Bernstein: Season's Storylines To Converge Sunday
Prominent aspects of this year's Bears discussion are winding together for Sunday afternoon's game against the Patriots at Soldier Field.
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Prominent aspects of this year's Bears discussion are winding together for Sunday afternoon's game against the Patriots at Soldier Field.
Jay Cutler has been improving week to week, and by the numbers has been playing some of the football of his career. But his offensive coordinator, Mike Martz, still sees room for improvement.
Consider it a week off for Lovie Smith's lucky horseshoe as the Bears welcome the New England Patriots to Soldier Field this coming Sunday.
The perception of the Chicago Bears changes week to week. One week their destined for the playoffs, the next they're doomed to get passed, by the Green Bay Packers. For the team, their only focus is on the next game.
Back in training camp it looked as if Major Wright had all the tools to become a starter on the Bears' defense this season. So for that hasn't happened, but he's been getting his chances. Could this week be the week he makes the jump?
For most of the season the Bears' defense has started games strong and limited the opponents' offense for the entire game. That wasn't the story against the Lions, but the Bears' defense was able to finish the game strong.
Ned Flanders had finally had enough. His house destroyed, his business in ruins, his bad fortune making a mockery of his boundless faith and optimism, he exploded on Springfield townsfolk after his last bit of self-control wore away.
Jay Cutler threw a go-ahead touchdown pass to Brandon Manumaleuna one play after a questionable call midway through the fourth quarter, lifting the Chicago Bears to a 24-20 victory over the Detroit Lions on Sunday. LISTEN: GAME HIGHLIGHTS, LOVIE SMITH
The Detroit Lions have two wins this season. One of their many losses came against the Bears in week one. Despite that and a much more improved Bears team, Lion's receiver Nate Burleson has guaranteed a win.
There has been a change in the way that people are viewing the Bears after their four straight wins in the month of November. However, the Bears don't seem themselves any differently.
Remember all the worries about Urlacher's health during training camp? Just two weeks ago he broke Mike Singletary's career franchise record for tackles. Brian Urlacher is healthy and helping the Bears make their push for the playoffs. LISTEN: TOM THAYER AND JOSH LISS
The Bears are finally giving Jay Cutler some protection after changing up the rotation several times due to player performance and injuries. They finally have the right mix.
Obviously the Bears are better than most thought they would be entering the 2010 season but are they good enough to win the Super Bowl?
How deeply twisted do you have to be to continue to root against the Bears, in your hopes that the Lovie Smith regime is ushered out?
Coming out of the bye week, the Bears' focus was on improving each week. In the four games since they have done just that, and picked up a win each week.
It's amazing what a few wins will do for a coach in the NFL. Before the season started there were some people who were counting down the days until Lovie was fired. Now, however, he might be making an argument for NFL Coach of the Year.
We are not even through two seasons since Jay Cutler became a Bear, and it already feels like a long story: spectacular touchdowns undermined by inexcusable interceptions, petulant shoulder shrugs interpreted for greater meaning, and club-hopping with quasi-famous TV arm-candy.
Bears take down the Philadelphia Eagles thanks to a swarming defense and an explosive offense. LISTEN: HIGHLIGHTS - LOVIE SMITH
There are still some people who doubt whether or not the Bears are a legitimate playoff team. A win against the Philadelphia Eagles could turn those people into believers.
The NFL season is a marathon, not a sprint. And according to head coach Lovie Smith, the Bears are starting to get in stride, but still haven't peaked.
Not too long ago, Lovie Smith seemed primed to be forced out of Chicago. Now, that doesn't seem as likely.
Michael Vick's athletic ability might give some defensive coordinators and opposing head coaches nightmares. But Lovie Smith feels that his defense is set up to stop players like Vick.
Earlier in the week Lovie Smith said that he wouldn't change his defense to account for Michael Vick. Bears analyst Tom Thayer believes that Smith won't, and knows how the Bears can shut Vick down.
The Bears' wins this season haven't necessarily come against the best competition that the league has to offer. However, a win against the Eagles would grab the attention form the rest of the NFL.
Northwestern was in control before Purdue got back in the game with a 9-0 run in the second half.
The restrooms look like pods, each with a toilet that is cleaned after each use, and the floors are power-washed.
The White House says they're working to get Americans out of the Middle East, but Americans there say the government left them stranded.
Last-place Loyola Chicago came in shooting just 31% on 3s, but kept it close by outscoring the nation's top 3-point shooting team by nine from behind the arc.
The burglaries took place between 2:30 a.m. and 4:30 a.m. in the Kenwood, South Shore, Washington Heights, Beverly, Archer Heights, and West Elsdon neighborhoods, police say.
Several Republicans on the Oversight panel joined with Democrats in supporting the motion to subpoena Attorney General Pam Bondi.
Former presidents Bill Clinton, Barack Obama and Joe Biden are among the big names who will be in Chicago Friday for Rev. Jesse Jackson's funeral.
In Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's second news briefing since the start of the Iran war, Hegseth said the U.S. had sunk an enemy ship by a torpedo for the first time since World War II.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem faced friendly Republicans and critical Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee, where she testified about the administration's immigration agenda.
The measure, which would have blocked President Trump from continuing military force against Iran, fell short of the simple majority needed to advance.
Drivers in the Chicago area can expect to start paying more at the pump this week, as oil prices have spiked amid the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran.
Palatine, Illinois-based Weber has issued a recall of more than 3.2 million metal wire bristle grill brushes because you could ingest the bristles.
This is after Mayor Brandon Johnson vetoed an ordinance that would have banned most hemp-derived products this weekend.
This week marks Identity Theft Awareness Week, and Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza emphasized some safety tips Monday for avoiding and dealing with identity theft.
A controversial data center in Naperville, Illinois, could be the cause to pack a city council meeting there on Tuesday night.
When a doctor was told there was no cure for his daughter's condition, he was motivated to transform not only her health, but the lives of thousands of others.
Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital announced this week that it is planning to open a new pediatric hospital in the west Chicago suburb of Downers Grove.
It has been nearly six years since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and one of the many questions doctors are still working to answer concerns the long-term effects.
Leaders from Cook County, the Illinois Department of Human Services, and the Greater Chicago Food Depository denounced changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program on Wednesday.
The University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center has received a grant from The Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation for a new cancer center.
A new development at the southeast corner of Chicago's East Lakeview community would clear away a medical office building and replace it with a residential high-rise.
The City of Aurora, Illinois, is seeking input from residents about data center development.
Not one, but two hotels are now planned or proposed for Chicago's Northalsted LGBTQ+ nightlife district.
After the Double Door closed in Wicker Park, there was reassurance that the Double Door would return, at a new location in the city's Uptown neighborhood. Now that is not happening anymore.
Barnes & Noble was set to reopen in Skokie on Wednesday, just weeks after it closed.
Actor and filmmaker Bruce Campbell told fans that he is in treatment for cancer and will cancel some upcoming public appearances.
Singer-songwriter Neil Sedaka, known for his hits like "Laughter in the Rain," "Breaking Up is Hard to Do" and "Calendar Girl," has died.
A 19th-century George Méliès film, thought to be long lost, has been found among a box of brittle movie reels that a Michigan donor brought to the Library of Congress, officials said.
Streaming giant Netflix declined to match Paramount Skydance's $31 per share offer for Warner Bros. Discovery.
After the Double Door closed in Wicker Park, there was reassurance that the Double Door would return, at a new location in the city's Uptown neighborhood. Now that is not happening anymore.
The "Neo" was officially unveiled on Wednesday after Apple accidentally leaked details of the new laptop on Tuesday.
The airline says passengers who blast audio from their devices and refuse to wear headphones or earbuds could get kicked off their flight.
Participants at Harold L. Richards High School helped to raise $9,000 to benefit Special Olympics Illinois. Their original goal was $3,000.
The Cleveland Clinic says eating breakfast can boost brain function and lower diabetes risk, but skipping it might have benefits, including increased alertness and better digestion.
Showers and a few thunderstorms continue through midday Thursday before gradually tapering off during the afternoon.
The burglaries took place between 2:30 a.m. and 4:30 a.m. in the Kenwood, South Shore, Washington Heights, Beverly, Archer Heights, and West Elsdon neighborhoods, police say.
The White House says they're working to get Americans out of the Middle East, but Americans there say the government left them stranded.
The restrooms look like pods, each with a toilet that is cleaned after each use, and the floors are power-washed.
One Chicagoan is trying to make her way out of Israel as the war with Iran intensifies, and she's more than five months pregnant.
Former presidents Bill Clinton, Barack Obama and Joe Biden will be in Chicago Friday for Rev. Jesse Jackson's funeral.
A proposed Illinois law hopes to create more oversight on private companies to protect consumers from skyrocketing utility prices.
The three women said they are working to make their way back home, but without any help from the U.S. State Department.
If you feel like you're drowning in a sea of text alerts and desperate email pleas for "just $5" this election season, you are far from alone.
A north suburban school bus driver became a victim of sophisticated scammers who are targeting more people and more vulnerable populations to make more money.
Both couples are still actively fighting for their kids, knowing it will be a long and complicated road.
Northwestern was in control before Purdue got back in the game with a 9-0 run in the second half.
Last-place Loyola Chicago came in shooting just 31% on 3s, but kept it close by outscoring the nation's top 3-point shooting team by nine from behind the arc.
Holtz coached Notre Dame from 1986 to 1996, winning 100 games with the school, including a 12-0 national title-winning season in 1988.
Illinois is a win away from a triple-bye and berth in the quarterfinals next week in the Big Ten Tournament.
The Bulls got back to losing after stopping an 11-game skid with a lopsided win over Milwaukee on Sunday.
Two women are dead in Pennsylvania and a man is dead in Hillside, Illinois, after an apparent murder-suicide, police said.
Chicago police on Wednesday warned of a string of charity scam incidents in the on the Near West and South sides in recent weeks.
Burglars stole an ATM from a bar in Chicago's Little Village neighborhood early Wednesday morning.
Burglars made off with thousands of dollars early Wednesday after breaking into a pizzeria on Chicago's Southwest Side.
The jury has found Colin Gray, the man whose teenage son is accused of killing two students and two teachers in a shooting at Georgia's Apalachee High School, guilty of second-degree murder and all other charges.
