What’s New

3 things we learned: Offensive struggles sting Southern in 2nd consecutive losson November 7, 2021 at 11:39 am

Prairie State Pigskin

3 things we learned: Offensive struggles sting Southern in 2nd consecutive loss

Read More

3 things we learned: Offensive struggles sting Southern in 2nd consecutive losson November 7, 2021 at 11:39 am Read More »

Bears weigh risks, rewards of Justin Fields’ rushingPatrick Finleyon November 7, 2021 at 10:00 am

Justin Fields runs against the 49ers. | Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Fields’ innate sense for running the football — whether on planned runs, scrambles or part of naked bootlegs — marked nothing short of a breakthrough against the 49ers.

When Justin Fields rolled left, kicked out his left leg to even his balance and threw an 8-yard touchdown to tight end Jesse James against the 49ers, he looked like a shortstop turning a double play.

There’s a reason for that: Fields was a star shortstop growing up. Not that the rookie could describe the full-speed contortion, or why he used his leg as a ballast.

“I just kinda go out there and do it,” he said. “I’m just going to feel how my body moves …. I just kinda get a feel for it and get that rhythm for it.”

Fields’ innate sense for running the football — whether on planned runs, scrambles or part of naked bootlegs — marked nothing short of a breakthrough last week.

He went 4-for-4 for 40 yards on planned rollouts, including the touchdown pass. All but 14 of his career-high 103 rushing yards were improvised on scrambles, including his 22-yard highlight-reel touchdown run that, per NFL Next Gen Stats, had a 2.3 percent chance of scoring. On a different run, 15-yard third-quarter scramble, Fields ran 20.03 miles per hour for the third time this season –more than any NFL quarterback.

When he ran, Fields was nothing short of breathtaking. But the Bears have to hold their collective breaths, too. Every time Fields run, planned or not, he’s taking a risk. The stakes couldn’t be higher: the only thing worse than a 3-5 season is having to play the rest of it with a promising rookie quarterback on injured reserve.

If Fields runs as frequently Monday night against the Steelers than he did against the 49ers, the Bears will be clear-eyed about what could go right — and wrong.

“We just have to keep finding that balance of how much you want your NFL quarterback to get hit,” offensive coordinator Bill Lazor said. “Because it’s rare that they don’t get hit at some point in the passing game … So then when you choose to give him some run options, you just take that chance.

“So we have to balance that. And some of that is dictated by the defense.”

When the Bears ran read-option run concepts — when Fields could either hand the ball off or fake a handoff and keep it, depending on how hard the defensive end crashed down — the 49ers chose to crash. The Bears were surprised; previous opponents had kept Fields honest.

The Steelers will have a similar choice to make. David Montgomery, who figures to return from a sprained left knee Monday and be the Bears’ lead running back, will make the decision even more complicated.

“Quarterback mobility is a component of play — something that you don’t deal with every week, something that we better be ready to deal with this week … ” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said last week. “Last week was [Fields’] first 100-yard game. I imagine he’s gaining a sense of comfort of when to utilize those skills and when it’s most appropriate and how to take advantage of his talents with each passing week. That has our attention.”

And the attention of Fields’ own teammates.

“He can make every throw — and, obviously, his legs,” safety Tashaun Gipson said. “I think that you can’t really put him in a box, man. Because he can be a running quarterback or he can dice you up with his arm. That’s the beautiful part of having a quarterback like that. Defenses can never get comfortable. … it’s exciting to watch from the sideline. You see his growth each week. He’s just comfortable. He’s getting more and more comfortable. You can see it on the practice field. You can just see it, man.”

Read More

Bears weigh risks, rewards of Justin Fields’ rushingPatrick Finleyon November 7, 2021 at 10:00 am Read More »

1 in custody after man and woman found shot in BronzevilleSun-Times Wireon November 7, 2021 at 8:56 am

A man and woman were found shot Nov. 7 on the South Side. | Sun-Times file photo

Two people were discovered shot about 1:50 a.m. in the 500 block of East 47th Street, police said.

A person was in custody after two people were found shot Sunday morning in Bronzeville on the South Side.

A 22-year-old man and 33-year-old woman were discovered shot about 1:50 a.m. in the 500 block of East 47th Street, Chicago police said. One of them was found inside a storefront where there was a gathering, while the other was found outside, police said.

The man was shot in the legs, and was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center, while the woman self-transported to the same hospital with a gunshot wound to her leg, police said. Both were in fair condition, officials said.

A male suspect was placed into custody near the scene and was taken to Area One for further questioning.

Earlier Sunday morning, a man was killed and a woman wounded in an establishment less than a half mile away.

The two were in the 4600 block of South King Drive about 12:20 a.m. when gunfire erupted after an argument between the man and a group of males, Chicago police said. The argument started after someone stepped on the woman’s shoes, according to preliminary information.

The 25-year-old man was shot in the neck, arm and torso and was taken to the University of Chicago, where he died to his injuries, police said.

The woman, 27, was shot in the chin and was taken to the same hospital, where she was in fair condition, police said.

Read More

1 in custody after man and woman found shot in BronzevilleSun-Times Wireon November 7, 2021 at 8:56 am Read More »

2 killed, 2 wounded in shootings about 10 minutes apart in University Village, BronzevilleMohammad Samraon November 7, 2021 at 7:53 am

Two people were killed and two others wounded in shootings about 10 minutes apart Nov. 7 in Bronzeville and University Village. | Sun-times wire

A 25-year-old man was killed and a 27-year-old woman wounded in a shooting at a Bronzeville establishment around 10 minutes before a 21-year-old man was fatally shot and a 38-year-old woman wounded in a drive-by shooting about six-and-a-half miles northwest.

Two people were killed and two others wounded in shootings about 10 minutes apart Sunday morning in University Village and Bronzeville on the Near West and South Sides.

A man, 21, was standing outside about 12:10 a.m. in the 1300 block of West Hastings Street when someone fired shots from a passing dark-colored sedan, striking him in the back, Chicago police said.

He was taken to Stroger Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, police said. His name hasn’t been released yet.

A 38-year-old woman sitting nearby was struck in the jaw and was taken to the same hospital, where she was in good condition, police said.

About 10 minutes later, a 25-year-old man was killed and a 27-year-old woman wounded in a shooting at a Bronzeville establishment.

The two were in the 4600 block of South King Drive about 12:20 a.m. when gunfire erupted after an argument between the man and a group of males, police said. The argument started after someone stepped on the woman’s shoes, according to preliminary information.

The 25-year-old man was shot in the neck, arm and torso and was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where he died to his injuries, police said. His name hasn’t been released yet.

The woman, 27, was shot in the chin and was taken to the same hospital, where she was in fair condition, police said.

No one from either attack was in custody.

Read More

2 killed, 2 wounded in shootings about 10 minutes apart in University Village, BronzevilleMohammad Samraon November 7, 2021 at 7:53 am Read More »

Can a “single subject law” cure what ails Congress?on November 5, 2021 at 6:22 pm

The Barbershop: Dennis Byrne, Proprietor

Can a “single subject law” cure what ails Congress?

Read More

Can a “single subject law” cure what ails Congress?on November 5, 2021 at 6:22 pm Read More »

Vending machine art is a thing!on November 5, 2021 at 6:19 pm

Chicago’s Art and Beer Scene

Vending machine art is a thing!

Read More

Vending machine art is a thing!on November 5, 2021 at 6:19 pm Read More »

Chicago Holiday Events 2021 including 108th Annual Christmas Tree lightingon November 5, 2021 at 4:09 pm

Show Me Chicago

Chicago Holiday Events 2021 including 108th Annual Christmas Tree lighting

Read More

Chicago Holiday Events 2021 including 108th Annual Christmas Tree lightingon November 5, 2021 at 4:09 pm Read More »

How To Prepare Your Skin For Winteron November 5, 2021 at 4:00 pm

Just N

How To Prepare Your Skin For Winter

Read More

How To Prepare Your Skin For Winteron November 5, 2021 at 4:00 pm Read More »

The Great Tree: a Chicago holiday tradition for over a centuryon November 6, 2021 at 3:50 pm

Show Me Chicago

The Great Tree: a Chicago holiday tradition for over a century

Read More

The Great Tree: a Chicago holiday tradition for over a centuryon November 6, 2021 at 3:50 pm Read More »

10 Ideas for Couple Looking to Explore Chicagoon November 6, 2021 at 3:25 pm

The Good Life

10 Ideas for Couple Looking to Explore Chicago

Read More

10 Ideas for Couple Looking to Explore Chicagoon November 6, 2021 at 3:25 pm Read More »