Chicago Sports

Bears coach Matt Eberflus and his defensive staff spent much of the offseason, training camp and preseason instilling the H.I.T.S. principle that focuses on hustle and intensity and aggressiveness. But let the record show, the “T” in H.I.T.S. is for takeaways, not tackling.

So two weeks into the regular season, the Bears had a tackling issue in their 27-10 loss to the Packers on Sunday at Lambeau Field. Poor tackling helped pave the way for the Packers to gain 414 yards, including 203 yards on the ground. According to Pro Football Focus, Jones forced 13 missed tackles by himself. Depending on your definition of a missed tackle, the Bears had 20 or more against Packers.

Is that a red flag? Or just an early season hiccup for a defense playing at regular-season game speed for only the second time? Eberflus wasn’t going to accept that excuse. But he wasn’t going to freak out about it, either.

“You’re not tolerant [of that] at all,” Eberflus said. “It’s something we have to correct and we’re going to work tirelessly to get that done. But a lot of times it happens early in the year.”

Eberflus has been here before. In 2019 — his second season as the Colts’ defensive coordinator — poor tackling was the culprit when the Colts allowed 435 yards (7.4 per play) in a 30-24 overtime loss to the Chargers in the season opener.

“It was early in the season and you just gotta get guys to get up on the runner and get their pads on them at the proper level and then have a strong wrap and run your feet. A lot of times, missed tackles happen because you’re lunging and not getting up on the runners. So, we’re going to work on that [in] individual [Wednesday] and just get better at it.”

Eberflus seemed to get his point across after that 2019 opener. The Colts responded with a sharp performance against the Titans –allowing 243 total yards (4.3 per play) in a 19-17 victory.

So it figures that the Bears will be on-point defensively against the Texans on Sunday. The Texans are averaging 266.5 yards through two games (4.2 per play) — 29th in the NFL –and 78.5 rushing yards, which ranks 27th.

“We’ll be better at it,” linebacker Nick Morrow said. “We were in the gaps [against the Packers]. We were there. We fitted up. We just didn’t make the play. That’s execution. I don’t think it’s a mental focus thing. We just didn’t execute well enough.”

Generally, teams that tackle well respond quickly. But in Week 3 of the first season under Eberflus, the Bears have not yet established that they tackle well.

“You’ve got to get back to your fundamentals,” Morrow said. “Sometimes you just want to go in there and hit a guy and you may get too high, a guy bounces off of it, or spins off of it. They’re paid to break tackles, too. You’ve got to be good in your technique and your fundamentals and constantly work it.”

Eberflus echoed that sentiment. “We are tackling too high right now. We’ve got to tackle lower,” he said. “We’ve just got to do a better job of executing the way we tackle.”

The Bears spent extra time in individual drills working on tackling. “It’s always emphasized, but it was more overly emphasized [Wednesday].

“I think it could turn around pretty quick,” Eberflus said. “It’s about the fundamentals of it, but [just] as importantly, it’s about determination. It’s about the front-seven really committing to it, the linebackers and d-line and the secondary … committing to not giving up the big play in the running game.”

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Mayoral allies regrouped Wednesday and won City Council passage of a zoning change that allows the Chicago Fire soccer club to build an $80 million training center. The vote was lopsided on a plan Mayor Lori Lightfoot pushed but came after an impassioned debate.

The Fire’s plans for a Near West Side location, formerly part of the ABLA Homes, would provide an economic boost for the area while adding soccer pitches for local youth, backers argued. Critics said the nearly 26-acre site should be set aside for the Chicago Housing Authority to meet its commitment to build new units.

The Council approved the plan on a 36-11 vote. For about 45 minutes, alderpersons debated the issue, touching on topics such as the CHA’s track record on delivering new housing, the wealth of Fire owner Joe Mansueto, and alderpersons’ control over zoning. Several alderpersons said they backed the project because it had the support of Ald. Jason Ervin, whose 28th Ward includes the site.

Ervin said the Fire’s project had the backing of Near West Side neighbors, citing community benefits from the team’s investment. Others chimed in with a defense of what’s called aldermanic prerogative, or control over zoning decisions.

“We are in the system where the alderman is the one who represents and knows what’s best, that he or she is the person that comes to this body, advocates for their communities and is expected to answer back to them,” said Ald. Raymond Lopez (15th). “That’s on each and every one of us to make that decision.”

Other alderpersons praised the project as an investment in an area with an overload of poverty and vacant land. “This is a gift for this community,” said Ald. James Cappleman (46th).

Opponents focused on how the CHA-owned vacant parcel could have been used to meet the agency’s backlog of housing commitments dating from its demolition of high-rises. Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35th) said the community wasn’t getting much from Mansueto, a business leader whose net worth Forbes has estimated at nearly $5 billion. “Mansueto is worth a lot of money. We should be getting a lot more” in the deal, Ramirez-Rosa said.

Ald. Edward Burke (14th) responded with an account of Mansueto’s generosity in funding a charter high school in his ward. Mansueto is executive chairman of the Chicago investment research firm Morningstar, which he founded.

The team’s proposal has strong backing from Lightfoot but was sidetracked Tuesday when the council’s zoning committee rejected it on a 5-7 vote when many committee members were absent. With better attendance Wednesday morning, the Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards reconvened to pass the matter 9-5 and immediately reported it to the City Council, setting up final passage.

Ald. Tom Tunney (44th), the committee chairman, backed the project, saying it would make the neighborhood more attractive for residential growth.

The property is generally bounded by Roosevelt Road, Ashland Avenue, 14th Street and Loomis Street.

Tunney said the development would provide income for the CHA to build and improve its housing. He said two citizens panels that advise the CHA have endorsed the project.

In testimony to the committee Tuesday, aldermen heard that besides paying $8 million upfront, the Fire will pay an annual rent to the CHA starting at almost $800,000, with increases in future years. The CHA’s chief development officer, Ann McKenzie, said the lease extends 40 years with two 10-year renewal options.

She said the Fire’s upfront payment will cover the estimated $4 million cost for environmental work needed at the property.

Jhamie Chin, spokesman for the Fire, said the club would like to start construction soon but must await approval of the lease from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The Chicago Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights said the CHA and a private developer, Related Midwest, have delivered just 245 of 775 promised units to date at the former ABLA site, now known as Roosevelt Square.

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Bears linebacker Roquan Smith did not practice Wednesday because of a hip injury he apparently suffered against the Packers on Sunday. His status for Sunday’s game against the Texans is not known. Coach Matt Eberflus did not divulge the injury when he met the media prior to practice Wednesday, so he was not asked about it.

Smith had 11 tackles, but no impact plays, in the Bears’ 27-10 loss to the Packers on Sunday night. He had nine tackles and a half sack against the 49ers in the season opener.

Smith, who is in the final year of his contract, did not participate in training camp until Aug. 20 as a contract “hold-in.” He did not play in the preseason. Matt Adams replaced him in the preseason lineup and presumably would do so Sunday if Smith cannot play.

Also missing practice Wednesday were wide receiver Velus Jones (hamstring), tight end Ryan Griffin (achilles) and safety Dane Cruikshank (hamstring).

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The Chicago Bulls are one of the most well-recognized NBA teams. With a history that dates back to 1966, the Bulls have been around for a while, and have seen some ups and downs. As one of the league’s flagship franchises, they have been at the forefront of many events in NBA history. The team has won six championship titles throughout its existence. This article will explore those wins as well as other interesting facts about the Chicago Bulls. Keep reading to learn more. And if you want to learn more about one the most popular game in the world click here.  

Who are the Chicago Bulls?

The Chicago Bulls are an NBA team that has played in the Central Division of the Eastern Conference since the 1984-85 season. They are one of the six teams that comprise the NBA’s original league. The team plays their home games at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls are a member of the “big three” of major sports teams in the city of Chicago, along with the Chicago Bears in football and the Chicago Blackhawks in hockey. The team is owned by businessman Jerry Reinsdorf. He also owns the Chicago White Sox. The Bulls are coached by Billy Donovan. The Bulls have won six NBA Championships, third only to the Boston Celtics who have won 17 and Los Angeles Lakers.

The Chicago Bulls’ first title: 1990-91

The 1990-91 Chicago Bulls were the first to win a title in franchise history.  The team was led by Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and Phil Jackson. After a really good regular season, the Bulls finally got by the Detroit Pistons and then beat the Los Angeles Lakers in five games to capture their first NBA title in franchise history. It was the beginning of a three-peat for the Bulls.

1991-92: The second championship

The Bulls were one of the favorites to win the championship again in 1991-92. They finished the regular season with a 67-15 record, the best in all of the NBA. They cruised through the playoffs beating Miami, New York and Cleveland before beating Portland in the NBA Finals.

The three-peat: 1992-93 title

They finished the season with a 57-25 record, which was good enough for second place in the Eastern Conference. Chicago swept Atlanta and then Cleveland before facing the Knicks once again in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Bulls won the series 4-2 and advanced to the NBA Finals to face the Phoenix Suns. This series went six games, but the Bulls came out on top to win their third championship in a row.

1997-98: The Greatest Team ever

The Bulls finished the regular season 72-10, setting a new NBA record for most wins as the return of Michael Jordan as well as the previous additions of Dennis Rodman and Toni Kukoc paid off this season.

The Bulls swept Miami in the first round and then took care of New York in the second round before sweeping Orlando in the Eastern Conference Finals. They beat Seattle 4-2 in the NBA Finals.

1996-97: The fifth title

After another impressive regular season with a 69-13 record, the Bulls cruised through the playoffs again beating Washington, Atlanta and Miami. That set up a showdown with Utah. Chicago won the title on their home court in six games, beating the Jazz for the fifth title.

1997-98: The second three-peat

The Last Dance saw the Chicago Bulls finish 62-20 before making quick work of New Jersey and Charlotte in the first two rounds. Indiana gave Chicago a run, forcing a game seven that the Bulls eventually won and that meant a rematch with Utah in the NBA Finals. Jordan hit the game-winner in Game 6 to deliver the sixth and last time for the dynasty before he retired.

Conclusion

The Chicago Bulls have had a long and illustrious history, and are one of the most well-known teams in all of sports. They have been at the top of the NBA for decades and have won six championship titles. The Bulls have been one of the best teams in the NBA, with winning records most years. Fans can expect the Bulls to be contenders for many years to come.

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ESPN releases their list for the top-100 players for the upcoming 2022 season

Ah yes, one of the best times of the year. When there’s no basketball action and all NBA fans have to chew on is bickering back and forth about who belongs where on ESPN’s top-100 rankings for the upcoming season. Instead of disputing the list, here is where the Bulls were represented among this list.

N0. 78 Chicago Bulls Point Guard Lonzo Ball

Lonzo Ball represents the first Bulls nomination among ESPN’s top 100 rankings. Lonzo ball fell 21 spots (NO. 57) from last years list due to the questions regarding his health. Per Jamal Collier of ESPN, Ball is not expected to partake in training camp and is doubtful for the regular season opener against Miami.

NO. 57 Chicago Bulls Center Nikola Vucevic

Bulls center Nikola Vucevic checks in at NO. 57 as the second Chicago Bulls player to make an appearance on the list. Just like Ball, Vucevic dropped from last year’s ranking of 39. This is due in fact to a down year in the 2021-22 season compared to Vucevic’s all star season in 2020-21. Hopefully we see the big man return to his all star form this season.

NO. 28 Chicago Bulls Guard/forward Demar DeRozan

The third Bulls player to crack the top-100 list is Demar Derozan. Last year DeRozan was ranked at No. 48. After an all star season in which DeRozan ended up on the All-NBA second team, there was no denying his climb up the top 100 NBA player ranks. If DeRozan replicates his performance from last season he will no doubt be recognized as a top 20 NBA player.

NO. 27 Chicago Bulls Guard/Forward Zach LaVine

The human highlight reel that is Zach Lavine checks in at NO. 27 on the list giving the Bulls two top 30 NBA players according to ESPN. Last season laVine was ranked at NO. 33 but after his second straight all star caliber season, his rise could not be denied.

Check out CBS sports NBA top 100 rankings here

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It’s not a good sign that Bears quarterback Justin Fields’ second season that he threw just 11 passes in the loss to the Packers on Sunday. But Fields isn’t interpreting that as the coaching staff doubting him. “Not at all,” he said, citing the ground game averaging 6.7 yards per carry.

While the Bears ran the ball well, led by David Montgomery’s 15 carries for 122 yards, trailing by 14 in the fourth quarter wasn’t the time to rely on that. Rather than let Fields try to win the game, they ran on 10 of 13 plays to open the fourth quarter and drained nearly seven minutes of game clock.

Fields added that he hasn’t spoken up this week about wanting to throw more.

“I have a say into what pass plays I like, what concepts I like, but in terms of when we’re going to call a play, how many passes, how many runs we’re going to call, that’s [offensive coordinator Luke Getsy’s] job,” Fields said. “Everybody in the building knows that Luke knows what he’s doing. We put full trust in him knowing that he’s gonna put us in the best position to win.”

The Bears were stopped at the goal line and didn’t get the ball back again until the 2:28 mark, when they were down 27-10.

Fields is just 15 of 28 passing for 191 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions for a 69.2 passer rating. He has thrown the fewest passes of any NFL starter this season, has the least yardage, third-lowest completion percentage and third-worst passer rating.

Fields also has rushed 19 times for 48 yards and a touchdown.

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Maybe Justin Fields knows he’ll need the fans on his side Sunday at Soldier Field. The quarterback said Wednesday he heard the social media backlash from what he said Sunday night.

When Fields was asked about the fan reaction to the Bears’ loss to the Packers a few minutes after the game, he said he felt for his teammates.

“It hurts more in the locker room than the Bears fans,” he said Sunday night. “Because at the end of the day they’re not putting in any work. I see the guys in the locker room every day — I see how much work they put in.”

A prominent social media company posted the clip Monday, and Fields said he saw the backlash when people tagged him on Twitter.

“I didn’t mean it to come off like that,” he said.

Fields said he was “frustrated after the game” to the point that he didn’t want to give a league-mandated postgame interview. When he did, Fields said he gave the wrong impression that he was dismissing fans.

“What I meant by that, is, I’m talking about work regarding the game on Sunday, winning the game,” he said. “I don’t know any fans. I don’t know what they’re doing in their personal lives. I respect every fan that we have. I’m glad that we have fans. I would never disrespect anybody on what they do or what they love to do. It came off like that.”

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The Chicago Bears have the highest pass block win rate as an offensive line, as unbelievable as that may seem.

The argument goes you can manipulate statistical data to suit your argument any way you want.  That seems to be the case with the Chicago Bears’ offensive line leading the NFL in pass block win rate.  ESPN keeps a week-by-week tally of who has the best collective win rate among offensive lines and who has the best win rate by position and the Bears have all five offensive linemen among the top-10.

Braxton Jones and Larry Borom are two fifth-round drafted offensive tackles who are starting for the Chicago Bears and proving to be among the best in the league through two games.  According to ESPN analytics, both Braxton Jones and Larry Borom are among the top-10 in the NFL in pass block win rate.

Don’t shoot me, I’m just the messenger of the news and informationi, no matter how unbelievable it may seem.

Cody Whitehair at left guard leads the league among guards in pass block win rate at 100-percent, according to ESPN analytics.  Sam Mustipher is tied for first also with a win rate of 100-percent as a center.

Again I don’t know how they’re coming to this conclusion given that Mustipher was recently tossed aside like a rag doll and gave up a QB hit on Justin Fields in this video clip.

Even Lucas Patrick makes an appearance among the top-10 in the NFL for his run block win rate.

Overall the Bears lead the league in pass block win rate, with an 88-percent success rate according to the ESPN article highlighting their analytics.

These stats don’t seem to mesh well with the eyeball test however, given the Bears have seemingly given up consistent pressure and have used running backs and tight ends to chip the pass rushers at almost every turn.

Also of note is the lack of pass attempts compared to pass completions with the rest of the league.  The Bears have fewer passing attempts (28) than the rest of the league has pass completions.  Every team in the league has more completions than the Bears have attempts, which of course begs the question of the Bears being decent at pass blocking merely because they’re not throwing the ball at all.

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Many people in Arlington Heights seem to be excited about the prospect of the Bears building a stadium in their village and relocating from Chicago. The purported economic benefits and the big-league status that come with housing an NFL team are just two of the factors that stir the souls of the pro-stadium crowd.

The Bears held a community meeting in Arlington Heights a few weeks ago, and although words of dissent were heard, most in the audience seemed in favor of the team moving to their little slice of heaven. When team officials said that no tax dollars would be used to build the stadium itself, the general consensus wasn’t a resounding, “Go, Bears!” It was, “Come, Bears!”

Now, I’m not here to ruin their buzz. These people like the idea of an NFL team playing on the former site of Arlington International Racecourse. Hooray for them. Good things do indeed follow a franchise’s move, though winning and an adequate quarterback aren’t necessarily among them. If they’re Bears fans, they already know this. And plenty of studies have shown that the positive economic impact of a new stadium are exaggerated.

But the Bears conveniently forgot two words when they declared no tax money would go into the building of a stadium in the northwest suburb: This time.

The lifespan of stadiums across the country is shrinking. In the NFL, it’s down to about 20 years, according to VenuesNow, a trade publication covering live entertainment venues. Whatever a stadium in Arlington Heights would look like on the day it opened, there’s a good chance it would look a lot different two decades later.

That’s what residents there need to know. When those good people applauded the Bears’ no-tax declaration, they likely were thinking of a stadium that would last a lot longer than 20 years. But there will be nothing to stop the Bears from coming to taxpayers in 2045 with their hand out. That could be for renovations like the $660 million rehab the team made to Soldier Field in 2003, paid for, in large part, by public funds.

Or it could be for a brand-new stadium. Wait, what? That’s crazy talk? You say the Bears’ proposed project is a multibillion-dollar palace that will age well like the Pyramids? Perhaps. More likely, though, is the distinct possibility that the new stadium would start to lag behind NFL standards soon after being built.

What drives owners to want new or renovated stadiums? New ways of making money. That could come from the “fan experience” in and around the building. It could come from innovations inside the stadium, from what the latest JumboTron can do to betting capabilities built into the seats. But while a stadium is being built, somebody is dreaming up other revenue streams that will make the latest version look Victorian in a few years.

No matter what the Bears are saying or implying, Arlington Heights residents need to understand that this is not a one-time issue. The Bears might be assuming the cost of construction of a new stadium this time. It doesn’t mean they’ll be in the same giving mood next time.

Bears chairman George McCaskey is drawn to the idea of the team being able to design its own stadium for the first time. The organization didn’t get the chance as renters at Wrigley Field and Soldier Field. But it’s worth noting that the team did design the renovations at Soldier Field, eventually found them to be lacking and now wants out. Things change, especially when there’s more money to be made.

The bonds on the renovated Soldier Field won’t be paid off until 2032, mostly through hotel taxes. When COVID-19 hit and hotel occupancy dropped drastically, Chicago taxpayers were on the hook for a $29 million shortfall. It’s a harsh lesson that life happens. It’s one that Arlington Heights taxpayers and officials need to consider. It’s also one that state and county residents should fear. They pay taxes, too.

If this sounds alarmist, you haven’t been paying attention to the stadium game. The Browns and Bengals built new stadiums around 2000. Two decades later, each is looking at rehabs costing about half a billion dollars apiece. The Atlanta Braves opened a new ballpark in 2017, 20 years after their previous home, Turner Field, opened. These examples are not the exception. They’re the rule. To list all the sports franchises planning stadium renovations or new stadiums, many of the projects at taxpayer expense, would take up most of this column.

The Bears understand that there’s little appetite for public money going toward a new stadium right now. There’s a good chance they won’t care about that the next time.

And there will be a next time.

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