Friday, April 3, 2026
✶ Untold Chicago Stories ✶ Amazon Music
Home Blog Page 3181

Chicago Bears First Round Draft Success Is Highest At This Position

By
Erik Lambert
-

The first round of the NFL draft is often where teams can be made or broken. Few teams know this better than the Chicago Bears. Since the year 2000 they have made 15 picks on day one of draft weekend. Just two of them managed to start five or more seasons with the team. Two. TWO! Out of 15. They were middle linebacker Brian Urlacher and defensive tackle Tommie Harris.

The rest are a mix of talent busts, damaged goods and misused studs who were shipped elsewhere. It’s no wonder this franchise hasn’t been able to keep up with the elites like Pittsburgh, New England, and Green Bay. Here’s their numbers by comparison.

  • Pittsburgh:  8 out of 17
  • New England:  8 out of 15
  • Green Bay:  7 out of 17

It’s a pretty straightforward lesson. If you don’t hit on the top picks, it’s hard to win in the NFL. There is no doubt the Bears need to get it right next year if they want any hope of no longer being the welcome mat of the league. How do they pull it off? By understanding sticking to what they’ve done best. (continue to next page from top)

PHOTO: Toews Pays Up On Bet To Kane By Wearing USA Jersey

By
Marc-Louis Paprzyca
-

Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane are two of hockey’s biggest competitors on the ice. It should come of no surprise that it doesn’t change when it comes to their native countries. The two Chicago Blackhawks superstars bet on the Canada vs Team USA final at the recent IIHF World Junior Championships and Canada lost. As a result Toews had to wear a Team USA Kane jersey.

Toews has been getting the best of Kane internationally since 2007 when he defeated Kane in the same tournament. In an epic seven round shootout, Toews netted three goals during the semi-final shootout win for Canada on his way to being named to the tournament all-star team.

Then, there was the 2010 Vancouver Olympics when Toews’ Canadian team defeated Kane and the United States for the gold medal. Toews was named the outstanding forward of the tournament as well as an all-star for his performance.

@TeamCanada I feel your pain but I would still make this bet any day… get em next year. #WJC

A post shared by Jonathan Toews (@jonathantoews) on

You know Patrick Kane has been waiting a long time for his comeuppance on Toews but that feeling may be bittersweet. You know Kane is looking for an opportunity to beat Toews in a meaningful international game himself.

 

Ryan Hartman Earns Unconventional Hat Trick With 2 Empty Net Goals

By
Matt Barbato
-

Ryan Hartman’s first-career hat trick was arguably one of the most bizarre versions of the feat in recent NHL history.

All three of Hartman’s goals came in the third period. His first goal came in wacky fashion with just nine minutes left to play and had to be backed up by instant replay.

Hartman’s other two goals came in a 46-second span via empty net strikes in the closing minute.

Hartman also achieved some outstanding history and became the youngest Blackhawk to earn a hat trick since… The Captain.

It certainly wasn’t the prettiest hat trick. But, a hatty is a hatty, right? Plus, it shows Hartman’s hard work in his first professional season is paying off. The 22-year-old winger now has 10 goals in his debut season and has helped Blackhawks fans forget about similarly scrappy winger, Andrew Shaw.

PHOTOS: The Cubs Helped Kris Bryant Celebrate His Wedding Last Night

By
Gus
-

Sorry women of Chicago — Kris Bryant is officially off the market.

The NL MVP married longtime girlfriend Jessica Delp in their hometown of Las Vegas, Nevada yesterday in a ceremony which had some familiar faces in the crowd. Dexter Fowler, Anthony Rizzo, Jason Heyward, and John Lackey were just a few of Bryant’s teammates that helped him celebrate his big day at the beautiful JW Marriott in Las Vegas.

My only advice for Bryant as he enters marital bliss is to never, and I mean NEVER, forget your wife’s birthday or anniversary. Unfortunately, Bryant will never have an excuse to forget his wedding anniversary since it fell on 1-7-17.

Like his jersey number get it?

Photos from the celebration are slowly starting to hit social media and I’ll do my best to update this as more become available.

(use the arrow at the top to continue)

RUMOR: Chicago Bears Zeroing In On Top Notch Assistant Coaches

By
Erik Lambert
-
chicago bears

The Chicago Bears are in the midst of making some changes to their coaching staff at the assistant level. This can’t be considered a huge surprise. After all the team finished 3-13, the franchises’ worst ever record in a 16-game season. Head coach John Fox knows he should feel fortunate to still have a job. Something needed to change though.

Often the way to do this is by shaking up the positional coaching staff. Already the Bears have seen four different coaches either leave or get fired. Safeties coach Sam Garnes and offensive line coach Dave Magazu were both released. Running backs coach Stan Drayton departed for Texas while outside linebackers coach Clint Hurtt left to join the New York Jets.

Replacing these men is next on the agenda for Fox. Speculation has continued on who the Bears may or may not be looking at but thus far it’s been quiet in terms of who they actually might go after. That may have changed with the rise of a recent rumor. (continue to next page from top)

Want An Elite Bears Defense? Here’s How Far Away They Are

By
Erik Lambert
-
bears defense

The Chicago Bears defense was an interesting, unusual, hopeful and disappointing watch all at the same time in 2016. It was overrun with mediocrity at many positions, riddled with injuries and yet showed constant flashes of just how good it could become. By the end of the season their coordinator Vic Fangio was beyond frustrated. Not because they were bad, but more because they weren’t “there” yet.

Losing is never fun, but it’s been especially difficult for Bears fans the past four years. Throughout most of their teams’ history, even the darker periods were at least tolerable because they knew at least Chicago would play some good defense. That has become part of the city’s football identity. So when that identity is suddenly and violently ripped away from them, it has a taxing psychological impact.

Over the past four seasons from 2013 through 2016, the Bears have allowed 1, 716 total points. That’s an average of 26.81 per game. It’s by far the worst stretch ever in franchise history and has many wondering what it will take to reclaim the good, old days. Turns out there is a definitive answer to that question. (continue to next page from top)

If Chicago Bears Trade Down In the Draft, Watch These Teams

By
Erik Lambert
-
New York Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan and head coach Todd Bowles (right) watch practice during their rookie mini-camp at the New York Jets training facility in Florham Park, New Jersey, May 8, 2015. (Ray Stubblebine)

GM Ryan Pace has always said the Chicago Bears will listen to each and every offer sent their way regarding trades during the draft. He certainly lived up to that in 2016. He traded up to get Leonard Floyd at #9 overall in the first round. Then he traded down twice in the second round before selecting Cody Whitehair. Last but not least, he jumped up in the fourth round to grab Nick Kwiatkoski.

This is a man who has shown he has no fear of making trades provided he feels it’s in the best interests of his team. So rest assured he’ll keep an open mind when the Bears go on the clock this April with the #3 overall pick. Normally the top five in any draft is a potential hot bed of activity when it comes to trades. In fact the first and second picks in 2016 were dealt even before the draft began.

Already Chicago fans are announcing their desire for them to move down to collect more picks. It’s easy to say, but far from easy to accomplish. The Bears can’t move down just for the sake of moving down. Compensation must be right. More than that a team would have to be interested in jumping up. If there are any, these will be the ones to watch. (continue to next page from top)

Chicago White Sox Sign Everth Cabrera

By
Dan Fappiano
-
The Chicago White Sox have signed former All Star shortstop Everth Cabrera. (Photo courtesy of Baltimore Sun)

The Chicago White Sox have been scouring the free agent market signing both Geovany Soto and Cody Asche to minor league deals. Both players don’t ooze with excitement, but have a good chance to make a difference on the 2017 White Sox.

The team has made another minor league move, this time signing former All Star shortstop Everth Cabrera.

Gerald Hernandez of La Prensa broke the news writing that Cabrera’s minor league deal includes an invitation to Spring Training. Hernandez reported that Rick Renteria was a main reason for Cabrera’s interest in the White Sox.

Cabrera spent seven seasons in the MLB, last appearing with the Orioles in 2015. In 510 major league games Cabrera hit .246 with 12 homeruns, 132 RBIs and 138 stolen bases. He was voted to the 2013 All Star game.

Like Soto and Asche, Cabrera was signed to a minor league deal. However he has a very good chance to break camp with the major league roster in 2017.

With the Sox, Cabrera will fill one of two roles.

He could be the team’s backup middle infielder replacing one of Tyler Saladino or Carlos Sanchez. Neither player has exactly been world beaters and Cabrera has proven he could succeed in the past. In a rebuilding year, it makes sense to give Cabrera a chance to prove his worth rather than using two below average players in Saladino and Sanchez.

The other option would be Cabrera outright starting at second base. Brett Lawrie is scheduled to be the starter, however he has struggled the past few seasons and doesn’t offer the White Sox much production. The team could look to trade Lawrie, or use him in a utility role giving Cabrera a shot to regain his former star power.

It’s hard to gauge just how good Cabrera will be after he sat out an entire year. It’ll become more clear once his role is figured out.

What is known is that Everth Cabrera is a former All Star who has proven to be a lethal threat on the base paths. While he may not be the player he used to, it doesn’t hurt for the White Sox to take a chance on him.

Adding Everth Cabrera won’t turn any heads, but as the team rebuilds he could become a nice bounce-back candidate for the Chicago White Sox in 2017.

 

Feel free to continue the conversation on Twitter: @DFappiano14

Jimmy Butler Shines In Chicago Bulls Overtime Win Against Toronto Raptors

By
Dan Fappiano
-
TORONTO, CA - JANUARY 3: Jimmy Butler #21 of the Chicago Bulls drives to the basket against the Toronto Raptors during the game on January 3, 2016 at Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Ron Turenne/NBAE via Getty Images)

On Saturday night the Chicago Bulls and Toronto Raptors faced off in what was one of the closest games on the NBA season. After being down 12 going into the fourth, the Bulls scored 33 to force overtime.

In overtime the Bulls scored 16, and beat the Raptors by a score of: 123-119

The Bulls were led by an impressive showing by Jimmy Butler. Butler scored 42 on 10-25 shooting with 10 rebounds, five assists and three steals.

He took over in the fourth quarter making clutch play after clutch play. He hit a three pointer with just 17 seconds left to basically put the game away for the Bulls. Butler proved why he deserves to be an All Star on Saturday night.

Perhaps the recent trade rumors surrounding the guard lit a fire under him. If nothing else, Butler proved how vital he is to the Bulls success.

Beyond Butler, the Bulls saw an impressive showing from Doug McDermott, Dwayne Wade and Nikola Mirotic.

Wade scored 20 points to go along with seven assists and four rebounds. He came up in the clutch late in the game saving the ball from going out of bounds, giving the Bulls an extra possession.

McDermott was arguably the most impressive player for the Bulls besides Butler. He scored 17 points with 10 rebounds and two threes. One of those three pointers came in the final moments of the game, helping the Bulls take the game to overtime.

Mirotic, who has had an up and down season all year, had a solid game on Saturday night. He scored 12 points with nine rebounds and three three pointers. He drained a three following an impressive pass from Butler to help the team take the lead in the fourth quarter.

While those three players shined, it was the Jimmy Butler show on Saturday night. He dominated the entire fourth quarter and overtime and quite literally put the team on his back. The Bulls wouldn’t of beaten the Raptors without Butler.

Chicago now sits 19-18, holding the 8th spot in the Eastern Conference. If Butler keeps playing like this, they should see that seed rise as the year goes on.

The Chicago Bulls next face the Thunder on Monday Night. That game should bring a MVP battle of Russell Westbrook vs Jimmy Butler.

If Butler plays how he played to that, the Bulls could perhaps steal a win from Oklahoma City on their home court.

 

Feel free to continue the conversation on Twitter: @DFappiano14

The Last Chicago Bears Safety Drafted in the Top 10 Was a Star

By
Erik Lambert
-
chicago bears

Considering the importance of the passing game in this modern NFL, it really is remarkable that teams still hesitate to use top draft picks on defensive backs. The Chicago Bears are a perfect example. Not just first rounder, but legitimate top 10 or even top five selections. If this game is about getting the best possible players and a great safety or corner could be the final piece to a puzzle, why risk waiting until later in the draft?

This is most definitely a question the Bears brass will have to ponder going into the 2017 off-season. Their secondary was a regular sore spot all year, contributing to a franchise-worst 11 takeaways. Nowhere was it uglier than the safety position. Adrian Amos, Harold Jones-Quartey, Deon Bush and Chris Prosinski took turns missing tackles, taking bad angles and always appearing late to plays.

The Bears defense hasn’t had a great safety in over 10 years when Mike Brown was still in his prime. Since then they’ve been trying to get by with old free agents and late round draft picks. Unsurprising that it hasn’t worked. Calls are growing louder for GM Ryan Pace to stop screwing around and go get a difference-maker at the top of the draft.

The thing is, Chicago has only done it once in the entire Super Bowl era. It worked out pretty well. (continue to next page from top)

1...3,1803,1813,182...3,195Page 3,181 of 3,195

Subscribe to our Newsletter

✶ An Unfiltered Voice For Chicago Sports Fans ✶

Chicago Sports News

About Us

© Sports Mockery, Inc. 2026