NFC Notes: Bears, Eagles, Rams

Bears

Bears HC Matt Nagy believes recently signed veteran TE Jimmy Graham is still “very, very motivated” and provides mismatches against defenses. 

“When you talk to him, as well, you understand the knowledge that he has for the game,” Nagy said, via Patrick Finley of the Chicago Sun-Times. “He’s very, very motivated right now, which I love. And so it’s just a fit for us of a big-sized, 6-6 playmaker that you can get some mismatches with. And I know me personally, I’m very, very looking forward to being able to put him in some great situations.”

Chicago GM Ryan Pace said their whole staff was “connected” in adding Graham to their roster. 

“I think it’s a good example where we are all connected to a vision with a player on our team,” said Pace. “You start with the physical evaluation on the player. He’s a guy we know well. But then you have to fit with our offensive scheme.”

Pace added that the Bears had “a lot of discussions” on maximizing Graham’s abilities in their offensive scheme for 2020. 

“And I just think there are a lot of discussions on how to maximize Jimmy Graham in this offense, and that’s with [coach] Matt [Nagy] and all of our offensive coaches and our scouts.”

Eagles

After being acquired by Philadelphia in a trade with Detroit, CB Darius Slay is eager to continue proving himself against the best receivers in the league.

“I love the challenge,” Slay said in a conference call with the AP on Thursday. “I kind of ask for it a lot because the fact that I want the game on me, and I want to help win the game, and if the best route to go about it is me traveling with a guy, then I’ll do it. If the coach sees otherwise, if he says left or right, I’ll want to do whatever to help the team win.”

Eagles GM Howie Roseman also spoke about the acquisition of Slay and how he can help the team defensively next season.

“This is a guy who can get the ball back for our offense,” Roseman said. “He’s really been in a situation where he’s been left on an island. Really excited about bringing him in and helping our team.”

Rams

• Baylor WR Denzel Mims said that the NFL teams he has talked to the most are the Eagles, Bills, Bears Colts, Jets, Cowboys, Rams, and Titans. (Stephen Simcox)