As I look toward the upcoming season, I keep wondering, “Are the Bears (and especially Caleb Williams) actually as good as their record and how they ended last season?” There is no doubt talent/skill present, but how much if their success was new scheme, unseen looks from Williams, and some gutsy (lucky) plays working out in their favor? It seems like the answer to this will have a major impact on the North. Curious what you’ve seen and think.
I think the Bears are better than what most are willing to admit, but not as good as they think they are…if that makes sense. Chicago is going to be competitive but also must earn the wins like everybody else. The only thing the Bears are gonna get in 2026 is everybody’s best.
What do you think will be a bigger factor this year, the receiving corps or the cornerback corps?
I think Jordan Love is in for a big year, and the receiving corps is gonna be a huge factor in that.
Obviously, coaches are focused on the players they have in hand on the field. My question is this: Is someone responsible for keeping an eye out on other teams’ players so if/when the time comes to find someone to fill a position weakness following cuts, who is that person? A coach, someone on the GM’s staff, or someone else?
That’s what the pro personnel department does. Scouting doesn’t end once the draft is over. It goes on and on (my friends). We often talk about that emergency rolodex the Packers keep. Five years ago, Rasul Douglas was the name on the top of that list for Green Bay. There’s always somebody waiting in the wings.
Here’s my hindsight in perfect 20/20: If you’re winning games and the last game is meaningless, sure, sit your starters. But if you’re losing your way into the last game, even if it’s meaningless, play to win. If you’re not rolling into the playoffs, you’re not going to roll in the playoffs.
I felt that way, too, until Marquez Valdes-Scantling got hurt in the 2021 regular-season finale in Detroit and Christian Watson tore his ACL vs. Chicago prior to the 2024 playoffs. Every year is different, but teams must give themselves a chance at fielding the best possible team in the postseason and that starts with being as healthy as possible.
Jennifer from Middleton, WI
Hi Wes, did you read the full letter to Brendan Sorsby from the NFL on its decision not to hold a supplemental draft? It’s worth a Google for anyone who has not. The league has some understandable criticism about being too money hungry. But this response was a good example of the line they draw about the integrity of the game and responsibility for what it means to be a pro. I thought it covered many fair points, and I was relieved they are holding fast on accountability for player-related gambling.
I didn’t even know the NFL could “cancel” the supplemental draft, but I guess the league can. Whatever the case, this does allow teams to perform their due diligence and properly determine risk that comes with acquiring Sorsby. The best thing Sorsby can do now is keep his head down, his nose clean and put his best foot forward next April. He could benefit from laying low for a while.
Robert from New Lexington, OH
Call me old. I know I’m a kid to some of the vets here but holy cow to see Russell Maryland’s kid in rookie camp with us. I was barely a teenager when Papa Maryland was winning Lombardis in Dallas and vaguely remember him in GB in 2000. Go R.J.!
I’m warning you now. Don’t look at Notre Dame’s list of recruits. It’s enough to make your back hurt.
Kraft recently talked about his desire to play out his career as a Packer. Who was the last drafted Packers player who chose to retire as a Packer without playing for any other team?
There were never any formal announcements or anything, but David Bakhtiari (2024), Nick Perry (2019) and B.J. Raji (2016) would qualify. Then, there’s obviously Donald Driver retiring in the Lambeau Field Atrium after his eight-catch season in 2012.
Morning II, I have a question about road games (may also be home games). How many support staff are on the sidelines during the game? This includes trainers, coaches, water bottle staff and whatever others are on the sidelines with the team. Thanks.
I’d say about 60 on the sideline with another 30 or so in the press box for road games. Home games obviously everyone is on deck.