You do have to give him a bit more time. Mahomes had a year under real coaches. I don't think you'll know on MT until a year or so in the system. That said, he should show some improvement as the season goes on.

He was under Fox and Loggins last year, that seems like a waste.

I'm not saying he's the second coming of Brady, he may very well be a bust in the end, just think you have to give him some time, most QBs need it.
- vabeachbear

The problem with Trubisky as I see it is that I worry he lacks top level instincts. He's obviously a very athletic QB, he has a big arm, he has prototypical size, however, he gets antsy, his footwork is suspect, how deep can he go in progressions, is he reacting to what the D gives him or does he just run whatever he runs, does he have a "feel" for the game the truly great ones have?

There was no reason in the Green Bay game that he should not have quick snapped the ball late in the game when Green Bay had 12 men on the field. Trubisky just let that guy run off the field. A quick thinking QB quick snaps it and picks up an easy first down. Did he not see that guy? Did he not know the situation? Yes, I know one play like that isn't the be-all, end-all but it's another in a growing list of plays he isn't making, not plays that require physical talent, but plays that require thinking and instincts.

The Bears gambled on a kid with 14 career college games so I am not sure what they were looking at to pay such a high price on him. I guess they like the "peripherals". But he had virtually no significant body of work in college and no one was trading up to get him (other than the Bears). It was a high price to pay for what can be termed a "project".

Does he show flashes? He sure does. His play to Cohen last night was very nice, when he went back turned left, turned right and then tossed the ball down the field. THAT was a wonderful play, but we need more of that and less panicky overthrows and telegraphed interceptions

Well, I hadn't seen this yet, so for anyone else who has not seen it yet , here it is....
https://www.icethetics.co...hl-winter-classic-jerseys
- bhawk1s

The Blackhawks sweaters will look great on the retro black & white television I'll be breaking out for the game.

I have no problem giving up two #1's for Mack (- he's a beast) - by Pace to offset his brutal trade up for a bust QB. Mitch looked like the 2nd coming of Cutler last night...meanwhile Mahomes is lighting it up for the chiefs. I wouldn't get too excited about a win over a really bad Seahawks team.

Meanwhile the Hawks have a game tonight...I'm really interested to see how the new PP is. I couldn't believe it this morning when I read an article saying they actually did something about the horrid/stale PP...(Ikeane mentioned this earlier in the thread)...going to the Caps 1-3-1 whether it does anything remains to be seen. But at least there's an attempt - something the coaching staff hasn't done in recent memory.

https://www.nbcsports.com...ew-look-power-play-scheme
- DK002[/quote

What !! coach Q is trying something different after all these years of a pathetic PP .. Wow there may be hope yet .. Coach Q needs to defer to other at times and listen to new ideas .It can't be just my way or the highway anymore .The game is changing so fast now days . GO HAWKS !!!!!!!!!!

Tonight's Blackhawks lineup at CBJ.

[

The problem with Trubisky as I see it is that I worry he lacks top level instincts. He's obviously a very athletic QB, he has a big arm, he has prototypical size, however, he gets antsy, his footwork is suspect, how deep can he go in progressions, is he reacting to what the D gives him or does he just run whatever he runs, does he have a "feel" for the game the truly great ones have?

There was no reason in the Green Bay game that he should not have quick snapped the ball late in the game when Green Bay had 12 men on the field. Trubisky just let that guy run off the field. A quick thinking QB quick snaps it and picks up an easy first down. Did he not see that guy? Did he not know the situation? Yes, I know one play like that isn't the be-all, end-all but it's another in a growing list of plays he isn't making, not plays that require physical talent, but plays that require thinking and instincts.

The Bears gambled on a kid with 14 career college games so I am not sure what they were looking at to pay such a high price on him. I guess they like the "peripherals". But he had virtually no significant body of work in college and no one was trading up to get him (other than the Bears). It was a high price to pay for what can be termed a "project".

Does he show flashes? He sure does. His play to Cohen last night was very nice, when he went back turned left, turned right and then tossed the ball down the field. THAT was a wonderful play, but we need more of that and less panicky overthrows and telegraphed interceptions
- kwolf68

Big Mitch has the tools to be a solid QB and I think the Bears recognized that. I'm OK with moving up to get him - I bet other teams were, too, and that's why the Bears pulled the trigger.

It's typical Bears fan stuff to criticize a guy after two games. He's going to make mistakes. Not saying that's what you're doing, but it's what I'm hearing on the radio, at work, etc. Chicago is not an easy place to play simply for the media/fan microscope players are under and the instant backlash they can face.

Yes, there's things Mitch needs to work on and I think he'll get more comfortable in the pocket and settle down as he gets more reps. People need to remember that he was put in last year way before he was supposed to and that Fox put a major leash on him and told him he couldn't make mistakes - which handcuffed Trubisky and made him afraid to make errors. Nagy said at the beginning of training camp that they're trying to undo all that and get him to where he's playing a more "free" game and not constricting himself.

I don't like how everyone is playing the "we could have had this guy" game when it comes to Mahomes, Watson, etc. Romo and other analysts have said that it all depends on the system. Mahomes is obviously finding a lot of success in that Chiefs system. Would he be the same here? Who knows. I think the Bears zoned in on the guy they thought would be best for the organization and system they want to play and that's why Mitch was selected. I also think his lack of college experience can be seen as a sort of positive in a sense that he has less mileage/damage on his resume. I think he's playing pretty well for a guy that only played 13 games in college or whatever it was.

At the end of the day, the Bears got a W and have some things to work on and build off before heading to AZ. Hopefully we'll keep seeing creative play calling, progression and nasty defense

Tonight's Blackhawks lineup at CBJ.


- walleyeb1[

Thanks for sharing Walleyeb1. I like when they give the kids the minutes early in the pre-season and give them a shot.

Tonight's Blackhawks lineup at CBJ.


- walleyeb1[

Thanks.. I am hoping this Knott kid has a solid camp ,he is a long shot no doubt but what I have seen of him ( limited ) he is a gamer..

Tonight's Blackhawks lineup at CBJ.


- walleyeb1[

Tonight's Blackhawks lineup at CBJ.


- walleyeb1[

Who travels but sits?

Big Mitch has the tools to be a solid QB and I think the Bears recognized that. I'm OK with moving up to get him - I bet other teams were, too, and that's why the Bears pulled the trigger.

It's typical Bears fan stuff to criticize a guy after two games. He's going to make mistakes. Not saying that's what you're doing, but it's what I'm hearing on the radio, at work, etc. Chicago is not an easy place to play simply for the media/fan microscope players are under and the instant backlash they can face.

Yes, there's things Mitch needs to work on and I think he'll get more comfortable in the pocket and settle down as he gets more reps. People need to remember that he was put in last year way before he was supposed to and that Fox put a major leash on him and told him he couldn't make mistakes - which handcuffed Trubisky and made him afraid to make errors. Nagy said at the beginning of training camp that they're trying to undo all that and get him to where he's playing a more "free" game and not constricting himself.

I don't like how everyone is playing the "we could have had this guy" game when it comes to Mahomes, Watson, etc. Romo and other analysts have said that it all depends on the system. Mahomes is obviously finding a lot of success in that Chiefs system. Would he be the same here? Who knows. I think the Bears zoned in on the guy they thought would be best for the organization and system they want to play and that's why Mitch was selected. I also think his lack of college experience can be seen as a sort of positive in a sense that he has less mileage/damage on his resume. I think he's playing pretty well for a guy that only played 13 games in college or whatever it was.

At the end of the day, the Bears got a W and have some things to work on and build off before heading to AZ. Hopefully we'll keep seeing creative play calling, progression and nasty defense
- Hank3Henshaw

It's a common game to play to compare a player you have with one you could have had. And Bears fans cynicism is also to be expected considering the outright trash at QB that franchise has had in over 100 years.

Almost NO reviews of that draft gave the Bears anything more than a C. And nearly all state they had no reason to trade picks for Trubisky. If Trubisky becomes a star none of it matters, but he has a long road before getting to that level. Hope it works out. But I still say it was a horrendous trade.

Also, the Bears have had ONE SINGLE QB in 100 years who was anything better than average (Sid Luckman). Guys like McMahon, Cutler were average. After that it's Jack Concannon, Gary Huff, Cade McNown, Vince Evans, Bobby Douglas, Mike Phipps, Rex Grossman, etc., etc., etc. It doesn't matter who is running the Bears that franchise simple CAN NOT identify a good QB.

Trubisky is still TBD I will admit.

Thanks for sharing Walleyeb1. I like when they give the kids the minutes early in the pre-season and give them a shot.
- breadbag

I think the first three pre-season game, which are on the road, will consist mainly of rookies. The vets will get more games in the last three games, which are at home.

It looks like the Hawks are really liking the Ejdsell-Anisimov-Sikura line. I am wary of having #17 and #15 on the same line but if it works then great! This raises some questions about Hayden and Kahun.

I don't think Kunitz will stick on the Toews line so there could be an opportunity there. On the 4th line Kruger and Kampf should be mainstays, hopefully Martinsen doesn't get a spot over Hayden and/or Kahun.

The problem with Trubisky as I see it is that I worry he lacks top level instincts. He's obviously a very athletic QB, he has a big arm, he has prototypical size, however, he gets antsy, his footwork is suspect, how deep can he go in progressions, is he reacting to what the D gives him or does he just run whatever he runs, does he have a "feel" for the game the truly great ones have?

There was no reason in the Green Bay game that he should not have quick snapped the ball late in the game when Green Bay had 12 men on the field. Trubisky just let that guy run off the field. A quick thinking QB quick snaps it and picks up an easy first down. Did he not see that guy? Did he not know the situation? Yes, I know one play like that isn't the be-all, end-all but it's another in a growing list of plays he isn't making, not plays that require physical talent, but plays that require thinking and instincts.

The Bears gambled on a kid with 14 career college games so I am not sure what they were looking at to pay such a high price on him. I guess they like the "peripherals". But he had virtually no significant body of work in college and no one was trading up to get him (other than the Bears). It was a high price to pay for what can be termed a "project".

Does he show flashes? He sure does. His play to Cohen last night was very nice, when he went back turned left, turned right and then tossed the ball down the field. THAT was a wonderful play, but we need more of that and less panicky overthrows and telegraphed interceptions
- kwolf68

He doesn't get any credit for the positives. Drive for a good chunk of the 3rd qtr, then into the 4th qtr, finishing with the roll out read and pass to Miller (nice TD dance btw), when they needed a score was a big part of the win, everyone remembers the two or three bad passes.

Again, not projecting greatness, just trying to have perspective.

BTW, for the second week in a row, that Mack guy - pretty good, he's a keeper!

OK, that's it, I'll stay off the football topic here, just don't have a Bears board as good as this one.

Thanks.. I am hoping this Knott kid has a solid camp ,he is a long shot no doubt but what I have seen of him ( limited ) he is a gamer..
- oldduffman

Same here. Like DeBrincat, Knott was the Hawks first overall pick in a draft where they didn't have a first rounder so that for me is an extra reason to root for him to succeed. Maybe he emerges as a solid grinder in the bottom 6. Reports are that he's strong along the boards. Plus he has size at 6'3" and can play physical.

He doesn't get any credit for the positives. Drive for a good chunk of the 3rd qtr, then into the 4th qtr, finishing with the roll out read and pass to Miller (nice TD dance btw), when they needed a score was a big part of the win, everyone remembers the two or three bad passes.

Again, not projecting greatness, just trying to have perspective.

BTW, for the second week in a row, that Mack guy - pretty good, he's a keeper!

OK, that's it, I'll stay off the football topic here, just don't have a Bears board as good as this one.
- vabeachbear

I have given him credit for his good plays. I am really rooting for him, but he was NEVER a blue chipper prospect, EVER. And the Bears traded up a boat load to get him. Made no sense. I get "wanting a guy", but San Fran was ALWAYS going to draft Soloman, they were not going to EVER trade down. Pace got butt (frank)ed by San Fran on that deal.

Bears have scored 16 total offensive points if you subtract Defensive scores and that first scripted drive of both games.

I guess that's part of my problem. His play to Cohen was really nice, but Cade McNown had nice plays too. I am trying to have perspective on him, but I am not seeing it yet.

That said, the team should be in EVERY game this year with that defense so the season will be more fun that it was with Foxy Man.

And sure, back to hockey. Hope someone posts a link for it, I do know NHL-N is showing it at 3AM, but I am not going to be around for that.

So Jack Hughes at 5'9 160 would fit right into Bowman's MO, would he not?
- paulr

Yes, and if Bowman picked him it would be bad because he’s not a real hockey guy. Another GM with a proper red ass hockey resume grabs him? Brilliant!

I have given him credit for his good plays. I am really rooting for him, but he was NEVER a blue chipper prospect, EVER. And the Bears traded up a boat load to get him. Made no sense. I get "wanting a guy", but San Fran was ALWAYS going to draft Soloman, they were not going to EVER trade down. Pace got butt (frank)ed by San Fran on that deal.

Bears have scored 16 total offensive points if you subtract Defensive scores and that first scripted drive of both games.

I guess that's part of my problem. His play to Cohen was really nice, but Cade McNown had nice plays too. I am trying to have perspective on him, but I am not seeing it yet.

That said, the team should be in EVERY game this year with that defense so the season will be more fun that it was with Foxy Man.

And sure, back to hockey. Hope someone posts a link for it, I do know NHL-N is showing it at 3AM, but I am not going to be around for that.
- kwolf68

That’s all fair and I hope he succeeds too. To also be fair there were no blue chippers at QB in that draft last year at least according to the analysts. Mahomes was a guy with a big arm coming out and maneuvering skills but character questions if I recall. Could he learn a pro offense? So far obviously yes.

Also, McNown made plays but didn’t have any desire to get better. Mitch seemingly does, but can/will he?

I have given him credit for his good plays. I am really rooting for him, but he was NEVER a blue chipper prospect, EVER. And the Bears traded up a boat load to get him. Made no sense. I get "wanting a guy", but San Fran was ALWAYS going to draft Soloman, they were not going to EVER trade down. Pace got butt (frank)ed by San Fran on that deal.

Bears have scored 16 total offensive points if you subtract Defensive scores and that first scripted drive of both games.

I guess that's part of my problem. His play to Cohen was really nice, but Cade McNown had nice plays too. I am trying to have perspective on him, but I am not seeing it yet.

That said, the team should be in EVERY game this year with that defense so the season will be more fun that it was with Foxy Man.

And sure, back to hockey. Hope someone posts a link for it, I do know NHL-N is showing it at 3AM, but I am not going to be around for that.
- kwolf68

I haven't done it, but you should be able to see what the trade was now after this years draft.

I assume because I haven't seen it, that didn't work out so bad. Didn't one of the picks they traded down for after net them Cohen?

Saad-Schmaltz-Kane
Kahun-Toews-Sikura
Ejdsell-Anisimov-Cat
Hayden-Kruger/Kampf-Martinsen

The NFL has become so bad i can't watch it anymore.

The rules suck. The players retire or change teams far too frequently these days. The physical nature of the game is going to be its undoing in the end. UNLESS:

The league requires its players to sign a waiver where they agree to take on the risks and play the game the way it was meant to be played. Hard nosed. Full throttle. No letting up. No more sissy rules to (overly)protect the offenses. Let the guys go out there and kill eachother. If nobody has a problem with what athletes are doing to eachother in the UFC(which is just as bad if not worse), then why the hell should anyone care? If guys wanna go out there and scramble their brains to the point where it dramatically shortens their life expectancy, then so be it. Just have them sign.
- SimpleJack

the way I feel like hockey should be played

Not trying to be negative nancy but does anyone else feel like this is going to be another tough year for the hawks? maybe another no show at the playoffs.. idk. I feel like we're really gonna be missing Panarin

Honestly lost a good amount of respect for Toews here. He makes more than he needs to live comfortably off of and he doesnt value winning and being competitive year in and year out as much as we thought if this was his response. Upsetting as since their 2015 cup win, the Hawks have been grossly non competitive for a cup and he couldnt even sound off that he would leave a little on the table to get back to the finals

At a combined $21 million, Toews and Kane chewed up 30 per cent of the Chicago Blackhawks’ cap in 2015-16. Having delivered three Stanley Cups, no one would argue with those numbers for Chicago’s two offensive pillars.

The problem is that percentage number has barely shrunk in four seasons as Toews and Kane remained in a salary stratosphere of their own for basically three years. GM Stan Bowman has been forced to make difficult decisions around those cap numbers.

“[When] I signed my last contract, I was looking at the cap. It was going up,” Toews explained. “It had gone up for seven or eight straight years and all of the sudden it flat-lined and started dropping. So it’s one of those things. You’ve got to find a balance between what’s right for you, what you feel like you’ve earned with what you feel like you’ve brought to the team, but also not pushing the boundaries too far where your team can continue to compete.

“Unfortunately, the rules are the rules. We all value winning the Stanley Cup and having a good team, but you’ve got to look after yourself and your family to a certain degree as well.”

So, if he could do it all again, would Toews take less knowing the constraints Chicago has been under since?

“It is what it is,” Toews said. “I can’t change that decision. So probably not.”

https://www.tsn.ca/toront...ews-and-tavares-1.1175200

Honestly lost a good amount of respect for Toews here. He makes more than he needs to live comfortably off of and he doesnt value winning and being competitive year in and year out as much as we thought if this was his response. Upsetting as since their 2015 cup win, the Hawks have been grossly non competitive for a cup and he couldnt even sound off that he would leave a little on the table to get back to the finals



https://www.tsn.ca/toront...ews-and-tavares-1.1175200
- Stan_Bowman

It was really tough for Johnny Boy when he was scraping by on that $6million dollars per year. It's a rough life out there when you're making over $121,000 per regular season game. Gotta put food on the table for his family. Wouldn't have been able to get by on the $8mil he should have gotten...

It was really tough for Johnny Boy when he was scraping by on that $6million dollars per year. It's a rough life out there when you're making over $121,000 per regular season game. Gotta put food on the table for his family. Wouldn't have been able to get by on the $8mil he should have gotten...
- EnzoD

Such an idiodic comment to make after signing an $84 mil contract that he needs to look after himself and his family. As if the contract was only $76 mil he wouldn't have been able to.

And like you said, he still made over $30 mil in previous contracts.

He can spout the "it's part of the business side of hockey" BS, but him signing that contract and his declined play is largely the most impacting factor in the Hawks being a non playoff team whether he wants to keep ducking talking to the media about it or not

Honestly lost a good amount of respect for Toews here. He makes more than he needs to live comfortably off of and he doesnt value winning and being competitive year in and year out as much as we thought if this was his response. Upsetting as since their 2015 cup win, the Hawks have been grossly non competitive for a cup and he couldnt even sound off that he would leave a little on the table to get back to the finals



https://www.tsn.ca/toront...ews-and-tavares-1.1175200
- Stan_Bowman

Wow - looking out for his family - whatta schmuck. Especially since the whole league thought the cap would continue to go up dramatically every year. (Unlike the situation with Tavares an McDavid. )

I think Rocky should lower his ticket prices instead of taking what the market will bear - AND, while he’s at it, drop the prices of his liquor. No cap on ticket prices, you say? Yeah, all of these good free-market owners just love the free market on the sell side, with communistic price controls on the buy.

Haven’t the owners made enuf money too?

@ByScottPowers
21m21 minutes ago
More
The Blackhawks' lines and pairings for tonight appear to be:
Ejdsell-Anisimov-Sikura
Hayden-Kruger-Martinsen
Fortin-Kurashev-Highmore
Noel-Samuelsson-Kahun

Gustafsson-Dahlstrom
Hillman-Jokiharju
Davidson-Boqvist