NFC Notes: Bears, Buccaneers, Redskins

Bears

Bears HC Matt Nagy mentioned that WR Allen Robinson is ahead of schedule in his return from a torn ACL.

“He’s ahead of the game. He’s looking good,” Nagy said, the Sun-Times. “We’re feeling really good about his prognosis as far as getting started. There’s no need to rush it. He’s been doing great in meetings. He’s answering every question in meetings. He’s out here, focused, doing everything we want him to do.”

As for G Kyle Long, who underwent multiple surgeries this offseason on his neck, shoulder and elbow, Nagy said that he’s making progress and they’re hoping to have him practice at some point.

“Yeah, at some point we’ll get him out there,” Nagy said. “For him, he’s doing really well. He’s been just homing in on the details of their job on the offensive line and as soon as we all agree that he’s ready to go, he’ll be up and going.”

Buccaneers

In 2016, the Buccaneers showed enough improvement under DC Mike Smith that it led to him getting interviews for head-coaching vacancies. However, things went in the opposite direction for the Bucs’ defense last year and Smith is well aware of the fact that they’re going to have to show a lot of improvement this season.

“It’s got to be a hell of a lot better than what we put out there last year,” Smith said, via Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times. “I’ve said it many times. The numbers are not anywhere close to what we’ve got to do. We’ve got to be more consistent in everything we do, and it starts in the meeting rooms, in building trust with one another across the board. That’s the most important thing.”

Redskins

The Washington Redskins announced Wednesday that they have named Brian Lafemina as their new President of Business Operations and Chief Operating Officer.

“I am thrilled to welcome Brian to the Washington Redskins,” Owner Dan Snyder said. “Brian has been one of the most highly regarded NFL executives amongst league ownership for many years because of his deep understanding of our business, his focus on partner relationships and his genuine belief that fans must be at the center of every decision we make. Brian is coming to Washington with fresh thinking and big ideas to implement, and I have full confidence that with Brian’s addition and with Bruce Allen continuing as team President, the Redskins’ success will continue to grow, both on and off the field.”

“Nothing could have prepared me more for this role than working at the NFL,” Lafemina said. “Dan first approached me about a year ago to discuss the possibility of me joining the Redskins. During that time, I was able to see first-hand his passion for the Redskins, the game of football and his deep commitment to the Washington, D.C. community. Working with Dan and Bruce to develop a new dynamic stadium that matches the vibrancy of this organization and its fan base will be an exciting challenge and one of our top priorities. I would also be remiss if I didn’t thank everyone I have worked with at the NFL, starting with Roger Goodell.”