Will's Fifth Quarter Sports Talk
|
By: Will Farlow
The Chicago Bears have had a glaring need in their defensive line. Defensive ends show key importance to the strength of an NFL team’s defensive success. The bears made smart moves drafting and signing good defensive pieces . The Monsters of the Midway made a smart trade deadline move acquiring Montez Sweat from the Washington Commanders. Earlier this afternoon Sweat received a four year 98 million extension.
The extension was a smart move by Ryan Poles . I feel this cements a key piece for the Bears defense moving forward. Sweat is a great talent that can help ignite a young Bears defense. I feel seeing his experience that this new Chicago Bear will be a smart move to positively help the team. The extension means there is less need at defensive end in the upcoming offseason , and one less target in the draft.
The question still is how Sweat will play in his first game as a Bear on Sunday. Time is a factor for new players fitting in with their new teammates. Sweat in his introductory press conference seems confident he can fit in well. The extension overall gives Bears fans relief that the team is continuing to improve. However, more still needs to be done to make that reality. The Montez Sweat extension is no more than just a step toward that direction.
0 Comments
10/19/2023 1 Comment Will Fields be Bears QB1 in 2024?
By: Will Farlow
The Chicago Bears came into this current season with a positive, and productive offseason. The fans were hopeful under year two of the coaching staff that things would turn around for the Monsters of the Midway. Unfortunately, the Bears faithful are seeing a 1-5 start making fans prepare for a long season. The big question I have is whether Fields will be the QB1 next year.
Justin Fields in his second season under Luke Getsy has looked better as a player. Adding weapons like DJ Moore have helped his passing ability. Rapport with Cole Kmet, Mooney, and Khalil Herbert have been positives at times . Fields took a bit too long in my view to stand up for himself after the first three games. Fields speaking out lead to two games against Denver and Washington to send a statement to the NFL. I admire Fields as a team leader in Chicago which is a true positive in a team’s starting quarterback. We need to see better play on a regular basis to back up his confidence in his postgame remarks. Time to back up those words on the field , Justin!
Fields still has to currently recover from a dislocated thumb he suffered from during the first half of the recent loss against Minnesota. I think the Bears should continue to have optimistic hope in their QB1. Justin has shown at times this year signs he can be a QB1. I feel he still has a lot to prove this year for him to be a QB1 next year.
Trouble reading defenses, and an injury prone offensive line to start are issues for Bears QB1. The Bears could have a high draft pick in April where they are near talented QB prospects . Fields has a lot to live up to already this early in season. Run more with mobility, trust your teammates, and play with motivation to keep your job next year. Good luck to Justin Fields staying QB1 next years he's gonna need it.
By: Will Farlow Good evening and a Happy Friday Will’s Fifth Quarter Special fans! This is host and creator Will Farlow here bringing you the newest Will’s Weekly Sports Quote. This is the first Will’s Weekly Sports Quote in written form in the show’s history. The Chicago White Sox fans witnessed a historical moment in the franchise of the team at 35th and Shields. Before the introduction of new general manager Chris Getz, team owner and chairman Jerry Reinsdorf spoke to the public. Which leads us as the mics and recorders of media officials go off. Jerry, Chris and staff leave the room maybe to talk to La Russa or team loyalty. Here comes in the fifth quarter moment, your newest Wills Weekly Sports Quote! Chuck Garfien of NBC Sports Chicago has quoted Jerry Reinsdorf saying this during his press conference moment with the media. “ The 2023 season was my 43rd season in baseball. It was absolutely the worst season I’ve ever been through. It was a nightmare. Embarrassing. Disgusting. All the bad words you can think of is the way I feel about the 2023 season. It was just awful.” Let’s dissect this significant quote here , Will’s Fifth Quarter Special fans! The quote of Reinsdorf shows a new side of his view of the season most White Sox fans are trying to forget. Jerry shows in his words his passion for the game of baseball which is a similar passion to the average White Sox fan. Jerry is 87 years old guys, and let’s be honest to ourselves he wants more World Series wins. Reinsdorf isn’t getting any younger hence the urgency to change the front office after the team’s struggles. This is a great Will’s Weekly Sports Quote as it shows the average angry fan the view of the team owner who seems to want the same thing. Jerry wants this team to be better to the degree that he talked to the people today. Reinsdorf rarely speaks to the media , and I hope today shows he should more often. I feel as a fan of this team more optimistic then I was after hearing this quote in the press conference. The owner wants to do better for the organization and the fanbase. Question is how he can prove that to the fans feeling it’s just the same old, loyal Jerry routine today. So in my view this is a special quote for our segment here to show a side of Jerry Reinsdorf fans don’t see often. I’m excited for the segment’s first historic blog post here. Be on the lookout Will’s Fifth Quarter Special fans for future Will’s Weekly Sports Quotes whether episode , live stream, or blog we have you covered. When the fourth quarter buzzer sounds you turn to us for your fifth quarter sports talk. I’m Will Farlow saying so long from this edition of Will’s Weekly Sports Quote.
By: Will Farlow Chicago White Sox fans have been hoping for change after another disappointing season. Fans headed to the stadium at 35th and Shields looking at their radios and phones in shock. Before tonights game against the Seattle Mariners , the White Sox fired General Manager Rick Hahn and Executive Vice President Kenny Williams. Here are my takes on the moves , and how it positively impacts the future of the Chicago White Sox organization. Kenny Williams was the general manager that put together the White Sox team that won a World Series back in 2005. I think its good Kenny was let go as he lived off that for too many years. The White Sox did not do right by the organization keeping his mediocre leadership around the team. The team needs a new executive outside the organization that can help take this talented franchise in a better direction. General Manager Rick Hahn promised fans through the recent rebuild the team would win multiple championships . Rick Hahn years later in 2023 getting fired for his mediocre and ineffective work as a GM. Hahn did not fix issues the team had constantly , poor free agent signings, and awful coaching hires. I expected Hahn to be fired at the end of the season, but the firing of Williams was the most shocking. The question is whether Pedro Grifol will stay as manager. Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf has said how tough it was for him to make these tough decisions. Reinsdorf spoke out saying a new head executive will be hired by the end of the season. I hope the organization doesn’t stay too loyal and hire internally as it would be a crucial mistake. Change is finally coming to the Southside. Chicago White Sox fans rejoice on this news, and feel hope for the future. Thank you for 2005 Kenny , but that’s many years ago.
By: Will Farlow
The Chicago Cubs entered this season with high expectations to try to return to the MLB postseason. The Northsiders have had a great season thus far in 2023. Headed to the trade deadline with not too many needs in my view shows a positive sign. The Cubs were smart amid trade rumors to hold onto soon to be free agents Marcus Stroman and Cody Bellinger. The Cubs made some smart trade deadline trades to help their team continue in the right direction in a winnable NL Central division. Here is a recap of the trades made by the Cubs along with my report card grade.
Trade #1: Chicago Cubs trade LHP DJ Herz and infielder Kevin Made to the Washington Nationals for 3B Jeimer Candelario
The Chicago Cubs made a smart trade to improve their infield depth by trading for their former player. Candelario has a good right handed bat that drives in runs, and goes with good defensive play . The Cubs can utilize the versatility of Candelario moving forward. The Nationals continue a good rebuild by acquiring Herz and Made to help their team in the future.
Trade #2: Chicago Cubs trade OF Nelson Velasquez to the Kansas City Royals for RHP Jose Cuas
The Cubs make a trade from strength to improve their bullpen by acquiring Cuas. The reliever brings another option for David Ross to call on in key game situations. The Royals acquire a talented young outfielder in Velasquez to continue their rebuild in the right direction.
Trade #3: Chicago Cubs trade RHPs Manuel Rodriguez, Adrian Sampson, and future considerations to the Tampa Bay Rays for RHP Josh Roberson
The Cubs trade for a talented pitcher from Tampa Bay for two pitchers in their minor league system. Roberson has good potential that can now be utilized in future games at Wrigley Field. I like this trade as the Cubs followed instinct to get a player they wanted for their organization. The Rays acquire pitchers to help them as they try to make some noise in the upcoming postseason. Tampa also acquires future international draft pool money from Chicago.
Grade: B+
The Chicago Cubs get a score of a B+ most importantly for keeping their successful roster intact. Their score is not an A due to their lack of addressing the need for left handed relievers in their bullpen. Velasquez being traded is also risky giving his high potential. There is also the risk of Bellinger and Stroman walking for nothing in free agency. Cubs fans should be very happy with the outcome of the trade deadline as GM Jed Hoyer did a nice job.
By: Will Farlow
The Chicago White Sox had a tough loss tonight against the Chicago Cubs. Fans expected trades of players in contract years to happen to improve the team for the foreseeable future. I don’t think anybody expected the trade that just took place tonight in Chicago. The Chicago White Sox have traded Lucas Giolito and Reynaldo Lopez to the Los Angeles Angels for Edgar Quero and Ky Bush. These are my takes on how this trade positively impacts the future of the team at 35th and Shields.
The White Sox acquired more than I expected for two players set to be free agents at the end of the season. Lucas Giolito was a good starting pitcher in his White Sox career , but signs of him not returning after this season led to his departure tonight. Reynaldo Lopez has not been the reliever the Southsiders needed this year, and they got the best they could for him in a trade. The White Sox needed to get younger and more stable for the future , and this trade helps makes that happen.
The White Sox acquired the Angels #2 prospect in the switch hitting Cuban catcher Quero. I like his approach on offense hitting well, taking walks, and striking out less. Quero is the youngest player in the Double A Minor League Baseball level. The White Sox have a need at catcher for the future , and this trade improves that in a great way.
Ky Bush is an interesting left handed starting pitcher for the White Sox to acquire in this trade. The lefty has good control as a pitcher, but has faced a few injuries in the minors this year as a setback. Bush is the lefty the White Sox can use in a rotation that’s recently featured a majority of right handers. Bush can definitely slot in well to a future rotation behind Dylan Cease and Michael Kopech. Thank you to Lucas Giolito and Reynaldo Lopez for what you did as White Sox players. Rick Hahn made a smart move for the future , and next season with this trade with the Los Angeles Angels.
By: Will Farlow
The Chicago White Sox had high hopes when they first signed Luis Robert back in 2017. The Cuban phenom early on got the nickname La Pantera during his early seasons on the Southside. Robert has had the last two seasons dealt with some injury situations. This 2023 season is the star breakout season White Sox fans waited for with Robert. Following Sundays 8-7 win in Oakland, Robert was named to represent the Southsiders as a reserve in the All Star Game.
Luis Robert being named to the MLB All Star Game is an exciting moment for a White Sox team having a first half to forget. Robert is a five tool star player Chicago can build around for years to come. Defense for Robert in my opinion is his strongest quality in any game situation. Robert has truly improved his plate discipline this season and its lead to a current .276 batting average and 24 home runs. The Cuban centerfielder is very humble as a player , and someone I feel is a key leader for his team.
The announcement made by the team in the locker room showed positive signs as they clapped and cheered for Robert. The part of the celebration that stood out to me the most was Robert’s response to the team . Robert spoke about the honor of being able to play in the All Star Game while inspiring his teammates to improve the rest of the season after a tough start. This shows his growth as a leader, and I feel he truly deserves this honor to be in the All Star Game. Now playing the outfield for the 2023 American League All Stars , Luis Robert!
By: Will Farlow
Three seasons ago the Chicago Cubs traded in a fire sale key players from their 2016 World Series run. This lead to fans having to handle another rebuild situation . Now in 2023 , fans are excited again at Wrigley with this newly improved Cubs team. The Cubs are off to a great start here in 2023, and they gave even more good news to their fans. The Chicago Cubs have three key players named to the NL All Star Team in Marcus Stroman, Dansby Swanson, and Justin Steele. Here are my takes on why these three truly deserve the All Star nods.
Marcus Stroman has been a well respected pitcher in the MLB for many years. Stroman is a reliable pitcher when healthy, and plays the game fans want appreciate from a pitcher. The pitcher’s second season as a Cub as been his best at Wrigley in my view. There are reports his stay could be short, but I feel the All Star nod will lead to his long term future at Wrigley Field. I admire how much Stroman has been connected to his teammates and the fans. Stroman has had a season that has truly earned him a trip to Seattle coming soon.
Dansby Swanson has been a talented shortstop since his MLB debut back in 2016. The moment he came to the Cubs this past offseason led to the excitement of fans on the Northside. Swanson has vastly improved the Cubs defense and hits in game situations. The Cubs thanks to adding the shortstop now have one of the best defenses in the league. Swanson has taken his winning experience into a young clubhouse to help his team be successful.
Justin Steele is my favorite of these three Chicago Cubs that were named to play in the 2023 MLB All Star Game in Seattle. This young Cub came into the season primed to breakout , and he has done just that in his third season in the majors. Steele has led the NL Pitchers in ERA and WHIP. Steele in my honest opinion in the next three years will be at the top of this young Cubs pitching rotation.
The Chicago Cubs having three players named to the MLB All Star Game is a positive sign for their future in the league. This team will be contending consistently once again in postseason baseball. They have fight, strong defense, and impressive team chemistry. Congratulations to Dansby Swanson, Justin Steele , and Marcus Stroman for being named to the NL All Star Team in 2023.
By: Will Farlow The Chicago White Sox entered this season with expectations to earn fan trust after a disappointing 2022 season. The team spotted a split series in Houston, but ever since is showing signs of mediocrity. I think it’s great their new manager Pedro Grifol trusts his guys. However, here are some reasons that this team needs to wake up against Tampa Bay this weekend. The White Sox offense has shockingly been inconsistent during games. Hitters only score the runs early on in the first few innings, and later are unable to score. I have strongly felt the last few years the Southsiders suffer under the issue of stranding runners on the base pads. Scoring runs more consistently with runners on is beneficial to securing more wins. The White Sox hitters also need to improve their plate discipline on a more consistent basis. The bullpen suffered from the losses of injured players Liam Hendriks and Garret Crochet. Players such as Joe Kelly, Graveman, and others have not been able to hold things up. After the DFA of reliever Jose Ruiz , the bullpen pitchers need to take notice and play smarter. It’s also on Grifol to better manage this bullpen in certain situations.
By: Will Farlow
The NFL Draft presents many things no fan expect when the clock is ticking. Teams make trades that are so unexpected each day before the draft keeps fans on the edge of their twitter feeds. Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles made a smart move that in my opinion makes Chicago fans proud. The Chicago Bears traded the first overall pick in 2023 to Carolina for the 9th and 61st pick in 2023, a 2024 first , 2025 second , and WR DJ Moore. The returning trade package to Chicago shows many aspects that will impact each off these two franchises in different ways.
The Bears now add a proven wide receiver one in Moore, and picks to help their team moving forward. Justin Fields now has more weapons to work with for future seasons. I love this receiver fitting into this offense with his strong durability and deep threat ability. The combination currently of Fields, Moore , Mooney , Claypool, and Kmet is lethal for opposing defenses to face. The next test for the second year Bears GM is to make good choices with the draft picks acquired in the trade.
The Bears have sent fans in the Windy City a positive sign of the future, and the off-season has just begun. I have the utmost confidence in the Bears front office to continue to add to this team the right players for this organization. This trade shows that Ryan Poles got his guy at WR1 and trusted his gut in a historic Bears trade. This team has a future that just got even brighter just many hours ago. The Bears have 48 days to decide now their draft plan for this team’s direction. Chicago can also attempt to sign free agents with a league high cap space as soon as next week. Welcome to Chicago DJ Moore, and thanks Ryan for a trade Bears fans will hopefully never forget.
|
AuthorWill Farlow. View all the blog posts from Will Farlow on this webpage. Archives
March 2025
Categories |
RSS Feed