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.
Chicago police are warning residents of a child luring incident that was reported in the Austin neighborhood on Friday afternoon.
Chicagoan Laura Hubka designs and creates all the hats at her pop-up shop at the Drake Hotel; a mix of serious and whimsical, colorful and nifty neutrals.
During this season of giving, many Chicagoans are generously helping Christmas special for other families. See what groups across the area are doing and what you can still do this holiday season.
Matas Buzelis and Nikola Vucevic each score 24 points as the Chicago Bulls pull away in the fourth quarter for a 136-125 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers.
A man has been charged with stealing hundreds of cases of ice cream from delivery trucks in northwest Indiana.
The alternative budget proposal championed by a group of Chicago aldermen won a crucial first full City Council vote on Friday, setting up a final vote on Saturday
Defenders of a Wisconsin judge found guilty of felony obstruction for helping a Mexican immigrant evade federal officers are raising alarms about judicial independence and say they hope the conviction will be overturned on appeal.
Village leaders in Broadview, Illinois, voted down a proposal that would limit the setting up of additional detention centers in the area.
The Justice Department has released records from the Epstein files, the first documents to come to light under a new law signed by President Trump.
A jury convicted a Milwaukee judge on one count of felony obstruction Thursday, the Associated Press reported, after she was accused of helping a man who was in the U.S. illegally evade federal immigration authorities.
A new report shines a light on electricity shortages that Illinois could face in less than 10 years.
With less than two weeks until Christmas, if you're sending gifts to people far from home, the deadlines to get them there on time are fast approaching.
A condo owner in Country Club Hills says he's forced to sell his home after his condo association failed to reimburse him for repairs to his leaking roof. Edward Hadnott's condo has sat empty since a major roof leak in 2022.
The U.S. stopped minting pennies this week, and some groups have issued a warning about the headaches that can create for some businesses and consumers.
Why is one school in the west Chicago suburb of Lisle paying a water bill three times higher than another? The answer has to do with a private utility company.
Millions of people with an Affordable Care Act health plan face a massive jump in premiums next year — this chart shows just how much.
It's the holiday season, which means it's the most common time of year for norovirus to spread. Here's what you need to know about this winter stomach bug.
A study conducted in part by Chicago's Northwestern Medicine found that tanning beds not only triple the risk of melanoma, but can also damage DNA across nearly the whole skin surface.
An investigation into the case of a Michigan man who contracted rabies after an organ transplant provided more details on the infection's origin.
The newest measles vaccination numbers released by Chicago Public Schools shows immunizations are finally moving in the right direction.
The Chicago Bears are expanding their search for a new stadium to Northwest Indiana, even though they already own land in Arlington Heights and have also proposed a new lakefront stadium in Chicago.
A Culver's is coming to Chicago's South Loop, a real estate broker has confirmed.
A new vision for passenger rail is on track in southeastern Wisconsin. The MARK Passenger Rail Commission held its inaugural meeting on December 5, 2025, at Racine City Hall.
U.S. Steel says it'll resume making steel slabs at its Granite City Works plant in Illinois amid strengthening demand.
Traffic at O'Hare International Airport is growing faster than expected, and this has Chicago city leaders wanting to make big changes to future construction plans at the airport.
Chicago's Cadillac Palace Theatre is hosting "The Phantom of the Opera," and staff offered a firsthand look at the iconic chandelier inside the theater this week.
The special features interviews with Kathy Bates, Annette Bening, Albert Brooks, Michael Douglas, Kiefer Sutherland, Jerry O'Connell and Mandy Patinkin.
The Oscars ceremony is moving to YouTube starting in 2029, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced on Wednesday.
The nearly 100-year-old cinema will close briefly after New Year's Day and reopen on Jan. 9 with a showing of Jim Jarmusch's "Father Mother Sister Brother."
Known as a popular Hollywood director, Rob Reiner also had a lengthy record of political and civic activism, especially in California.
Meet Esme, the PAWS Chicago pet of the week!
Chicago police are warning residents of a child luring incident that was reported in the Austin neighborhood on Friday afternoon.
Meteorologist Kylee Miller has the extended forecast.
Chief meteorologist Albert Ramon has the latest First Alert Weather forecast.
Meet a woman who creates beauty off the top of her head. Laura Hubka does it with style.
The alternative budget proposal championed by a group of Chicago aldermen won a crucial first full City Council vote on Friday, setting up a final vote on Saturday
The Justice Department has released records from the Epstein files, the first documents to come to light under a new law. Follow live updates here.
Chicago police are warning residents of a child luring incident that was reported in the Austin neighborhood on Friday afternoon.
During this season of giving, many Chicagoans are generously helping Christmas special for other families. See what groups across the area are doing and what you can still do this holiday season.
Chicagoan Laura Hubka designs and creates all the hats at her pop-up shop at the Drake Hotel; a mix of serious and whimsical, colorful and nifty neutrals.
Some Chicago area hospitals are at risk of significant flooding both in and around the buildings, according to new KFF Health News/Fathom models.
Lawmakers in Springfield are looking to address the high water bills being reported in some suburbs from customers of Illinois American Water.
Electric bills in the Chicago area could go up as much as $70 in the next three years because of data centers, according to the Citizens Utility Board.
Advocates and legislators are seeking solutions and and accountability for a pattern of Chicago police arresting Black gun owners on firearms charges despite valid FOID and CCL licenses.
Homeowner and Army veteran Kaliff Chilembwe's property tax bill has seen an increase of 118%.
Matas Buzelis and Nikola Vucevic each score 24 points as the Chicago Bulls pull away in the fourth quarter for a 136-125 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Zachary Bolduc scored twice and Lane Hutson had three assists as the Montreal Canadiens beat the Chicago Blackhawks 4-1.
After years of planning, Chicago State University is officially launching its first football team. The school is launching the only NCAA Division 1 football program in the City of Chicago.
The Bears will be severely depleted at wide receiver for Saturday's rematch with the Packers, as both Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III will be out with injuries.
The Bulls shot 56.2% overall and made 14 of 36 3-pointers on the way to a rather convincing win after losing eight of nine.
Defenders of a Wisconsin judge found guilty of felony obstruction for helping a Mexican immigrant evade federal officers are raising alarms about judicial independence and say they hope the conviction will be overturned on appeal.
Village leaders in Broadview, Illinois, voted down a proposal that would limit the setting up of additional detention centers in the area.
A grand jury this week indicted a man on charges of setting a young woman on fire on a Chicago Transit Authority train last month, and also setting a fire outside City Hall.
Three teens have been charged with robbing a person who came to buy items that had been offered for sale in Bolingbrook, Illinois.
Two days after the shooting at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, MIT professor Nuno Loureiro was shot to death at his home in Brookline, Massachusetts.
