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My Favorite Film of 2022: The Breaking Point (1950)

| March 10th, 2023


The Academy Awards are this Sunday, and normally I would be publishing a lengthy piece on my favorite films of the year at the end of the week. (With Maciej publishing the day before.) But this year, quite frankly, I forgot. And I could also make the argument I did not love any films released in 2022, though I’ll mention two below, that I’m excited to revisit.

Having returned to the academic world of Cinema Studies, the discipline in which I received my BA 18 years ago, I found myself in a constant process of cinematic discovery, beginning with my preparations last summer. So today I am sharing my favorite of those discoveries, a film I consider landmark, the Michael Curtiz/John Garfield collaboration, The Breaking Point.

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(Potential) Free Agent Spotlight: Mike McGlinchey, OT, San Francisco

| March 3rd, 2023

Team Need Score: 10/10. Is McGlinchey a great tackle? No. But he’s a solid, professional starter and this offensive line could desperately use his reliability and leadership.


2022 Highlights on YouTube: #49ers RT Mike McGlinchey vs Raiders Maxx Crosby (Week 17) – YouTube


PFF Contract Projection: “On its list of the top unrestricted free agents available this offseason, Pro Football Focus ranks McGlinchey as No. 10 with a projected four-year contract worth $62 million.”


Analysis: “Losing McGlinchey, despite his inefficiencies, would be huge for the 49ers if they don’t have an apparent replacement of his caliber, given what he does in the running game and that pass protection has already been an issue at times this season, especially in the playoffs.” Read the entire piece HERE.

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(Potential) Free Agent Spotlight: Dalton Schultz, TE, Dallas

| March 2nd, 2023

Team Need Score: 5/10. Schultz is not a great blocker, so it’s unlikely he’ll have much appeal to this run-first coaching staff. But the Bears need to keep adding weapons in the passing attack and Schultz has shown an ability to find holes in defensive zones. He’s an incredibly productive pass-catching tight end.


2022 Highlights on YouTube: Dalton Schultz 2022-23 Full Season Highlights – YouTube


Draft Network Contract Projection: “The deal will be for four years and worth somewhere in the range of $57.5-58 million for an average annual value between $14.375-14.5 million, making him the second highest-paid tight end in the NFL.”


Analysis: “The question now becomes who among this group becomes the main security blanket for Dak Prescott in 2023? While Schultz has not put up numbers resembling the likes of Travis Kelce or George Kittle, he has become a reliable target in the passing game. Since he arrived in Dallas as a fourth round pick out of Stanford, Schultz has quietly become one of the Cowboys’ biggest weapons on offense.” Read the whole story HERE.

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(Potential) Free Agent Spotlight: Javon Hargrave, DL, Philadelphia

| February 28th, 2023


Team Need Score: 10/10. Hargrave will be 30 years old this season, so he’s not an ideal fit for a young, rebuilding Bears team. But he also had 11 sacks from an interior DL position and if the Bears hope to climb into respectability next season, Hargrave would be a huge step in that direction.


2022 Highlights on YouTube: Javon Hargrave 2022-23 Highlights || HD – YouTube


B/R Contract Projection: “Three years, $61.2 million, $40.25 million guaranteed”


Analysis: “Eagles All-22 Film Review: Javon Hargrave will be greatly missed if he’s not back.” Read the full report HERE.

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(Potential) Free Agent Spotlight: Daron Payne, DL, Washington

| February 27th, 2023


Team Need Score: 10/10. There is no bigger need for the 2023 Chicago Bears than along the defensive line. They were pushed around weekly in the interior and displayed no pass rush on the outside.


2022 Highlights on YouTube: Daron Payne FULL 2022-23 Season Highlights | PRO BOWLER| 2023 NFL Free Agent |Washington Commanders – YouTube


PFF Contract Projection: “Four years, $80 million ($20M per year), $55 million total guaranteed.”


Analysis: “The cost may be high, but losing defensive tackle Daron Payne is something the Washington Commanders can’t afford.” Read the entire piece HERE.


[Note: Rumors out of D.C. are that the Commanders will tag Payne, making him only available to the Bears via trade.]

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(Potential) Free Agent Spotlight: Jakobi Meyers, WR, New England

| February 24th, 2023


Team Need Score: 8/10. The Bears need to make additions at wide receiver, either through free agency or the draft, and Meyers would give them a steady, professional presence in the slot/outside.


2022 Highlights on YouTube: Jakobi Meyers 2022-23 Highlights || HD – YouTube


PFF Contract Projection: “Four years, $64 million ($16M per year), $40 million total guaranteed.”


Analysis: “To Re-Sign Jakobi Meyers, New England Patriots Will Need to Place Priority on Proven Production.” Read the full article HERE.

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(Potential) Free Agent Spotlight: Kaleb McGary, OT, Atlanta

| February 23rd, 2023


Team Need Score: 7/10. The Bears need to add an offensive tackle in free agency, and expectations are they will leave Braxton Jones on the left side to develop. If they focus on the right side, McGary should be their primary target. McGary will only be 27 to start the season.


2022 Highlights on YouTube:


PFF Contract Projection: “Four years, $52 million ($13M per year); $31 million total guaranteed.”


Analysis: “Ranking the Falcons’ top 10 free agents: Kaleb McGary in line for a big raise.” Read the rest from The Athletic HERE.

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