Is Cairo Santos a liability?
He’s much like Robbie Gould circa 2006. A reliable, somewhat clutch, kicker with limited leg.
Can win a lot of games with that type of kicker IF it’s paired with the 2006 Bears’ D.
Problem is 2025 Bears’ is leakier than the Iraqi navy AND, well – see this great Brett Kollman vid:
Comments
-
The Best Defensive Player is Now the Kicker
-
WK5 Bear Bye
Not using the Cowgirls for this week. Reserving their big hair, big boots, big…pom-poms for when Bears play!
Teams on bye: Bears, Falcons, Packers, Steelers.
Normally, I’d argue a WK5 bye is way too early, but this year it feels right. Some players badly need it to heal up. Bears go into it after a 2-win streak, including an incredibly dramatic Raider finale. Plus, Ben Johnson is still a rookie HC, so a brief intermission to ‘re-center’ and do some meta to steer the car in the right direction before going off a ditch – not the worst possibility.
The next 5 games aren’t exactly daunting. @Wash, v-NO, @Balt, @Cincy, v-NYG
Bears can realistically go 4-1 in that stretch [esp if the rumors about Poles trading for a Dlinemen are true], then playoffs are well in the mix. -
Zen 9
The tao which can be told is not the eternal Tao. The name that can be named is not the eternal Name.
– Tao Te Ching -
Misc
Despite being an English/Lit major, I never really thrived under the ‘thesis-driven’ paradigm that monopolizes nearly all academia [Thanks, Hegel].
I’m much jazzier and found my best writing often emerges from inspiration to free form. Then later, I chisel it down.
“To write is to rewrite” ― Carlos Ruiz Zafón
Performing and reading adds another layer, and for any aspiring writer I recommend taking an acting class even if you never plan on acting. It’ll give a writer a more holistic understanding of the creative process and possibilities of the ‘product’.
A bonus is that after spending a semester or two around aspiring actors, everyone else seems fucking sane.
So, here’s some mishmash.Ozzy Trapilo snaps.
Can also check out Benedet.
Butch take. Neither Trapilo nor Benedet looked Kiran-esque. Trapilo specifically showed a decent side-step and solid anchor. Doesn’t seem to have the athleticism of Braxton exploding to the 2nd lvl, but few OTs do.
Benedet to me doesn’t seem as strong, but perhaps a bit more nimble. It’s important to remember that Benedet’s arms are 32.5″. Not many PB LTs are T-rexes. I suppose we can pray to the T-Rex Saint Joe Staley [33.5″].Perhaps more interesting though is that Ben Johnson had the cajones to basically debut two rooks [a UFDA and a 3rd RDer no less] at new positions while Mad Maxx was doing his best Cocaine Bear impression.
The experiment could’ve easily exploded, but it worked. When was the last time a starter was straight benched mid-game? Fuck, Smoking Jay pushed WebbNation in primetime, and he still wasn’t bench; the switching was part of the adjustments that saved the game while simultaneously sending a message to the locker-room:
You’re next.We all know the Bears’ D is struggling mightily vs run, and this play illustrates why.
The pass-rush has also flopped. Is Sweat still on the team?Nevertheless, they did create 4 TOs, and made two key stops. One on 4rth and short [granted, Raiders decided simply to olé Billings] and the other forcing Raiders to settle for FG late [a dropped pass helped].
Meanwhile, Tyrique Stevenson, everyone’s favorite anti-hero [pro-villain?], has been on fire.
On specials, the gunning still looks iffy. They almost lost the game by allowing the Raiders’ KR to near the 40 – a first down away from FG range.
Fortunately, they were bailed out by Josh Blockwell. Turns out, he didn’t get lucky though.This reminds me of when Belichick prepped his team about a certain slant SEA runs. Then, in the biggest play of SB XLIX, the CB jumps it, INT – Red, White and Blue confetti.
Or more recently, just last season when the Puke noticed how the triangle leaves a gap, charged, blocked the FG. Game. Puke.
It’s rare for the Bears to be on the other side of tactical strikes. Feels great, builds confidence and wins games.Walk like an Egyptian…
Random silliness.
I guess the media gave BJ some guff about his in-game interview, but I thought it was funny. A snarky Chicago coach? [clutches pearls…]I don’t know who this dude is, but I pray to all that is holy that Halas gives him an open tryout for HB…
And, just because…I love the smell of fresh dilithium in the morning…
-
Rapid Recap: Bears Beat Raiders
Photo courtesy of AP News
What a WILD game. I think this was the craziest game since that infamous Zona circa 2006.
Talk about the Raiders letting Bears off the hook!
Ashton Jeanty rushed for 128 yds, 1 TD, 6.5 per along with TWO rec TDs
The #1 key was to stop or minimally contain Jeanty; they failed miserably.
And before you crown his ass, a 33 yr old Raheem Mostert rushed 4 times for 62 yds at a mindboggling 15.5 per carry. They may as well have been Bo Jackson in Tecmo Bowl
Raiders rushed for a total of 240 yds.7.7 avg yet somehow managed to still lose!
Bears@Raiders HighlightsI have way too many thoughts on the game to squeeze into one post but few pertinent notes.
1. The Bears came out slow. I think they had 97 yds total in the first half despite the D spotting them great field position. Four times they started in Raider territory yet flopped.
This was a combo of Nagyesque small-ball, Crosby scud, dropped passes, batted throws, miscues and way too many stupid penalties. Kmet especially did his best Kellen Davis impression.
2. Raiders blitzed over 9 times, which was more in one half than Flus the entire game previously; it rattled Caleb. He looked uncomfortable, making iffy decisions [including on RPOs] and off throws. When he did scramble, his cast didn’t help him much. It was all discombobulated.
3. The run game stunk! 69 yd total, 2.7 avg. Ben Johnson reverted to Nagy-ball of quick screens, flats and dump-offs near the LOS to essentially act as the defacto run game. Only thing missing was empty-set diamond formation. The results were predictable.
However, all this seemed to change once Braxton was out [benched?], Benedet moved to LT, and Trapilo debuted at RT in the final drive before the half.
After the half, the oline seemed to settle-in while BJ became more aggressive.It appeared BJ just gave up on the run, putting the game on Caleb’s shoulder, and he responded.
I wrote in real time that Caleb somehow looks more comfortable in the clutch than at the start of games. It’s truly odd. The ‘scripted’ plays didn’t help much today.
Caleb is a walking Dickenson quote, “It was the worst of halves, it was the best of halves…”
Then came the final drive where it was all on Caleb.Flus’ Bears would’ve folded like knock-off jeans from a sweat-shop by the 4rth, but the Bears kept clawing back, including the D that forced the Raiders to settle for a FG late.
The Bears’ final drive itself was bumpy as well. As Data keenly relayed:Bears were shooting themselves in the foot from the 1st drive. I’m shocked they had any paws to stand on by the last.
Nonetheless, Caleb matriculated the ball downfield, and here we gotta give Swift some love as he finished when it mattered most.Naturally, it’s the Bears, so they [badly] screwed up the 2-point conversion making it 25-24 Bears.
At this point, our Angelo-Emery-Pace-Poles trauma triggered as we were cynically expecting the inevitable, no Vaseline.
Sure enough, the Raiders waltzed down field like Fred Astaire through the Red Sea, reaching the Kicker’s Promised Land which felt like anything near the 50.
Like Pavlovian losers, I wouldn’t be shocked if thousands of Bear fans hit the parking-lot trying to beat Strip traffic or make one last all-you-can-eat buffet before leaving Vegas buzzed, broke and bitter.
Then, the unimaginable manifested.
Daniel Carslon lined up for a seemingly chip-shot 54 yd FG…Boom-shaka-laka!
It only took 4 TOs, a slew of Raider mistakes, 4 Cairo FGs [including two beyond 51], a Tori coffin corner inside the 1 plus a blocked FG for a Bears’ victory!
Crown em! -
WK4: Bears@Raiders
I’m superstitious! Even Freud, an ardent materialist and atheist, admitted it was hard for him to shake off some superstitions, whether they be throwing salt over shoulder or knocking on wood…as such, these ladies were part of the victory equation last Sunday, so here they cheer again until the next loss.
That being said, this is a pretty cool image via GP:
2-2 is within reach .500 going into bye is not ideal, but it’s a hell of a lot better than 1-3. 2-2 players still believe, buy-in, and try harder with playoff dreams beckoning. 1-3…would be a miserable bye for all Bear fans.
I’m not going to write some elaborate breakdown about what needs to be done. Think we all know.
1. Stop Ashton Jeanty who despite a 3.1 avg remains dangerous in the open field. I think he’s been hit the most behind the LOS of all starting HBs [or close to it]. Jeanty still has great contact balance, vision and acceleration which would be lethal in open lanes. Bears’ D needs to attack and wrap.
2. On the flip side, our Oline has opened up lanes for D’Andre Swift, but he has yet to take advantage and break out. If ever a ‘get right game’ presented itself to Swift, this is it.
3. I’m not expecting much from our run game TBH. Seems to be all smoke and mirrors; however, Ben Johnson and Caleb have been efficient in the redzone. If that continues, and if Caleb produces a complete game, then that will stress the lowly Raiders.
The Bears’ D simply can’t be Trestmanesque. Contain Jeanty. Get a few key sacks and stuffs. Maybe a turnover or two. Then let BJ/Caleb cook hopefully dominating TOP. TOP is the Bears’ best defense.
Despite this being an away game, I suspect a decent showing of Bear fans in Vegas.
So double down! Bear down! -
Da Dos Passes 50K!
Have no idea what this means, but hey, it’s something! Got hits from Germany, India England, China. Heck, our old Romanian Jericho may even be dropping by from time to time!
In the true American way of hustling and monetizing, I shall do that soon enough. Maybe I too can provide you with a Manscaper while betting on Draftkings and pounding Celsius Heat!
‘Merica!
But for now, enjoy, Regs and Lurkers alike. Maybe I need to invest in a better outfit to get more followers like Jake Browning’s GF.Some more twits b4 moving on to the Raideeeerzzz
Gervon Dexter snaps.Wrote in previous thread, I almost would prefer Eddie Goldman over Dexter, a solid not spectacular, DT holding point of attack. However, when Dexter is on, he’s on. Dexter’s pressure helped create that 2nd Edmunds’ INT in the redzone to seal the deal.
Theo Benedet snapsBest I can say about Benedet: he looks the part. Doesn’t look cement-footed, weak, or lost. Basically everything we thought Ozzy Trapilo would be. If Wright is out, could be worse.
Some more Caleb Williams numbers.Caleb in context. Indiana Jones new Alex Smith?
Kevin Cole
2025 quarterback efficiency (EPA/Play),
min 50 dropbacks *Updated for MNF
1) Daniel Jones +0.42
2) Jared Goff +0.38
3) Lamar Jackson +0.37
4) Josh Allen +0.34
5) Jordan Love +0.25
6) Baker Mayfield +0.23
7) Drake Maye +0.23
8) Sam Darnold +0.21
9) Justin Herbert +0.21
10) Patrick Mahomes +0.15
11) Kyler Murray +0.14
12) Dak Prescott +0.13
13) Matthew Stafford +0.12
14) Jalen Hurts +0.12
15) Aaron Rodgers +0.10
16) Caleb Williams +0.09
17) Mac Jones +0.08
18) Geno Smith +0.07
19) Tyrod Taylor +0.03
20) Russell Wilson +0.03
21) Spencer Rattler +0.01
22) Trevor Lawrence +0.01
23) Bryce Young -0.01
24) Jayden Daniels -0.01
25) Bo Nix -0.03
26) C.J. Stroud -0.04
27) Michael Penix Jr. -0.04
28) Tua Tagovailoa -0.07
29) Jake Browning -0.17
30) Joe Flacco -0.23
31) Cam Ward -0.24
32) J.J. McCarthy -0.29
BJ Cooking:Always curious about the rooks:
The highest-graded rookies in the NFL through 3 weeks, according to PFSN’s Impact metrics:
1. Will Johnson, Cardinals – 99.5 CBi (2nd)
2. Trey Amos, Commanders – 89.5 CBi (6th) 3. Armand Membou, Jets – 86.4 OLi (7th)
4. Tyler Warren, Colts – 85.8 TEi (1st)
5. Xavier Watts, Falcons – 84.6 SAFi (12th)
6. Tyler Booker, Cowboys – 84.2 OLi (8th)
7. Jahdae Barron, Broncos – 83.5 CBi (19th) 8. Nohl Williams, Chiefs – 82.2 CBi (26th)
9. Emeka Egbuka, Buccaneers – 81.2 WRi (19th)
10. Abdul Carter, Giants – 81.0 EDGEi (29th) 11. Jackson Hawes, Bills – 80.3 TEi (10th)
12. Mason Graham, Browns – 79.2 DTi (22nd) 13. Kelvin Banks Jr., Saints – 78.4 OLi (21st) 14. Harold Fannin Jr., Browns – 78.2 TEi (13th) 15. Elijah Roberts, Bucs – 78.1 DTi (25th)
16. Will Campbell, Patriots – 77.5 OLi (24th) 17. Tetairoa McMillan, Panthers – 75.7 WRi (43rd)
18. Jihaad Campbell, Eagles – 75.7 LBi (34th) 19. Carson Schwesinger, Browns – 75.6 LBi (35th)
20. Elic Ayomanor, Titans – 75.5 WRi (44th)
Schadenfreude! -
Twitter Tues WK4
It was a fantastic week of football. Bears won. Cowboys lost. Puke Lost [to Browns no less]. 1-2 can easily turn into 2-2, heading into the bye on an up note.
Some Twitters.
OLINE: Braxton had himself a game.Benedet the Canadian seemed to hold his own when Wright left.
Wright – wrong
Via Kristen Tanis
By the PFF scores, Shemar Turner did not have a good game in his first outing.He had the 2nd lowest PFF score on the defense with 30.0
HOWEVER, before everyone jumps all over this.
He only played 23 snaps.
His pass rush score was 59.6.
While that seems low, 60.0 is the starting score for all players when PFF grades games.
His low overall score is based on 1 missed tackle. Because he had so many fewer snaps than most players, one bad play can swing the PFF score wildly. That put his tackling & run defense scores in the basement.
He didn’t record any pressures & as someone said “looked on ice skates” out there, but I don’t want to rush to judgement yet
It was his first game after missing almost all of training camp
Let’s wait to see a handful of games of reps from him before we draw any early conclusions
Gervon Dexter had a 55.4 pass rush grade in his first Bears game, btw
Some QB/Caleb info.
Regarding accuracy from Caleb’s class.
and a counter
Caleb handled the Cowboys’ blitz well
Caleb’s deep ball accuracy, an issue we were all fretting about, has improved which is great because Ben Johnson is taking deeper shots with Caleb than with noodle-armed Goff.
If you think Chicago media is the only negative force out there. Think again! Bitter radioman is an archetype!
-
Victory Monday! Bears Save Season
What an ass-whooping! For some reason, Bears always lay points on Cowboys since 2010:
2010. Bears W. 27 points
2012. Bears W. 34 points
2013. Bears W. 45 points
2014. Bears L. 28 points
2016. Bears L. 17 points
2019. Bears W. 31 points
2022. Bears L. 29 points
2025. Bears W. 31 points
That means Bears avg 30 points/g vs Cowboys in last 8 clashes; wish Bears could play them whenever they need to kick-start sputtering offense.Few quick observations.
1. The oline held up vs rush. This is the first game Caleb hasn’t been sacked. That’s both a testament to this oline’s strength as well as Caleb’s mobility, pocket awareness, and frankly, piss poor Dallas pass rush.
On the flip side, the pure run game struggled once more. It wasn’t really ’til late that it began gaining traction.This was a strange game in the sense that Dallas was avg 6yds/rush at one point, yet somehow failed to score more.
2. Caleb stats were fantasticBut to quote the Wolf from Pulp Fiction, ‘Let’s not start sucking each other’s d*cks quite yet.’ Two things I noticed.
1. It seems Caleb sails when his release point looks premature and high. Is this related to height? He does it even when he has a clean pocket, so it’s a matter of consistency. Dunks are great, but gotta make the free-throws as well.
2. Maybe because of #1, Caleb continues missing. In this game, Caleb did hit most of the wide open receivers, yet struggled more with the contested throws. I would love to see his comp% with contested plays vs when the receivers are 2YDs open. At one point the broadcast counted 4 ‘off’ throws. Granted, this happens to all QBs. I watched Mahomes miss Kelce badly vs Gmen, and that’s about as solid a duo as you’re going to find; nevertheless, an issue to track going forward because Ben Johnson specifically addressed improving Caleb’s accuracy during preseason.
Speaking of Ben Johnson, his O has scored 30+ points on Eberflus 5 out of last 7 games.
Reality check:We’ve been through “turning the corner”, “finally arrived” “at last we got a franchise QB!” with Cutler, Trubisky and Fields: all turned out to be fugazi.
This could be Caleb’s “Tampa Bay Christening.” Dallas’ D could simply be that dreadful.That being said, if you’re given a gift, you take it. Caleb is trending in the right direction, and that’s priority numero uno.
On D, well, raise your hand if you predicted the Bears’ D to hold Dallas to 14 points!
The start of the game continued to look like a horror show. Cowboys were just shredding the D, then, the unthinkable occurred.
Arguably the worst starting CB in the league, Tyrique Stevenson, made a play that completely reversed momentum.
FINALLY, somebody on the Bears’ D made a play like a blue-chipper. Apparently, a player’s only meeting was called that I missed.Whatever was said WORKED. I frankly wasn’t expecting a win. I only wanted Bears to play with some pride. They did, and then some. Defensive game-ball went to Tremaine Edmunds who made not one but TWO plays when badly needed. Don’t think we’ve seen that from a MLB since Lach.
Also, tip-o-the-hat to Dennis Allen who called a great game. Look at that 2nd pick. Allen had Sweat peel off into flats to essentially bracket TE Ferguson [who I think was 10/10 at that point] PLUS prevent Dak from booting.
Dak was trying to look-off coverage by feigning the middle, turned right to his true target in Ferguson, spotted a 6’7 monster staring right at him with secondary over the top, quickly shifted left with Dexter right in his face, finally chucking an INT in desperation.
Truly a team effort. Scheme, execution, and playmaking.
HOWEVER, this D still concerns me bigly. Those DTs were on skates; defenders taking bad angles, and seemingly confused [look at how late they were lining-up on several snaps]. CB Nathon Wright specifically played nightmarishly. I feel like a major part of their opportunism was pure Dallas incompetence. No doubt CeeDee Lamb getting INJed helped Bears’ D, but how the heck do you lose a game when you’re basically getting first downs at will and AVGing like 6-7 per rush while the D was ailing giving up 52 previously, with a 2nd string LB, 4rth string CB, and little to no pressure/sacks ’til late?
But hey, that’s a COWGIRL problem. For once it feels fantastic playing a team that chokes more than…[fill in the blank].
A wins a win.
Let’s celebrate Ben Johnson’s first victory. May it be the first of countless. Every journey starts with a step. Let’s go!
