Mustipher previews Rams matchup | All Access

brought to you by IGS Energy. Wishing a pleasant good evening with my broadcast partner from news radio seven eighty and one oh five nine w BBM, Chicago Bears Super Bowl winner Tom Fair. I'm Jeff joni ac regular season opener in La coming up here on Sunday night. We'll have the pregame at four, kickoff at seven twenty and Tom, I know you are akin for some Bears football. Yeah, man, there's there's a lot of thought. There's thirty years of me thinking about opening weekends and how much they mean

do a team. We gotta thank our producers, dam Breally, Jordan trud Up, Katie Tuber and the folks at the score. Inglewood, California will be the spot will be at at brand new Soapy Stadium. We didn't get to see it last year. We're gonna see it for the first time. We're here. It's fantastic. Players love it, coaches love it. Everybody who's been there loves it. And Tom, I'm sure there'll be plenty of Bears fans cranking it up. Tom. Now, let's

talk about the injury news. It's Eddie Goldman. He's on that injury report, doubtful, did not practice since Monday when he tweaked his knee. You know, well, we'll see how it goes tomorrow. I'll see where he's at. But if if if he gets better tomorrow or on Sunday and or all that whole whole deal, then that'll be good for him and we'll get him out there. And if he's not, then it'll give an opportunity for other guys below him to, you know, to play a little bit.

So that's where we're at with him and Tom. That's a knee that happened on Monday. Unfortunate given what we saw on ten snaps in the preseason finale from Eddie. Yeah, you know, listen, Matt, I'm all for Eddie Goldman. I think he's a heck of a football player. If he wants to be well, now, I gotta start thinking about the guys who are gonna be there in his place. And uh, you know that's the thing about a team sport moving forward. If you're in the locker room, hey man,

this guy is still your buddy, still your friend. You want the best for him, You want him to get healthy to healthy along. But look who do I need their Sunday night. I need Angelo Blackson, I need Kiris Tonga, I need Bloo Nichols. I need every one of these guys to step up to the plate and fill the void that Eddie Goldman's gonna leave. And one of those guys, if Eddie is not able to play, will be Kiris Tonga, the rookie out of byu Man. Naggie's very high on

what he's been able to do so far. If that is the case, after we get through the next two days with Eddie, Tonga would have a bigger role. So that'll be a good opportunity for him. But I do believe too, like that's a probably of all the positions on our team. That's something that we got a lot of depth at right now, which is good so when this stuff happens. So we'll see the next two days.

But I feel I feel good with what Coach Trump has done with those guys, and then the other guys are gonna have to above it if that's the case, and that includes below Nichols, Tommy because he played some of that last year. Yeah, but you know, Jeff, these guys are going to be put in a position to succeed.

They're not going to ask to do things that are unrealistic to their abilities, and blown Nichols is the guy that shows he has the ability, the athleticism, the strengthen, the speed to play up and down the line of scrimmage. When Kyrs is in the game, it's going to about him holding up multiple bodies to allow those linebackers to be free. They're not going to put him in an unrealistic position to try to do something that he's not

capable of doing. But man, when he gets his snaps, he's got to bring it like he's never brought up before, because this is not a college game. This is the start of his NFL life. And when the Bears deal with Matthew Stafford and a Rams uniform, it's gonna look possibly a little different with that head coach. We'll get into all that coming up throughout the course of the show.

Coming up in our next segment Bear Center Sam Mustafer, and then we'll be joined later in the program by La Rams analyst de Marco far on the radio side of things. For the La Rams, Tom Maestro's defense this year is Sean de Sy. He'll be in charge of stopping Matthew Stafford and that offense Sunday Night earlier today.

Coach get a lot of good things to say so on the headset during the game, extremely calm, which I love, you know, just the players feel that when he's calling a play in to to whoever that is, it's a time during a game, regular season, preseason, they feel that they understand that. I liked that about him because he believes in what he's saying. And sometimes, you know, there's times where there's a couple of plays where in a row you're getting gashed and there's no panic. You know.

I think that's where you feel the most is there's no panic. It's just nice and calm. But then if he needs to get on him a little bit, I've seen that dark side too. You got to have that dark side, and he has that, so I appreciate it about him during the season, or excuse me, during the week, what I see is somebody he'll come into my office and he'll give me a sheet of paper that is extremely detailed with how the day's gonna go right or what his coaches are doing. He's coaching his coaches too.

You know, we all coach our players, but he's coaching his coaches. So I just for a first year guy doing it. This isn't something that he's been thrown into the fire. He's been prepping for this, and that's why he did such a great job in his interview, and that's why we believe in him and Tom. That's exactly the case. Sean decided super prepared, so nothing that he's doing is surprising anybody, but will be interested to see what it looks like. Yeah, you know, and I think

he likes all the faces of Sean Decide. He talks about how prepared and how he can have a calm demeanor even if there's a big play going on by the opponent, how he keeps a really level headed performance in terms of what he's thinking, how he's got a good relationship and understands how to talk football with his players. But you know, in the press conference to how I'm glad he talked about having the dark side, because that's

a football dark side that's not outside the building. That just means when he has to bring a serious expression or serious conversation to some of these more experienced football players, that he has the ability and the willingness to do that. And every coach that I've ever played for has that side to him. Right. He's fiery, and that defense wants to play exactly like that. The personality will evolve, and it could start right away or it evolved throughout the

game against the Rams. Certainly this is the case about this team. They want to take the ball away and they want to be aggressive. I think you're gonna probably see guys fly out of the football in a little different manner and maybe playing a little more tight coverage, don't you. I do, because I think Sean's been around for a while. He understands what this team has made of. He understands that he has experienced from the line of scrimmage all the way to the defense and backfield, how

to put those guys in the best position. Defensively speaking, according to what he's seeing across the line of scrimmage or new personnel coming in. So I think Sean has a good coaching staff and he's got a really good work ethic that he's been able to build his own ability from. All Right, Coming up next, they're gonna be

joined by Sam Mustaf, the Bears Starting Center. We'll talk with him for a couple of segments and a reminder that you can kick off the twenty twenty one season this Sunday night at our Miller Light Headquarters bar outdoor watch party in Logan Square starting at five thirty pm. Visit Chicago Bears dot com, Slash Fanzone Slash watch Parties for more information. With Tom There, I'm Jeff Joniak and

this is Chicago Sports Radio six seventy The Score. Welcome back to Bears All Access brought to you by IGS Energy. Choose clean energy for your home at IGS dot com because every good choice adds up to a better world. With Tom There, Jeff Joniac here on Bears All Access on Chicago Sports Radio six seventy The Score. Welcome me in, Starting Center, Sam Mustaf, the Notre Dame grad Nice win by the Irish. The other day, my friend, Oh, that

was close, close call against Florida State. Do you watch it? Yes, yeah, I watched all of them, very close, but good to see the Irish in the top ten. Sam, you're gearing up for a game against the Rams and start the season, and it's an important one for you as well, because you begin the season as the starting center in the National Football League. And I read this quote from your teammate on the other side of the ball, to Sean Gibson. He wrote a journal years ago, and this is what

he said. Once you come out of the tunnel, there's just something I feel from the crown of my head to the soles of my feet. Once you go back in after that warm up and come back in for that four minutes right before kickoff, you just hear that atmosphere, whether home or away, the vibration of that stadium is something that you never ever ever be able to get

anywhere else in America. Is that a proper way that most NFL players feel or do you have a different slant on it than this undrafted free agent like yourself out of Wyoming who's made a heck of a career for himself. Yeah, No, I believe that highlights, you know, the most important part of the game. I mean, it's a blessing to be out there and you know, you're grateful for every opportunity and you know to take in that moment and relish it and understand be where your

feet are and that's crucial. And every time you get to go out there and play on Sunday, it's it's unlike any other experience. You know, Sam, we you know, because we went to Notre Dame, we got to play in something pretty unique atmospheres because we're not in a conference. We play all over the country. My sophomore year we played down at Alabama and I've never walked out to

a Louder boo in my entire career. So I mean, seriously, do you feel the same about this away game atmosphere that to Sean talks about that you know uniquely enough, Soldier Field is always sold out, but here you're going into a hostile environment and but you've been through that your whole college career. Yeah, I think it is different.

You know, it's unique because we're coming off of you know, COVID, this is the this is their coming out party, and then stadium it's a beautiful stadium, had the opportunity to play there last year. But you know, it's indoors. I mean there's a few little airways where sound could get out, but I mean, I'm sure the fans are going to be punts. It's actually an opportunity and it's gonna be great. It's definitely going to be loud. You know, like you

said Notre Dame. You experience and things, but I'm not sure that you know the passion for, you know, getting out and finally being and able to go do things and support the support. The team will be matched like it will be this weekend. Tom Brady's been bringing it up all offseason and it does pertain to you. You and Brady have a lot in common. So I'm talking. I'm talking about the numbers changed for jerseys as to

where they're lined up. You know, so Sam, you go to the line of scrimmage, you identify the linebacker and the responsibility when you guys are in every situation. So now because the numbers are different, Brady talks about being confused as to who's coming and who's not. Single digit numbers,

blah blah blah. Have you taken that into account? Have you had to have a little bit of conversation with the responsible blockers on the line of scrimmage or the running backs to make sure everybody is aware of these numbers for changes. Yeah, you know it comes through film study. But like you said that, this is unique that we have, you know, no film these guys with single digit numbers.

I mean, Danny just switched to number six today. So having a linebacker wearing a single digit number versus you know, anybody else, or having now Dbs coming into the box, Nichols coming into the box wearing single digit numbers. But you know, throughout my time playing Center, I've always tried to id based on numbers. So I try to help the guys as much as I possibly can. Sam must of Her our guest here on bears All Access. It

is brought to you by IGS Energy. You know, forgive me, but the only number I care about right now is ninety nine. It's Jersey. I mean, what's what's it been like breaking that tape down of Aaron Donald. Um, he's a game wrecker, He's a monster, you know it been. He's worked hard, he's ear in that respect that you have to account for wherever he is on the field as a Oh, it's a very talented defense with a complex scheme and the ability to have a player like

that at once in a lifetime. Generational tight talent definitely elevates that defense, you can see, elevates all the guys, and that's what great players do. Um, So yeah, I mean you see stuff on film and you're like, you know, not many people can do that to get through two and three guys on a consistent basis as well, Um, that's the key part. He's his ability to wreck a game and change the outcome of a game is definitely critical, and so too is Jalen Ramsey, but in a different way.

He's just he's all over the place, so you have to identify him as well. Yeah. Absolutely, And but like we talked about before, you know, with the number switch the number five, it's different. You know, he's not number twenty now. So yeah, you, like I said, that's a complex defense with the talented guys, and they definitely play their roles very well. You know, Sam, your offensive line looks different with Jason Peters in there, but all along the front, you guys have a chance to be one

of them. More are powerful offensive lines in the league, and so yeah, I listen, you have to respect Aaron Donald because he's put on you know, in the NFL

what he's been able to do. However, you've got to have a lot of confidence that you're breaking the huddle with the guys you're breaking the huddle with and going to the line of scrimmage when you talk about Cody and James and Jason and Jermain Effetti, yeah, absolutely, I mean to be honest, like, I've played football since I was five years old, so you know, these opportunities, these moments, and you know, I can't speak for everybody on our offensive line, but I know those guys they relish the

opportunities to go against the grades that should you train all off season for you know, most offensive line. We can't take a lot of time off is you know, there's a critical time to build strength, to build you know, skilled speed, whatever development you want to build during the off season. So you know, playing against the greatest players and arguably one of the greatest players of all the time,

these are the opportunities that you transport. So it's definitely exciting and to be able to go to battle with those guys and you know, know and how they operate and we're it is definitely exciting. You know, the different combinations of the offensive line you played with last year, plus the different combinations of the offensive line you played with throughout training camp. That's how to be beneficial to you.

Also because with the fragile COVID times, you know, some days you don't know who's going to be lining up to the right or to the left of you. Yeah. Absolutely, offensive line, as you know, it is all about communications. So you know, if we can get guys in there and you know we're not missing a beat, that's that's crucial for offensive lines development. And you know, I think having the opportunity to work with different guys throughout camp.

You know, what's coach cass Steele and coach role to do with us is you know it we're able to come in and it's kind of a next man up mentality. So I do agree with you on that. All right, You've you've added some muscle and strength to your body diligently. We've talked about it at length, but now you've had plenty of time to see how that feels on the field. What did you think your preseason, your training camp and how do you feel right now. You know, I thought,

I thought it was good. You know, there's always things you can work on, things you can improve on, but you know, Trending Camp went through it, and you know, I was able to work against very talented guys, talented defense.

And then we got the joint practices with Miami, Then we played Buffalo, then we had Tennessee, so we got a mixture of defensive fronts that we were able to go against, a mixture of different types of body types that are going to line up as your your nose, your three techniques, different styles linebacker play, and then you know, some not exotic blitzes, but some different blitzes that we

were seeing in games. So you know, it was cool to get out there and you know, feel my body had a new way and then just adjust accordingly during the season. You know, when when I was at Notre Dame, we used to get dressed in the acc walk out through the back parking lot, we're onto the practice field. So to this I feel like kind of a college atmosphere this year, when you're dressing your home locker for practice, you walk out on the practice field and you're ready

to go to work. So wasn't a different in the transition of training camp at Hallishall than it's been when you go to Olive Bet or some of the other you know times that you've gone through training camp in your career so far, for sure. I mean, you know, the organization has done a great job of putting together

a state of the our facilities. So now we have a lot of resources at our disposal to get warmed up in the proper manner, to stretching the proper manner so that we can get out onto the practice field quickly. I mean it's definitely different. Transitions are faster, so I mean there's more time for you to do things that are helped you going to be a better football player, whether that be nutrition, recovery, warming up, stretching afterwards over four.

So yeah, it was definitely a different this year, Sam must have for our guests, We're gonna step away another segment with a Bear starting center coming up, number sixty seven, Getting Ready for the Rams with Tom Thayer. I'm Jeff Joni Akeen. This is Bears All Access on Chicago Sports Radio six seventy to score. This segment of Bears All Access is brought to you by athletical physical therapy. Visit Athletico dot com to request an appointment in clinic or

virtually and start feeling better tomorrow. That's a good segment way with our guests, Sam Mustaferham Bears All Access with Tom there, I' Jeff Joniak were brought to you by igs energy feeling better. You know, what would you say to the fan base or those analysts out there that do question where the Bears are at on the offensive line from the simple word of continuity because these five guys haven't played together much in this preseason. How do you guys feel about it as an offensive line? Oh,

you know, in just building working every day. You know, I always live by a quote that you know, it was really introduced to me during college. You either get better you get worse. So every day we're looking to get better. And whether that be one percent, five percent, at ten percent, every guy out there is just trying to get better and we're trying to build that continuity. And that comes with communication, It comes with film study, it comes with you know, trusting where each other is

going to be at. So it's been good to work with those guys and you know, just being surrounded by guys who have a lot of NFL experience. Game time experience has definitely been helpful for me as a young center. Saman You know, you guys probably got the perfect compliment of running backs for your offensive line. When you look at Dave Montgomery, Damon Williams and Khalil Herbert and stuff. When you talk about being powerful upfront and powerful from the backfield, it's got to be a good good just

a combination of running backs. Oh yeah, I ultimate respect for those guys. Their communication and their ability to see holes and hit it and go downhill is awesome. Um, you know, the way they run and makes you want to block art as an offensive lineman. Um, you know,

uniquely enough for me. Uh. You know, I came in with Dave, so we have a very good relationship, and then actually Khalil's lockers right next to mine in the locker room, so you know, I'm able to talk with him, and then Damian we just related on the idea that we were both undrafted, so the hunger matches there. So all those guys are great guys, and I can't wait to block for him then them throughout the season. You know, it's the first time I've ever heard anybody refer to

him as Dave? Yeah, but my whole life since when he was in college, do you call him Dave? Yeah? Yeah, he doesn't object clearly, right, I don't. I don't know if you've ever heard it, Jeff, of anybody referring to him to day. But it's kind of you know, when you grow up in a locker room with guys that are specifically you know, how we know them by their formal names, and it's kind of a insight into the relationship that you have, and it's it's cool that you

can go that direction. Absolutely. What do you call Khalil? Just how? You know? It's interesting because do you ask him questions about defenses? You know? Is there that kind of conversation? And you know he's a guy that doesn't like to talk a lot, you know, but he's a super nice guy. Every time you see him, he's got a smile on his face. He gives you a hello, how you doing? But you know he doesn't look like

love talking about himself. He lets his actions speak louder than his words, and um, well do you get into that mindset of one of the premier pass rushers in the NFL? Yeah, absolutely, you know, just trying to see different types of things and understanding, you know, where our weaknesses at as an offensive line, um, you know, understanding that. You know, as a premier pass rusher, he he has a knowledge and understanding of the game. And then on

top of that just his experience. Um, you know that's invaluable to us. And you know, really across the front, you know, we have a bunch of guys we can ask the types of questions see you like where where where do you feel that I'm leaning at her? Where's where's my leverage point? Or on this play? You know, what are you feeling? How can I clean that up? Am I getting you any tips or anything? Like? Is

it passed? Rundown? So yeah, that's definitely awesome. You know, I've heard this said by scouts often, uh, with guys that are are really dominant, strong, et cetera. Like we hear Aaron Donald is just uber strong and you and you can feel him. You can certainly feel Khalil, you can feel a team. I'm sure you can feel Eddie and below as well. But do you sense and time

you can jump in on this too? Over your course your career, do you feel the difference in guys when you line up against them and try and block them from your positions. Yeah. Absolutely, Um, you know, some guys are better at using their hands and levers and other guys. Um, some guys are gonna get get on you fast. Some

guys will you know, worked edges more. And so that's something that comes to film study and you know kind of you know, placing guys into like folders in your mind, like understanding on by week basis, this is a type of guy I'm going up against. And then you know you've got opportunities like this week against a generational talent where he kind of fists in every folder. There's there's a bunch of different things he can do to affect

the game and to get you off your game. Yeah, in my career, when we played against Keith Millard when he was the defensive MVP of the league as a defensive tackle position, he had superior quickness that if he

didn't get your hands on him, he was gone. But then you play against a guy like Pieris Holt, who's not really that well known that played for the four forty nine ers, who was one of the most dominantly strong players I ever faced in game to game competition, and because you don't play against them that much, you better keep that, Like Sam said, you better keep him in your folder to understand when you come up against him again, he's going to provide kind of, you know,

a physical type of presence that you don't face very often. Yeah, absolutely, I agree you. Like you said, you have those unique guys that you know when they hit you, you feel it, and you know when I get you get their hands on you. And then like you said, you have those quick guys, the shifty guys, the ones that you're you're gonna have to get on fast or try not to give him as much space as possible. Hey, Sam, do you remember that first start last year for you against

the Saints? Because it was because Cody had a calf and ended a streak of seventy two straight starts for him. He's had unbelievable success in that regard and durability. And where your mind was at then compared to where is it at right now, it was just like it is now. And I know that sounds cliche, but every every day, you know, I get an opportunity to walk in this building and you know, be a professional football player for an occupation is I mean, this is the best job

in the world. And I'm sure a lot of people who say that about their jobs, you know, whatever that they're passionate about. But you know, football has been my passion since I was a kid, since I was able to understand what the game was. And you know, against the Saints last year was an opportunity and against the Rams this weekend, it's the same opportunity. I get to

live out my dreams on a daily basis. So you know, I look at it like that, and I feel like when you're grateful for the opportunity, no matter the outcome, you just get back to work. Sam, Do you feel a certain more of a sense of responsibility because now you're not an undrafted free agent from Chicago from Notre Dame that you're the starting center for the Chicago Bears. Uh. You know, you have had a great training camp and you went out there side by side every single day

with Cody and the rest of the crew. But you know, it is you have a different responsibility on you now than you do. You know when you showed up at the Bears. Absolutely, I think that expectation is different, and you know, that's that's something you want. You want a different expectation. And oh, he's just undrafted guy. You know what can he do at You know, he's serviceable. We can just put him in and he'll he'll play his role.

Like I enjoy having the expectation that. You know, it's my job to put guys in the right position so they could do that their jobs. It's my job to get the offensive line together and working together on the same page. It's my job to get the protection on

the right uh page. I like that responsibility. And you know, when you're successful, you probably won't get credit for it, but and then when you're not successful, you're definitely gonna We like to have a little bit of fun in the final couple of minutes here, So these are quick hitters. Here we go, a quick five pack. Last gift you gave somebody's gift. I gave somebody man, I got an edible arrangement during training camp. I like it less those things. Yeah,

if not football, then what the public office? Maybe? And I think that would be cool. Wow, I like that. I could I could picture him in that role. He's a smart man. But you know, let's let's talk about it. Yeah, let's talk about a fifteen years later after an NFL career shipwrecked. Shipwrecked on a deserted island. You got your food, you got your water. But what two items you have to have with you? Two items have to have with him? Oh? Man, Yes, I guess a Bible. You know you can continue to

read that. I'm pretty religious. Um, I think can I bring a person? Or it has to be object? I'm thinking item. It could get a little dicey. We start thinking about people inflated football. Be good, you know, mark it up with some sand and snap it into the palm tree. You know they're accurate. Sam, there's a picture of Time put on Facebook the other day of his four year four year old nephew. He had him long snapping at four years old. I laughed my rear end

off on that one. All right, last last one? What animal would you compare yourself to? It sounds like combine questions, doesn't it. Yes, Yeah, if I got invited, I would know, I would know that they were coming. That's a good enough answer right there. Right? What a snub? What a snub that sticks in your crawl a little bit? Yeah, it's all good. I'm here now exactly right. We should nothing but the best. Your class guy, excellent character guy

in a big part of the Bears future. So play with some fire against the Rams on Sunday night and good luck. Absolutely, thank you guys. Coming up next, Tom, Bears All Access will be joined by DeMarco Far, one of the radio analysts for the La RAMS radio network, to break down Bears Rams Sunday Night at Inglewood, California's Sofi Stadium. Now break here on Chicago Sports Radio six

seventy the Score. This segment of Bears All Access is brought to you by CDW people to get it with Tom Thayer Jeff Joniac previewing Sunday night's kickoff seven twenty in LA at Sofi Stadium, joined now by the RAMS radio analyst de Marco Far, a long time friend of ours. And I understand you'd like a piece of time yet is this true? Of course? Yes, yes, we we're natural enemies. We have to get this on. You know this? Yeah, I got three plays and then call the paramedics. Right,

do you have anything? You have any replacements in that body of years yet? Because he's got a couple of hips, you know which side that's the sun I'm going to I can still get I can still get out of my stance, you know, So we'll make a show all of it. Well, you're ahead of me. I can get in a stance. I just think it out of it, So believe it or not, this is the fourth consecutive season Bears and Rams are going to party a little bit here, and this is the primetime game on Sunday

Night football. So do we got a brewing rivalry here? I mean a lot of changes on both sides. Though I always considered Chicago a rival I really have. I mean, especially when the team was back in the Midwest. I mean it was the team to the north, so there was always a battle. We played each other like it was a playoff game. The fan bases naturally don't get along. Now they really don't get along. So yeah, I always

considered this kind of a mini rivalry. It's it's always fun when you get the Bears, because look, you know what should get and when you see that sea on the helmet, it's gonna be tough, it's gonna be physical. You're gonna feel it the next week. So it's always fun to play the Chicago Bears. Always fun to play them week one too, at least get it out of

the way, DeMarco. When you look at guys like Leroy Glover or John Randall yourself, you know, the six one frame and now the most dominant defensive lineman in the league, and Aaron Donald, do you think when you look at guys of that size, they kind of change the narrative that it's not always necessarily about the biggest guy, but it's about the best guy. Oh yeah, and I got Aaron by a quarter of an inch just you know, just a little bit. You know, I can see over

the top of his head. But no, we talk about this quite a bit. You know, being short or undersize is actually a benefit sometimes when you can play to it. If you're quick, if you're a load of the ground, if you're strong like Aaron, I mean, you have the natural role leverage. What are we always trying to do in the trenches? Low Man went, Well, if you're already down there and you can get lower, you're gonna win most of the battles. No, what separates him from everyone

else that I've seen? And this is no disrespect to John Raynold, to Warren Sap, to the shorter defensive tackles too, Guys like me. I've never seen anybody this strong in my life, regardless of position, regardless of sport. I've never seen somebody so strong like Aaron. And his body fat is down. He takes care of himself, so he's quick, he's low to the ground, he's got the natural leverage. Plus he can absolutely move you even if you get position on him. So it's tremendous. But I did tell

Aaron this in the beginning of training camp. You're gonna get a lot of small guys murdered because they're gonna draft people that look like you thinking they can they can do what you do, and they're just absolutely gonna get crushed doing it. But yeah, he's special. He is definitely once in a lifetime, so you appreciate what you see out of ninety nine. Is he an all five guy? Can he rush against any offensive lineman up and down scrimmage?

The only guy that in history? And I was at the Pro Bowl when Isaac Bruce went in, so I'm not the Pro Bowl the Hall of Fame when Isaac Bruce went in, So I'm seeing all these legends up there. And I started doing that with Aaron thinking about you know how many Hall of Famers the Rams actually have now, and you start and probably end with maybe Johnny Hecker down the stretch, maybe Matt Stafford if he can finish

up with a couple of rings. But the only guy that came close as far as versatility as where he can attack from was Bruce Smith. Bruce Smith can attack you from the nose, out to the left or right end, same with Eron. Wherever he lines up, that guy is under pressure and there he's a threat to the quarterback. He is absolutely special. You'll appreciate this because you love the game. You clearly chart the history of the game,

you file the history of the game. He's told the story many times, and for the sake of the audience in Chicago, let's hear it again because he's got a great Bruce Smith's story. So oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bring up bad stuff. No, it's good stuff.

It's funny. Listen to this one. I was out in pregame snapping punts and Bruce Smith and fred Smerlass walked to the center of the field and they told me that I have to stop cutting guys, that there's no place in the game for it, and so I told Difko what they had said to me, and I, you know, so the very first play the game, he called one of those counter ots, the counter tray that the Redskins called it, and so my responsibility was to pull from the right guard position over to the left and cut

Bruce Smith. And I did it the first play of the game. So I feel respected that they had to come out and say something about it. But yeah, you know, that's part of the process of offense and defensive line play. Yeah, it's funny. I was just watching those documentary on like New York and the New York Mafia and how the police felt about them. It's the same how I feel about you. Said, you do what you have to do, try to catch us. We do what we have to do,

break break the rules. So you gotta cut me, then's your business. But I'm just gonna let you know it's your quarterback that's gonna pay the problem. DeMarco far guests, rams, analysts, and a heck of a football player as well. All right, you brought up Matthew Stafford. We know him well, we know everything about him. You could possibly know. Seet him twice a year and respect everything he does. He will challenge dbs in the tightest of windows and make a receiver.

I feel that they can fight for the football, but his weaponry has never really been complimented consistently. With a run game and with cam Akers going down, do you feel the Rams can still have the threat of a running game? Or as I read this week, there's talk that you know, people are thinking, wow, he could throw for six thousand yards this year because this is what your head coach may want. I read that too, and you know, I hate the high expectation. That really makes

me nervous. There's nowhere to go but down. But you know, I've watched the Rams prepare for Matthew Stafford a few times and through a few different head coach and they all have respect for him and his game, and you could go I could go through my notes and it's pretty much the same stuff over and over again. He could throw it anywhere. He's got a hell of a whip. He's smart, he's tough. He's a five star athlete. So to beat Detroit you definitely have to get pressure on him.

Easier said than done. So seeing him up close and in person, he's the first and only quarterback I ever wanted to see go through individual droom because he is that impressive. Watching him warm up, watching him talk ball with receivers with the head coach, and seeing that joy he has in trying to figure out how to beat a defense or tweak a play here or there. That is good stuff. That is inspiring stuff. If you're a defender watching that, you feel pretty good about the work

you're gonna do. If we give the ball back to him, there's a good chance for coming away with six, seven points. We may be ahead by halftime. Now we can just start rushing the past. That's the stuff that excites people. But yeah, I could see what this receiving war with Robert Woods, Cooper Cup, Deshan Jackson, who can still run, Tyler Higbee. I think the tight end is in that second group, that second tier elite tight end. So and I think there's more there for each guy. You just

you weren't going to be able to see that. With Jared Goff, I think he had maxed out the offense. But with Matthew Stafford, the offense suddenly turns vertical as well as east and west. Sean McVay with his offense and that wing team principle. Get you look in one way, attack you back. That stuff is dynamite. Now add vertical to that. There's no way you can't attack a defense or if you find a weakness, go at it. And you have a guy that can put it just about anywhere.

So I see why six thousand yards would be on the tongue of a lot of people. But I would say this, it's going to be a whole lot tougher to keep the Rams out of the end zone this year than it was last year and the year before. Heyd if Aaron's the best of the best up front is Jalen Ramsey. The best of the best in the back end. Tom My Goodness, he's a freak. And I hate even to say that because that doesn't do it justice. When you see him, he looks like a small outside linebacker.

That's the best I can describe him. Like if you saw him put his left foot forward, put his hands down and act like an outside backer, it would look natural on his body type. So that's one thing. He's got these long arms, long legs, His hips are above everyone else's in the drill or in the group. And then you watch him in one on one. He's technically perfect in man coverage and zone coverage. He does everything right.

He asks the right questions, and he plays it right to the rules, and if there's a flag or a question, he will go and ask the guy what did I do wrong? And he's always trying to improve it and get better. Now, this is what separates him from the other freaks. This guy is one aggressive. I mean he's the most violent player the Rams have on defense and

that includes ninety nine. I mean, this guy doesn't turn it down, guard, tackle, running back, receiver, anybody in his area that he needs to come up and tag, he does it, and he does it with violence. So I can't believe Jacksonville let a guy like that go. I'm so happy he's here. You don't want to have to face it. I'll say this in training camp, and this is with all due respect to all the Rams receivers.

Jalen Ramsey came into camp looking for a challenge, and I would say was over after the first practice and a half. I mean, he went through these guys and shut things down. Have you ever seen a quarterback or a cornerback force a no throw in a one on one situation in camp where he could not throw it. I've never seen that before. I mean, that's how tied

he was to Jashan Jackson. So he's unbelievable. If you couple that with instant pressure and Aaron Donald, I don't care who's coordinating your defense, you've got a pretty good chance on game day to be Bertie dang good. All right, our last question for you, I'll give us your eyeballs on the Bears and what you're looking at, and is there anything in the form of kryptonite rams that the Bears possess. Well, I think it's the same with Matt Stafford.

You everyone knows Andy Dalton and you know how he's going to attack you, and how he's supposed to look, what the good Andy Dalton looks, and how you can force the bad one. So I don't think that's, you know, rewriting the rule book there. But I guess the question is when do you bring in fields. That's what everyone wants to know, And if you're smart about it, you bring him in when in a situation where he can attack you and you can't attack him, like have those

little packages. So that's going to be interesting. What happens with him around the goal line or in the red zone. That's the type of stuff you can't game plan for when you have that sort of athlete. So that definitely makes you nervous. And then on the other end, Khalil Mack is enough to scare you to death. You know, he's an ambient guy. He keeps you up at night.

So all this talk about Matt Stafford and six thousand yards could be over in one miss block or even if you get a pad on him and he beats you and he gets to the quarterback and bang, they're going your starter. So all those things start to work, and you guys are huge upfront. Running the football has been it's it's it's been just a mess for the Rams trying to run through that big defensive line. So, uh, Chicago's defense gives you pause. Khalil Mack definitely gives you pause.

And when do you use fields? That's that's got to keep everybody up at night when you're getting ready to play the Bears. Right now, Well, man, it never sleeps because clearly he's got the juice, he's got the energy. Two hours behind us out there in California, DeMarco fire we really appreciate. We always look forward to talking to you. We'll see out in Cali. Can't wait, walking man, Yeah, just make shirts from the thigh down though, every chance

I get. We'll continue out with Bears All Access after a break on Chicago Sports Radio six seventy the Score. Welcome back to our final segment here on Bears All Access with Tom Fair. I'm Jeff joni Ak. We've had a real full program tonight with Sam Mustafer and we just gotta finished listening to DeMarco Far, a fun young guy in the radio business and an outstanding defensive lineman himself.

So let's talk about some keys to beat in the Rams, Big Tom, What are you gonna do about Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey first and foremost, and then we can't forget about Leonard Floyd. Yeah, but you know one thing about it, Aaron Donald is the guy that you have to have the most concerned about because he's the guy that's closest to the football and the closest to the quarterback. But rarely is he going to have an opportunity to

just be blocked by one person. Maybe away from the point of attack, maybe on play action, but that's part of the game you face. So when you have an opportunity to have those bread and butter, those physical, dominating runs, then you got to take advantage of those. You got to use those two big, strong bodies up front. Don't worry about blocking the second level until you get that first level block. And that's Aaron Donald. Look Leonard Floyd.

He's capitalizing on the fact that Aaron Donald's in the middle, but they'll get him blocked. And Ramsey he's at the third level. He's not at or near the a scrimmage, So if he makes a tackle on a run play, it's an eleven or twelve yard game. Congratulations. The thing about it is it's gonna be more of Andy Dalton having his sights on Jalen Ramsey when he goes to a pass play that's concentrated in his area. Well, they

do move him around. They could put him at the line of scrimmage and that's something that they like to do as well. Put him in the slot. He may be lined up across from somebody face to face. We'll see you mentioned Andy Dalton. We had a chance to sit down with him and it's a portion of an interview you will hear on Fox thirty two Chicago on Bears Game Day Live, we get rolling from La will be up bright and early time with that and Andy Dalton with lots to say about his career, where it's gone,

where it's headed. All right, Andy, who is Andy Dalton at the age of thirty three and twenty twenty one compared to that rookie in twenty eleven. You know, there's a lot more experience, that's for sure. Yeah. I've been through a lot in my career, been through a lot the less couple of years, and so you know, I feel like I'm in a great spot right now, so excited looking forward to the year and looking forward to

what we've got as a team. Anytime a new quarterback comes to town, everybody wants to try and figure that quarterback out. What makes him tick, what's he all about? Does he fit here? And what would you say to those folks that have those questions? Because the one thing I've learned about you in the short time we've had conversations is that your competitive fire should not be underrated. Do you think that's a fair trek down the road for you? Yeah, I would say I'm a really competitive person.

And you know, for me, I want to be the best player that I can be to help this team win. And so you know, I hold myself to a high standard. There's an expectation and I'm doing everything i can to meet and exceed those expectations. So you know, I think that's kind of where I'm at, and you know I'm ready to get started this year for sure. Andy, what do you do in those times when no one's around, no one notices what's going on that makes you who

you are today? I would say that there's a lot of time spent, you know, studying the game, studying what we're doing, studying to make sure that I know that I can react quickly to whatever's going to be going on during these games. And I think I can pull from experiences, I can pull from just the amount of games that I've played, and I think that's gonna help me out this year. You know, I read a mel Kiper profile of you coming out in the draft. It just he just did two words smart and accurate. Is

that proving to be true over your eleven years? I would say so, I would. I would if there's a couple you know, things that I feel like that I've been really good at I'd say it's both those things. Just being able to react quickly, to be able to get the bottom of my hands and to get the ball to our guys in space and on time. So I think that's all part of it. And you know it's you know, allowed me to play this long and she helped me play as long as I want to play.

So what is the key really for Andy and terms of what his strengths are, because he does get rid of the ball quickly, really quickly. If you get the open man, he's going to give you a chance to make a play on the ball. But what else that

you're looking for from him? The intangibles even for this game, you know, confidence when he breaks the huddle, he knows exactly what he said according to the couple plays that he's going to call, and then get a look across the line of scrimmage and get an understanding both analytically and where the defense is structured, where they can show their vulnerability or show their strengths. And that's what it's

going to be about. His site line is going to play an important role and then be the self confident guy that Andy Dalton is when We got to meet him a couple of weeks ago and bears all access. That's one of the things that struck me about him. And he's got a great self confidence and he's got to continue to believe in himself up until, you know, through Sunday through Sunday Night and the rest of this season, and you know, he's got to perform like he has

as a long tenured quarterback. I know you're dying to see the running game, you know. I think that's the best way that you can challenge Aaron Donald and the rest of that defense. If you want to get physical with these guys, that creates fatigue in the defense and allow your offensive line to play with confidence, and then spill that running game over to play action pass because I do think those are two of the best elements that this offense can do and can pull off repeatedly.

So if you want to see a tired defense in the third and fourth quarter, you got to run the ball right at him in the first and second quarter. And I will say this, I'm extremely impressed with the display of power that I've seen out of Jason Peter since he's come aboard. I know he's now where he is going to be in three or four weeks. However, if you want to develop a bread and butter part of your offensive line, Cody Whitehair, Jason Peters, look at

those guys for your goal behind. All right. Lastly, you can put it in a bottle and put it in the water and come back in. You'll still see it fifty years from now. You gotta tackle well, you gotta hit the quarterback. You gotta hang out of the football, you gotta take the ball away, you gotta win the trenches. There you go, Bears win. It's not so simple, though, is it. Well, you know the two is you got

to limit their success on special teams. The last thing you want to do is give these guys some type of special return that creates attacking field position and wants and looks and make Matthew Stafford looking into the end zone from the first down play. Ye Rams really struggled on special teams a year ago, thirtieth in the league according to Rick Goslin's Dallas Morning News special teams rankings. They've added Joe D. Camillus now to the coaching staff

as the special team's coordinator. Former Bear special teams coordinator been around a long time, Tom, We're out of time. Thanks to our guests tonight, Sam Mustafer and DeMarco far and our producers Damn Billy, Jordan Trudup, Katie Tuber and the folks at the Score. We'll talk to you on Sunday night, four pm. The pregame game seven twenty the kickoff on NewsRadio one oh five nine WBBM TIM. That's

it for us. Thanks for listening to everybody. This has been Bears All Access on Chicago Sports Radio six seventy The Score. Thanks for listening to this Chicago Bears Network presentation of Bears All Access. Podcasts are available on Chicago Bears dot com and on iTunes or download the Chicago Bears official app. Bears All Access has been brought to you by IGS Energy and sponsored by Bett Rivers and Miller Litte