Good morning, Bears fans!
It may have rained non-stop in Chicago the last two days, but there are sunny days ahead. Not only does the weekend’s forecast call for plenty of sun, but our days of hearing jokes about the Hammond Bears may officially be numbered.
Let’s get straight into Thursday’s developments with a look at the meeting, followed by a preview of Sunday’s game.
Quotable
“All the right players are at the table.”
A few years ago, my old insurance company raised both my home and auto rates considerably and didn’t think I’d call their bluff.
But I did. I called my guy Bill Rademacher at PAR Insurance and asked if there was anything he could do. He said there was.
A short time later, Bill called back with a quote that was lower than my original bill with the old company.
Because PAR Insurance is an independent company, it can shop your auto, home, life and business coverage across multiple carriers in search of the best deal.
Bill did that for me and he can do that for you. If your latest renewal notice has you shaking your head, PAR Insurance can figure out your next step for you.
Finally good news for Illinois?
Remember when I wrote that newsletter about Kevin Warren and George McCaskey saying Indiana was their “sole focus?”
Of course you do. It was only 49 days ago.
And it was only yesterday that NFL commissioner Roger Goodell was in Chicago to meet with Illinois governor JB Pritzker and a trio of politicians who will ultimately be charged with getting a stadium bill through Springfield next month: House speaker Chris Welch, Rep. Kam Buckner and Sen. Bill Cunningham.
Representing the Bears was minority owner Pat Ryan, who is having quite a few days with Ryan Field set to open tonight in Evanston.
Conspicuously absent from reports of the meeting were both McCaskey and Warren, so their August claims of ‘Indiana only’ might technically remain true.
Said Pritzker in a statement:
“The Governor’s Office has remained in conversation with the Bears about their plans in Illinois throughout the summer … The Governor and General Assembly leadership were glad to participate in a productive meeting focused on keeping the Bears in Illinois and protecting taxpayers.”
Said the NFL:
“The NFL appreciated the opportunity to meet with Governor Pritzker and legislative leaders today. Timely action is essential as the Bears work to find a long-term stadium solution for the club and their fans."
So what’s next?
Reports have both sides agreeing to talk more. Springfield’s fall veto session opens for a short time on Nov. 17 and it’ll be important for legislators to be moving from the start.
What a potential deal looks like is anyone’s guess, but it’ll be informed by a meeting that had the NFL commissioner, the state’s governor and someone who actually knows how to get a football stadium built all in the room. Ryan’s mid-summer entry into the process has been hailed as a positive and hopefully he’ll be able to make the connections that Warren has failed to build until this point.
Sunday’s Game
Jets at Bears
Sunday, Noon
Fox 32 - ESPN 1000
Tim Brando, Drew Brees, Kristina Pink
Bears -3.5, O/U 45.5
Postgame on Bears By 7 YouTube
The Jets are coming into town at 1-2, but they could just as easily have been 3-0 if a couple things went their way in late losses to the Packers and Lions. Geno Smith is off to a strong start with his original team, having completed 75 percent of his passes for 783 yards, four touchdowns, no interceptions and a passer rating of 110.0.
Storylines
Tyson or Case? Ben Johnson still hasn’t revealed his starter and both quarterbacks actually met with the media on Thursday. The consensus, though, is that Tyson Bagent will get his first start of the season come Sunday.
Detroit coordinator reunion: It’s the first meeting between Johnson and former Lions coordinator Aaron Glenn. Both men coached together under Dan Campbell for four seasons.
Banged-up Jets rushing attack: Star RB Breece Hall had a great opener, then struggled against Green Bay and Detroit. Now he’ll likely miss Sunday’s game with a quad injury, which means Braelon Allen will be called upon to resuscitate the Jets’ ground game.
D’Andre Swift good to go? The Bears RB popped up on Thursday’s injury report with a knee injury and it bears watching.
Three Standout Stats
Zero Interceptions: The 2025 Jets famously became the first team to go an entire season without a pick and the 2026 team has extended the streak another three games.
34:32: The average time of possession for the Bears each game this season, second in the league.
Nine. The number of times Geno Smith has been sacked this season, tied for fourth-most in the NFL.
Predictions
Kevin Kaduk: Bears 33, Jets 17
This one feels like the Saints game from last season. Might be close for a while and Garrett Wilson might rack up yards like Chris Olave did, but a couple of Jets turnovers allow the Bears to pull away in the second half.
Ryan Droste: Bears 34, Jets 13
The Jets have looked like an improved team this year, but they have struggled to run the ball. They will likely be without Breece Hall this Sunday, so that weakness will be amplified. Garrett Wilson will get his yards, but it won’t be enough.
Kacper Rajwa: Bears 30, Jets 21
The Jets are better than they get credit for, but the Bears keep it rolling. I’m gonna keep picking them unless they give me a reason not to.
Your Takes
I asked on Thursday if you’d start Case or Tyson on Sunday. Here’s what you said:
“I feel it’s somewhat unfair to cite Case Keenum’s ‘limitations’ given the masterclass he performed under the bright lights Monday night. Case has earned the starting role and both Caleb and Tyson would do well to observe Case doing his thing while the Bears continue to flourish under his tutelage. Keep the player/coach on the field. When a player earns their status, you keep them on the field. That’s the fair thing to do and it sends the correct message to the team.” - Dylan Jordan
“Case caught lightning in a bottle against the Eagles but don’t expect that to happen two weeks in a row. There’s a reason he’s QB #3.
Tyson is the man this week. Go Bears!”
Listen or Watch
Our latest Bears By 7 game preview podcast dropped last night!
Correction: I mixed up Will Robinson and Will Rogers in yesterday’s newsletter. Thanks to Lawrence for being old enough to spot the error and alert me.
Extra Point
This Newsletter Grows Through Word of Mouth! Send your referral link to a Bears fan friend and light up the stars at the top of this newsletter.
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