SB Nation Chicago: All Posts by Matt Verderamehttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48877/chicago-fave.png2013-04-22T10:40:22-05:00https://chicago.sbnation.com/authors/matt-verderame/rss2013-04-22T10:40:22-05:002013-04-22T10:40:22-05:00Ogletree mocked to Bears
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<p>Chicago lost Brian Urlacher, so the need for a middle linebacker is of paramount importance.</p> <p>In SB Nation's latest NFL mock draft, Dan Kadar has the <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chicago Bears</a> taking middle linebacker <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113383/alec-ogletree" class="sbn-auto-link">Alec Ogletree</a> of the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/georgia-bulldogs" class="sbn-auto-link">Georgia Bulldogs</a> with the No. 20 overall pick, replacing <span>Brian Urlacher</span>.</p>
<p>Ogletree has all the talent in the world but the knock on him has come off the field. Ogletree has been in trouble with the law a few times, including a DUI arrest a week before the NFL combine in February.</p>
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<strong>More</strong>: <a target="new" href="http://www.mockingthedraft.com">Extended draft analysis</a> <a target="new" href="http://www.windycitygridiron.com">Extended Bears coverage</a>
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<p>With Georgia, Olgetree showed a unique blend of size and speed. At 6'2 and 240 pounds, Ogletree can play sideline-to-sideline while having the size to play at the point of attack. However, he does struggle at times with being able to shed blocks because of a lackluster technique.</p>
<p>Ogletree is the typical boom-or-bust guy. If he works hard and studies, there is no telling how talented he can be. However, if he continues to have off-the-field problems and shows a lazy nature -- which he's rumored to have -- the team that drafts him may regret it.</p>
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https://chicago.sbnation.com/chicago-bears/2013/4/22/4252484/2013-nfl-mock-draft-chicago-bears-alec-ogletreeMatt Verderame2013-04-01T10:33:28-05:002013-04-01T10:33:28-05:00Cooper mocked to Bears
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<p>Chicago has had a brutal offensive line for years. Drafting Cooper would go towards addressing that problem.</p> <p>In the latest edition of <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-mock-draft/2013/4/1/4168448/2013-nfl-mock-draft">SB Nation's NFL mock draft by Dan Kadar</a>, the <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chicago Bears</a> fortify their offensive line by taking guard <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/48999/jonathan-cooper" class="sbn-auto-link">Jonathan Cooper</a> of the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/north-carolina-tar-heels" class="sbn-auto-link">North Carolina Tar Heels</a> with the No. 20 overall pick.</p>
<p>Cooper is thought to be the second best guard in the draft this year behind only <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/78281/chance-warmack" class="sbn-auto-link">Chance Warmack</a> of the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/alabama-crimson-tide" class="sbn-auto-link">Alabama Crimson Tide</a>. Cooper is a mountain of a man at 6'2 and 310 pounds, but still has the ability to get out and create running room at the second level.</p>
<div class="read-more">
<b>More</b>: <a target="new" href="http://www.mockingthedraft.com">Extended draft analysis</a> <a target="new" href="http://windycitygridiron.com">Extended Bears coverage</a>
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<p>With excellent footwork and good instincts, Cooper is very impressive at the point of attack in the run game, obviously the most important aspect for a guard.</p>
<p>The Bears need serious help along the offensive line if they want to keep quarterback <span>Jay Cutler</span> upright. Cutler has been banged around for years behind a substandard front despite Chicago using some high picks in recent times on <span>Gabe Carimi</span> and Chris Williams.</p>
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https://chicago.sbnation.com/chicago-bears/2013/4/1/4170346/nfl-mock-draft-2013-chicago-bears-jonathan-cooperMatt Verderame2013-03-04T09:00:06-06:002013-03-04T09:00:06-06:00Bears take Cooper in latest mock
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<p>Chicago needs more help on the offensive line, making Cooper a prudent pick.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chicago Bears</a> fell one game short of the playoffs in 2012, finishing with a 10-6 record.</p>
<p>One of the biggest issues the team faced was once again not having a quality offensive line to open holes for <span>Matt Forte</span> nor protect <span>Jay Cutler</span>, which is why in <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-mock-draft/2013/3/4/4058656/2013-nfl-mock-draft-geno-smith-jamie-collins">SB Nation's latest mock draft</a>, Chicago nabs <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/north-carolina-tar-heels" class="sbn-auto-link">North Carolina Tar Heels</a> guard <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/48999/jonathan-cooper" class="sbn-auto-link">Jonathan Cooper</a> with the No. 20 overall pick.</p>
<p>Cooper is a mountain of a man at 6'3 and 310 pounds, and yet possesses ample quickness to get to the second level of defenses. The ex-Tar Heel is a solid pass protector but his greatest strength is mauling defensive tackles, something a run-heavy offense loves to hear.</p>
<p>Cooper is one of two guards projected to be first-round picks, along with <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/78281/chance-warmack" class="sbn-auto-link">Chance Warmack</a> of the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/alabama-crimson-tide" class="sbn-auto-link">Alabama Crimson Tide</a>, but Warmack is expected to be long gone when the Bears make a selection.</p>
<p>All told, Cooper would be a great addition to a team that desperately needs to upgrade its front.</p>
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https://chicago.sbnation.com/2013/3/4/4062542/2013-nfl-mock-draft-chicago-bears-jonathan-cooperMatt Verderame2013-01-07T10:29:09-06:002013-01-07T10:29:09-06:00Cooper mocked to Bears, helping offensive line
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<p>Chicago needs help along the offensive line in the worst way, something that Jonathan Cooper should provide.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a> have a great defense, but offensively struggle mightily at times. One of the biggest culprits is the offensive line, which has resembled a sieve for years.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-mock-draft/2013/1/7/3842518/nfl-mock-draft-2013-tyler-wilson-geno-smith-chiefs-cardinals">Matthew Fairburn of SB Nation </a>says it's time to address it with the selection of offensive guard <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/48999/jonathan-cooper">Jonathan Cooper</a> from North Carolina.</p>
<p>Cooper would provide stability on the interior of the group with <span>Gabe Carimi</span>, the first-round pick of Chicago two years ago, still trying to solidify his spot as a tackle.</p>
<p>At 310 pounds, the senior would give his new team a nice piece to work with.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/mock">Over at CBSSports.com</a>, Rob Rang and Dane Brugler also mock the Bears to take help on the offensive line, but with a tackle.</p>
<p>Rang has Eric Fisher of Central Michigan headed to the Windy City while Brugler goes with <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/87274/lane-johnson">Lane Johnson</a> of Oklahoma.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drafttek.com/2013-NFL-Mock-Draft-Round1b.asp">At Drafttek.com</a>, they also have 6'7'', 305-pound Fisher going the Bears.</p>
https://chicago.sbnation.com/chicago-bears/2013/1/7/3846422/nfl-mock-draft-2013Matt Verderame2012-11-21T09:38:54-06:002012-11-21T09:38:54-06:00Marshall feeling better after sideline outburst
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<p>Chicago Bears star receiver Brandon Marshall wasn't thrilled on Monday, but any issues have been resolved.</p> <p>Brandon Marshall wasn't happy on Monday night, but things are now all better.</p>
<p><a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/bears/post/_/id/4680429/cutler-marshall-all-good-after-venting">According to ESPN.com</a>, Marshall has gotten over his anger that was displayed on Monday against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">San Francisco 49ers</a>. Marshall lashed out on the sidelines as Chicago was getting pounded in primetime, but quarterback <span>Jay Cutler</span> has spoken up on behalf of his star teammate.</p>
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<p>"When I'm there I think things go a little bit smoother for Brandon," Cutler said Tuesday on "The Jay Cutler Show" on ESPN 1000. "He's a receiver. He's like any high-end receiver; they want the ball and when they don't get the ball they get frustrated and when they get frustrated they get mad. <br><br>"That's why I've always said, if you've got a big-time receiver and they make plays for you, just throw them the ball. I don't care if they are covered or not, just throw them the ball and they will be happy."</p>
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<p>Marshall and Cutler have proved to be quite the dynamic duo for Chicago. The pair has revitalized the offense, and more specifically the passing game, something the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Bears</a> have always lacked since the days of Sid Luckman.</p>
<p>The mercurial receiver has been all Lovie Smith could have wished for on the field, collecting 69 receptions for 925 yards and eight touchdowns. Marshall is easily enjoying the best season in recent memory for a Chicago Bear, giving Cutler a weapon that demands respect.</p>
<p>If Cutler can return in Week 12 against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a>, that should put Marshall in a much happier place.</p>
https://chicago.sbnation.com/2012/11/21/3675506/bears-wr-brandon-marshall-all-good-after-sideline-spatMatt Verderame2012-11-21T09:19:22-06:002012-11-21T09:19:22-06:00Cutler hoping for Irish championship
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<p>Jay Cutler isn't hiding who he's rooting for in college football.</p> <p><a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chicago Bears</a> quarterback <span>Jay Cutler</span> isn't just a <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/vanderbilt-commodores">Vanderbilt Commodores</a> fan when it comes to college football.</p>
<p>The Indiana native grew up watching a particular team that just so happens to be the No. 1 team in the nation, <a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/bears/post/_/id/4680435/indiana-native-cutler-pulling-for-notre-dame">according to ESPN.com</a>.</p>
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<p>"I grew up a huge Notre Dame fan," Cutler said on "The Jay Cutler Show" on ESPN 1000. "I wanted to go there. I wanted to play football there. Never got an opportunity. <br><br>"I think it's good for college football to have them back. I think there are a lot of people who dislike Notre Dame, but a lot of people dislike the Miami Heat and the (Los Angeles) Lakers. It just kind of comes with goods team that win and that have got tradition. ... I would love to see them in the national championship."</p>
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<p>Cutler is hoping the Fighting Irish can stay on top, needing to beat a <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/usc-trojans">USC Trojans</a> team without <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/78123/matt-barkley">Matt Barkley</a> on Saturday to make the national championship game a reality. In all likelihood, Notre Dame will face the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/alabama-crimson-tide">Alabama Crimson Tide</a> if Nick Saban's team can beat the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/auburn-tigers">Auburn Tigers</a> and then win the SEC title game.</p>
<p>Of course, Cutler has his own concerns. The signal-caller is trying to get back from a concussion suffered two weeks ago against the <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Houston Texans</a>. Without Cutler, <span>Jason Campbell</span> was humbled on Monday against the vaunted <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">San Francisco 49ers</a> defense.</p>
<p>The Bears will take on the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Minnesota Vikings</a> this week in a NFC North showdown.</p>
https://chicago.sbnation.com/2012/11/21/3675432/bears-qb-jay-cutler-pulling-for-notre-dameMatt Verderame2012-10-14T11:23:54-05:002012-10-14T11:23:54-05:00Irish vault up the Coaches Top 25 Poll
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<p>The new USA Today Coaches' Poll shows the Notre Dame Fighting Irish moving up.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2012/10/14/3501598/college-football-rankings-2012-week-8-coaches-top-25">latest USA Today Coaches' poll</a> has been released and it features many changes at the top after a wild weekend.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/notre-dame-fighting-irish" class="sbn-auto-link">Notre Dame Fighting Irish</a> continue to climb the ladder toward the top spot, moving up from No. 7 to No. 5 with their overtime win against the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/stanford-cardinal" class="sbn-auto-link">Stanford Cardinal</a>.</p>
<p>Notre Dame rounds out the top five, only trailing the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/alabama-crimson-tide" class="sbn-auto-link">Alabama Crimson Tide</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/oregon-ducks" class="sbn-auto-link">Oregon Ducks</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/kansas-st-wildcats">Kansas St. Wildcats</a> and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/florida-gators" class="sbn-auto-link">Florida Gators</a>.</p>
<p>The Irish will have their chance to make further moves with a tough upcoming schedule that features the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/usc-trojans" class="sbn-auto-link">USC Trojans</a> and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/oklahoma-sooners" class="sbn-auto-link">Oklahoma Sooners</a>.</p>
<p>The biggest drop in the rankings comes from the Big 12, where the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/west-virginia-mountaineers" class="sbn-auto-link">West Virginia Mountaineers</a> fell 10 spots to No. 15 after being blown out by the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/texas-tech-red-raiders" class="sbn-auto-link">Texas Tech Red Raiders</a>.</p>
<p>In what amounts to no surprise, the SEC is the conference with the most representation in the poll. Six teams from the SEC are listed, including the Mississippi State Bulldogs, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/lsu-tigers" class="sbn-auto-link">LSU Tigers</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/south-carolina-gamecocks" class="sbn-auto-link">South Carolina Gamecocks</a> and the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/georgia-bulldogs" class="sbn-auto-link">Georgia Bulldogs</a>.</p>
https://chicago.sbnation.com/2012/10/14/3501794/college-football-rankings-2012-week-8-coaches-poll-top-25Matt Verderame2012-10-14T09:02:36-05:002012-10-14T09:02:36-05:00Irish get lauded for excellent defensive effort
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<p>The <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/notre-dame-fighting-irish" class="sbn-auto-link">Notre Dame Fighting Irish</a> ran their record to 6-0 on Saturday afternoon after beating the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/stanford-cardinal" class="sbn-auto-link">Stanford Cardinal</a> 20-13 in overtime at Notre Dame Stadium.</p>
<p>Despite trailing for most of the game, the Irish were able to get it done on the back of its resilient defense. Of course, the biggest play of the game was also controversial, with Notre Dame apparently stuffing Stanford on fourth-and-goal from the 1-yard line. After review, the call was confirmed and the Golden Domers walked off victorious.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.onefootdown.com/2012/10/13/3499836/notre-dame-vs-stanford-quick-post-game-recap">Over at One Foot Down</a>, Eric Murtaugh points out a few key elements of Saturday's win:</p>
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<p>The goal line stand was a thing of beauty. Was it controversial? Maybe, but it's nice to see defense rewarded in this age of copious touchdowns. Re-watching the replay Taylor's forward progress was stopped for about 3 full seconds, his elbow was down before reaching the ball over the line, the side judge ruled him down, AND it wasn't overturned.</p>
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<p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113577/tommy-rees" class="sbn-auto-link">Tommy Rees</a> is the most clutch backup quarterback in the nation. I've lost all fears and phobias while he's out there and I've even grown comfortable with him. Call me crazy, but I'll feel that way until he doesn't play well or his turnovers kill the team. I think he was born to be the clutch backup QB.</p>
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<p>Notre Dame's next game is against the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/byu-cougars" class="sbn-auto-link">BYU Cougars</a>, who will be seeking their first offensive touchdown against the Irish since Sept. 8.</p>
https://chicago.sbnation.com/notre-dame-football/2012/10/14/3501224/notre-dame-stanford-2012-reactionMatt Verderame2012-10-14T08:37:32-05:002012-10-14T08:37:32-05:00Mohammed looks to bring winning attitude to Bulls
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<figcaption>Howard Smith-US PRESSWIRE - Presswire</figcaption>
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<p>Nazr Mohammed brings more experience to a Chicago Bulls team looking to make its first NBA Finals appearance since 1998.</p> <p>In the offseason, the <a href="https://www.blogabull.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chicago Bulls</a> acquired center <span>Nazr Mohammed</span> to bring in some depth for the front court and provide some veteran leadership.</p>
<p>Mohammed, a 35-year-old journeyman center, could be a vital piece for the Bulls as they search for that elusive trip to the NBA Finals. <a href="http://www.csnchicago.com/basketball-chicago-bulls/bulls-talk/Bulls-elder-statesman-Mohammed-not-actin?blockID=788563&feedID=10332">According to CSNChicago.com</a>, Mohammed says he's ready to do his part.</p>
<p>"I just do whatever the coaches ask me to do. If they want me to shoot the ball, I’ll shoot the ball, but on this team I’m concentrating on defense," Mohammed, a graduate of Kenwood Academy in Hyde Park on the city’s South Side. "But how our offense is set up, I’ve just been having some opportunities offensively, so I’ve just been taking them."</p>
<p>Mohammed has been around the block, last seen playing for the Western Conference champion <a href="https://www.welcometoloudcity.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Oklahoma City Thunder</a>. Now, he'll return to his native Chicago in hopes of helping the Bulls take the next step.</p>
<p>"Nazr’s tough, that’s what I like about him. He’s been a great pro for a long time. I think his size, shot-blocking at the rim is critical," added Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau. "He doesn’t try to do things that he can’t do and I think that goes a long way towards winning."</p>
https://chicago.sbnation.com/2012/10/14/3501148/chicago-bulls-2012-nazr-mohammedMatt Verderame2012-10-14T08:29:16-05:002012-10-14T08:29:16-05:00Irish defense showing it's for real
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<figcaption>Jonathan Daniel - Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Notre Dame's defense stepped up against the Stanford Cardinal, stuffing them on a goal line stand on Saturday afternoon.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/notre-dame-fighting-irish" class="sbn-auto-link">Notre Dame Fighting Irish</a> have looked terrific this year, especially on the defensive side of the ball.</p>
<p>Despite trailing the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/stanford-cardinal" class="sbn-auto-link">Stanford Cardinal</a> for much of the game, the Golden Domers hung in there thanks to staunch defense all afternoon. When Notre Dame did tie things up and eventually take the lead in overtime, the defense was once again there to shut the door right in the nick of time.</p>
<p>With Stanford having fourth-and-goal from the Irish 1 yard line, the Irish came up big. <a href="http://www.csnchicago.com/ncaa/news/Notre-Dame-defense-stands-strong-in-OT-w?blockID=788471&feedID=661&awid=6413091863675226400-914">According to CSNChicago.com</a>, linebacker <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/84654/manti-te-o" class="sbn-auto-link">Manti Te'o</a> was ready:</p>
<p>"We knew they were going to run the ball," Te'o said. "Those are moments that you remember and I think that you remember it's one of the most gritty, just get-after-it defenses that's ever competed."</p>
<p>Notre Dame might have the best defense in the country. Nobody has been able to run the ball in for a touchdown yet, and even more impressively, the unit hasn't allowed a touchdown since Sept. 8.</p>
<p>"People challenge our physical features -- we are one of the most physical defenses in the country. I don't care what anyone says," defensive end <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/143530/stephon-tuitt" class="sbn-auto-link">Stephon Tuitt</a> said. "We're legit, it's a great D-line, our front seven is great and our defense is awesome."</p>
https://chicago.sbnation.com/2012/10/14/3501114/notre-dame-football-defense-stats-2012Matt Verderame