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Chicago Bears interim head coach Thomas Brown enters Week 18 with an 0-4 record. Regardless of the outcome against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on Sunday, at 1-4 or 0-5, Brown will leave the seeason with the worst record as a head coach in the Bears’ history.
Brown initially entered the season as the Bears passing game coordinator, but was promoted to offensive coordinator following Chicago’s 19-3 loss to the New England Patriots on Nov. 10. The Bears would score 19, 27, and 20 in their next three losses, prompting Poles to name Brown the interim head coach when Matt Eberflus was fired on Nov. 29.
Thomas Brown’s offense has been terrible this season
Since, the Bears have scored 45 points in four games (a little over 11 points per game) with Brown as the interim head coach.
One wouldn’t think that’s an impressive resume. However, one must also consider that Poles wanted to hire Eberflus as his head coach in the same offseason the Indianapolis Colts were ready to fire him as the defensive coordinator. Eberflus and Poles have whiffed on all of their coordinator hires.
Chicago Bears GM makes commitment to Brown
If you can accept that Poles doesn’t know how to hire coaches, the GM’s statement on ESPN 1000 Sunday morning regarding Thomas and the coaching search makes more sense. Per CHGO Sports’ Adam Hoge, Poles will grant the 0-4 interim head coach a chance to interview for the permanent job.
“I’ve been so impressed with Thomas and his leadership,” Poles said. “I know the results haven’t come. That was a very difficult situation he was put in.”
GM Ryan Poles says on the #Bears pregame show that interim head coach Thomas Brown will get an interview for the permanent job.
"I've been so impressed with Thomas and his leadership. I know the results haven't come. That was a very difficult situation he was put in."
— Adam Hoge (@AdamHoge) January 5, 2025
Brown was put in a difficult situation. But it’s also true the Bears didn’t respond to his leadership.
There’s no reason to grant Brown or anyone else on the current staff an interview after Sunday. They need to be escorted from Halas Hall when they pick their (expletive) up on Monday morning.
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Green Bay Packers WR Matthew Golden Already Has A New Nickname
The Green Bay Packers may have found their next offensive weapon in rookie wide receiver Matthew Golden. Just a few days into training camp, Golden has already made a name for himself, earning praise from teammates and coaches alike. Special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia even gave him the nickname “Bullet,” a nod to his blazing speed and dynamic playmaking ability. With expectations high, Golden is showing why he was a first-round pick and why he could be a key piece in the Packers’ offense this season. A Strong Start to Green Bay Packers Training Camp Golden has wasted no time making an impact in his first NFL training camp. His smooth route running and explosive speed have been on full display, drawing attention from both fans and teammates. According to reports, Golden has already been utilized in a variety of ways, including jet sweeps and motion plays, hinting at the versatile role he could play in the Packers’ offense. Rich Bisaccia’s nickname for Golden, “Bullet,” is a reference to former Olympic sprinter and Dallas Cowboys legend Bob “Bullet” Hayes. The comparison is fitting, as Golden’s speed has been a standout trait since his college days. “He’s got that extra gear,” said head coach Matt LaFleur. “You can see it in the way he separates from defenders. It’s exciting to think about what he can bring to our offense.” Matthew Golden: College Dominance at Texas Golden’s college career at Texas was nothing short of spectacular. In his final season, he recorded 1,215 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns, averaging an impressive 16.2 yards per catch. His ability to stretch the field and make big plays in critical moments made him one of the most dangerous receivers in the country. Over his three-year college career, Golden amassed 2,987 receiving yards and 25 touchdowns, solidifying his status as a first-round talent. His performance at the NFL Combine only added to the hype. Golden ran a 4.31-second 40-yard dash, showcasing the elite speed that has already earned him comparisons to some of the league’s top deep threats. His combination of size, speed, and route-running ability made him a no-brainer for the Packers, who were in desperate need of a reliable target for quarterback Jordan Love. Filling a Key Role in the Packers’ Offense The Green Bay Packers’ wide receiver room has undergone significant changes in recent years. With Christian Watson recovering from a torn ACL and other young receivers like Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks still developing, Golden has a clear path to playing time. His ability to create separation and make plays downfield could make him a go-to option for Love, especially in critical third-down situations. Golden’s versatility also makes him a valuable asset. Whether lining up in the slot, running jet sweeps, or stretching the field on deep routes, he has the skill set to contribute in multiple ways. “He’s a guy who can do it all,” said veteran running back Josh Jacobs. “You can see the potential. He’s going to be a problem for defenses.” Final Thoughts Matthew Golden’s first week of training camp has been nothing short of impressive. From earning the nickname “Bullet” to showcasing his elite speed and versatility, he’s already proving why the Green Bay Packers invested a first-round pick in him. With his college pedigree and early flashes of brilliance, Golden has the potential to be a game-changer for Green Bay’s offense. As the season approaches, the Packers may have found their next star wide receiver, and the rest of the league should take notice.
All signs point to Yankees moving on from Anthony Volpe
With the trade for Ryan McMahon now complete, it would seem New York Yankees’ general manager Brian Cashman has fulfilled one of his three priorities. He can now cross third base off the list, which leaves the rotation and bullpen as his remaining priorities. However, according to one Yankees writer, Cashman might not be done with the infield. Chris Kirschner of The Athletic reported this after the McMahon trade: “The Yankees may not be done adding to their infield. A team source said the Yankees are interested in adding a right-handed hitter who could play the infield.” Kirschner adds that the Yankees have had interest in Willi Castro and Amed Rosario. But the question now is, how would another player fit into the Yankees’ infield? Needless to say, Paul Goldschmidt and Jazz Chisholm Jr. aren’t going anywhere, and McMahon is just getting there. That leaves the low-hanging fruit. Anthony Volpe has been at the center of controversy all this season. His 13 errors, many of which had come at make-or-break moments, amount to the second-highest total in the game. In addition, his bat has not been able to compensate, hitting .217/.288/.408 with 14 home runs. There was always a lot to like about Volpe. He won a Gold Glove in his rookie year, his power has always been promising and his speed is nothing to scoff at. Unfortunately, his glove has become a liability, and his speed has also produced very few results. Volpe has swiped just 10 bags in 17 attempts. His power is the one thing that still has some upside, but it hasn’t been enough to justify a spot in the lineup. Both Castro and Rosario have been far more productive at the plate this season than Volpe. Kirschner doesn’t clarify how serious the Yankees are in their pursuit of another infielder, but that most likely isn’t available information. Having just turned 24, Volpe could still become the type of player that was expected from him as a top prospect. However, his recent performance has weighed heavily on his team’s efforts, and it may be buying him a ticket out of the Bronx — or at least a spot on the bench.
Ryan McMahon 'looks great' as Yankees open 4-game set vs. Rays
Ryan McMahon spent Friday night getting a lift from Baltimore to New York following a trade from the Colorado Rockies. The third baseman spent the next two days acclimating to a new set of teammates and making a positive contribution to the New York Yankees. The Yankees hope to see more from McMahon and others Monday night when they host the struggling Tampa Bay Rays in the opener of a four-game series. New York is 4-7 over its past 11 games after a five-game winning streak July 6-11. The Yankees avoided a sweep and ended a four-game home losing streak Sunday by earning a 4-3 win over the Philadelphia Phillies. McMahon is 3-for-6 in two games after hitting .217 for the Rockies, who dealt him to New York for two minor league pitchers Friday. "He looks great so far," New York closer Devin Williams said. "Hopefully he continues it. I've obviously played against him in the past and he was a good player and I'm happy to have him here." On Sunday, McMahon keyed a four-run second inning by delivering a tying two-run double off Zack Wheeler. He also made three plays in the field, including a sliding stop on Trea Turner and a leaping catch on a line drive by Bryce Harper. "Honestly just excited to do something to help the team," said McMahon, who is batting .342 (13-for-38) with four homers and 11 RBIs over his past 11 games. "Wins are important right now. I'm happy to do some solid stuff out there and get ready for the next one." Tampa Bay took two of three in New York May 2-4 and then went 25-9 from May 20-June 26. Since then, the Rays are a measly 7-18 in their past 25, and they sit at .500 for the first time since they were 27-27 on May 27. Their performance in New York may impact how they approach Thursday's trade deadline. The Rays finished with three hits in Sunday's 2-1 loss at the Cincinnati Reds. It was the 11th time Tampa Bay was held to three hits or fewer. The Rays mustered only a homer by Taylor Walls while striking out 10 times, giving them 43 in the past four games. Tampa Bay also is 1-6 in seven games since putting Brandon Lowe on the 10-day injured list a week ago with left foot and ankle tendinitis. "We're missing Brandon Lowe," Rays manager Kevin Cash said. "He knows that more than anybody. I know that. It's a different lineup when he's in it and how other guys are pitched. We have enough offense here that can work around that." New York's Cam Schlittler (1-0, 4.35 ERA) will make his third career start, and it could be an audition for a potential trade. Schlitter allowed three runs in 5 1/3 innings in his major league debut against the Seattle Mariners on July 9 and allowed two runs in five innings in a no-decision at Toronto on Tuesday, when the Yankees earned a 5-4 win. Drew Rasmussen (7-5, 2.93), who turned 30 on Sunday, starts for Tampa Bay and is 6-1 with a 2.60 ERA in his past 12 starts. Rasmussen is coming off four straight no-decisions and allowed two runs on three hits in four innings in Tampa Bay's 4-3 win over the visiting Chicago White Sox on Tuesday. Rasmussen is 2-1 with a 0.34 ERA in five career appearances (four starts) against the Yankees and has not allowed a run in 13 innings during his two previous appearances in New York.
Three trade destinations for Nationals All-Star MacKenzie Gore
Since winning the World Series in 2019, the Washington Nationals have been one of the laughing stocks of MLB. The franchise has failed to make the postseason in each of the last five seasons, and at 41-61, that trend doesn't appear to be ending this year. The Nats are considered sellers with the July 31 trade deadline quickly approaching, and starting pitcher MacKenzie Gore is their most coveted asset. The fourth-year starter was a key return in the blockbuster trade that sent Juan Soto to the San Diego Padres in 2022. After two productive seasons that saw him steadily improve, Gore earned his first All-Star nod in 2025. With the Nationals heading nowhere again, though, it seems as though the franchise may capitalize on the 26-year-old's career-best trade value. He has a 3.52 ERA and 144 strikeouts across 117.2 innings in 21 starts. Gore has two more years of arbitration before hitting unrestricted free agency in 2028, so it won't be easy for rival teams to coax the talented lefty out of Washington. But with so many playoff hopefuls struggling with injuries in their rotations, one franchise is bound to pay up. Detroit Tigers After blazing through the first half of the season, the Detroit Tigers have struggled to just one win in their last 12 contests. While the team's ice-cold offense certainly hasn't helped, Detroit's rotation behind Tarik Skubal has left plenty to be desired. The Tigers boast one of baseball's premier farm systems, but with championship aspirations looming, it may be time to cash in on some of their most sought-after prospects. Gore would immediately bolster the Tigers' title hopes while giving them a legitimate second star in their rotation behind the AL Cy Young favorite. Boston Red Sox Another American League team with playoff aspirations, the Boston Red Sox didn't tear through the first half of the regular season in the same manner Detroit did. However, the team found new life after dealing Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants and is in the thick of the AL wild-card race. Pitching has been a strength for the Red Sox this season, but they, too, could use another All-Star arm behind their ace. Garrett Crochet has been a dominant force, while Brayan Bello has experienced a bit of a breakout in recent weeks. With the back end of their rotation struggling to find any semblance of consistency, Gore would be a sensible addition for the Sox. Chicago Cubs A championship contender with a lineup that strikes fear into their opponents every night, the Chicago Cubs' Achilles' heel could be their starting pitching. If they fail to mend the issue, that is. Matthew Boyd has been an unforeseen redemption story with the Cubs. Shota Imanaga has also held his own in his second full season, consistently pitching deep into games. However, the rest of the team's rotation is riddled with injury and inexperience. Cade Horton and Colin Rea are solid back-end starters, but neither inspires confidence for a potential playoff series. Gore has the potential to be a magnificent fit with Chicago and would create a formidable starting trio with Boyd and Imanaga. If there's one National League team to keep an eye on in trade talks for Gore, it's the Cubs.
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