South rises again during Senior Bowl practices

Posted on January 26, 2017 by jcurts. Categorized in Chicago Bears, Chicago Bears News, Uncategorized.

A strong group of athletic tight ends and an intriguing set of skilled position players highlight the South roster during this week’s Senior Bowl workouts in Mobile, Alabama.

In a twist from the normal workout schedule, John Fox and his Chicago Bears coaching staff, who are leading the North squad, will have an opportunity Thursday to work with the South team.

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The change provides further opportunities for the Bears to observe and interact with approximately 50 additional players participating in this week’s workouts and game.

Here are five players who have stood out over the first two days of practices:

-TE Gerald Everett, South Alabama….Everett has elicited a buzz from scouts with his athletic movement and hand-catching prowess. A gifted receiver, Everett is elevating his stock by demonstrating route-running and ability to get open. His frame portends more “H” back than inline blocker, but displays the demeanor to get physical. Added bulk would help. Riser. READ MORE

Bears eyes on top prospects in annual Senior Bowl

Posted on January 24, 2017 by jcurts. Categorized in Chicago Bears, Chicago Bears News.

Under Chamber of Commerce weather conditions in Mobile, Alabama, Chicago Bears head coach John Fox, his coaching staff, and the Bears front office begin reviewing the top senior prospects this week during Senior Bowl practices. With Fox leading the North squad, the Bears have a unique advantage to interact with players as workouts kickoff Tuesday and wrap up with the annual game on Saturday.

The bulk of the information is gathered during mid-week practices and evening interviews, but the Bears receive additional exposure by coaching in the game.

Here are five players on Fox’s North Squad to keep an eye on:

-CB Desmond King, Iowa…Experienced, tough, productive, King provides the ball skills and instincts the Bears need to upgrade their deep patrol. He also offers versatility as a punt returner. Willing run supporter. READ MORE

Fox and Bears staff to coach Senior Bowl

Posted on January 3, 2017 by jcurts. Categorized in Chicago Bears, Chicago Bears News.

Bears OL Kyle Long is a former Senior Bowl participant.

It was a disappointing season for the Chicago Bears, but positioned with the third overall pick in April’s NFL Draft, the Bears received another small perk Tuesday. The Reese’s Senior Bowl, the annual college all-star game for seniors, announced that Bears head coach John Fox and his staff will oversee the North squad. The South team will be coached by Cleveland Browns head coach Hue Jackson and his staff.

“We’re excited for this opportunity to get a hands-on look at some of the top draft-eligible players in the nation,” said Fox, who in 28 years of coaching in the NFL has never coached in the Senior Bowl. “The Senior Bowl experience will provide our coaches and personnel staff an extended chance to evaluate these players in a one-on-one setting which could prove to be very valuable as we approach the NFL Draft. It’s a great opportunity to spend some extra time with these guys and see how they respond to our staff.”

Doom, despair, and agony for Bears in season finale

Posted on January 1, 2017 by jcurts. Categorized in Chicago Bears, Chicago Bears News.

The Chicago Bears committed five turnovers. leading directly to 24 Minnesota points, in a demoralizing 38-10 loss to the Vikings that wrapped up the 2016 regular season Sunday afternoon in Minneapolis. With the defeat, the Bears set a new standard of futility, finishing with their worst record since the NFL expanded to a 16-game schedule in 1978, and second worst mark since a disastrous 1-13 campaign in 1969. Minnesota finished 8-8, missing the playoffs despite a 5-0 start to the year.

In a rerun of the Bears season, untimely turnovers, poor tackling, and an inability to finish in the red zone contributed to the one-sided setback. Over the last three weeks, the Bears gave the ball away 14 times and had just one takeaway. Bears head coach John Fox lamented another Sunday of mistakes. “Whenever you give the ball away that many times, the math usually doesn’t work out very good.”

Chicago starting QB Matt Barkley’s bid to finish the season strong and make a statement heading into 2017, fizzled. READ MORE