In thinking overall about the Bears’ additions and subtractions, I find myself most uncertain about the OL, inside linebackers, cornerbacks and running backs. We got a lot of players in the portal who at their former teams were not starters or played only part of the year. Yet I hope some unexpected cream will rise to the top in this batch of transfers/journeymen, specifically this year. Maybe some star power will emerge early from our recruiting class though, like Vic Santino as a breakaway threat, OL Roger Vanderhoef to set a mean tone at tackle, etc. We need to be not just serviceable at these key positions. Cal needs stars.
Right; “In limited action” whereas Cal went with the quintessential workhorse who stayed healthy throughout the campaign last year. Loved Raphael, as availability is the best ability, as the saying goes. I wish him well in Dallas. But maybe in ‘26 a “by committee” approach utilizing a number of transfers will provide better YPC. The potential upside is enticing. I am excited also about the true freshman Santino coming on board.
Your concerns may have merit overall, however, I believe we are in very good shape with the running backs that we have now. And this recent kickoff get, Towns McGough, looks good, plus Chase Meyer is back. I like that very much.
wow...from 25% to 70%...now THAT'S what a growth mindset looks like! I've always been perplexed why we did not emphasize excellence at the kicking position over the last number of years. This feels great.
There's always hope that McGough will figure things out. He was a top HS kicker who just couldn't hit them in college. He grew up in Auburn so maybe the hometown pressure was too high or his dream school was a bad fit.
Definitely a southern daddy in the picture. Go to an Auburn or UGA game and you'll see an army of dudes that look just like that.
I hereby demand (politely suggest) that Nick update his position group ratings so I can determine my level of hype.
McGough on kickoffs, Meyer on FGs. Perfect.
No
In thinking overall about the Bears’ additions and subtractions, I find myself most uncertain about the OL, inside linebackers, cornerbacks and running backs. We got a lot of players in the portal who at their former teams were not starters or played only part of the year. Yet I hope some unexpected cream will rise to the top in this batch of transfers/journeymen, specifically this year. Maybe some star power will emerge early from our recruiting class though, like Vic Santino as a breakaway threat, OL Roger Vanderhoef to set a mean tone at tackle, etc. We need to be not just serviceable at these key positions. Cal needs stars.
Running backs should be the least of worries. 3 incoming RBs had 1,500 rushing yards combined last year in limited actions.
Right; “In limited action” whereas Cal went with the quintessential workhorse who stayed healthy throughout the campaign last year. Loved Raphael, as availability is the best ability, as the saying goes. I wish him well in Dallas. But maybe in ‘26 a “by committee” approach utilizing a number of transfers will provide better YPC. The potential upside is enticing. I am excited also about the true freshman Santino coming on board.
Your concerns may have merit overall, however, I believe we are in very good shape with the running backs that we have now. And this recent kickoff get, Towns McGough, looks good, plus Chase Meyer is back. I like that very much.
Meyer cannot make FGs beyond 40. We need a better FG kicker.
The kickoff specialist is huge.
So are we going for it every 4th down between the 29-35?
Good, that's the spirit!
wow...from 25% to 70%...now THAT'S what a growth mindset looks like! I've always been perplexed why we did not emphasize excellence at the kicking position over the last number of years. This feels great.
all year, i thought we've got to be amongst the bottom decile in starting field position off of a kickoff and now hopefully that'll NOT be true!
Another good "get". GO BEARS!
There's always hope that McGough will figure things out. He was a top HS kicker who just couldn't hit them in college. He grew up in Auburn so maybe the hometown pressure was too high or his dream school was a bad fit.
He's hit from 60 before.
he’s the Bo Nix of kickers