The Bear’s Den, November 22, 2022

It’s out with the Packers and in with the Vikings, as the early injury report shows (mostly) improvements

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THE DAILY SPONGIE SPECIAL FOR NORMAL PEOPLE

THE DAILY SPONGIE SPECIAL FOR METAL HEADS

BEARRRSSSS

Bears Disprove the Importance of Matt Eberflus’ HITS Principle – SI – Analysis: The emphasis on winning the turnover battle that is key to Matt Eberflus’ HITS principle is being disproven by the Bears themselves.

The False Assumptions About Bears Offense Caleb Williams Corrected – SI – The Thomas Brown impact wasn’t quite what plenty of media and fans though, says the Bears quarterback, and he detailed some of it in his Wednesday press conference.

Emma: Coaching changed respective paths of Bears, Vikings – 670 – The Bears and the Vikings were in similar situations back in January 2022, and the head coach hirings they made then set them on different trajectories in the years to come.

Bears star Montez Sweat is ‘pretty f-ing frustrated’ – 670 – Bears star defensive end Montez Sweat didn’t mince words Thursday when addressing the team’s struggles and his health troubles in a trying season.

670 staff predictions: Bears-Vikings – 670 – The Bears (4-6) will host the Minnesota Vikings (8-2) on Sunday, with kickoff set for noon CT from Soldier Field. Here are game predictions from our 670 hosts, producers and writers.

Emma: 3 storylines to follow in Bears-Vikings – 670 – The Bears (4-6) are looking to snap a four-game losing slide when they host the Minnesota Vikings (8-2) at noon CT on Sunday at Soldier Field.

Stuck on 3 1/2 sacks and 4-game losing streak, Bears DE Montez Sweat ‘pretty [expletive] frustrated’ – Chicago Sun-Times – Sweat’s average pay is the highest on the team and sixth among NFL pass rushers, but he’s 62nd in the league in sacks.

Richard Hightower: Poor technique caused Bears’ critical FG failure vs. Packers – Chicago Sun-Times – “We just gotta get to our technique more quickly and more violently than our opponent. That’s what needs to happen to firm it up there,” the Bears’ special teams coordinator said. “And I’m looking forward to our guys responding this week and getting that done.”

The Bears’ offense — and Caleb Williams’ growth — is in Thomas Brown’s hands – Chicago Sun-Times – Brown cleared the lowest of bars — being more creative than Shane Waldron, whom coach Matt Eberflus fired last week.

Halas Intrigue Bears podcast: Here come the Vikings – Chicago Sun-Times – The Bears will face another NFC North rival Sunday at Solider Field.

Bears predictions: Week 12 vs. Vikings – Chicago Sun-Times – The Sun-Times’ experts offer their picks for the Bears’ game Sunday against the Vikings at Soldier Field (noon, Fox 32).

Chicago Bears: Jaylon Johnson ‘excited’ to face Justin Jefferson – Chicago Tribune – After an untimely fall against Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson has a bigger test ahead versus the Minnesota Vikings and Justin Jefferson.

Caleb Williams: Chicago Bears QB prepares for tough test vs. Vikings – Chicago Tribune – Chicago Bears QB Caleb Williams will have to be masterful at diagnosing a blitz-happy Minnesota Vikings defense, both before the snap and once the ball is in his hands.

Uneasy energy around the Bears is very familiar and bad news for Matt Eberflus – The Athletic – The Bears have seven games remaining against playoff contenders and appear headed for major offseason changes.

Chicago Bears Week 12 Thursday Injury Report: D’Andre Swift Returns – SI – Despite a groin injury, running back D’Andre Swift was able to practice Thursday on a limited basis after missing Wednesday’s practice, and the Bears had another key player back

Montez Sweat’s Pass Rush Frustration Felt by Full Bears Defense – SI – The Bears haven’t been able to get home in the pass rush much recently, including Montez Sweat and Gervon Dexter, and defensive coordinator Eric Washington has taken note.

Caleb Williams: We didn’t reinvent the wheel offensively, we focused on the details – NBC Sports – The Bears weren’t able to end their losing streak against the Packers last Sunday, but they did show some signs of offensive life.

KNOW THINE ENEMY

Jared Goff: With our potential, it’s a waste not to strive for perfection – NBC Sports – The old saying is that nobody’s perfect, but that isn’t stopping Lions quarterback Jared Goff from setting a high goal for himself and the rest of the offense.

Jordan Love: Playoff loss to 49ers sat with us, “definitely hungry” for Sunday – NBC Sports – The Week 12 schedule is short on games featuring two teams in playoff contention, but one of them will take place in Green Bay on Sunday afternoon.

Dan Campbell on Anthony Richardson: They’ve taken off the handcuffs, allowed him to just go – NBC Sports – After riding the bench for two games, Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson returned to the starting lineup and led the club to a 28-27 victory over the Jets last week.

POLISH SAUSAGE

Tommy DeVito not surprised by promotion: You always stay ready – NBC Sports – Tommy DeVito was the third quarterback on the depth chart until Monday when he jumped to QB1 after the Giants benched Daniel Jones.

Arlington: No structural issues at AT&T Stadium – NBC Sports – On Monday night, a large metal sheet fell from the roof of AT&T Stadium to the playing field.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT ON WINDY CITY GRIDIRON

A closer look at Bears vs Vikings and Thursday’s injury report – Windy City Gridiron – Join our Bear Bones LIVE at FIVE (CT) to discuss all the latest about the Bears!

Thomas Brown’s latest quip makes you wonder why Chicago Bears didn’t trust him sooner – Windy City Gridiron – The Bears’ new play-caller sounds like a potential head coach in the making.

Week 12 game preview: Chicago Bears vs. Minnesota Vikings – Windy City Gridiron – The Bears continue their NFC North slate by welcoming the Vikings to Soldier Field.

Bears Open Thread Question of the Day: Where is the root of the problem? – Windy City Gridiron – How deep is the rot in the Bears organization?

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