Cut Out Kid

Free-agent signing Justin Jones says he fits right at home with the Chicago Bears defense early this offseason

In March, the Chicago Bears agreed to terms to sign defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi to a three-year deal worth $40.5 million. Or so they thought. The Bears unfortunately could not sign Ogunjobi because of a failed physical, which led new general manager Ryan Poles to pursue other options for the defensive line.

Enter Justin Jones.

The former Los Angeles Charger signed a two-year, $12 million deal with the Bears to fill a vacancy on the defensive line in new head coach Matt Eberflus’ 4-3 scheme.

Jones will primarily play the three-technique position and said that he feels at home in the new scheme. He mentioned that his role includes being disruptive and making plays, which will be important at the line of scrimmage, especially with stopping the run game of opposing offenses.

With veteran Akiem Hicks no longer in the fold, Jones will need to step up and provide a boost in penetration to the defense. So far, he appears to be fitting in just well.

“It’s amazing,” Jones said via the Bear Report. “I love the room I’m in right now. As for the scheme, it’s just that penetrating three-technique, get off the ball and really just effort. That’s kind of the staple of my game, I feel like. Really just flying around, making tackles and making plays, and being disruptive is kind of my game. I feel like I fit in, I feel like I’m at home in this scheme. Guys I’m around are also helping me along as well, obviously learning the plays and making sure that we’re all on the same page at all times on every down. That’s kind of where we’re at right now.”

The Bears secondary looks good on paper, with rookie second rounders Kyler Gordon and Jaquan Brisker flanking Jaylon Johnson and Eddie Jackson. However, Jones providing a strong pass rush with edge rushers Robert Quinn and Trevis Gibson will make the secondary feast on potential interceptions. It will also help the offense out with a shorter field.

While the focus is on Fields, Chicago’s defense will need to step up as well.

Make sure to check out our Bears forum for the latest on the team.

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Justin Fields has limited options with the Chicago Bears receiving corps

Wide receiver is a huge question mark for the Chicago Bears heading into the 2022 season and one analyst thinks the group is the worst in the NFL. After losing Allen Robinson in free agency this offseason, the Bears are lacking a true “X” receiver. Second-year quarterback Justin Fields gave a subtle non-answer that the Bears receiving unit would be “good enough” a few weeks ago. Good enough for what?

The Bears made a few moves in free agency, acquiring Byron Pringle and a host of others. The wide receiver room has 12 Bears currently, with the best player being Darnell Mooney. General manager Ryan Poles drafted Velus Jones Jr. in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Jones has his question marks, as the 25-year-old rookie played more as a quick returner in college than at wide receiver.

Analysts have issues with the Bears’ wide receivers

It’s not surprising many national analysts aren’t high on the Bears’ offense or their overall winning prospects this season. Ben Linsey, with Pro Football Focus, wrote the Bears’ wide receivers corps is the worst in the NFL heading into this season.

Here’s what Linsey wrote:

It’s not difficult to see what new general manager Ryan Poles’ strategy is. He wants to build the “right way,” and that means not overspending in free agency or reaching in the draft. The unfortunate side effect of that plan this offseason is that Justin Fields is in the midst of one of the worst offensive situations in the NFL entering a pivotal second season.

Darnell Mooney is the lone established option in the receiving corps after earning a 74.9 PFF receiving grade in his second season out of Tulane. He’s still better suited as a No. 2, which is a title currently held by free agent acquisition Byron Pringle. Leaning heavily on Pringle, Tajae Sharpe, Velus Jones Jr. and Equanimeous St. Brown isn’t where you want to be as an offense.

Unfortunately, this looks spot on…

Bears wide receivers have a lot to prove to the doubters

Mooney is a bright spot, and even he said he has a chip on his shoulder heading into this season, as a former fifth-round pick. Jones, Mooney, and Pringle will bring speed, but everything else is unclear. Fields will also need skills with receivers at route running and catching, something that isn’t certain with that trio. Poles is toying with the line of delaying or flat out destroying the development of Fields with this group.

This group might do something special in training camp. But currently, the offense seems at best inconsistent, according to reports at practice. In my head, reading Mooney, Jones, St. Brown, and Pringle just brings images of a Marx Brothers routine. Poles needs to be more proactive in free agency this summer and sign a truly elite receiver. One who can grow with Fields into a lethal combination in the next few years.

Make sure to check out our Bears forum for the latest on the team.

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Free-agent signing Justin Jones says he fits right at home with the Chicago Bears defense early this offseason

In March, the Chicago Bears agreed to terms to sign defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi to a three-year deal worth $40.5 million. Or so they thought. The Bears unfortunately could not sign Ogunjobi because of a failed physical, which led new general manager Ryan Poles to pursue other options for the defensive line.

Enter Justin Jones.

The former Los Angeles Charger signed a two-year, $12 million deal with the Bears to fill a vacancy on the defensive line in new head coach Matt Eberflus’ 4-3 scheme.

Jones will primarily play the three-technique position and said that he feels at home in the new scheme. He mentioned that his role includes being disruptive and making plays, which will be important at the line of scrimmage, especially with stopping the run game of opposing offenses.

With veteran Akiem Hicks no longer in the fold, Jones will need to step up and provide a boost in penetration to the defense. So far, he appears to be fitting in just well.

“It’s amazing,” Jones said via the Bear Report. “I love the room I’m in right now. As for the scheme, it’s just that penetrating three-technique, get off the ball and really just effort. That’s kind of the staple of my game, I feel like. Really just flying around, making tackles and making plays, and being disruptive is kind of my game. I feel like I fit in, I feel like I’m at home in this scheme. Guys I’m around are also helping me along as well, obviously learning the plays and making sure that we’re all on the same page at all times on every down. That’s kind of where we’re at right now.”

The Bears secondary looks good on paper, with rookie second rounders Kyler Gordon and Jaquan Brisker flanking Jaylon Johnson and Eddie Jackson. However, Jones providing a strong pass rush with edge rushers Robert Quinn and Trevis Gibson will make the secondary feast on potential interceptions. It will also help the offense out with a shorter field.

While the focus is on Fields, Chicago’s defense will need to step up as well.

Make sure to check out our Bears forum for the latest on the team.

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Returning from break, we look at the MLS schedule for the Chicago Fire

Despite a new head coach in Ezra Hendrickson and high-priced additions in Xherdan Shaqiri and Kacper Przybylko, the Chicago Fire find themselves at risk of allowing this season to slip away. They currently sit in last place in the Eastern Conference with a league-worst 11 points.

Though the Fire have played long stretches like a much better club than the standings reflect, Chicago hasn’t been able to stay out of their own way, seemingly inventing new ways to blow results in the final minutes. There must be a sense of urgency coming out of the international break, which hopefully allowed the club to reset and refresh, if they’re going to make the MLS Playoffs.

Upcoming Chicago Fire schedule

It starts this Saturday, June 18 as the Fire host D.C. United at 7:00pm. Chicago went on the road to Washington on March 12, earning a 2-0 victory in frigid conditions for their first win of the season. After consecutive 0-0 draws against Inter Miami and Orlando City to open the 2022 campaign, Stanislav Ivanov scored the club’s first goal of the season in the 32nd minute. Jonathan Bornstein was subbed on in the 71st minute and scored a goal 10 minutes later, sealing the result for the Fire.

D.C. United sits just one spot above Chicago in the Eastern Conference standings and represents a winnable game for the Fire. D.C. United has not won a match since a May 7 home contest against the Houston Dynamo, who Chicago will play on June 25.

Houston is currently in 7th place in the Western Conference with 18 points and an even goal differential (17 scored, 17 allowed). FiveThirtyEight projects just a 13% probability that Houston makes the postseason, even lower than the Fire’s current mark of 16%.

They dropped a 3-0 match at Real Salt Lake on May 28, their final MLS appearance before the international break. Paraguayan Designated Player Sebastian Ferriera has had a succesful transition to MLS, notching give goals and three assists in 12 matches. That said, this is another contest in which Chicago should be able to find at least one point.

The Fire will return to Soldier Field to close out the month of June, hosting Philadelphia Union for a 7:00pm kickoff on the 29th. Philadelphia will provide quite the challenge for Chicago as one of the stingiest defenses in MLS, allowing a league-low 10 goals through 14 matches.

Philadelphia is just one point behind NYCFC for the top spot in the Eastern Conference standings. They played a 1-1 draw at New England in their final match before the international break and will host FC Cincinnati this Saturday.

Postseason hopes are slim for Chicago Fire

Although the odds of making the postseason are currently slim, the Fire can completely change the outlook of their season with a strong month of June. Seven points in these three matches is not unrealistic and, at this point, is probably necessary. Due to the slow start to the season, each match from this point will take on increased significance as Chicago attempts to get back into the postseason picture.

Make sure to check out our Fire forum for the latest on the team.

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Free-agent signing Justin Jones says he fits right at home with the Chicago Bears defense early this offseason

In March, the Chicago Bears agreed to terms to sign defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi to a three-year deal worth $40.5 million. Or so they thought. The Bears unfortunately could not sign Ogunjobi because of a failed physical, which led new general manager Ryan Poles to pursue other options for the defensive line.

Enter Justin Jones.

The former Los Angeles Charger signed a two-year, $12 million deal with the Bears to fill a vacancy on the defensive line in new head coach Matt Eberflus’ 4-3 scheme.

Jones will primarily play the three-technique position and said that he feels at home in the new scheme. He mentioned that his role includes being disruptive and making plays, which will be important at the line of scrimmage, especially with stopping the run game of opposing offenses.

With veteran Akiem Hicks no longer in the fold, Jones will need to step up and provide a boost in penetration to the defense. So far, he appears to be fitting in just well.

“It’s amazing,” Jones said via the Bear Report. “I love the room I’m in right now. As for the scheme, it’s just that penetrating three-technique, get off the ball and really just effort. That’s kind of the staple of my game, I feel like. Really just flying around, making tackles and making plays, and being disruptive is kind of my game. I feel like I fit in, I feel like I’m at home in this scheme. Guys I’m around are also helping me along as well, obviously learning the plays and making sure that we’re all on the same page at all times on every down. That’s kind of where we’re at right now.”

The Bears secondary looks good on paper, with rookie second rounders Kyler Gordon and Jaquan Brisker flanking Jaylon Johnson and Eddie Jackson. However, Jones providing a strong pass rush with edge rushers Robert Quinn and Trevis Gibson will make the secondary feast on potential interceptions. It will also help the offense out with a shorter field.

While the focus is on Fields, Chicago’s defense will need to step up as well.

Make sure to check out our Bears forum for the latest on the team.

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We take a look at a very important offseason for the Chicago Blackhawks and what to expect in terms of the restricted free agents

After one of the most turbulent years in Chicago Blackhawks history, the organization now enters one of its most critical off-seasons in over a decade.

New GM’s Kyle Davidson and Assistant GM Jeff Greenberg will have their hands more than full in the coming months – from executing a smooth front office transition, to finally enacting a clear vision of a rebuild. Plain and simply, this off-season is their chance to begin a new era – their era – on the right foot.

With so many decisions in limbo – from who the head coach will be to what will happen to Toews and Kane – these upcoming five critical restricted free agents will no doubt be at the top of Davidson and Greenberg’s to-do list.

Kirby Dach

Kirby Dach’s development over his first three seasons has been a mixed bag. The former third overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft hasn’t exactly lived up to expectations, although he did attain career-highs in both goals (9) and points (26) last season. Dach also had an impressive debut in the 2020 NHL playoffs, where he registered six points (1G, 5A) in 9 games.

The biggest setback for Dach, however, was a wrist fracture he suffered while playing an exhibition game in the 2021 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship. The injury sidelined Dach for three months during a critical phase in the young player’s development. The decision to let Dach play was okayed by ex-GM Stan Bowman, who felt it would serve as a building block after a solid NHL playoff showing. Dach’s confidence was at an all-time high heading into the tournament, but unfortunately, he hasn’t looked like the same player before the injury.

Many fans have already given up on Dach, but he will only be 21 years old entering this season. Although he has yet to find his scoring touch, he has an advanced two-way/defensive game for a player his age. The injury – in addition to the covid stoppage – would be tough for any young developing player in the NHL. Faceoffs are by far his biggest weakness – and may be a lingering effect from his wrist injury – but Dach has still shown flashes of great play, using his strength and size to protect the puck and his defensive zone/backchecking awareness.

Dach may not be a top-six player yet, but Davidson should re-up him. Dach is still incredibly young, he should not command much more than his current salary ($925,000 per year, not including performance bonuses), he is defensively sound for his age, and he still has the potential to be a top-six NHL player. In addition, the Blackhawks will be rebuilding for the foreseeable future; even if Dach struggles, it will only matter for him individually and won’t drastically hurt the team overall.

Dylan Strome

Strome is a very interesting case. He was all but out the door on numerous occasions during his Blackhawks tenure; and wasn’t even re-signed by Bowman until the last minute of the 2021 off-season, after Jonathan Toews had announced his indefinite departure from the team. With Dach also slated to be out for the next 4 months that season, Bowman hastily re-signed Strome to a two-year deal.

When Strome was initially acquired for Nick Schmaltz at the 2019 trade deadline, he played like a man possessed, although that wouldn’t last on a consistent basis. He constantly fell in and out of favor with ex-coach Jeremy Colliton and even with current interim coach Derek King, although he did eventually solidify himself in King’s lineup last year.

Schmaltz is 25 – not ancient, but then again, not young, from a “potential” perspective. He’s been in the league for seven years already, so at this point, it’s safe to assume that he is what he is in terms of development. He improved dramatically on faceoffs this year and plays center, but does he really make sense on a rebuilding team?

Schmaltz would be better served on a very deep team in that, he can serve as a top-six player, but he can’t “drive” a top-six. He isn’t the type of veteran that can mentor kids like Dach, Borgstrom, Entwistle, Reichel, etc. and he doesn’t have much upside in terms of development.

Dominik Kubalik

Perhaps one of the best moves by ex-GM Stan Bowman, Kubalik was acquired via trade from the Los Angeles Kings for a lowly fifth round pick. The move appeared to be the steal of the century, as Kubalik would score 30 goals in his first season with Chicago, earning him a finalist nomination for the 2020 Calder Trophy. In addition, Kubalik registered eight points (4G, 4A) in 9 games in the playoffs. Unfortunately, that year was Kubalik’s high watermark, as both his point totals and goal totals would decline in each of the two years since.

Kubalik finished the 2022 season with 15 goals and 17 assists. His 32 points was the lowest point tally in his three years as a Blackhawk. He looked lost most nights this season, fumbling most of his scoring chances and making poor decisions in the offensive zone. Since Kubalik lacks a decent two-way game, the only way he is effective is if he is producing offensively; if not, he’s all but invisible on the ice.

Although 32 points and 15 goals is decent enough for any forward, Kubalik’s play has been trending downward. Like Strome, he is in his mid-twenties (26) and his upside may be limited. On a decent team with Stanley Cup aspirations, he adds value, but for a rebuilding team that lacks a solid core, he serves as nothing more than a passenger.

Philipp Kurashev

In his rookie season, there were times when Kurashev looked like the real deal. He was tough on the puck and his board play was spectacular, much like the departed Pius Suter that same season. It was as if Suter and Kurashev were pushing each other, since they were both in similar roles (rookie forwards). After Suter signed a two-year, $6.5 million contract with Detroit, the Hawks stuck with Kurashev, since he played a similar style at a much cheaper price. Kurashev was also four years younger than Suter.

Last season, Kurashev didn’t really show any progress. He earned five more points compared to his rookie season, but his game lacked the intensity and tenaciousness he exhibited the year prior. His goal totals would drop from 8 to 6; and he struggled to find chemistry with any of his linemates.

That said, Kurashev has only played two seasons in the NHL. He is still very much in development. Coming off a three-year entry-level contract worth $842,500 annually, he should not command much in his new contract. At 6’0, 190 pounds, his size is a big benefit to a team that is desperate to play a heavier game. Although he has lacked consistency, he has shown long stretches of solid play in the small sample size of his career. The more he acclimates to the NHL, the more consistent he may become. Along with Dach, Kurashev should be the next priority for Davidson to retain.

Caleb Jones

When Caleb Jones was acquired from the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for Duncan Keith, he was on his last year of a two-year, $850,000 contract. The trade served two particularly important purposes for Bowman at the time. First, it fulfilled Keith’s wish to be traded; and second, it gave Caleb’s UFA brother, Seth Jones, all the more reason to sign with Chicago, who was nothing but a potential suitor (among many) at that point. Two weeks after Caleb was acquired, Seth would do just that, signing a massive nine-year, $76 million extension with the Blackhawks.

If there is one word to describe Caleb Jones’ play with the Blackhawks last season, it would be “fine.” Like every Hawk defenseman this year, he had his horrific moments, but overall, he was okay at best. Does being just okay earn him another contract? For any other position, the answer would be no, but for a defenseman, being “okay” carries more weight, considering how difficult the position is for any player, young or old.

Caleb will turn 25 this summer. He’ll be entering his fifth season next year. One can only assume that he would want to remain in Chicago to play with his brother. Like Kurashev and Dach, it’s hard to imagine Jones will command much more than his current salary ($850,000). Either way, it would not be the end of the world if Jones is re-signed or if he is let go. The decision may hinge on whether the Blackhawks can move some of their other defensemen, like Jake McCabe or Connor Murphy. If not, there may be no room for Caleb Jones.

Summation:

Kirby Dach and Philipp Kurashev should be re-upped by Davidson. Both players are extremely young and still have massive upside. They are big players who can play a heavy style and be tough to play against, which is what the Hawks are desperately seeking. They have both shown flashes of solid play – and unlike players under the previous Bowman regime like Henri Jokiharju, Gustav Forsling, Tyler Motte, David Kampf, Ryan Hartman, and Adam Boqvist – they both deserve more time to develop before being jettisoned after only a couple of seasons.

Dylan Strome and Dominik Kubalik should not be re-signed. Although they are decent players, they are what they are at this point in their careers. They are only valuable on deep teams in need of secondary scoring and teams with Stanley Cup aspirations. Caleb Jones is the wild card of the bunch; and his fate may be tied to what will happen with veteran defensemen like Connor Murphy and Jake McCabe.

July 13th is the deadline this year to offer qualifying offers to restricted free agents. Based on pure merit, Dach, Kurashev, and Jones should at least receive QO’s; with Dach and Kurashev re-signed. The only way Strome and Kubalik should be offered qualifying offers is if Davidson would want to retain their rights only to trade them at a later date.

Make sure to check out our Blackhawks forum for the latest on the team.

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Free-agent signing Justin Jones says he fits right at home with the Chicago Bears defense early this offseason

In March, the Chicago Bears agreed to terms to sign defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi to a three-year deal worth $40.5 million. Or so they thought. The Bears unfortunately could not sign Ogunjobi because of a failed physical, which led new general manager Ryan Poles to pursue other options for the defensive line.

Enter Justin Jones.

The former Los Angeles Charger signed a two-year, $12 million deal with the Bears to fill a vacancy on the defensive line in new head coach Matt Eberflus’ 4-3 scheme.

Jones will primarily play the three-technique position and said that he feels at home in the new scheme. He mentioned that his role includes being disruptive and making plays, which will be important at the line of scrimmage, especially with stopping the run game of opposing offenses.

With veteran Akiem Hicks no longer in the fold, Jones will need to step up and provide a boost in penetration to the defense. So far, he appears to be fitting in just well.

“It’s amazing,” Jones said via the Bear Report. “I love the room I’m in right now. As for the scheme, it’s just that penetrating three-technique, get off the ball and really just effort. That’s kind of the staple of my game, I feel like. Really just flying around, making tackles and making plays, and being disruptive is kind of my game. I feel like I fit in, I feel like I’m at home in this scheme. Guys I’m around are also helping me along as well, obviously learning the plays and making sure that we’re all on the same page at all times on every down. That’s kind of where we’re at right now.”

The Bears secondary looks good on paper, with rookie second rounders Kyler Gordon and Jaquan Brisker flanking Jaylon Johnson and Eddie Jackson. However, Jones providing a strong pass rush with edge rushers Robert Quinn and Trevis Gibson will make the secondary feast on potential interceptions. It will also help the offense out with a shorter field.

While the focus is on Fields, Chicago’s defense will need to step up as well.

Make sure to check out our Bears forum for the latest on the team.

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