Filling out a passport application was on my to-do list in March 2020, but I never got around to it because gestures at 2020 …
However, I’ve recently come to the conclusion that I need to get it in gear and start filling out some paperwork. It’s on my to-do list today (after I press “publish” on today’s Bullets).
• In a world where all is well that ends well, the Chicago Bears’ defensive coordinator search lasted all of 10 days. It featured threeknowninterviews, one candidate who said “thanks, but no thanks” to the opportunity, and one potential candidate who left for an opportunity out west. And in the end, Sean Desai is the man who is handed the keys to the castle. I can dig it. So let’s dive into it.
The sports world lost an icon today with news of Hank Aaron’s passing. So in lieu of a drawn out intro to today’s Bullets, let’s enjoy some Hammerin’ Hank highlights:
• In their season-ending press conference, George McCaskey, Ryan Pace, and Matt Nagy made clear their belief that the Bears were a quarterback away from righting the ship at Halas Hall (Michael:
Oh, is that all? LOL). However, the mass exodus of coaches suggests to me that not everyone feels that way. In the cases of Dave Ragone and Charles London, they’re leaving for promotions. And in London’s case, moving from RBs Coach to QBs Coach is a promotion that could springboard him into offensive coordinator roles and head-coach interviews if things go well. So, ultimately, I can’t fault them for wanting to leave for new opportunities.
Bears nose tackle Bilal Nichols (98) sacks Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson for a 10-yard loss to the Texans’ 9-yard line in the second quarter on Dec. 13 at Soldier Field. Khalil Mack sacked Watson for a safety on the next play.
Charles Rex Arbogast/AP Photos
Eddie Goldman’s Pro Bowl-caliber excellence at nose tackle for the Bears was cloaked in anonymity. But Bilal Nichols’ impact as Goldman’s replacement has been hard to miss.
Make no mistake Goldman’s absence as a coronavirus-season opt-out in 2020 has left a sizable hole in the Bears’ defense that they won’t totally fill. But Nichols’ production in his stead has helped mitigate the damage. And he’s added a big-play element that figures to put the Bears in better position next season, when Goldman presumably returns and Nichols moves back to his defensive end position.