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Mike Sansone

@mikesansone.bsky.social
8K followers 548 following 262 posts

Senior editor, NFL (Bears, Chiefs) at The Athletic. Longtime Chicago Tribune sports guy. Living the Northwest Indiana life.

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Mike Sansone @mikesansone.bsky.social · 16h
Caleb Williams had an interesting press conference today. — He said reporting about his injury was wrong — He said he suffered "a pretty serious" hamstring tear — He didn't divulge the grade of the tear and shut down questions. Free from @danwiederer.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/769...
nytimes.com
Caleb Williams shuts down talk of hamstring tear: ‘Next question.’ Week 6 status unclear (Gift Article)
The Bears' QB said reports about his injury were erroneous. He called it "a pretty serious" hamstring tear but wouldn't divulge the grade.
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Kevin Fishbain @kfishbain.bsky.social · 19h
Bears QB Caleb Williams: "Before you start asking, I do not know if I'm playing yet." Said he still has a number of tests/protocols to go through before he's cleared.
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Ken Rosenthal @ken-rosenthal.bsky.social · 15/10/2026
Jake Bauers never gave up. That resilient spirit helped deliver October glory. Unlocked and free to read. www.nytimes.com/athletic/769...
nytimes.com
Jake Bauers never gave up. That resilient spirit helped deliver October glory (Gift Article)
With an impressive 11-pitch at-bat in the seventh inning, Jake Bauers helped lift the Brewers to a Game 3 win.
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Kevin Fishbain @kfishbain.bsky.social · 15/10/2026
According to ESPN's pass rush win rate, Grady Jarrett ranks 6th among DTs. For run stop win rate, he's 2nd. Ben Johnson: "He’s really flashed some of those old tendencies that he had in Atlanta." On the Bears DT returning home (free to read)
nytimes.com
Chicago Bears’ Grady Jarrett showing signs of his old self as he returns home to Atlanta (Gift Article)
The Bears defense needs a bounce-back effort this week, and Jarrett could help with that as he goes home to face his old team, the Falcons.
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Jesse Newell @jessenewell.bsky.social · 15/10/2026
A surprise DM from Patrick Mahomes. A cafeteria question that sticks with GM Brett Veach months later. Here's the backstory of Chiefs rookie Emmett Johnson — and how he's come so far so quickly with KC. “They’re gonna love him here, man.” (free link) www.nytimes.com/athletic/760...
nytimes.com
The story behind Chiefs rookie’s hot start? A Patrick Mahomes DM — and question to the GM (Gift Article)
Emmett Johnson's draft position became motivational fuel, helping him impress the Chiefs since his arrival.
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Kevin Fishbain @kfishbain.bsky.social · 14/10/2026
Bears estimated injury report (they held a walkthrough today)… DNP: Kyle Monangai, TJ Edwards, Dayo Odeyingbo, Keyshaun Elliott Limited: Tyrique Stevenson Full: Caleb Williams, Kyler Gordon
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Brian Grubb @briancgrubb.bsky.social · 14/10/2026
The Lowdown, my favorite show of 2025, returns for a second season tonight with two episodes i've seen a few screeners and, holy smokes, they are cooking once again this is the show i always recommend when people ask me what to watch
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Kevin Fishbain @kfishbain.bsky.social · 14/10/2026
Bears head coach Ben Johnson said Caleb Williams will be a full participant in today's estimated practice report.
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Dan Pompei @danpompei.bsky.social · 14/10/2026
Brian Branch is expected back soon, and Lions fans hope that he's the same old Brian Branch. But he's not. My story on a transformation. www.nytimes.com/athletic/759...
nytimes.com
Anger consumed Brian Branch. Then the Lions star made a promise that changed everything (Gift Article)
After the NFL fined Branch five times and suspended him for one game last season, he sought to cleanse some of his anger.
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Kevin Fishbain @kfishbain.bsky.social · 14/10/2026
Went to the All-22 to take a closer look at the offensive miscues in Sunday's Bears loss (free to read)
nytimes.com
What went wrong for Tyson Bagent and the Bears offense at Lambeau Field? (Gift Article)
The All-22 film illustrates a rough day for the Bears offense in Sunday's loss in Green Bay, where nothing seemed to go right.
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Kevin Fishbain @kfishbain.bsky.social · 13/10/2026
The Bears have gone through a five-week roller coaster ride. @danwiederer.bsky.social on the peaks and valleys and how it needs to level out
nytimes.com
Bears looking to level out their roller-coaster season after beatdown in Green Bay (Gift Article)
Sunday's blowout loss to the Packers left Bears coach Ben Johnson and his team searching for answers as they seek consistency.
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Mike Sansone @mikesansone.bsky.social · 12/10/2026
Juan Guzmán! 🙌
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Kevin Fishbain @kfishbain.bsky.social · 12/10/2026
Bears head coach Ben Johnson said no determination has been made as to which quarterback will take the first snaps Wednesday at practice. Asked if Bagent is still the next man up if Caleb is out, Johnson said, "I think we have three guys that can win games in this league."
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Kevin Fishbain @kfishbain.bsky.social · 12/10/2026
Tyson Bagent is the first Bears starting QB to throw for less than 100 yards in a game with at least two INTs since Jay Cutler against Houston in Nov. 2012. Jay was ruled out with a concussion at halftime that night and was replaced by Jason Campbell.
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Kevin Fishbain @kfishbain.bsky.social · 12/10/2026
Jordan Love put up some of the best numbers of his career against a Bears defense that had been tops in the league from Weeks 2-4. Blip or five-alarm fire or something in between? Story from Lambeau (free to read)
nytimes.com
Chicago Bears’ defensive hot streak ends with a thud. Did Packers expose serious flaws? (Gift Article)
The Bears' defense went from being a dominant unit for three games to giving up too many explosive plays in a blowout loss to the Packers.
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Mike Sansone @mikesansone.bsky.social · 11/10/2026
Burden responded on the other site: Tell bro stop clout chasin me 😹👎🏽
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Mike Sansone @mikesansone.bsky.social · 11/10/2026
From The Athletic's Matt Schneidman: The Packers' Zaire Franklin unloaded on Luther Burden, who said the Bears wanted to make the Packers quit. Said Burden has never done anything in the league. “He quit today. He didn’t wanna play no more.”
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Kevin Fishbain @kfishbain.bsky.social · 11/10/2026
The Bears' four turnovers today are their most in a game since Nov. 5, 2023, a loss to the Saints in New Orleans when they turned it over five times. Tyson Bagent had three picks that day.
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Kevin Fishbain @kfishbain.bsky.social · 11/10/2026
Since 1977, the Bears' defense has had a 3rd-and-22 or more 219 times. That 53-yard touchdown was the longest play they've allowed in that situation in those 40 seasons (via @stathead.com) and fourth TD. Packers 20, Bears 7
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Kevin Fishbain @kfishbain.bsky.social · 11/10/2026
Via Silvy on the other site, Ben Johnson said this during his halftime interview: "Momentum, shomentum. We gotta play fucking better. Gotta be fucking better."
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Kevin Fishbain @kfishbain.bsky.social · 11/10/2026
The Bears made everyone sweat it out, but they did score from the 1-yard line. D'Andre Swift capped off a 16-play, 78-yard drive in 9:10 with his 4th rushing TD of the season. Packers 14, Bears 7
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Kevin Fishbain @kfishbain.bsky.social · 11/10/2026
Jordan Love is 9-of-10 passing, Marshawn Lloyd is averaging 5.2 yards per carry after he ran over Jaylon Johnson on his way into the end zone. Packers 14, Bears 0
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Mike Sansone @mikesansone.bsky.social · 11/10/2026
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Casino77 Slot Machine: Triple 7 Jackpot
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Mike Sansone @mikesansone.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
Bring home a winner!
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Kevin Fishbain @kfishbain.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
“To all of us that played for him, we owe him a huge debt of gratitude because he knew the way to motivate us, put us in a place mentally where we would not accept mediocrity.” — Dan Hampton On Ditka’s legacy (free to read)
nytimes.com
NFL coaches, former Chicago players remember the legacy of Mike Ditka: ‘He was the Bears’ (Gift Article)
Iron Mike. Da Coach. Ditka. He left an immeasurable impact on his players, football fans and anyone else associated with the Chicago Bears.
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Dan Pompei @danpompei.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
What makes a man mythical? How does one become iconic? My tribute to the late Mike Ditka is here. www.nytimes.com/athletic/294...
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Kevin Fishbain @kfishbain.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
"In the 1980s, when the Bears were riding high and Ditka’s hair was auburn from the sun, he came to resemble the team’s logo. Or maybe the team’s logo came to resemble him. It was Ditka who best embodied the spirit of being a Bear." @danpompei.bsky.social on Da Coach
nytimes.com
Mike Ditka, Hall of Fame tight end and legendary Chicago Bears coach, dies at 86 (Gift Article)
Ditka, who was an NFL champion as a player and coach, became the most visible coach in America.
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Kevin Fishbain @kfishbain.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
“The best coaches, the best players, you’ve got to have a little bit of that to you. That’s what helps drive your confidence. That drives you to play the game at a high level.” Fun story by @danwiederer.bsky.social on Ben Johnson’s pettiness (free to read)
nytimes.com
Bears coach Ben Johnson can be an unapologetic agitator. Just ask the Packers (Gift Article)
Following their coach's lead, the Bears aim to be the aggressor in a rivalry that's more than a century old.
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Kevin Fishbain @kfishbain.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Bears injury report... DNP: D'Andre Swift (hip/knee), Kyle Monangai (thumb/toe), Joe Thuney (pectoral), Jonah Jackson (ankle), Darnell Wright (ankle), Caleb Williams (hamstring) Limited: Keyshaun Elliott, Shemar Turner, Noah Sewell Full: Kyler Gordon, Cam Lewis
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Kevin Fishbain @kfishbain.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Bears head coach Ben Johnson on D'Andre Swift's two fumbles in four games: "I think the one last week was egregious. ... He knows that. He takes a lot of pride in (protecting the football), which is why it hasn't been an issue through the course of his career."
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Kevin Fishbain @kfishbain.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
"Hold on to your hats, Chicago. The following sentence may be an original. At present, there seems to be little to worry about regarding the Bears’ quarterback situation." Four games in, @danwiederer.bsky.social provides a mood check on the QBs
nytimes.com
Bears’ QB situation has gone from wasteland to ‘no worries’ under Ben Johnson (Gift Article)
Momentum is building. In two games without Caleb Williams — and with two other starting quarterbacks — the Bears have yet to trail.
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Jesse Newell @jessenewell.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
Chiefs' George Karlaftis had a historic day vs. the Raiders. And yet, a strange Chiefs streak marches on (free link): www.nytimes.com/athletic/766...
nytimes.com
George Karlaftis and the Chiefs defense are bringing pressure. So where are the sacks? (Gift Article)
Here's what Karlaftis said about a third consecutive victory in which his team didn't record a sack.
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Mike Sansone @mikesansone.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
It's been an excellent three-game stretch for the Bears defense. @kfishbain.bsky.social digs in to figure out what's working best. Free to read. www.nytimes.com/athletic/766...
nytimes.com
The Chicago Bears defense has played great the last 3 games. What’s working best? (Gift Article)
The Bears don't have any superstars on defense, but Ben Johnson says they're playing really good football "as a collective 11 on the field.”
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Mike Sansone @mikesansone.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
The White Sox are a win away from the ALCS and are coming home to what will be an absolutely raucous atmosphere. Enjoy this Jon Greenberg column for free. I did. www.nytimes.com/athletic/766...
nytimes.com
White Sox relish chances to clinch ALCS berth at home: ‘It’s going to be awesome’ (Gift Article)
After two wins in Cleveland, the White Sox have two chances to clinch on the South Side for the first time since the 1906 World Series.
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Kevin Fishbain @kfishbain.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Bears head coach Ben Johnson says Kyle Monangai (thumb) should be OK and it's more of a day-to-day injury.
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Kevin Fishbain @kfishbain.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Bears head coach Ben Johnson tells Jeff Joniak on ESPN 1000 about the starting quarterback for Week 5 in Green Bay: "Tyson will be the guy. We'll go from there. We're in good shape."
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Kevin Fishbain @kfishbain.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
FWIW, @pro-football-reference.com did give Tyson Bagent the win for Sunday’s game
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Mike Sansone @mikesansone.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
A Tyreek Hill-Chiefs reunion would make a lot of sense, given the circumstances for both. @mikesilver.bsky.social has more. Free to read. www.nytimes.com/athletic/766...
nytimes.com
Chiefs interested in adding wide receiver Tyreek Hill to roster: Sources (Gift Article)
Hill spent the first six seasons of his career with the Chiefs before they traded him to the Dolphins in 2022.
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Kevin Fishbain @kfishbain.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Jonah Jackson: “You can feel the air getting sucked out of the defense after a while — just the wearing and tearing on them. … That’s a good feeling.” @danwiederer.bsky.social on another punishing effort from the Bears’ run game, especially on the final drive
nytimes.com
Chicago Bears’ punishing final drive symbolizes the grit of Ben Johnson’s team (Gift Article)
With 232 rushing yards and a dominant edge in time of possession, the Bears are doing more than surviving without Caleb Williams.
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Kevin Fishbain @kfishbain.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
The Bears didn't punt today, which hasn't happened since 2014, and that was a 38-17 loss to the Packers. The last time they didn't punt in a win was 2013, The Josh McCown Game.
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Kevin Fishbain @kfishbain.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
The Bears' defense has allowed only 2 touchdowns on their last 24 drives.
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Kevin Fishbain @kfishbain.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
The last time the Bears' defense didn't allow a single third-down conversion? Oct. 5, 1997 in a 20-17 loss to the Saints
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Kevin Fishbain @kfishbain.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
The Bears ran 89 plays today, their most in a game since 1997. Their 34 first downs are a franchise record per @stathead.com. They had the ball for 42:07 and gained 492 yards of offense. Bears 23, Jets 12 The Bears are 3-1
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Kevin Fishbain @kfishbain.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
Emphatic response from the Bears' offense. Kyle Monangai is up to 17 carries for 76 yards on the afternoon following his second touchdown run. 9 plays, 72 yards in 4:34 Bears 20, Jets 6
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Kevin Fishbain @kfishbain.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
The Jets entered the locker room with 34 yards of offense, the fewest the Bears have allowed in the first half this century (h/t @trumedia.bsky.social)
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Kevin Fishbain @kfishbain.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
In their last 6 goal-to-go situations, the Bears have only 1 touchdown after going 3-for-3 in Carolina.
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Brent Maguire @bmags94.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
The White Sox have their first postseason shutout since Game 4 of the 2005 World Series, which secured their four-game sweep of the Astros. Just sayin'.
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Kevin Fishbain @kfishbain.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
Tyson Bagent set to start for the Bears tomorrow. Story by @danwiederer.bsky.social
nytimes.com
Bears starting QB Tyson Bagent against the Jets: Sources (Gift Article)
Bagent watched third-stringer Case Keenum tear up the Eagles defense on Monday night. Not he gets his chance to fill in for Caleb Williams.
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Mike Sansone @mikesansone.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
“It’s amazing how he transitioned into this. I would have been a basket case. But he’s so pleasant, still likes to laugh, and he’s thankful for his life.” The latest special story from @danpompei.bsky.social on a special person, Hall of Famer Roger Craig. Unlocked. www.nytimes.com/athletic/764...
nytimes.com
Roger Craig paid the price to reach the mountaintop. He has no regrets (Gift Article)
During his Hall of Fame induction speech, Craig revealed he has vascular dementia. He's not letting the diagnosis define him.
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Jesse Newell @jessenewell.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Spoke with Chiefs players in the locker room about what it's been like with Eric Bieniemy as OC. Here's what they talked about (free link): www.nytimes.com/athletic/764...
nytimes.com
What Eric Bieniemy’s return has brought to the Chiefs offense (Gift Article)
A sideline huddle. A change in receiver roles. Here are some ways the Chiefs appear to have benefited from Bieniemy's return to K.C.
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