Chicago Bears: Do not doubt David Montgomery this seasonFrank Grizzlyon June 1, 2020 at 2:00 pm

Chicago Bears (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)

Chicago Bears’ running back David Montgomery is in danger of being overlooked heading into this year.

When the Chicago Bears traded up to select Iowa State running back, David Montgomery in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft there was a feeling of excitement throughout Chicago. However, many would argue that Montgomery did not fully live up to expectations as the Bears lead back during his rookie season, I would argue against that notion.

During the preseason, sparks were flying after David Montgomery arrived on the scene with a stutter-step, cutback to open space for a Bears touchdown versus the Carolina Panthers.

I mean, can you blame the fanbase for getting excited? Hell, even Bears Head Coach, Matt Nagy was gushing over Montgomery…

As Matt Nagy gushed about David Montgomery tonight, he caught himself…

“I don’t want to over blow — he’s got a ways to go. I don’t want to make this… the next, you know, great back in this…”

(he looked over at @paytonsun and smiled)

“… yeah, in this great organization.”

— Adam Hoge (@AdamHoge) August 9, 2019

The Cincinnati native compiled 267 touches while racking up a total of 1,074 yards and seven total touchdowns in 2019. Montgomery proved to be a dynamic threat for the Bears out of the backfield, but my only gripe? Nagy failed to consistently feed Montgomery the ball when the Bears passing game was fluttering.

Many would argue that they expected more from Montgomery throughout his rookie year and while I could see a valid argument in relation to Montgomery’s per carry clip, I just can’t blame Montgomery for some of the rushing struggles throughout the season.

I mean, let’s be honest here — toward the end of the season, the Bears’ offense was riddled with injury and was starting third-stringers on the offensive line and at tight end.

Even Kyle Long discussed with his brother, Chris Long on his podcast, how the Bears’ offensive line lacked physicality, “If we beat you guys, could we have made a run? You said, ‘no shot, you guys weren’t physical enough.’ And I can attest to that because when we went out there it was like playing up against the varsity team in terms of pace, and physicality.”

In any other draft class, Montgomery would have been viewed by analysts as a “steal,” given that the Bears selected him in the third round. However, because the Bears didn’t have a first or second-round selection in Montgomery’s draft class, the spotlight was dead set on him from the get-go.

Think about it — Montgomery finished second among rookies in rushing yards and tied with Josh Jacobs for first in total touchdowns amongst rookie running backs. So what Montgomery didn’t win rookie of the year? Does that translate to him not meeting the expectations that fans had for him? Absolutely not.

The Bears offense was a train wreck last season with a non-existent passing game, shaky offensive line play, and mindless play calling. If anything, you should be impressed that Montgomery was able to produce at the rate in which he was.

To compound that statement, the Bears will enter the 2020 NFL season with limited training camp time and possibly a new quarterback under center. What does this translate to? Ideally, an increased volume in touches and less defensive personnel walking down into the box. Sounds fantastic, right?

Next: How Matt Nagy Has Failed Andy Reid…

What’s should you make of all this? Do not doubt David Montgomery entering his second season with the Bears. The Bears offense looked dangerous last year when they dedicated themselves to running the ball. If Matt Nagy truly has had an intervention on what he wants his offensive strategy to look like then it should mean a breakout season for #32.

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Chicago Bears: Do not doubt David Montgomery this seasonFrank Grizzlyon June 1, 2020 at 2:00 pm Read More »

Chicago Blackhawks: Three additions to help beat EdmontonVincent Pariseon June 1, 2020 at 1:00 pm

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(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

The Chicago Blackhawks might look a little different in the Edmonton “play-in” series.

The Chicago Blackhawks might consider themselves lucky to have a chance at playing again when hockey comes back. There were seven teams out of 31 that weren’t as lucky and they weren’t far behind Chicago in the standings. They are going to have a chance to somewhat redeem a tough season in a “play in” series against the Edmonton Oilers. It is a very intriguing matchup that should have sports fans excited to watch.

The Blackhawks, like many other teams in the playoffs, are going to be a much healthier version of themselves by the time they return to play. Every team deals with injuries and all that and the Blackhawks are no different. They also made an addition that might be able to help them once the playoffs roll around as well.

If all goes well with some of these guys, this could be the making of a nice upset for the Chicago Blackhawks. The Edmonton Oilers are a very good team that has some elite players at the top of their lineup but if you shut those guys down you have a chance to beat them. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl were the league’s two leading scorers in 2019-20. McDavid was hurt there for a minute so Draisaitl was actually able to pass him in the points race and now he might win the Hart Trophy as a result.

With players like that on the other side, you need team commitment to shutting them down. If these three players are able to join the lineup and make an impact, the Blackhawks will have a chance against the Oilers:

Next: Andrew Shaw

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Chicago Cubs: What does future hold for Jon Lester?Ryan Sikeson June 1, 2020 at 12:00 pm

Jon Lester can become a free agent but would the Chicago Cubs welcome him back in 2021?

Jon Lester believed in what Theo Epstein was building here in the Windy City when he signed a six-year, $155 million deal with the Chicago Cubs in the 2014 offseason. Lester was 31 years old at the time and had won two World Series Championships with the Boston Red Sox and spent half a season in Oakland as well. I think most assumed he would return to Boston, a place he was comfortable, a place he had success, which shocked many when he picked Chicago.

Now nearly six years later, Lester will arguably go down as the best free-agent signing in Cubs history. Ben Zobrist is that for a position player, and yes, I know Andre Dawson exists. Lester was invaluable in the Cubs World Series run in 2016, pitching in relief in Game 7, after posting a career-best 19-5 record during the regular season.

He led the National League in wins during the 2018 season, earning his fifth All-Star selection in the process. But last year, specifically August, was not kind to him. Before the All-Star break, Lester looked ageless, posting a 3.72 ERA, but struggled in the second half.

In what was likely going to be his final year in Chicago, the coronavirus pandemic has put his future further in question. As part of his contract, Lester has a $25 million team option or $10 million buyout should he elect free agency.

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The Cubs have demonstrated that they aren’t afraid to exercise an expensive team option on a veteran pitcher – see Cole Hamels – but Lester will be 37 years old next year. Obviously, he’s not pitching right now, which helps his cause because no extra mileage is being added to his arm.

But with the Cubs set to lose two other starters to free agency, they are likely to retain at least one of them.

Is Lester worth the $25 million?

Lester’s veteran presence on the roster, especially when the Cubs’ top prospects were first called up, cannot be quantified. Every team has that one veteran on the roster that is essentially the glue holding everything together.

If the Cubs let Lester walk in free agency, the oldest player – outside of a free agent signing – will be Yu Darvish. The Cubs paid John Lackey $16 million per year at age 37 and 38, and he was the perfect back end of the rotation guy.

Lester could transition into that role in 2021 for the Cubs with either a young free agent sliding into the number three slot or a prospect doing the same. The Cubs don’t need Lester to be the ace of the staff anymore, nor should they expect him to be.

We all knew the regression would happen at some point. We just had to hope that the Cubs would win during the front-end of his contract, and they did. Lester, as a fourth or fifth starter, is perfect for him at this stage in his career. The $25 million would be a tough pill to swallow, but, again, his presence is so important, especially for a team that has underperformed the last couple of years.

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According to Spotrac, the Cubs have $96 million committed to 2021, so giving Lester the team option would not be the worst idea in the world. That said, they will need to pay a couple of their younger players rather soon. However, I’d like to see Lester stick around for another year while the Cubs continue to let some of their young pitching prospects develop.

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Chicago Cubs: What does future hold for Jon Lester?Ryan Sikeson June 1, 2020 at 12:00 pm Read More »