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.
Ishbia has a stake in the company buying the land Amtrak would leave behind — the same land where he's floated a new ballpark. Residents who'd get the rail yard, and could lose the Sox, will have him and Amtrak in front of them Thursday night.
Two shuttered Chicago-area hospitals are under new control on Thursday morning.
Heavy rain and scattered showers are expected throughout the day on Thursday in the Chicago area.
You could call John McCarthy Chicago's piano man, and his organization Chicago Plays is his way to bring free access to pianos in the city's public spaces.
The McHenry County Sheriff's Office Marine Unit has four boats, but there were multiple weekends this summer when none of them were scheduled to be out.
Reps. Zach Nunn and Mariannette Miller-Meeks reversed course on a House resolution to require congressional approval for continued military action against Iran, citing open-ended war concerns ahead of competitive midterm races.
A City Council committee on Wednesday backed Mayor Brandon Johnson's proposal to increase protections for Chicago renters, after he dropped a key provision opposed by landlords, but the mayor's critics plan to press on with a competing proposal.
Illinois' senior senator, the Judiciary Committee's top Democrat, opened Tuesday's oversight hearing by accusing the director of turning the bureau's powers against President Trump's political opponents.
Three Chicago City Council members announced they have negotiated a revised parking meter deal with New York-based Stonepeak Partners to the benefit of the city.
The Legislative Ethics Commission has appointed David Risley acting legislative inspector general effective the day following the Sept. 30 resignation of his predecessor.
Nicor customers will get a break on their bills this fall after Illinois Attorney General Kwame Roul reached an agreement with the utility to cut $140 million from its requested rate hike.
Drivers in Chicago and beyond were paying the highest gas prices ever recorded for the Labor Day holiday as millions of Americans were making their way home on Monday.
Around 115 million domestic and international tourists visited Illinois last year, pushing visitor spending past $50 billion for the first time and generating more than $88 billion in total economic impact.
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul filed a lawsuit Thursday against ABC Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric Inc., alleging deceptive business practices.
Cook County homeowners are again facing a sharper increase in property taxes this year than businesses, the Office of Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas announced Monday.
A judge on Tuesday was expected to place two shuttered Chicago-area safety-net hospitals into receivership.
Cardinal Blase Cupich and a group of Catholic nuns have joined a federal lawsuit challenging Illinois' Medical Aid in Dying law, which is set to take effect in just over a week.
Flies have been everywhere this summer in the Chicago area, and some of them bite. But why is this happening?
Prime Healthcare is drawing criticism after announcing it will stop obstetrics services at three Chicago-area hospitals.
The Chicago Department of Public Health on Tuesday announced two human cases and one death from the West Nile virus in the city this year, and one of those two people has died.
The future of Rate Field was back in the spotlight on Wednesday.
Plans for a new Chicago White Sox stadium in the South Loop have residents near the existing ballpark in Bridgeport concerned, not just because the team might be leaving, but also what might be coming nearby.
A new report from the University of Illinois Chicago said federal immigration enforcement led to $1.26 billion in unspent money at retail establishments and restaurants in Cook County.
Around 115 million domestic and international tourists visited Illinois last year, pushing visitor spending past $50 billion for the first time and generating more than $88 billion in total economic impact.
A new Whole Foods Market is coming to Chicago's Old Town neighborhood.
Aaron Rowe, Beoga, Lukas Graham and Finneas all released statements Tuesday on Instagram saying they were withdrawing from Ed Sheeran's tour.
Performer Macklemore is being dropped from Ed Sheeran's Loop tour after making on-stage statements that some found controversial.
Dubbed the "Designer to the Stars," Bob Mackie won nine Emmy Awards, a Tony Award and was nominated for three Oscars.
The stage was set and the air was humid as rapper Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, took the stage for the first of two Chicago concerts at Soldier Field Thursday night.
James Fulton Engstrom, now a healthy teenager, was born without a pulse in 2010 — and his survival is the miracle the Catholic Church credited to Fulton Sheen's intercession, clearing the way for beatification.
Jackie Kostek jumpstarts your day from Lincoln Park's Schneider Deli.
Nikki Williams Rucker, Founder of Black Mom Ish, joins CBS News Chicago.
Watch Patrick Clancy as he sits down with 60 Minutes, airing on Sunday night.
A serial killer investigation is underway in Philadelphia. Five women reported missing have been linked to the investigation.
Lauren Victory reports on another public meeting being held, focused on Amtrak and White Sox stadium plans.
Heavy rain and scattered showers are expected throughout the day on Thursday in the Chicago area.
Two shuttered Chicago-area hospitals are under new control on Thursday morning.
A public meeting on Thursday night will further discussions on a proposed Amtrak project on the South Side.
You could call John McCarthy Chicago's piano man, and his organization Chicago Plays is his way to bring free access to pianos in the city's public spaces.
A mother is crying for justice after her son was brutally beaten on the South Side of Chicago in broad daylight.
A Cicero woman is suing Uber and a driver after the driver allegedly sexually assaulted her. She and her boyfriend said Uber hired him despite the driver having a criminal background.
Both hospitals were supposed to be placed in receivership, but after five hours of closed-door negotiations on Tuesday, it is still unclear what the future holds for both hospitals.
Chicago police crime data show 255 reported crimes in the last two years on the two blocks where the former Hard Rock and Rainforest cafés sit vacant. Neighbors have been calling the city about the alley between them for six years.
A three-year effort by the Cook County Sheriff's Office to help bring down crime on the Magnificent Mile in downtown Chicago appears to be working.
Several lawsuits are challenging Illinois' medical aid in dying law that is set to take effect on Sept. 12, including one in federal court arguing the law discriminates against people with disabilities.
Armstrong homered to lead off the third, breaking Billy Williams' franchise record set in 1970.
Petey Halpin hit a three-run home run in the sixth inning, Parker Messick struck out eight and the Cleveland Guardians moved into first place in the AL Central with a 6-3 victory over the Chicago White Sox.
Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift has been named the NFC Offensive Player of the Week after his performance in the team's record-breaking 59-37 win over the Carolina Panthers.
The Cubs (84-68) maintained a half-game lead over Philadelphia (83-68) for the top NL wild card.
The White Sox, who lost at least 100 games in each of the past three seasons, have held at least a share of first since July 4.
Three girls have been charged with threatening a school in the west Chicago suburb of Addison, with two of them making a video depicting a shooting at the school, authorities announced Wednesday.
A Zion man has been charged in the shooting death of another man in July in north suburban Ingleside.
Chicago police on Wednesday were looking for a man who attacked and beat another man and ordered his dog to bite the victim in the Edgewater neighborhood.
Shots were fired during a fight early Wednesday morning on busy Lincoln Avenue in Chicago's Budlong Woods neighborhood.
A judge allowed a school bus aide charged in connection with a shooting on a bus in Chicago's Bridgeport neighborhood to be released with conditions.
