Chicago Bears: Matt Nagy is behind the Allen Robinson contract situationAnish Puligillaon July 14, 2021 at 3:00 pm

Chicago Bears (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

Going back to the last offseason, fans have been clamoring for the Chicago Bears to extend their star wide receiver, Allen Robinson and yet no deal is expected to be reached by the franchise tag deadline per Ian Rapoport.

The Chicago Bears need to get Allen Robinson’s contract situation figured out.

Many have pointed the finger at general manager Ryan Pace, questioning why he would not extend Robinson to let him grow alongside Justin Fields. However, upon reading the tea leaves and examining Pace’s recent history extending players, another story begins to unfold involving head coach Matt Nagy.

The Chicago Bears must extend Allen Robinson and given Pace’s track record handing out extensions in Chicago, the lack of movement in Robinson’s contract talks is alarming.

Looking at Ryan Pace’s track record, it’s abundantly clear that getting extensions done and signing the players he’s brought in has never been an issue. Here’s a look at some of the contracts Pace has handed out in the last three seasons:

Gave Khalil Mack a record-setting contract
Made Eddie Jackson the NFL’s highest-paid safety
Extended Eddie Goldman (4 years, 42 million)
Extended Tarik Cohen (3 years, 17 million)
Signed Robert Quinn (5 years, 70 million)

This has all happened over the past three years and given this track record, it’s easy to understand why Bears fans have been confused about the lack of traction on Allen Robinson’s contract talks. For a player who came in saying he wanted to re-write the Bears record books for wide receivers, retire as a Chicago Bear, has been an absolute stud on the field, and has been a consummate professional off of it – what possible reason could justify the lack of an extension?

There are some who would point to the finances – that Robinson is demanding a contract that Pace can’t afford given the Bears’ current cap situation. However, they were ready to move money into next year to make room for Kenny Golladay (to who they reportedly offered a massive multi-year deal) so if they wanted to, Allen Robinson could have already had his extension.

Additionally, the Chicago Bears will have an estimated 50 million dollars in cap space next summer with only David Montgomery and Roquan Smith in line to receive extensions – further undermining the idea that money is why Robinson has yet to be extended. This leaves Chicago Bears’ Head Coach Matt Nagy as the most likely reason why Allen Robinson has not been extended.

Matt Nagy has quietly obtained more control over the Bears’ personnel decisions than those in the media and fans have realized. During the draft process, Pace noted how involved Nagy is in the scouting process as he filed scouting reports alongside the scouts for almost every player the Bears were interested in.

Even Louis Riddick commented, following the selection of Justin Fields, that the pick had Matt Nagy’s fingerprints all over it. So, is it possible that his power has even extended to having a larger say in who the Bears extend and let walk?

The Chicago Bears and Allen Robinson have been “engaged” in trade talks dating back to last season and earlier this offseason it was arguably the second most pressing issue the team faced behind, obviously, figuring out the quarterback position. However, there has been little to no news surrounding these talks with most updates reiterating that no progress has been made.

Even Nagy’s comments surrounding Robinson don’t provide much optimism for a deal. Take a look at what he had to say about the Allen Robinson situation back in early March:

A-Rob [Allen Robinson] knows how much we love him…A-Rob knows how much that me as a head coach and Ryan as a general manager, the importance that he brings to the city, to the organization, to his teammates, to all of us. And then…the things that he has done with us and the things we have done for him, being able to help him be productive, now you get to this point. And this is where Ryan and Joey will do their thing and A-rob and his agent work together and you try to figure out” – Matt Nagy via Kevin Fishbain of the Athletic

This sounds more like a thank you note to Allen Robinson for his efforts in Chicago than a ringing endorsement or an outspoken push for management to get this done at all costs.

For example, when asked about Lamar Jackson’s impending contract extension, Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh did not even bat an eye as he called it a “done deal” per Mike Garafolo. That is how you use your influence as a coach to keep the best players on your team – something Nagy failed to do with Robinson on countless occasions.

Furthermore, it has become apparent to me that Matt Nagy is attempting to build an “Andy Reid” roster in Chicago. His two prior coaching stints with Reid were in Philadelphia and Kansas City. In Philadelphia, he worked with an offense built around the speedy DeSean Jackson as the primary wide receiver and a tight end in Brent Celek underneath whose career peaked from 2009 to 2011 when Nagy was on the coaching staff. In Kansas City, he worked with and coordinated an offense built around arguably the best tight end in the game in Travis Kelce and arguably the fastest wide receiver in NFL history in Tyreek Hill.

Nagy has shown that he can be extremely stubborn about his vision for the offense, seeking to play his style more than catering the scheme and play-calling to the strengths of his players. Is it possible that he has his eye on other free-agent wide receivers in 2022 that he would prefer over Allen Robinson who doesn’t offer the same top-line speed Nagy has enjoyed in his two other coaching stints?

All in all, this is what is known: Allen Robinson not being extended is a mystery despite Ryan Pace having a history of getting these types of deals done early and Matt Nagy has been more involved in personnel decisions historically made solely by the front office – a combination of facts that makes it hard to ignore Nagy’s likely involvement in this entire situation.

The Chicago Bears have a star wide-receiver, something they have never really had. Additionally, it appears they have found their quarterback of the future. The fact that they wouldn’t do everything in their power to keep the star wide-out with their young quarterback is astonishing and it has become increasingly clear that the man behind the stalemate is none other than head coach Matt Nagy.

Chicago Bears: Matt Nagy is behind the Allen Robinson contract situationAnish Puligillaon July 14, 2021 at 3:00 pm Read More »

A Memo to Richard Bransonon July 14, 2021 at 3:39 pm

The Quark In The Road

A Memo to Richard Branson

A Memo to Richard Bransonon July 14, 2021 at 3:39 pm Read More »

Sky’s Candace Parker will be featured on the cover of NBA2K video gameDoug Feinberg | Associated Presson July 14, 2021 at 2:22 pm

NEW YORK — Candace Parker grew up playing video games, and now she’ll be the first female basketball player on the cover of one.

The Sky star will appear on the NBA 2K22 cover for the WNBA 25th Anniversary special edition when it’s released Sept. 10.

“I grew up a video game fanatic, that’s what I did, to the point where my brothers would give me the fake controller when I was younger where I think I was playing and I wasn’t,” Parker said. “All I wanted to do was just be like them. As a kid growing up, you dream of having your own shoe and dream of being in a video game. Those are an athlete as a kid’s dreams. To be able to experience that, I don’t take it lightly.”

Parker said when she was just starting in the WNBA in 2008, she might not have appreciated it as much as she does now.

“I think when you’re young and experience these type of things, you’re onto the next thing,” she said. “As I’ve gotten older, I’ve really savored the moment.”

Parker joins an exclusive group of female athletes to adorn covers of sports games. Shawn Johnson was on a Gymnastics by Wii game in 2010, and Jelena Dokic was on a tennis game in the early 2000s.

“I think it’s a benchmark of women’s basketball for sure. I think most importantly it speaks to visibility and how important it is and how important the WNBA is,” Parker said. “Everyone is looking at it that it’s impacting little girls, but it’s also impacting little boys and young men and young women and men and women. I think our game is different than the NBA, now it’s embracing that fact. Now more than ever, fans want to follow the athlete. Through social media, through video games, it’s adding and benefitting the WNBA.”

The 35-year-old former MVP knows that there were a lot of players who could have been the first and was humbled by the fact that she was the one they chose.

“It means a lot to me. I’m a fan of basketball. I eat, sleep and breathe basketball. I’m a historian within basketball. I am a fan of basketball. I commentate basketball. I play video games,” she said. “It was really the perfect storm because there are a lot of other people well deserving of this and I know that.”

Parker joins Luka Doncic, who was named cover athlete for the game’s regular edition, and Kevin Durant, Dirk Nowitzki and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar who were recognized as cover athletes for the NBA 75th Anniversary Edition.

While the WNBA will be on an Olympic break for the next month, Parker will be busy. The two-time Olympic gold medalist will be commentating the medal rounds at the Tokyo Games.

“I had an opportunity to go earlier, for me I wanted to be with my team as long as I can,” she said. “Wanted to do both, and this was a great opportunity to me. I remember Craig Sager interviewing me and it was unbelievable. The broadcast does amplify the game. To be a part of the experience of the Olympics, I’m really excited about.”

Sky’s Candace Parker will be featured on the cover of NBA2K video gameDoug Feinberg | Associated Presson July 14, 2021 at 2:22 pm Read More »

Metra UP-W trains delayed by freight train fire in LombardMohammad Samraon July 14, 2021 at 2:28 pm

Metra Union Pacific West trains were delayed Wednesday morning after a freight train caught fire in west suburban Lombard.

A Union Pacific locomotive caught fire shortly before 8 a.m., according to the Lombard Fire Department. The “locomotive failure” needed “minor extinguishing,” a fire department official said.

At least two Metra UP-W trains were canceled, Metra said in an alert. The commuter rail line said it would operate two extra trains from Villa Park and Elmhurst to Chicago.

Two tracks had been reopened by 8:40 a.m., Metra said.

A spokesperson for Union Pacific did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

Metra UP-W trains delayed by freight train fire in LombardMohammad Samraon July 14, 2021 at 2:28 pm Read More »

Man charged with attempted murder in Hermosa shootingSun-Times Wireon July 14, 2021 at 11:58 am

A 24-year-old man has been charged with attempted murder in connection with a shooting July 1 in Hermosa on the Northwest Side.

Caleb Del Toro was charged with a felony count of attempted murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and a misdemeanor count of resisting arrest, Chicago police said.

About 1:40 p.m. July 1, Del Toro allegedly shot a 28-year-old man in the 2000 block of North Keystone Avenue, police said. A 43-year-old mail carrier was shot in the same incident.

He was arrested Monday in the 4400 block of North Cumberland Avenue in Norridge, police said.

Del Toro is due in bond court Wednesday.

Man charged with attempted murder in Hermosa shootingSun-Times Wireon July 14, 2021 at 11:58 am Read More »

Tactical SwitchLynette Smithon July 14, 2021 at 1:30 pm

In a video posted to Facebook last December, a bearded young man named Matthew J. Nadolski stands behind the counter at Westforth Sports, a gun shop in Gary. With a wall of rifles to his back and a glass case of revolvers in front of him, Nadolski describes the store as family owned and operated since 1957, then apprises that it sells weapons for home defense, self-defense, hunting, and “teaching an Eagle Scout to shoot.”

Just a folksy neighborhood gun dealer, right? The City of Chicago doesn’t think so. Last year, the city’s lawyers noticed that an Indiana man facing federal charges for lying to obtain a firearm had purchased 19 guns at Westforth Sports. Seven of those weapons were recovered in Chicago, including one at the scene of a shooting.

So along with Everytown Law, a New York nonprofit dedicated to aiding gun control cases, the city is now suing Westforth Sports, alleging that the store knowingly sells guns to individuals who intend to resell them just across the state line in Chicago.

Chicago isn’t the first city to sue a gun dealer, but if the lawsuit is successful, it would be the first in recent history to win such a case. “We want them to comply with the law,” Stephen J. Kane, an attorney with the city’s Department of Law, says of Westforth. “You’ve got a business that is just time and time again selling guns to these straw purchasers who are reselling them to people who can’t buy the guns legally, and then we get the guns ending up on our city streets. The goal is really to stop Westforth from selling to straw purchasers, and if we succeed, maybe that’ll have a deterrent effect on other gun stores, too.”

According to the suit, which was filed in late April in the Chancery Division of the Circuit Court of Cook County, between 2009 and 2016 Westforth Sports was responsible for more than 850 guns recovered in Chicago that were associated with crimes, more than any other out-of-state supplier. “Westforth is known to have sold at least 180 guns to at least 40 people later charged with federal crimes in connection with these purchases,” the complaint reads.

Like mayors before her, Lori Lightfoot contends that the fact that Illinois is surrounded by states with lax gun laws contributes to the city’s crime problem. Indiana and Wisconsin, for example, do not require residents to carry firearm owner’s identification cards. As Lightfoot tweeted at Texas senator Ted Cruz after he claimed Chicago is proof that gun control doesn’t work, “60% of illegal firearms recovered in Chicago come from outside IL — mostly from states dominated by coward Republicans like you who refuse to enact commonsense gun legislation.” Can going after a single gun dealer actually solve that problem? Or is Lightfoot just looking to scapegoat an out-of-state company for Chicago’s violence?

According to the complaint, Westforth has been cited 39 times for violating Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives regulations. Twice, ATF regulators recommended revoking its license but were overruled by their superiors. So the sales continue. A recent investigation by USA Today found that the ATF almost never penalizes or shuts down dealers.

That’s another reason Chicago felt compelled to go to court, says Alla Lefkowitz, an attorney with Everytown Law: “The ATF has not done its job here. There have been a number of warnings that have been given to Westforth throughout the years, and it essentially resulted in a slap on the wrist.” The store should have identified “telltale signs of straw purchasing,” says Lefkowitz, such as a buyer returning repeatedly to purchase the same weapon or paying cash for multiple Glocks.

In addition to seeking unspecified financial damages from Westforth, the city is asking that the store submit to five years of supervision by a court-appointed special master who will monitor its sales practices, that it pay for “mandatory training of all personnel,” and that it post bonds that will be forfeited in the event of future violations. Reached by phone, Westforth Sports owner Earl Westforth declined to comment on the case. A message on the store’s Facebook page told customers, “We all appreciate your support here even if I’m very picky about what I say right now.”

If Chicago wins, it could spur similar action elsewhere, Lefkowitz predicts: “When other cities see one city bringing a successful lawsuit, that may inspire them to look at other bad actors in this area.”

Lawsuits against the gun industry are rare because they’re difficult to win. Last year, Kansas City, Missouri, also aided by Everytown Law, sued a gun shop there called Jimenez Arms, charging that it was part of a gun-trafficking scheme. That was the first time a city had sued the gun industry in more than a decade, officials there claimed. The shop’s owners declared bankruptcy, then received a new ATF license under a different name. Kansas City is now suing the ATF to revoke the license.

Joseph Blocher, a law professor at Duke University and codirector of its Center for Firearms Law, thinks Chicago’s case faces several obstacles, particularly the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, a 2005 federal statute that protects gun manufacturers and dealers from liability for crimes committed with the weapons they sell. A lawsuit against the company that sold a gun to the man who in 2012 killed 12 people in an Aurora, Colorado, movie theater was dismissed under that law. (Lefkowitz contends that the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act does not apply in this case, because the city claims Westforth violated ATF regulations.)

In 2015, the Coalition for Safe Chicago Communities sued the villages of Riverdale and Lincolnwood in an attempt to force them to adopt stricter regulations for gun shops. A Cook County judge dismissed that case, ruling the Chicago-based group lacked standing to file a suit because it failed to “establish that the defendants’ regulation of firearms dealers has resulted in the disproportionate level of gun violence in the neighborhoods in which plaintiffs reside.”

Even if it prevails in this suit, Chicago will still be an island of gun control surrounded by a sea of Second Amendment permissiveness. No longer, though, will the gun industry be immune from responsibility for selling its product to criminals.

Only 40.4 percent of seized firearms were bought in Illinois. Other big source states:

1. Indiana

21.0%

2. Mississippi

5.1%

3. Wisconsin

4.0%

4. Ohio

2.9%

5. Kentucky

2.5%

Source: Chicago Police Department’s 2017 Gun Trace Report

Tactical SwitchLynette Smithon July 14, 2021 at 1:30 pm Read More »

Chicago Bears: Evaluating the defensive line for the upcoming seasonRyan Tayloron July 14, 2021 at 1:00 pm

Chicago Bears (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)

The Chicago Bears are on the verge of a possible winning season, after having a successful NFL draft and bringing hope back into the city of Chicago. How well can each group do this season? The d-line is shaping up to be one of the biggest defensive strengths for the upcoming season.

Last season, the Bears were an average defensive line. Without the presence of Eddie Goldman and the horrible disappointment that Robert Quinn turned out to be, the group came up with 35 sacks on the year — ranking 17th in the NFL.

They recorded a 6.6 percent sack rate, which was valued just above average in the NFL ranks. On the positive side, the Bears’ d-line was able to allow just 4.17 adjusted rushing yards per attempt, which nearly ranked in the top-10 in the NFL.

The line was extremely efficient at stopping the run on short-run attacks. Meaning, if the first down or the endzone was only a few yards, the Bears were able to stop the attempt more than most teams.

#Bears DL Bilal Nichols had three sacks in his last 5 games and had a high pressure rate, despite a rotational role in 2020.

His improvement has been a lot of fun to watch and should see him be a major player for Chicago’s defensive line next year.

— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) July 5, 2021

How is the Bears defensive line shaping up for this year?

The Bears’ defensive line should be the defense’s biggest strength for next season. They have retained most players except for Brent Urban and Barkevious Mingo. The Bears also drafted an additional lineman in the offseason.

The Starters – Akiem Hicks, Eddie Goldman, Khalil Mack, and Robert Quinn.

Retaining all of the starters is a key reason this unit should be the biggest strength for the Bears’ defense this season. There were numerous trade rumors surrounding Hicks and plenty of speculation that Eddie Goldman may retire this offseason. However, it seems the unit is over the hump of leaving Chicago and shaping up to be an excellent asset to the team.

Hicks recorded 3.5 sacks, 49 tackles, and 21 quarterback hits last season. Last season certainly wasn’t Hicks’s best year, but it certainly wasn’t the worst either. Bears fans should expect better with Goldman next to his side this season.

Goldman opted out last season due to COVID-19 and was rumored to have been thinking about retiring for a while until head coach Matt Nagy confirmed that Goldman will play this year. In 2019, Goldman recorded one sack, 29 tackles, and two quarterback hits.

Mack certainly improved from his treacherous 2019 outing. He recorded nine sacks, 50 tackles, and 13 quarterback hits. If Robert Quinn and the rest of the line can create some pressure on the opposite side, he should be due for a big year.

Quinn could not have had a rougher season last year. After coming off of an 11.5 sack season in Dallas the year prior, Quinn made an upsetting two sacks and 20 tackles with the Bears last season. He is the x-factor of the defensive line.

The Backups — Mario Edwards, Bilal Nichols, Angelo Blackson, Khyiris Tonga

The depth of the defensive line is possibly the biggest advantage they have as a unit.

Edwards completed a career-high four sacks last season on top of 17 tackles and seven quarterback hits. The former second-round draft pick should have a long future here in Chicago if he keeps up the pressure.

Nichols is the diamond in the rough lineman for the Bears. He stepped up huge last season in Goldman’s absence to obtain five sacks, 40 tackles, and 13 quarterback hits. He is a rising star on the line that should see a lot of game time this season.

Blackson is making his debut in Chicago this season after spending time in Arizona last season with the Cardinals. He recorded 2.5 sacks and started in nine games for them last season. The veteran should be able to provide more depth to the line.

Tonga was the Bears’ seventh-round draft pick out of BYU this past draft. He is 6-foot-4 and 321 pounds, making him the third heaviest lineman on the current roster. It will be interesting to see how Sean Desai uses him in his rookie stint.

Next: Chicago Bears: Why David Montgomery is the offense’s X-factor

Overall grade — A-

This defensive line is truly one of the better units in the league on paper. With leaders Mack and Hicks and the tremendous amount of depth this core has, it makes for an excellent group that should be able to make a difference on defense.

Chicago Bears: Evaluating the defensive line for the upcoming seasonRyan Tayloron July 14, 2021 at 1:00 pm Read More »