Hoge's Bears Things: Checking in with an old acquaintance from the NFC North

Good morning!

Let’s check in on some old friends on this Bears travel day…

Episode 2 of Hard Knocks drops tonight at 9 p.m. CT on HBO and Max. And while I suspect there are plenty of Aaron Rodgers detractors reading this newsletter, I have to say … Episode 1 was pretty entertaining.

Did it sometimes seem like an Aaron Rodgers infomercial? Yes. But showing Rodgers’ acclimation in New Jersey is still interesting, and the production was on par with last year’s highly entertaining season on the Detroit Lions. The cameo from narrator Liev Schreiber was a bonus.

I’ve always referred to Rodgers as “good Jay Cutler.” He’s not well-liked by everyone, but plenty of people (and teammates) still love the guy. Rodgers’ dry sense of humor has its moments, but his obvious narcissism boiled over to the point that even the most loyal Packer fan is not missing him — yet.

And shit, he can sling the football. The reactions from Jets players and coaches — including defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich — are downright hilarious. They know Rodgers is much different than the long list of failed quarterbacks that have come through New York.

Rodgers will soon be joined by another familiar face from the NFC North, as former Vikings running back Dalvin Cook is signing a one-year contract worth up to $8.6 million with the Jets. 

I was skeptical this season of Hard Knocks would live up to the hype, but Episode 1 was a good start. And Bears fans can tune in knowing they don’t have to worry about Rodgers or Cook this season.

Well, at least until the Super Bowl, of course.

Up Next: The Bears will travel down to Indianapolis today for joint practices against the Colts. The first practice is Wednesday at 5 p.m. CT. and our full CHGO Bears team will be down there with a recap show late Wednesday night.

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