Its All About Viral News Around The World !: June 2020

Tuesday, 30 June 2020

Australia seeks long-range missiles in Indo-Pacific defence shift

The country is to significantly lift military spending amid rising US-China instability, its PM says.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/2BqiZAB

Amy McGrath Will Face McConnell in Kentucky, and Hickenlooper Wins in Colorado

By Jonathan Martin and Adam Nagourney from NYT U.S. https://ift.tt/2CQl8Wt

What a Family That Lost 5 to the Virus Wants You to Know

By Tracey Tully from NYT New York https://ift.tt/2NGmZzl

Carl Reiner, Multifaceted Master of Comedy, Is Dead at 98

By Robert Berkvist and Peter Keepnews from NYT Arts https://ift.tt/31yhFGq

How Do Flying Snakes Glide Through the Air? ‘It’s Hard to Believe’

By David Waldstein from NYT Science https://ift.tt/3i9VmNn

Remote School Is a Nightmare. Few in Power Care.

By Michelle Goldberg from NYT Opinion https://ift.tt/2NFsmij

Coronavirus Jumps the Border, Overwhelming Hospitals in California

By Miriam Jordan from NYT U.S. https://ift.tt/2XEZv3F

Hong Kong: 'Anti-protest' law kicks in as city marks handover

As the city marks 23 years since British rule ended, critics say the new law is "the end of Hong Kong".

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3ieOSwy

Coronavirus: Czechs hold party to bid 'farewell' to pandemic

Thousands attended the festive event in Prague, sharing food and drink with people around them.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3dRhmsK

The Cameroonian waging war against a French war hero’s statue

Essama Andre has repeatedly attacked the statue of French war hero Gen Philippe Leclerc in Doula.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/2NWoCt7

Persuading China to switch to 'fake' pork

Pork is China's favourite meat dish, but will new meat substitutes tempt consumers to give up meat?

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3eJqqBj

Coronavirus: The human cost of fake news in India

False and misleading reports have surged in the country during the coronavirus pandemic.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/2Zon6Fp

New on Sports Illustrated: U.S. Senator Wants Answers From Adam Silver About NBA's Relationship With China

In a two-page letter sent Tuesday to Adam Silver, Sen. Marsha Blackburn expressed “concern” over the NBA’s dealings with a country governed by a Communist regime.

A U.S. Senator is demanding answers from NBA commissioner Adam Silver on his league’s relationship with China.

In a letter sent Tuesday to Silver, Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) expressed “concern” over the NBA’s dealings with a country governed by a Communist regime that has abused human rights, squashed pro-democracy protests and hidden details on the coronavirus outbreak. Sports Illustrated obtained a copy of the two-page letter.

Blackburn is giving Silver a July 21 deadline to respond to three questions she poses at the letter’s end regarding China Central Television’s ban on NBA games, the league’s relationship with Chinese state-owned enterprise Alibaba and the league’s training center in the controversial region of Xinjiang. The relationship between China and the United States is at a “pivotal moment,” she writes, and it could eventually lead to a new Cold War.

View the 2 images of this gallery on the

original article

While commending Silver’s prudent decision in March to suspend the NBA season, Blackburn believes that details on its relationship with China are “imperative” as the league reconvenes. “While the NBA has worked hard to raise awareness of social issues at home, there is concern that the league has turned a blind eye to human rights abuses committed abroad—even bowing down to pressure last year,” the letter says. “The actions of the NBA and some players have created an appearance that your league prioritizes profit over principle.”

The NBA and China have a deep and long history, dating back to the 1980s, when former commissioner David Stern began forging a relationship with China Central Television (CCTV) to broadcast the league’s games. In the early 2000s, the NBA’s presence in the country boomed during the playing days of native son Yao Ming. Since 2007, the NBA has held preseason games in the country each year except one.

The relationship is worth millions each year, according to most estimates. But it hit a snag last fall, when Rockets general manager Daryl Morey created a stir by tweeting a message encouraging his followers to “stand with Hong Kong,” an independent region that for more than a year now has entered into pro-democratic protests against Beijing. The tweet, though quickly deleted, caused a now months-long divide between the league and China. CCTV has stopped all broadcasts of NBA games since the tweet in October, and Silver said earlier this year that the issue has cost the league a “substantial” amount that he described as “probably less than $400 million.”

In a statement, the league called the tweet “regrettable,” and its biggest star, LeBron James, described the message as “misinformed.” Lawmakers on Capitol Hill chided the NBA for its response, cowering to a communist government instead of supporting the democratic rights of the Hong Kong people. In her letter, Blackburn calls the fallout of Morey’s tweet “stunning” and urges the league to give “careful thought” in reassessing its relationship with the country.

Many in Washington view the NBA as a key entity in future government relations with China, a sort of leverage point that America may hold against the communist regime. Recent actions from China, detailed in the letter, have raised concerns with those on Capitol Hill. Chinese officials withheld knowledge of the coronavirus for months, hoarded personal protective equipment, destroyed test samples and arrested doctors who were warning the public.

China recently passed a national security law that calls for harsher sentences against Hong Kong residents who support secession, further eroding the region’s freedoms and eradicating its democratic identity, the letter states. Furthermore, Blackburn writes, China continues to violate the religious freedom and autonomy of the Tibetan people, while inhumanely treating the Uyghurs, a predominately Muslim ethnic group located in a region, Xinjiang, that reportedly houses an NBA training center.

The letter closes with these three questions/requests:

1. What are the anticipated financial consequences of China Central Television’s (CCTV) continued ban on the airing of NBA games?

2. Please outline the scope of the NBA’s relationship with Chinese state-owned enterprise Alibaba.

3. The NBA reportedly continues to operate a training center Xinjiang, one of the world’s worst humanitarian zones. What steps is the NBA taking to shutter this location?

Facebook bans 'violent' Boogaloo-linked network

It said the group seeks violence and is loosely affiliated with the far-right Boogaloo movement

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/2VzwMvp

Coronavirus: Joe Biden will not hold campaign rallies

"This is the most unusual campaign, I think, in modern history," the Democratic nominee said.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3dPbj8e

Coronavirus: Six months that changed our world

A look back at how Covid-19 has swept the globe and altered the world in the course of six months.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/38gRFkr

Coronavirus: What's behind new US outbreaks?

Cases are rising in Texas, Florida, Arizona and California - here's a look at the data and the theories.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/38g9MXu

New on Sports Illustrated: Los Angeles Dodgers Fantasy Superlatives: 4 Breakouts On The Come-Up!

Four potential breakout candidates highlight SI Fantasy expert Shawn Childs's list of fantasy superlatives from the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Breakout: SS Corey Seager

After earning a full-time starting job for the

Los Angeles Dodgers in 2016, fantasy owners haven’t seen the best of Seager yet. Last year he missed a month over the summer with a hamstring injury.

His contact batting average (.340) remains below his first two full seasons (.391 and .390). Seager saw fade in his walk rate (8.1) while owning a favorable strikeout rate (18.1).

He had two productive months (May – .264 with five runs, five HRs, and 20 RBI and September – .291 with seven HRs and 26 RBI) while coming up short over his other 316 at-bats (.268 with seven HRs and 41 RBI).

His batting average (.240) had risk against left-handed pitching, but he did have four HRs and 24 RBI over 167 at-bats.

Seager had a low hard-hit rate (37.9 – 190th) with much more strength in this area in 2016 (43.8 – 44th). He had a more balanced swing path in 2019, but his HR/FB rate (12.3) still ranked below his success in 2016 (17.9) and 2017 (16.2).

His RBI rate (18) screams middle-of-the-order bat. In 2020, Seager should regain his high average swing along with a rebound in power.

Based on his ADP (147), he is a complete steal. I fully expected him to hit over .300 in 2020 while delivering a 100/30/100 skill set with a full season of at-bats.

Breakout: 2B Gavin Lux

The Dodgers drafted Lux with the 20th selection in the 2016 June MLB Amateur Draft.

Over four seasons in the minors, he hit .305 with 293 runs, 48 home runs, 193 RBI, and 52 steals over 1,578 at-bats.

His walk rate (11.2) has top of the order value with an above the league average strikeout rate (18.3).

In 2019, Lux blossomed at AAA (.347 with 99 runs, 26 HRs, 76 RBI, and ten SBs over 458 at-bats). LA called him up in September while giving him a start on most nights (.240 with two HRs, nine RBI, and two SBs over 75 at-bats).

His overall game projects well as number two-hitter with his skill-set having a better than Chase Utley feel.

I expect sneaky speed with an edge in batting average once he gets some major league at-bats under his belt. Lux is the right kind of gamble based on his ADP (171) with home run upside if he does find his way to the top of the batting order. His starting point should be .290 with 75 runs, 15 home runs, 70 RBI, and ten steals.

Breakout: SP Julio Urias

The Dodgers have done their best to try and limit the innings of Urias early in his career. Over six seasons in the minors, he has a 15-8 record with a 2.76 ERA and 364 strikeouts over 310.1 innings.

He missed most of the 2018 season after his recovery left shoulder surgery that occurred in June of 2017. Last year Los Angeles pitched him for most of the season in the bullpen.

His strikeout rate (9.6) is an edge with a mid-level walk rate (3.1). Urias pitched better as a reliever (2.01 ERA and 48 Ks over 49.1 innings). In his eight starts, the Dodgers limited him to 30.1 innings with a 3.26 ERA and 37 strikeouts.

He had almost the same success against righties (.203) and lefties (.198).

His AFB (95.2) was the highest of his career while featuring three plus pitches (four-seam – .189, slider – .122 BAA, and changeup – .232 BAA).

Urias has a developing arm that gets a significant bump in the pitching rankings due to the shortened season. Wins could be an issue due to a quick hook. His ADP (140) is rising, but Urias should still outperform his draft value in 2020.

Breakout: SP Dustin May

May looks ready to rock and roll in the starting rotation for the Dodgers in 2020.

Over four seasons in the minors, he went 24-17 with a 3.50 ERA and 394 strikeouts over 403.2 innings.

May pushed his way from AA to the majors last year while not losing beat on the big stage. In LA, he threw strikes (walk rate – 1.3) while his strikeout rate (8.3) came in shorter than his minor league resume (8.8).

His AFB (96.0) is elite with more upside when he fills out. May relies on a cutter (.188 BAA) and a plus sinker (.247 BAA). His next step will come with more consistency with his curveball.

With 141.1 innings under his belt in 2019, he should have had no problem pushing toward 180 innings this season. May is almost a gift based on ADP (290). I expected a sub 3.50 ERA and 175 strikeouts with double-digit wins if the Dodgers played 162 games this year.

Value: C Will Smith

Last year Smith found his power stroke at AAA (.268 with 48 runs, 20 HRs, and 54 RBI over 224 at-bats). He baited fantasy owners into spending plenty of their free-agent budget after his late May call-up.

After six games (6-for-21 with two HRs and three RBI), the Dodgers shipped him back to AAA. Smith teased again in late June (1-for-5 with one HR and three RBI), but he landed on the injured list with an oblique issue.

In his third trip to the majors, Smith rewarded his believers with an excellent run over the next month (.339 with 17 runs, nine HRs, and 25 RBI over 62 at-bats). Unfortunately, he lacked follow-through over his final 82 at-bats (.183 with three HRs and 11 RBI).

Smith had risk against right-handed pitching (.211 with three HRs and seven RBI over 57 at-bats).

He has a high volume fly-ball swing path (53.7 percent with the Dodgers and 52.3 at AAA in 2019). His strikeout rate (26.5) in the majors needs work, but he did take walks (9.2 percent walk rate).

Over four seasons in the minor, Smith hit .243 with 55 home runs and 180 RBI over 1,034 at-bats.

He’s getting better while wanting to hit for power. His batting average will have risk due to a lot of easy outs via fly balls. A 30-plus HR swing with a full season of at-bats, but LA has a higher ranked catcher (Keibert Ruiz), only a phone call away.

With an ADP of 158, you can expect a top ten season at his position given his floor in home runs.

New on Sports Illustrated: MLB Teams Not Able to Disclose Who Goes on IL With Coronavirus

Yankees GM Brian Cashman said that teams have not been given clearance to announce which players end up on the injured list due to COVID-19.

Trying to find out the status of a baseball player coming back from an ankle injury will definitely be easier than learning whether someone tested positive for the coronavirus.

New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said during a conference call Tuesday that teams have not been given clearance to announce which players end up on the injured list due to COVID-19. A positive test, medical recommendation or exposure to someone who has had the virus could all put players out of action.

“I believe the information I’ve been given is that you’ll be left to try to figure that out because we would not be (able to disclose),” Cashman said. “It would be a speculating circumstance.”

Non-baseball related injuries do not have be explained in detail under terms of the collective bargaining agreement.

Cashman noted the situation continues to evolve as Major League Baseball and the players’ union continue discussions. Testing of players and staff will begin Wednesday as they report to their teams to resume workouts. They will be tested once every two days.

Last week, Charlie Blackmon of the Colorado Rockies became the first Major League Baseball player known to have tested positive. According to reports, the All-Star outfielder was one of three Colorado players to have a positive test.

Numerous other teams have said they have players who have tested positive for the virus without identifying any of them. The Philadelphia Phillies announced seven, while the Detroit Tigers said one player who was living in Florida but not working out at the team’s spring training facilities in Lakeland also tested positive.

Seattle Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto said a few players have tested positive but declined to specify how many. Several Toronto Blue Jays players and staff members have also tested positive.

Baltimore general manager Mike Elias said the Orioles have had no reported cases and that no one on the team has decided against playing in the shortened season.

He’s hoping for a smooth start to the camp that’s scheduled to begin Friday at Camden Yards.

“We recognize that this will be fluid and everyone is having to make personal decisions and circumstances might not be fully understood until the season starts, but so far we are expecting full participation,” Elias said. “You see in the news around the league that’s not the case everywhere and I wouldn’t be shocked if that ends up happening, but that’s going to be part of this.”

“We’re not pressuring anyone or shaming anyone that feels they shouldn’t be here. We’re making that known, and I think it’s well-received,” Elias added. “Our players have been itching to play for a while. I think the whole delay was frustrating for them, for us, and everyone just wants to go play.”

New on Sports Illustrated: Los Angeles Dodgers Fantasy Superlatives: 4 Breakouts On The Come-Up!

Four potential breakout candidates highlight SI Fantasy expert Shawn Childs's list of fantasy superlatives from the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Breakout: SS Corey Seager

After earning a full-time starting job for the

Los Angeles Dodgers in 2016, fantasy owners haven’t seen the best of Seager yet. Last year he missed a month over the summer with a hamstring injury.

His contact batting average (.340) remains below his first two full seasons (.391 and .390). Seager saw fade in his walk rate (8.1) while owning a favorable strikeout rate (18.1).

His batting average (.240) had risk against left-handed pitching, but he did have four HRs and 24 RBI over 167 at-bats.

His RBI rate (18) screams middle-of-the-order bat. In 2020, Seager should regain his high average swing along with a rebound in power.

Based on his ADP (147), he is a complete steal. I fully expected him to hit over .300 in 2020 while delivering a 100/30/100 skill set with a full season of at-bats.

Breakout: 2B Gavin Lux

The Dodgers drafted Lux with the 20th selection in the 2016 June MLB Amateur Draft.

Over four seasons in the minors, he hit .305 with 293 runs, 48 home runs, 193 RBI, and 52 steals over 1,578 at-bats.

His walk rate (11.2) has top of the order value with an above the league average strikeout rate (18.3).

His overall game projects well as number two-hitter with his skill-set having a better than Chase Utley feel.

Breakout: SP Julio Urias

The Dodgers have done their best to try and limit the innings of Urias early in his career. Over six seasons in the minors, he has a 15-8 record with a 2.76 ERA and 364 strikeouts over 310.1 innings.

He missed most of the 2018 season after his recovery left shoulder surgery that occurred in June of 2017. Last year Los Angeles pitched him for most of the season in the bullpen.

He had almost the same success against righties (.203) and lefties (.198).

His AFB (95.2) was the highest of his career while featuring three plus pitches (four-seam – .189, slider – .122 BAA, and changeup – .232 BAA).

Breakout: SP Dustin May

May looks ready to rock and roll in the starting rotation for the Dodgers in 2020.

Over four seasons in the minors, he went 24-17 with a 3.50 ERA and 394 strikeouts over 403.2 innings.

His AFB (96.0) is elite with more upside when he fills out. May relies on a cutter (.188 BAA) and a plus sinker (.247 BAA). His next step will come with more consistency with his curveball.

Value: C Will Smith

Smith had risk against right-handed pitching (.211 with three HRs and seven RBI over 57 at-bats).

He has a high volume fly-ball swing path (53.7 percent with the Dodgers and 52.3 at AAA in 2019). His strikeout rate (26.5) in the majors needs work, but he did take walks (9.2 percent walk rate).

Over four seasons in the minor, Smith hit .243 with 55 home runs and 180 RBI over 1,034 at-bats.

With an ADP of 158, you can expect a top ten season at his position given his floor in home runs.

Monday, 29 June 2020

‘Our Luck May Have Run Out’: California’s Case Count Explodes

By Shawn Hubler and Thomas Fuller from NYT U.S. https://ift.tt/3ePoVl6

Trump Got Written Briefing in February on Possible Russian Bounties, Officials Say

By Charlie Savage, Eric Schmitt, Nicholas Fandos and Adam Goldman from NYT U.S. https://ift.tt/31vjdB4

Coronavirus Live Updates: States Pause Plans to Reopen as Cases Soar

By Unknown Author from NYT World https://ift.tt/3gaDhg4

Another Fatal Shooting in Seattle’s ‘CHOP’ Protest Zone

By Kirk Johnson from NYT U.S. https://ift.tt/2BSCO3y

Trump Shares Video of Armed White Couple Confronting Protesters

By Annie Karni from NYT U.S. https://ift.tt/31saNuf

The Reality Behind ‘Below Deck’

By Caity Weaver from NYT Style https://ift.tt/38lK8Rr

‘Feeling Like Death’: Inside a Houston Hospital Bracing for a Virus Peak

By Sheri Fink from NYT U.S. https://ift.tt/2BmtW62

Patriots Sign Cam Newton as N.F.L. Levies Fine in Video Scandal

By Ken Belson from NYT Sports https://ift.tt/2YHkAL3

Coronavirus: Human trial of India vaccine in July

This is the first Indian vaccine and developed from a weakened strain of the virus isolated locally.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3gaphmv

New on Sports Illustrated: Ian Desmond to Sit Out 2020 Season: 'Home Is Where I Need to Be'

Desmond: "With a pregnant wife and four young children who have a lot of questions about what's going on in the world, home is where I need to be."

Rockies outfielder Ian Desmond

announced on Monday he will sit out the 2020 season, citing family concerns amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Desmond's post also included his "thoughts and experiences as a biracial man in America," noting his responsibility to answer questions from his children regarding "coronavirus and civil rights and life."

"The COVID-19 pandemic has made this baseball season one that is a risk that I am not comfortable taking,” Desmond wrote. "With a pregnant wife and four young children who have lots of questions about what's going on in the world, home is where I need to be right now."

"Home for my wife, Chelsey. Home to help. Home to guide. Home to answer my older three boys' questions about Coronavirus, Civil Rights and life. Home to be their dad."

Desmond, 34, signed a five-year, $70 million contract with the Rockies in 2016. He is a two-time All-Star, hitting 181 home runs in 11 seasons.

China passes controversial Hong Kong security law

Beijing has passed the law, the BBC has learned, deepening fears for the city's freedoms.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3dM0xzA

Coronavirus-hit Arizona reverses course on reopening

Arizona emerges as a new US virus epicentre, joining other Sun Belt states like Florida and Texas.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/2BTFqOh

New on Sports Illustrated: Hawks to Use State Farm Arena as Georgia Polling Station For 2020 Elections

State Farm Arena will serve as a polling station for Georgia's primary runoff election on Aug. 11.

The Hawks will use State Farm Arena as a polling station for Georgia's primary runoff election on Aug. 11, according to ESPN's

Kevin Arnovitz.

State Farm Arena will also serve as a polling station for early voting before the general election in 2020.

"We were casually brainstorming since our whole world turned about what we can do internally as an organization," Hawks head coach Lloyd Pierce told Aronvitz. "We were trying to figure out how we can take care of home first, and [Atlanta CEO Steve Koonin] pitched the idea."

Pierce plans to "encourage" coaches and organizations across the NBA to consider using their arenas as polling stations ahead of the 2020 election. The second-year head coach is a member of the National Basketball Coaches Association's committee on racial injustice and reform.

"The focal point tonight is what the coaches can do in Orlando to keep this conversation alive and use our voice and our platform in unity," Pierce said. "But being able to address the group and show them this initiative was really not hard to process. We reached out to the county and they were on board. The next thing you know, we're the first city to have an arena host a voting site. So I really want to encourage all the other 28 other coaches."

Pierce and Hawks point guard Trae Young are among numerous NBA players and coaches to join protests and rallies after George Floyd was killed on May 25. Floyd was stopped by Minnesota PD officer Derek Chauvin, who pressed his knee on Floyd's neck for nearly nine minutes. Floyd can be heard saying "I can't breathe," numerous times on video before his death.

Chauvin has been charged with second-degree murder. Three other officers have been charged with aiding and abetting murder for their roles in Floyd's death.

The NBA is working to support social justice initiatives in Orlando when the 2019-20 season resumes on July 30. Players will be allowed to replace the last name on their jerseys with a message about social justice, and all three courts in Orlando will reportedly have "Black Lives Matter" written on the sidelines.

Two Friends in Texas Were Tested for Coronavirus. One Bill Was $199. The Other? $6,408.

By Sarah Kliff from NYT The Upshot https://ift.tt/2ZlDnLe

Bagged Salads Recalled After Hundreds Are Sickened in the Midwest

By Aimee Ortiz from NYT U.S. https://ift.tt/2AfMrsw

Kweichow Moutai: 'Elite' alcohol brand is China's most valuable firm

Kweichow Moutai's share price rockets thanks to its popular and sought-after baijiu drink.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3ieIhlP

Venezuela tells EU ambassador to leave country

Isabel Brilhante Pedrosa's expulsion comes after the EU placed sanctions on 11 Venezuelan officials.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/2YJzvV9

New on Sports Illustrated: Could the 2011 Lockout Give Us One Hint Why The Patriots Wanted Cam Newton?

Does 2011 offer a hint about Bill Belichick's interest in Cam Newton? Plus, notes on the QB market, the Patriots' latest penalties, Colin Kaepernick's Netflix doc and Johnny Manziel's comments.

Camp opens for most teams a month from yesterday. Or at least it’s supposed to. Here’s what we’ve got for you this afternoon. …

• Someone who has worked in New England made a pretty interesting point to me about

the Cam Newton signing, as it relates to Bill Belichick’s brand of logic. He told me that in 2011, Belichick told everyone that the one thing that would kill the team early on, post-lockout, was being out of shape, and giving up big plays as a result of it. This guy then said, regarding Newton, “So what better way to pressure on a tired defense than have Cam back there?” And then there’s this—if the Patriots feel like they needed to be a little simpler to play fast on offense, Newton can facilitate that in allowing New England to build more off its run game. Now, I think the primary reason to sign here is giving yourself multiple shots at getting the quarterback position right, post-Tom Brady, and the signing absolutely fits Belichick’s pattern of buying low on prodigious talents (Randy Moss, Corey Dillon, Chad Ochocinco, Albert Haynesworth, etc., etc.) But the stuff specific to 2011 sure is a nice side benefit.

• I also think the contract terms Newton agreed to say more about this offseason than anything else. Spending is always craziest over the first wave of free agency. After that, there were a pretty high number of high-profile quarterbacks available—Andy Dalton, Joe Flacco and Jameis Winston among them—who were waiting for a market out that never heated back up for them. Guys like Teddy Bridgewater, Nick Foles and even Chase Daniel benefitted from coming off the market early on, while the market was hot. After that, the reality became clear, and that’s that for the first time in forever quarterback supply overwhelmed quarterback demand.

• One addendum to my MMQB take on the Patriots’ penalties for their media crew videotaping the Bengals’ sideline—that third-round pick they lost is significant, and because of more than just the blown draft capital. New England was cooperative and apologetic about the violation, but had hoped it would be assessed as a non-football misstep. The inclusion of the draft-pick penalty is the NFL implicitly holding Patriots football ops accountable.

• With the NFL football ops tweeting out July 28 as the start date for training camp, it’s worth noting that the Chiefs and Texans open earlier—the rule under the new CBA is teams can start 47 days before their opener. Since Houston and Kansas City are playing in the kickoff game, both will start camp on July 25. The Texans are welcoming in their rookies on July 18, and have the quarterbacks coming in on July 20. Chiefs QBs and rookies report on the 22nd.

• I’d love more from Colin Kaepernick on 2015-17 in his new Netflix doc, but it doesn’t sound like that’s going to be a part of it. He’s got an executive producer credit in the announcement, which means if he wants to keep that stuff out of there, that stuff will be kept out of there.

• Johnny Manziel told the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal that, for him, he views football as “in the past.” And that’s too bad. It’s been lost in the mess his life became, but Manziel was electric as a player and competitor, and he’s still just 27 years old. Because he was such a unique player, I always thought Doug Flutie was a good comp for him. It’s a shame we never really saw what he might’ve become over time.

• Bucs LB Shaq Barrett told SiriusXM radio Monday that he plans to sign his franchise tender if he doesn’t get a long-term deal by the July 15 deadline, and that raised an interesting X-factor for the others tagged but still unsigned—Bengals WR A.J. Green, Chiefs DT Chris Jones, Jaguars DE Yannick Ngaukoe and Broncos S Justin Simmons. Given all of the COVID-related issues, would it make sense for those guys to stay away until Week 1 to avoid getting infected, or being around those who come in with the virus? I think it’s a sort of interesting question, given the likelihood that some teams will have a significant number of cases through training.

• While we’re there, I thought Eagles OT Lane Johnson explained what players will be facing next month well: “Ultimately, it’s a risk that we’re all willing to take to go outside your house or whatever you’re doing, going shopping. I’ve been doing a pretty good job of staying in the house, doing my social distancing protocols. Yeah, with everybody it’s going to be a risk that we’re going to have to take and see what happens.” Really, it’s not unlike what many in America are facing (without the risk of having to physically run into your co-workers over and over again, of course).

• Just to update something we’ve been keeping an eye on, five of the NFL’s 32 first-round picks have signed. Last year at this juncture, 26 had signed. And there are veterans who still haven’t actually signed their deals either, because they can’t take physicals yet. Which, as you might imagine, has led some to be very careful about how they’re working out ahead of camp.

• All the best to long-time agent Paul Sheehy and his family. Per long-time Broncos beat man Mike Klis, Sheehy is battling COVID-19 and has been on a ventilator on Friday, which is another reminder of the seriousness of the virus, and the fact that we’re not nearly out of the woods with it yet as a country.

• Question or comment? Email us.

Coronavirus overwhelms Afghanistan’s war-ravaged hospitals

Corruption, medical supply shortages and militant attacks have deepened the country's health crisis.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/2VtiLiS

Coronavirus: How much does your boss need to know about you?

Firms are collecting a lot more information about staff as they try to contain coronavirus risks.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/2CUcmH9

New on Sports Illustrated: 2020 Chicago Bears Team Outlook: Nick Foles or Mitch Trubisky?

Even in a down year, the Chicago Bears squeaked out an 8-8 record. In 2020, they could seek a new direction by putting Nick Foles in the huddle over former No. 1 pick Mitch Trubisky.

Coaching Staff

After a breakthrough season in 2018 (12-4),

the Chicago Bears slipped to 8-8 last year because a fade offensively (29th in points scored – 280 and yards gained). They scored 141 fewer points than in 2018 (421).

Chicago brought in Matt Nagy to be the head coach after a successful 2017 season as the offensive coordinator for the Chiefs. Nagy had ten seasons of NFL experience working under Andy Reid. He has a 20-12 record over two years as a head coach with one appearance in the playoffs.

Bill Lazor takes over as the offensive coordinator after spending 2019 as an analyst for Penn State. He has four seasons of offensive coordinator experience. His NFL career started in 2003 while coaching in the league for 13 years.

The Bears’ defense slipped to fourth in points allowed (298) and eighth in yards allowed while being less opportunistic.

Chicago brought in Chuck Pagano to take over the defense in 2019. His 2011 success as the Ravens' defensive coordinator helped him earn the head coaching job for Colts for six seasons. He went 11-5 in each of his first three years with Indy while making the playoffs each season. Pagano faded over his next three seasons (20-28), pushing his career record to 53-43. He has 19 years of experience in the NFL.

Free Agency

In the offseason, the Bears’ defense lost S Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, S Tashaun Gipson, CB Prince Amukamara, LB Nick Kwiatkoski, DE Leonard Floyd, LB Kevin Pierre-Louis, CB Sherrick McManis, DT Nick Williams, and DE Aaron Lynch.

Clinton-Dix was the best player lost. He played well every year in the league with success in both run support and pass coverage. Amukamara tends to be a league-average player in coverage. Kwiatkowski projects to see playing time on passing downs, but he does play well vs. the run and some production in sacks.

The Bears added DE Robert Quinn and CB Artie Burns to their defense. Quinn will start the year at age 30, but he does upgrade the pass rush. Burns has been up-and-down in coverage while seeing minimal playing time in 2019 for the Steelers.

Chicago moved on from WR Taylor Gabriel, QB Chase Daniel, TE Bradley Sowell, G Ted Larson, and G Kyle Long.

The best two players added to the offense were TE Jimmy Graham and T Germain Ifedi. Graham is past his prime, but he’ll start the year as the starter. Ifedi continues to underachieve in area of blocking,

Draft

The Bears didn’t have a first-round draft pick in 2020. They selected TE Cole Kmet and CB Jaylon Johnson.

Kmet does have some flaws coming out of college. His release, fight off pressed blocks, and initial quickness invites some questions with his three-down value. When given a free run to the second level of the defense, his game looks much better. Kmet will be a vertical threat with enough size and speed (4.7 forty yard dash) to hit on long plays down the seam.

Johnson has playmaking skills while showing the ability to work as a press corner. His speed (4.5 forty), quickness, and vision add to his coverage area. He gets in trouble at times when trying to cheat by looking at the quarterback eyes. I expect his game to be more reliable as the field shortens. Johnson also gains value when asked to play multiple coverages.

With their first two picks in the fifth round, Chicago added DE Trevis Gipson and CB Kindle Vildor.

Gibson brings an explosive first step while having the power to finish when seeing daylight. His lack of experience and technique leaves him short on pass-rushing moves and the thought process to vary his attack. To make a step forward, he needs to develop his hands. Gibson should offer rotational value early in his career while owning the talent to become an upside player.

Vildor shows strength and speed (4.44 forty) while being slightly undersized (5’10” and 190 lbs.). Just like CB Jaylon Johnson, his play should work well in both man and zone coverages. Vildor will make mistakes in coverage due to his vision falling more into the thinker-mentality, which leaves him late in his decision making. Even with some fight and power, Vildor doesn’t fire when needed in run support.

WR Darnell Mooney was the choice with their third pick in the fifth round. His game is built on big plays, but he doesn’t have the size (5’10” and 175 lbs.), strength, or hands to be trusted on many plays at the next level. The Bears will look to get him in space or use him on gadget plays where his open-field running could lead to long touchdowns. His speed (4.38 forty) gives him a chance in the deep passing game.

Chicago took a swing on a pair of guards in the seventh round (Arlington Hambright and Lachavious Simmons).

Hambright played tackle in college, but he is expected to be shifted to guard at the next level. His quickness is an edge off the snap, earning his best value as move blocker in a quick-hitting run game. His hands create early wins, but his technique with his feet invites some failure in pass protection.

Simmons comes with experience at tackle and guard. He lacks the bulk (290 lbs.) to anchor on the inside at this point in his career. At 6’5”, he should add weight and get stronger, helping his growth and game. Simmons owns an edge in reach while needing to improve his technique.

Offensive Line

Chicago dropped to 27th in rushing yards (1,458) with eight rushing TDs and five runs over 20 yards. Their ball carriers gained 3.7 yards per rush.

The Bears slipped to 25th in passing yards (3,573 yards) with only 20 TDs and 12 Ints. Their offensive line allowed 45 sacks and 86 QB hits. Chicago completed 39 passes over 20 yards.

LT Charles Leno

Leno started for the Bears over the last five seasons after getting drafted in the 7th round in 2014. In 2019, he allowed too much pressure on the quarterback while still grading as an edge for the fourth straight year. His play as run blocking took a big hit last year after playing well in this area over the two previous seasons.

LG James Daniels

Daniels improved in both run and pass blocking last year after moving into the starting lineup in Week 8 in 2018. Over two seasons in the league, Daniels allowed minimal sacks. He gains his edge with his quickness and lateral movement. Daniel offers the most upside in a quick-hitting run game while needing to add strength to handle power rushers in pass protection. Chicago drafted him in the second round in 2018.

C Cody Whitehair

Whitehair was one of the better centers in his rookie season after getting drafted in the second round in 2016. Whitehair played left tackle in college while his natural position is at guard. In his first two years in the NFL, Whitehair rated well in run blocking. Over the past two seasons, he regressed in the run game. Whitehair now has two strong seasons on his resume in pass protection and a neutral showing in 2019.

RG Germain Ifedi

The Bears will shift Ifedi back to guard after seeing action over his previous three seasons after right tackle. He continues to allow too much pressure in the quarterback no matter where he lines up while ranking poorly over the past three years as run blocker. Ifedi does have a first-round (2016) pedigree.

RT Bobbie Massie

Massie missed six games last year, with most coming from a right ankle injury. He had a rebound in his game in 2018, which was a result of success in pass blocking. Unfortunately, Massie has now failed in each of the last four seasons as a run blocker. Last year he finished as a league-average player in pass protection.

Offensive Line Outlook

This offensive line has a lot to prove in 2020 after struggling in all areas last year. The left side of the line added to the center position has a chance to be league-average or better. I don’t trust Ifedi to be an asset, but a position change should stabilize his weakness in pass protection. A new offensive coordinator should help this offense move back in a positive direction.

Offensive Schedule

The data shows the strength of schedule as far as rushing attempts (RATT), rushing yards (YDS), yards per attempt rushing (YA), rushing touchdowns (TDs), completions (COMP), passing attempts (PATT), passing yards (YDS), yards per attempt passing (YA), and passing touchdowns (TDS).

This information is based on 2019, which will work as our starting point for 2020. We’ll look at all the changes on offense on each team in the NFL plus the upgrades and downgrades on each team on the defensive side. We’ll update this table when we finish the research on all 32 teams.

2019 LG Average = the league average of all stats from all 32 teams in 2019.

2019 Results = this is the results for each team in the NFL.

2019 Adjustment is based on the 2019 league average and the 2019 results for each team, this number will show if each team is above or below the league average in each stat category and the basis for the strength of schedule.

The Bears have 11 games for their rushing offense that rank close to the league-average. They have two below-par matchups (TB and NO) for their run game while expecting to have success against the Panthers and the Jaguars.

Chicago does have a favorable schedule for their passing offense. Based on last year, I don’t see any bad matchups. The Bears have six contests (NYG, TB, TEN, HOU, and DET X 2) that offer upside for their ability to pass the ball.

Offense

Last year the Bears ran a 40/60 split for the run/pass offense. Their offensive line struggled in all areas, which led to struggles on early downs in the run game. Chicago has a top defense, which points a change back to a run-oriented offense while hoping to regain some play-action value in the passing game. Their receiver core still has questions at tight end and their depth at wide receiver.

Here’s a look at the early projections for the Bears, which will be fluid all summer after taking in all injury updates and training camp news:

Quarterbacks

Mitchell Trubisky

Despite playing through a left shoulder injury (labrum), Trubisky set career highs in completions (326) and pass attempts (516), but had a significant step back in his yards per pass attempt (6.1 lowest in the NFL – 7.4 in 2018).

Surprisingly, his WR1 (Allen Robinson – 98/1147/7) held value, which left failure behind almost every other door in the receiving game.

In 2018, Trubisky had the feel of a rising QB with slick movements as a runner (68/421/3). We see how that played out.

The Bears have questions at TE (46/425/2), but they did add Jimmy Graham via free agency and Cole Kmet in the draft. WR Anthony Miller (52/656/2) played through his second season with injuries while failing to develop into a top tier WR2.

I expect a bounce-back by the Bears’ offense in 2020 while being in the free-agent pool in most fantasy leagues. Viable QB2 if his season starts well. Trubisky had surgery in late-January to repair his labrum issue.

His ADP (260) remains low due to Nick Foles being in the mix to start.

I like the upside of Trubisky, but it comes down to wins to keep the job. On the first run of the projections, I gave him 95 percent of the quarterback playing time, which came to 4,081 combined yards with 25 TDs and 11 interceptions.

Nick Foles

After helping the Eagles win the Super Bowl in 2017, Foles only played in nine games over the past two seasons. Over this span, he passed for 2,149 yards with ten TDs and six Ints while gaining 6.9 yards per pass attempt. His completion rate (69.9) ranked above his career average (61.9) over the last two seasons.

In his career, Foles showed the ability to win games in 2013 (8-2), 2014 (6-2), and with Philly (10-3 – including the playoffs). His ADP (222) ranks higher than Mitchell Trubisky in the high-stakes market in mid-June.

Other options: Tyler Bray

Running Backs

Over the first two seasons with Matt Nagy as the head coach, the Bears have struggled to run the ball (3.9 and 3.7 yards per rush). They continue to give their running backs plenty of chances in the passing game (2018 – 101/963/6 and 2019 – 111/663/4). Last year their backs gained only 6.0 yards per catch, which was well below their 2019 success (9.5).

In 2017 and 2018, Chicago’s running backs scored 32 TDs combined or one per game. I expect another 30-percent opportunity for the running backs in the passing game with a rebound on early downs.

David Montgomery

Montgomery wasn’t much better than RB Tarik Cohen last year on early downs (3.7 yards per rush), but the Bears still gave him 16.7 touches per game.

His only three contests of value came in Week 8 (147 combined yards with one TD and four catches), Week 9 (76 combined yards with two TDs and three catches), and Week 17 (23/113/1).

Chicago had him on the field for 63 percent of their plays.

Over his last two seasons at Iowa St., Montgomery rushed for 2,362 yards with 24 TDs on 515 carries. He gained only 4.6 yards per rush, which is unimpressive at the college level. He picked 71 catches for 582 yards in his college career. Many of his TDs came on short easy runs while lacking open-field moves and vision to create more significant plays.

There’s upside here with three-down ability, but the Bears need to solve their offensive line issues to create more significant plays. Borderline RB2 in draft value (ADP – 52), but Montgomery is worth fighting for on draft day.

I set his initial bar at 1,206 combined yards with nine TDs and 30 catches, ranking 26th.

Tarik Cohen

Cohen had 143 touches last year, but he gained over 20 yards on just two plays. Both his yards per rush (3.3) and yards per catch (5.8) screamed bench role while showing much more upside in both areas in 2018 (4.5 and 10.2).

The Bears’ offense struggled in all facets last year, which gives Cohen a chance at a rebound in value this year. Even so, Chicago looks committed to RB David Montgomery (267 touches in his rookie season).

The bottom line here is the Bears’ offense needs to play better.

In 2018, Cohen finished as the 11th highest scoring RB (236.95) in PPR leagues (27th in 2019 – 164.10). My bullish projections came to 1,067 combined yards with five TDs and 72 catches as I view him as the second-best playmaker on the team. Cohen looks to be a value in drafts based on his ADP (108) in June.

Other options: Ryan Nall, Napoleon Maxwell, Artavis Pierce

Wide Receivers

The wide receiver opportunity for the Bears has grown by about six percentage points in each of the last two seasons despite questionable depth. Last year Chicago’s WRs accounted for 69 percent of their overall passing yards and 57.7 percent of their completions. They finished 10th in wide receiver targets (349) in 2019 while showing regression in their yards per catch (11.6).

Allen Robinson

The only bright spot in the Bears’ offense last year was the play of Robinson. He set career-highs in catches (98), targets (154), and catch rate (63.6) despite Chicago’s wide receivers catching only 214 passes for 2,484 yards and 14 TDs on 349 targets.

Robinson caught seven or more passes in eight games while finishing up the year with double-digit targets in five of his last six contests.

His better play came at home (52/646/4 on 82 targets).

He’s showing growth in his possession skills while also having the ability to make big plays. Over six seasons in the NFL, Robinson only has one other year of value (2015 – 80/1400/14).

Viable WR2 with his success tied to a rebound in the Bears’ fading passing game. Fantasy owners have him priced as the 12th receiver off the table in mid-June with an ADP of 36. His early projections came to 91 catches for 1,108 yards and seven touchdowns, which ranked 15th at wide receiver for me.

Anthony Miller

I’ve been a fan of Miller since he came into the league, but a left shoulder injury that required two surgeries limited his growth.

Last year the Bears’ offense was a mess in all areas. His star did shine in Week 13 (9/140/1) and Week 15 (9/118/1), which may be the signal for his breakthrough year.

Miller also had six games with one catch or less, which led to only five combined catches and 31 yards.

Over the last two seasons at Memphis, Miller caught 191 passes for 2,896 yards and 32 TDs while chipping in for another 94 yards and one TD rushing the ball. Anthony offers a unique combination of strength, route running, and open field ability. I love his moments with the ball and his adjustments to the ball in the deep passing game.

A forgotten player with a lot to prove in his third year in the league. Don’t dismiss as an upside WR5. Miller has ADP of 149 in June as the 52nd wide receiver off the table. I’ll start the bidding at 59 catches for 766 yards and four TDs and hope for more production.

Ted Ginn

The shine of Ginn being a viable third wide receiver ended in 2017 (53/787/4). He missed 11 games in 2018 due to a right knee injury that required surgery in mid-October. That season started with three steady games (5/68/1, 4/55, and 3/12/1). After returning from a ten-game injury vacation, Ginn caught 11 passes for 176 yards on 21 targets in his three games late in the year.

In 2019, the Saints gave him WR3 snaps for their first 11 games, but Ginn played well only in Week 1 (7/101). Over his final 15 games, he had two catches or fewer in 13 contests while never gaining over 50 yards.

At age 35, Ginn is only a flash player with a diminishing opportunity.

Javon Wims

His size (6’3’ and 215 lbs.) and hands should make him a viable threat at the goal line on fade routes. Wims has the wheels and pass-catching skill set to win jump balls in the deep passing game. His route running isn’t where it needs to be with questions in his release against press coverage.

In his second year in the NFL, Wims caught 18 of his 39 targets for 186 yards and one TD.

Riley Ridley

His route running, hands, and physical style grade well, but he can’t overcome some of his shortfalls in quickness and overall speed. The Bears would like him to develop into a possession type WR with limited value after the catch.

In his rookie season, Ridley caught only six passes for 69 yards, which came after a minimal career at Georgia (70/1026/13) over the seasons.

Other options: Cordarrelle Patterson, Darnell Mooney, Reggie Davis, Trevor Davis, Thomas Ives

Tight Ends

The tight end position in the Bears’ offense fell off a cliff in 2019. Their TEs gained only 9.2 yards per catch while scoring only a pair of touchdowns. Jimmy Graham adds another name this year, but his play has been fading since 2016. The addition of Cole Kmet does invite some intrigue, but he’ll need some time to develop.

Jimmy Graham

The two-year experiment in Green Bay didn’t go as planned for Graham. He struggled to score TDs with a diminishing opportunity.

Graham has four catches or fewer in 15 of his 16 starts while failing to gain over 50 yards in 14 contests.

Last year the Bears struggled offensively with the TE position being a part of the problem (46/425/2 on 69 targets).

A new home can’t offset his declining skill set at age 34. The Bears added TE Cole Kmet in the second round in this year’s draft, which steals snaps and targets away from Graham. I only see 42 catches for 461 yards and three TDs with no interest in the fantasy world based on his ADP (279 as the 35th TE drafted).

Cole Kmet

Heading into college, Kmet had top prospect pedigree for the tight end position. He had minimal chances over his first two years (2/14 and 15/162). His game pushed to an attractive NFL level over ten games (43/515/6) in 2019. Kmet missed the last two contests of the season with a broken collarbone.

The Bears will look to get him in space with motion before the snap to gain an earlier edge in pass patterns. At the goal line, Kmet will invite more scoring upside on delays or misdirection plays when he’s overlooked as a top scoring threat.

I expect him to get stronger and add more bulk, which will increase his value in both run and pass blocking. As of now, Kmet shows some foundation skills to have success as a blocker. He needs more fire or a sense of urgency off the snap while developing the foresight to anticipate where to locate his first target on the move when blocking.

His route running needs work with some questions with his hands when under fire. To be a stud TE, a player needs to own the short areas of the field. Kmet does not have that club in his bag at this point.

Kmet has an ADP of 296 in mid-June as the 64th tight end of the board.

Other options: Demetrius Harris, Adam Shaheen, Ben Braunecker, Jesper Horsted, Eric Saubert

Kicker

Eddy Pineiro

On draft day in 2019, the Bears traded for Pineiro to hopefully seize the kicking job. He missed all of 2018 with a groin injury.

In his two years at Florida in college, Eddy made 88.4 percent of his 43 field goal chances while missing only two extra-point tries in 58 attempts.

Pineiro made 23 of his 28 field goals (82.1 percent) in his first year with Chicago while recording a pair of misses in his 29 extra-point tries. He made both of his chances from 50 yards or longer. Early in the season, he played through a right knee injury.

In 2019, the Bears scored 30 TDs while creating 28 field goal chances. Possible upside if Chicago plays better offensively.

Defensive Schedule

Chicago’s run defense has a slight advantage in their schedule. They have five contests (IND, HOU, TEN, and MIN X 2) vs. teams that had some success running the ball in 2019. Six of their matchups (NYG, ATL, TB, LAR, and DET X 2) come against opponents that underperformed on the ground last year.

Their pass defense will get tested in two games (ATL and TB) plus the Rams, and the Saints should have success throwing the ball. Indianapolis ranked poorly in passing in 2019, but they should be improved with Philip Rivers starting at quarterback. The two games against the Vikings look favorable for the Bears pass defense.

Defense

The Bears fell to 9th in rushing yards allowed (1,632) with 16 TDs and nine runs over 20 yards. Opponents rushed for 3.9 yards per carry.

Chicago dipped to ninth in passing yards allowed (3,554) with 17 TDs and ten Ints. Their defense finished with 32 sacks (18 fewer than 2018). They allowed only 40 catches over 20 yards, which was the fourth-lowest total in the league.

DE Akiem Hicks

Hicks delivered the best season of his seven-year career in the NFL in 2018, where he was a beast in run support while adding 7.5 sacks and 55 tackles. Unfortunately, last year Hicks missed 11 games with knee and elbow issues. Over his previous three full seasons, he had 24 sacks in 48 games while grading favorably against the run.

DE Bilal Nichols

Over his first two seasons, Nichols had 55 tackles with three sacks over 27 games. His game regressed in all areas in 2019 while working as a rotational player.

DT Eddie Goldman

After playing at a high level vs. the run in 2018, Goldman regressed to the league average against the run. He offers minimal value in the pass rush with most of his playing time coming on early downs.

LB Khalil Mack

Entering 2019, Mack has 49 sacks over his last 62 games played. Last year he struggled to get to the quarterback (8.5 sacks – five-year low) while chipping in with 47 tackles. Over his previous two seasons, Mack delivered 11 forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and eight defended passes. He remains one of the top run defenders in the league despite some missed tackles.

LB Roquan Smith

Smith delivered on his first-round value over his first 28 games in the NFL after Chicago drafted him eighth overall in 2018. Over two seasons of action, he posted 222 tackles, seven sacks, two Ints, and seven defended passes. Last Smith missed four games with hamstring and pectoral injuries. Even with his plus stats, he did show risk defending the run for the second straight season.

The Bears didn’t find a legendary power linebacker, but they did land an athletic speed player with great vision and anticipation. Smith should offer value in all facets of the game, but he will lose momentum if offensive linemen disrupt his free run at the ball carrier.

LB Danny Trevathan

Over the past six seasons, Trevathan only played a full season once (2018). He has over 100 tackles three times in his career, and he was well on his way to a fourth (70 tackles in nine games) before going down with an elbow injury in 2019. He only has nine sacks in 96 career games while picking up eight interceptions. Trevathan plays well in run support while improving in the pass rush.

LB Robert Quinn

Quinn regained his sack form (10.5 in 14 games) in 2019 after falling short of expectation over his previous four seasons (24 sacks over 48 contests). From 2012 and 2014, he finished with 40 sacks over 48 games. His run defense remains a liability.

CB Kyle Fuller

Fuller has 55 defended passes over the last three seasons. Last year he set a career-high in tackles (82) with three interceptions. Fuller gives up some big plays, and he’ll make some mistakes in TDs while improving as a player.

CB Jaylon Johnson

The Bears need Johnson to emerge as one of their top three cornerbacks in his rookie season. He did have surgery on his right shoulder in early March to repair a torn labrum. Chicago expects him to be ready for the start of the year.

S Eddie Jackson

Chicago signed Jackson to a four-year extension in early January for $58.4 million, but his play failed to match his excellent 2018 season (51 tackles, one sack, six Ints, 15 defended passes, and three TDs). He does an excellent job in coverage while helping in the run game. His one area of improvement is his tackling.

S Tashaun Gipson

In his only season with the Texans, Gipson struggled in all facets of the game. He’s never had a sack in his career (112 games). In most seasons, Gipson added to the run defense. His play in coverage improved over the last three seasons, but he will allow some TDs and big plays.

Team Defense Outlook

The two keys for the Bears' defense in 2020 will be regaining their pass rush and their offense, making more plays to help control the clock. They did address some of their issues in the offseason. Chicago has some playmakers, which invites scoring ability in the fantasy games. Top-ten option in the fantasy market with more upside if their core stays healthy.

New on Sports Illustrated: Minnesota Golden Gophers Football 2020 Betting Preview

The Golden Gophers were one of college football’s feel-good stories of 2019 after starting the season 9-0. SI Gambling insider Frankie Taddeo previews the Gophers’ upcoming season win total, Big Ten odds, and reveals his best bet.

The Minnesota Gophers had a very successful 11–2 season, culminated by a

31-24 upset victory over SEC power Auburn in the Outback Bowl. Head coach P.J. Fleck piloted the club to a strong 2019 season that has galvanized hefty aspirations in 2020.

On the offensive side of the ball, Minnesota’s will be led by star wideout Rashod Bateman and quarterback Tanner Morgan. The success of the 2020 season will hinge upon the shoulders of Morgan, who sees his name as a sleeper in Heisman Trophy wagering. Morgan will undoubtedly focus on getting the ball to one of the elite receivers in the country in Bateman; as he looks to build on his 60 receptions for 1,219 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2019.

Minnesota will have tremendous holes to fill on the defense side of the ball highlighted by the loss of star safety Antoine Winfield Jr, who is now playing on Sundays for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Gophers got off a blazing 9-0, before falling to Iowa and Wisconsin in a brutal stretch to close the season. With strong expectations on the horizon once again, the Gophers are expected to contend for the Big Ten West in 2020. According to PointsBet Sportsbook, Minnesota’s season win total projection stands at nine wins heavily juiced to the under at odds of -165.

2020 Minnesota Golden Gophers Schedule

Week 1 - Sept. 3 vs Florida Atlantic

Week 2 - Sept. 12 vs Tennessee Tech

Week 3 - Sept. 18 vs Iowa

Week 4 - Sept. 26 vs BYU

Week 5 - Oct. 3 at Maryland

Week 6 - Oct. 10 at Wisconsin

Week 7 - Oct. 17 vs Michigan

Week 8 - Oct. 24 at Illinois

Week 9 - Oct. 31at Michigan State

Week 10 - Nov. 7 vs Purdue

Week 11- BYE

Week 12 - Nov. 21 vs Northwestern

Week 13 - Nov. 27 at Nebraska

Tanner Morgan and Minnesota should be able to take care of business early on, taking on non-conference foes: Florida Atlantic, Tennessee Tech, and BYU, with the oddsmakers projecting a possible 4-0 start listing the Gophers as 3.5-point home favorites over Iowa in their first Big Ten tilt. If they do get by Iowa in Week 3, it's not hard to envision a 5-0 mark to start the season with a game they should win at Maryland. Assuming a victory over Iowa, however, will not be an easy assumption for any bettor.

Starting with that game against the Terps, Minnesota will start a midseason stretch run of four road games in five weeks. In their Week 6 showdown at Wisconsin, the oddsmakers see the Gophers as 7.5-point road underdogs. Things will not get any easier the next week when they travel to Ann Arbor as one-point underdogs at Michigan.

There could be some relief over the last five weeks of the 2020 campaign. Minnesota will face Big Ten rivals Illinois and Michigan State on the road and take on Purdue at home before getting a week off to face Northwestern and Nebraska.

The oddsmakers have the Gophers installed as 13-point home favorites over Purdue followed by 14.5-point home favorites over Northwestern. After consecutive weeks of games as double-digit favorites, Minnesota will wrap up the regular season in a much tougher matchup versus Nebraska as three-point favorites.

Minnesota’s Odds to Win Big Ten West

PointsBet Sportsbook is offering Minnesota as the fourth overall betting choice to win the Big Ten West at odds of 4/1. All bettors who believe the Golden Gophers will win the Big Ten West will get back $400 for every $100 wagered.

Minnesota Golden Gophers Odds to Win Big Ten Conference

With projections that envision a potential three-loss regular season, PointsBet Sportsbook is offering Minnesota at 15/1 to emerge as Big Ten Champions for the first time since 1967. All bettors who believe the Gophers will win the Big Ten Championship for a possible 19th time in school history will get back $1500 for every $100 wagered.

Odds for Minnesota Players to Win 2020 Heisman Trophy

Minnesota currently has one long shot player listed in the Heisman Trophy odds at William Hill: quarterback Tanner Morgan (125/1). Minnesota has had one Heisman Trophy winner in school history: running back Bruce “Boo” Smith (1941).

Minnesota’s Odds to Win the 2020-21 College Football Playoff

I don’t envision any way for Minnesota to overtake Ohio State for the Big Ten Championship. Additionally, the word here in Vegas is that the sharps see extreme value in Wisconsin to emerge as the champions of the Big Ten West. The Golden Gophers do avoid Ohio State and Penn State in the regular season in 2020, but there are still several Big Ten hurdles that the oddsmakers see as potential defeats in Michigan and Wisconsin.

Avoiding the two top Big Ten Vegas power-ranked teams in the Buckeyes and Nittany Lions, combined with the lack of confidence bookmakers have in Minnesota as standout favorites, leads to several games that pose as true coin-flips. The sharp money agrees with the sportsbooks that Wisconsin and Michigan will be too much for the Gophers to overcome, therefore with a plethora of tight matchups, it becomes easier to see why the UNDER 9 overall season wins (-165) is being steamed in that direction.

Minnesota has a puncher's chance to contend for a Big Ten West title again this season, but the holes on defense appear to be too much to overcome for the Gophers in an ultra-competitive Big Ten conference.

Games against Iowa and Nebraska may only offer up a split at best, which leaves strong value to the under 9 overall season win total market.

The Play: Minnesota Season Win Total: UNDER 9 wins (-165)