. Jay Cutler can’t throw five interceptions if the Bears expect to win this one. | Dickerson
| Wright
|
 | W12: Sun., Nov. 25 vs. MinnesotaThe last time Minnesota won at Soldier Field, Adrian Peterson rushed for 224 yards and three touchdowns. It might take a similar feat if the re-building Vikings hope to pull off the upset on the road and give coach Leslie Frazier a victory over his former team. | Dickerson
| Wright
|
 | W13: Sun., Dec. 2 vs. SeattleA familiar opponent for the Bears as the two teams have met seven times since 2006, including twice in the postseason. No doubt the Bears will be looking for some payback after an ugly 38-14 home loss to the Seahawks last season. Given Seattle’s relative inexperience at quarterback with Matt Flynn, revenge seems likely. | Dickerson
| Wright
|
| W14: Sun., Dec. 9 at MinnesotaThe Bears squeezed out a close win at the end of the 2011 regular season, but that was without their starting quarterback. With Cutler back in the fold, the Bears should be able to tune out the Vikings horn and earn a division road victory. | Dickerson
| Wright
|
| W15: Sun., Dec. 16 vs. Green BayGreen Bay soundly defeated the Bears at home last season. Although the Packers are one of the top teams in the NFC North, the Bears look to be on the rise after the offseason pickups of Brandon Marshall and Michael Bush. This contest should be much closer than last season’s 27-17 loss to Green Bay at Soldier Field. | Dickerson
| Wright
|
 | W16: Sun., Dec. 23 at ArizonaThis marks just the second time the Bears will play in University of Phoenix Stadium. What will Devin Hester do for an encore? Who can forget the Bears magical win on Monday Night Football in Arizona during the run to the Super Bowl in 2006? Crown ‘em. | Dickerson
| Wright
|
| W17: Sun., Dec. 30 at DetroitCalvin Johnson was too much for the Bears to handle last season at Ford Field, hauling in five passes for 130 yards and a score. But the killer was an 88-yard touchdown scamper by Jahvid Best that sealed the deal late in the third quarter. Don’t expect a repeat performance by Best, but Johnson is always a tremendous concern. | Dickerson
| Wright
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Chicago Bears open season vs. Colts
April, 17, 2012
Apr 17
6:29
PM CT
By
Michael C. Wright | ESPNChicago.com
The NFL released its schedule Tuesday, with the Chicago Bears opening Sept. 9 at Soldier Field against the Indianapolis Colts, and
presumably quarterback Andrew Luck, who is expected to be the first pick of the upcoming draft.
It will be the third consecutive year the Bears open at home.
In all, the Bears play the NFL’s maximum of five prime time games, with three outings on ESPN’s "Monday Night Football," including contests at the Dallas Cowboys on Oct. 21, and the San Francisco 49ers on Nov. 19 in Weeks 4 and 11, and a home date against the Detroit Lions in Week 7.
Read the entire story.
The 2012 NFL schedule is out for the Chicago Bears, who have fans' optimism at a high level after key offseason acquisitions. Wide receiver Brandon Marshall, running back Michael Bush and other additions should have the Bears challenging the Packers and Lions for the division crown. But what will happen with Matt Forte? Those are the story lines facing a Bears team with five prime-time games on their schedule, including a Week 2 Thursday night showdown in Lambeau Field.
Make your picks.
Make your picks.
Five days after the New York Giants open their title defense and the 2012 regular season against the Dallas Cowboys, AFC north rivals Cincinnati and Baltimore will star in the first half of the annual Monday Night Football doubleheader on ESPN on Sept. 10.
Read the entire story.
Read the entire story.
Illini WR Jenkins' draft stock rising
April, 17, 2012
Apr 17
4:32
PM CT
By
Jeff Dickerson | ESPNChicago.com
AP Photo/Tom OlmscheidMel Kiper Jr. has Illinois receiver A.J. Jenkins going to Jacksonville in the second round of his mock draft. Kiper has Jenkins going to Jacksonville at No. 38 in his latest mock draft.
"I've been on a world tour, man," Jenkins said in a phone interview with ESPNChicago.com. "I traveled to Baltimore, Jacksonville, Kansas City and San Francisco all in the span of a week, and I've got future visits coming up with the Titans, Panthers and Rams."
When he hasn't been on the road, Jenkins can be found training in Champaign where he continues to work toward his degree. A native of Jacksonville, Fla., Jenkins led the Illini with 90 catches for 1,276 yards and eight touchdowns, including a monster performance versus Northwestern when he hauled in 12 passes for 228 yards and three scores.
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Jeff Dickerson
Dickerson is a Bears beat reporter and weeknight host on ESPN 1000. He's been covering the Bears since 2004.
Michael Wright
Wright joined ESPNChicago in April 2010 after spending the previous four seasons covering the Jaguars. He also covered the Redskins for two seasons. A native Texan, Wright was a four-year football letterman at West Texas A&M University.
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SUPER BOWL XX: 25 YEARS LATER
Twenty-five years after the Bears' Super Bowl run, ESPNChicago.com revisits their title season. Home page »