SVM-SS4_11122015

FANTASY FOOTBALL J.C. TALON BREAKS DOWN THE MATCHUPS TO EXPLOIT AND AVOID IN WEEK 10 13 Drew Brees

18 months

NO Interest with* approved credit

www.24hrhcsil.com

CALL 815-479-5268

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2015 • CHICAGOFOOTBALL.COM

FORTE’S HOF CREDENTIALS

Hub Arkush analyzes how the Bears’ RB compares to his peers in the game 2

ST. LOUIS BLUES

With the Rams’ possible move to L.A., the Bears visit Sunday might be the last for awhile 10

TAKE TWO

What’s future of Bears running backs?

15

COACHING

GREATS

THE LIST PICKS 5 FORMER BEARS PLAYERS WHO WENT ON TO SUCCESSFUL HEAD COACHING CAREERS 3

Matt Forte a very good back, but not a HOFer When Matt Forte was inactive Monday night in San Diego after starting 52 consecutive games for the Bears, he moved from uncertainty over whether he was playing his last season as a Bear to no man’s land.

Prior to the MCL strain that sidelined him versus the Chargers and threatens to keep him out indefinitely, Forte was playing up to “Matt Forte standards” and looking very much like someone the Bears would make an effort to bring back for at least another year or two.

Now, Jeremy Langford is being given a chance to take Forte’s job – he made the most of the opportunity Monday night – and make him expendable, and we have no idea what Forte’s injury will say about his durability and dependability going forward.

I cannot predict Forte’s future with the Bears.

But there is another question making the rounds about Forte that I do have the answer to.

Will Forte one day be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall Of Fame in Canton, Ohio? Short of a tremen-

FROM THE EDITOR

By HUB

ARKUSH

harkush@chicagofootball.com @Hub_Arkush

dous career resurgence and at least three, maybe four more seasons of production that annually matches his 2013 and 2014 seasons, the answer clearly is no.

Kurt Warner, Chuck Foreman, Freeman McNeil, Terrell Davis, Roger Craig, Billy Simms, O.J. Anderson, Ricky Watters, Herschel Walker and Eddie George are not currently in the Hall. All were as good as Forte and maybe half were better.

One thing that all Hall Of Fame

running backs have in common is they were among the two or three best in the game over the course of their careers. Since Forte came into the league in 2008, his peers have included Adrian Peterson, Jamaal Charles, Marshawn Lynch, Frank Gore, LaDainian Tomlinson, Chris Johnson, Clinton Portis, Arian Foster, Maurice Jones-Drew, LeSean “Shady” McCoy, Arian Foster and Ray Rice, to name a few.

Is Forte one of the two or three best in that group? I don’t see how you can make that argument.

Dating back to his 2008 rookie season, Forte has finished 7th, 18th, 15th, 16th, 12th, 2nd and 12th in rushing, and he stood 7th prior to the Chargers game.

We know Forte is different though, a two-time Pro Bowler because of his abilities as a receiver out of the backfield as well as a runner.

But again, dating back to that rookie season, Forte has been 3rd, 9th, 10th, 10th, 16th, 3rd and 3rd in combined rushing and receiving yards from scrimmage, and he was 5th this season prior to Monday.

A.P. and L.T. seem almost certain to be Hall Of Famers. It wouldn’t be shocking or even surprising if they turn out to be the only two running backs from the Forte era to make it.

But by any objective analysis, Gore, Lynch and possibly even Johnson would have to go in ahead of Forte. If he’s the sixth best running back of his era, Forte’s an extreme long shot for the Hall.

Plus, Fred Taylor, Jamal Lewis, Steven Jackson, Corey Dillon and Warrick Dunn are additional backs of recent vintage who all have rushed for at least 2,700 more yards than Forte but get little Hall of Fame love.

Perhaps the best comparison is former Bear Thomas Jones, who rushed for 10,591 career yards but is never mentioned in the same sentence as Canton, Ohio. Forte has 8,252 career rushing yards as of right now.

Forte has been a really good running back, an excellent teammate and a solid member of the community. But he has not earned enshrinement in the Hall of Fame and really isn’t all that close.

BY THE

NUMB3RS

52-36-3

The Bears’ record vs. the Rams dating to 1937, when the team first entered the NFL as the Cleveland Rams. The Rams moved to Los Angeles in 1946, to Anaheim in 1980, and to St. Louis in 1995. The team likely will move back to L.A. after this season.

3-3

The Bears’ record against the Rams at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, where the teams play Sunday. The Rams won the last meeting between the two there in 2013, 42-31.

Chicago Football Weekly is produced by Shaw Media, the Daily Herald Media Group and the Chicago Sun-Times in partnership with other Illinois newspapers.

1026 1 026 Wedgewood Wedgewood Drive Drive Crystal Lake Offered at $449,000

• 4 Bedrooms • 3 Bathrooms • 3500+- Sq. Ft. • Heated 3 Car Garage • Walk-out Basement

Lots of new in this true custom built treasure! This truly gorgeous home is in mint condition, from the elegant entrance with the 2 story foyer to the gourmet kitchen with stainless and granite counters. The kitchen is open to a vaulted family room w/fireplace which leads to the deck for viewing the Wedgewood waterfront. Off the master there’s a new home office den addition with planked flooring, a brick wall, beamed ceilings, dormers, wet bar and separate climate controls! The oversized 3 car garage has a car lift that is negotiable. Walk out basement with 9’ ceilings and full bath rough in. This is a no wear home perfectly decorated and sure to impress. Come and treat yourself to a great home!

John Reinert

Unlimited Northwest

7107 Pingree Road, Suite 1, Crystal Lake, IL 60014 CELL: 815-382-0384 JOHNREINERT14@GMAIL.COM

QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR REAL ESTATE ASSESSMENT NOTICE? CALL ME, MAYBE I CAN HELP! IT IS ALL ABOUT THE TAXES!!

adno=0332759

ChicagoFootball.com • Thursday, November 12, 2015

| CHICAGO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

2

Five of most successful coaches who are former Bears’ players By

BEN GARTLAND

bgartland@chicagofootball.com @BenG_Sports

Jeff Fisher spent his entire NFL playing career in Chicago, where he lined up for the Bears as a defensive back and return specialist from 1981-1985. On Sunday, the player-turned-coach leads the St. Louis Rams against his former team. For this week’s The List, we selected five of the most successful football coaches who once played for the Bears.

1. JEFF FISHER Fisher actually got his coaching start with the Bears as a defensive assistant on the 1985 Super Bowl team

while he was on injured reserve.

He became the head coach of what were then the Houston Oilers midway through the 1994 season and was kept on when they moved to Tennessee and became the Titans. He coached the team for 16 seasons, making the playoffs six times before becoming head coach of the Rams in 2012.

2. MIKE DITKA Ditka is revered in Chicago for leading the Bears to the 1985 Super Bowl title. He also played six seasons for the Bears, and was the NFL rookie of the year in 1961.

He won the NFL Championship in 1963 with Chicago, and also played several more years with the Eagles and Cowboys. After his

5. GEORGE HALAS Jeff Fisher AP photo

retirement, Dallas immediately hired him as an assistant coach.

Ditka was hired as head coach of the Bears in 1982. He spent the next 11 seasons in Chicago known affectionately as “da coach.” He coached three more seasons in New Orleans before retiring.

3. JIM HARBAUGH Harbaugh spent 14 seasons in the NFL as a quarterback, getting his start in Chicago as the Bears first-round pick in 1987.

He retired in 2001 after bouncing around with several NFL teams.

In 2004, he became head coach of the University of San Diego. He then became a household name as the head coach of Stanford from 2007-2010. His four seasons in San Francisco saw the 49ers make three straight NFC Championship appearances, including a Super Bowl appearance in 2012. He is now back in the college ranks as the head coach of his alma mater, Michigan.

Halas is the only player on this list to be a player and a coach (and franchise founder and owner) at the same time. He was head coach of the Bears from 1920-1929 as well as a wide receiver and defensive end. He spent four decades involved with the Bears either as a coach, player and/or owner, and he was responsible for the team name, the team’s move to Chicago, the team’s colors and six NFL championships.

He is one of the most influential figures in football’s history. His final coaching record was an astounding 324-152-31. Halas was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1963.

D Dreaming g 4. RON RIVERA

For nine seasons, Rivera was a linebacker for the Bears, becom-

Are you

Kitchen or Bath?

s a g Ve ON THE

VIDEO GAMING

NER

KOR

is now at K’s Korners!

FOOTBALL SPECIAL $ 1.50 Domestics ALL DAY SUNDAY, 7-10PM ON MON. & THURS.

Bucket Special: 6 for $12

All Day, Every Day

Book your next party in the Udder Room!

13030 G Galt lt Rd, Rd Sterling St li • 815-626-2988

FREE DESIGNS BY Jocelyn Lilly, Kitchen Design:

815-266-1354

of a new

We’ll help re-design your kitchen to your unique style & needs and keep your costs down.

Come Check out our DESIGN CENTER!

3 CHICAGO FOOTBALL WEEKLY | Thursday, November 12, 2015 • ChicagoFootball.com

ing a starter in 1988 and staying in Chicago for his entire career.

He was a Bears defensive assistant from 1997-1998, and then he bounced around the league as a coordinator, including a stop in Chicago as defensive coordinator from 2004-2006, before becoming head coach of the Carolina Panthers in 2011. His teams have made the playoffs the past two seasons as the NFC South champions and are on pace to do so again.

GAME PREVIEW

ChicagoFootball.com • Thursday, November 12, 2015

| CHICAGO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

4

Rams

VS.

WK 10

Bears

GAMEDAY: NOON SUNDAY, NOV. 15, / EDWARD JONES DOME, ST. LOUIS By

KEVIN FISHBAIN

kfishbain@chicagofootball.com @kfishbain

BEARS RUSHING OFFENSE vs RAMS RUN DEFENSE

Jeremy Langford and Ka’Deem Carey didn’t prove to be too steep of a drop-off from Matt Forte against the Chargers, combining for 100 yards on 25 carries. Langford pushes the pile forward and has home-run ability in the open field, but can he get to the second level against this Rams’ front? It’s unlikely that Forte will be able to return from his knee injury. The Rams are eighth in the league, allowing 3.8 yards per carry, while the Bears are only rushing it at 3.85 yards a tote, 23rd in the league.

Veteran James Laurinaitis and converted safety Mark Barron lead the linebacking group, but the Rams will get after the ball carrier with its D-line, one of the best groups in the game. Aaron Donald, Michael Brockers and Nick Fairley will be waiting in the middle. Chicago’s offensive line, even with a new group, is still creating running lanes, and the Bears will certainly try to establish the run, but it won’t be easy. One thing to note if Langford can find a seam – the Rams have allowed seven runs of 20 yards or more this season.

Jeremy Langford AP photo

unstoppable in the second half Louis this season. Trumaine RAMS RUSHING EDGE RAMS and, while he faces a tougher Johnson and Janoris Jenkins OFFENSE vs BEARS Rams secondary, should still get have nine passes defensed BEARS PASSING his opportunities. The O-line apiece as the Rams’ top cover RUN DEFENSE Not much explanation needOFFENSE vs RAMS allowed only one sack to San men. At 6-2, 208 pounds, Johnson ed here aside from simply menPASS DEFENSE likely will man up with Jeffery, Diego, but the Rams are an exJay Cutler rebounded from two turnovers in the first half for his best performance of the season against the Chargers, throwing for 345 yards and two scores. Cutler hasn’t thrown multiple interceptions in a game – and yes, for Cutler, that is a positive. Alshon Jeffery was

tremely tough front. Gregg Williams’ defense will get after it.

The unit, led by Donald, Robert Quinn and Chris Long – if he returns from injury – is second in the league in sacks per pass attempt. Opposing quarterbacks have thrown a league-low five touchdown passes against St.

while Jenkins is a feisty, smaller, ball-hawking corner. Cutler and the passing game have yet to be completely neutralized this season, but on a short week and possibly without Forte and Eddie Royal again, this appears to be too tall a task.

EDGE RAMS

tioning St. Louis Rams rookie star Todd Gurley. He has the size, strength and speed ratio to get through the line of scrimmage , break tackles and head to daylight in the open field. The Bears did a great job against another rookie, Melvin Gordon, holding him to

31 yards on 11 carries. If Shea McClellin can return from his knee injury, that should help, but the defensive line will need its best game winning at the point of attack, and the outside linebackers have to set the edge, something that can be inconsistent for a team with converted defensive ends. The Bears are 27th in the league, allowing 4.6 yards per carry, however – if you read this every week, you know what’s coming – they are tied with the

Nick Foles

THIS WEEK IN THE NFL

AP photo

BILLS @ JETS 7:25 p.m. Thursday, NFLN

AP photo

Seahawks for allowing the fewest runs of 20 yards or more, only two all year. Gurley has seven runs of 20+ yards and four that have gone for 40 yards. The Bears have to continue limiting the big play, and that’ll keep it close, but this is a matchup the Rams should win.

EDGE RAMS

RAMS PASSING OFFENSE vs BEARS PASS DEFENSE

Like the Bears-Vikings matchup, this pits weakness against weakness. Nick Foles and the Rams are dead-last in the league in passing yards per game (177.1). Foles is completing only 58.2 percent of his passes and has a 79.7 rating. The Rams’ inefficiency through the air plus Stedman Bailey’s suspension compelled them to sign Wes Welker. The Bears’ pass defense stepped up late vs. Philip Rivers, holding him to 50 percent accuracy in the second half. Lamarr Houston came alive with two sacks on the final drive, but the Rams’ O-line has done a fine job protecting Foles, allowing only 12 sacks this season.

Tavon Austin, who ran for a touchdown the last time the Bears were in St. Louis, is the Rams’ speed threat, and the secondary has to avoid giving up a big play, like it did against

San Diego when allowing only one play for more than 16 yards. Vic Fangio knows this Rams team well, and with the cornerbacks gaining some confidence against a weak receiving group, we think this is a matchup the Bears can win – like they did against the Vikings, until the final two drives.

EDGE BEARS

SUNDAY’S OVERALL EDGE

As bad as the Rams are converting third downs on offense, the Bears have the 30thranked third-down defense.

On the other side, Cutler has been outstanding moving the sticks on third down, but the Rams have the third-best third-down defense. Where the matchup could really swing is inside the 20-yard line. Taking advantage of scoring opportunities has been an issue for the Bears dating back to the preseason. They are 26th in red-zone offense and face a Rams defense that leads the league, allowing touchdowns on only 36.8 percent of redzone trips. This has all the makings of a knock-you-down, drag-you-out game. The Rams are physical and fast, which is not a good scenario for a Bears team on short rest.

EDGE RAMS

Rex’s homecoming, clash for second place between teams fresh off desperately needed wins.

JAGUARS @ RAVENS Noon Sunday, CBS

Top players

OFFENSE / QB Nick Foles, RB Todd Gurley, WR Tavon Austin, TE Jared Cook, LT Greg Robinson DEFENSE / DT Aaron Donald, DEs Robert Quinn and Chris Long, MLB James Laurinaitis, CB Trumaine Johnson

Schemes

OFFENSE / Rookie coordinator Frank Cignetti’s zone-based rushing attack and misdirection passing game have optimized Gurley and Austin, whereas other former St. Louis play-callers have failed to get the most from its key playmakers.

Foles (6.7 ypa, 7:5 TD-to-INT ratio) has mostly been hidden by the Rams’ explosive young weapons, but he has to play better.

DEFENSE / Greg Williams’ players are taught to play to the echo of the whistle, much to the chagrin of the Vikings, whose QB was concussed last week on a late hit. The Rams have arguably the NFL’s best D-line but will bring exotic pressures. Williams utilizes a four-man front with a lot of man-to-man coverage from confident, young covermen, Johnson and Janoris Jenkins.

Weaknesses

It’s clearly Foles. He’s accounted for as many turnovers as touchdowns and has been reluctant to push the ball downfield. Granted, Foles’ receiving corps and O-line are average, so it’s fair to say the entire passing game inhibits the Rams.

Last time they met

11/24/2013: The Rams ran roughshod (258 rushing yards) over the Bears in a 42-21 blasting behind a no-name backfield and a big game from Austin, plus three takeaways from the defense.

Trestman used bye to prepare for life without Steve Smith; Jags’ Bortles needs help from ‘D.’

BROWNS @ STEELERS Noon Sunday, CBS Manziel celebrated two solid TD drives in losing effort during minibye; can Landry, DeAngelo keep Pitt afloat?

PANTHERS @ TITANS Noon Sunday, FOX Still undefeated Chico might be coach of the year; Mularkey is interim coach of the week.

maligned Jordan Matthews; bloom officially off Campbell rose.

SAINTS @ WASHINGTON Noon Sunday, FOX Not even Brees can add spirit to Rob Ryan’s ‘D.’ Washington would rather kiss Cousins than play Pats again.

VIKINGS @ RAIDERS 3:05 p.m. Sunday, FOX Vikes different club than Week One clunker in Bay area; Oakland might need different secondary before it’s legit.

CHIEFS @ BRONCOS 3:25 p.m. Sunday, CBS Broncos aren’t perfect but should right ship vs. Chiefs, off bye and unlikely to score 40 again.

PATRIOTS @ GIANTS 3:25 p.m. Sunday, CBS

Gurley finally tamed last week; Alshon Jeffery remains unstoppable.

JPP back but not Giants’ pass rush, and opportunistic ‘D’ means little to undefeated Pats’ Brady (22:2 TD-to-INT ratio) in Super Bowl rematch.

COWBOYS @ BUCCANEERS

CARDINALS @ SEAHAWKS

BEARS @ RAMS Noon Sunday, CBS

Noon Sunday, FOX

7:30 p.m. Sunday, NBC

Dallas hasn’t won a game without Romo, with Hardy. Jameis Winston least of Bucs’ concerns.

Two of NFL’s best coaches, both with extra week to prepare, flex muscles in NFC West battle.

LIONS @ PACKERS

TEXANS @ BENGALS

Noon Sunday, FOX The Packers will never he happier to see the Lions at Lambeau; Caldwell’s club in daunting spot.

DOLPHINS @ EAGLES Noon Sunday, CBS Philly found its run game,

7:30 p.m. Monday, ESPN Undefeated Bengals, knocked out of postseason twice in past 4 years

by Texans, smell revenge. Texans down, but not out, in NFL’s worst division.

• The Colts, Chargers, Falcons and 49ers are on bye weeks.

CHICAGO FOOTBALL WEEKLY | Thursday, November 12, 2015 • ChicagoFootball.com

Rex Ryan

5

BEARS

VS.

RAMS STAFF PREDICTIONS

Wednesday spread: Bears +7½

Hub

Kevin

Arthur

Nate

Bob

ChicagoFootball.com

ChicagoFootball.com

ChicagoFootball.com

ChicagoFootball.com

Daily Herald

Bears 17 Rams 20 Rams are much more talented than Chargers, and Bears O-line doesn’t match up well with Rams’ pressure.

Bears 13 Rams 17 Rams’ defense is too physical, tough in red zone for Bears on a short week.

Bears 17 Rams 23 Short rest after emotional win, Bears struggle to match St. Louis’ intensity, physicality for 60 minutes.

Bears 13 Rams 20 Think Minnesota.

Bears hang in but get worn down by Todd Gurley, physical Rams.

Bears 17 Rams 24 The Rams have an excellent ‘D’and ROY candidate Gurley at RB. That should be enough.

Season Record: 3-5 Versus Spread: 4-3-1

Season Record: 4-4 Versus Spread: 4-3-1

Season Record: 3-5 Versus Spread: 4-2-2

Season Record: 4-4 Versus Spread: 6-1-1

Season Record: 5-3 Versus Spread: 6-1-1

Jon

Adam

Jay

Kyle

Wes

Northwest Herald

Chicago Sun-Times

Rockford Register-Star

Kankakee Daily Journal

Peoria Journal Star

Bears 23 Rams 28 The spread seems a little high on this one with the way Jay Cutler is playing.

Bears 23 Rams 20 The Rams have plenty of young talent, but overall they’ve underachieved in my book.

Bears 26 Rams 23 If QB Cutler can stay hot late in games, these are the kind they need to win.

Bears 14 Rams 24 The Bears offensive line will get a real test from the Rams’ defensive front seven.

Bears 14 Rams 17 Bears are confounding to predict, which makes me want to overthink this. I won’t. Rams are just better.

Season Record: 4-4 Versus Spread: 4-3-1

Season Record: 2-6 Versus Spread: 3-3-2

Season Record: 6-2 Versus Spread: 6-1-1

Season Record: 3-5 Versus Spread: 3-4-1

Season Record: 3-5 Versus Spread: 5-2-1

FISHBAIN

ARKUSH

STYF

ARKUSH

JAHNS

TAFT

LEGERE

ATKINS

NABORS

HUETT

Woodstock’s Only Official Miller Lite Bears HQ Bar!!

FREE FOOD Every Chicago Football Game!

200 Domestic Drafts $ 00 6 Domestic Pitchers $

1200 Domestic Buckets $ 00 5 Super Bloody Mary $

We now have two new huge 75 inch TV’s

Prizes Every Game!

Mondays & Thursdays

CARS815.com

Video Gaming!

$1 Bowling All Day Long!

1330 Eastwood Dr. Woodstock, IL

815-338-2105 kingstonlanes.com

adno=0332857

ChicagoFootball.com • Thursday, November 12, 2015

| CHICAGO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

6

Are You Suffering From Neuropathy, Knee or Shoulder

PAIN?

Which of Your Conditions Can Benefit the Most Using This Therapy?

Joint Pain Shoulder Pain Knee Pain

Osteoarthritis Plantar Fascitis Neuropathy

FIND OUT IF REGENERATIVE MEDICINE IS RIGHT FOR YOU! Regenerative medicine can use stem cells to regenerate and repair tissues in your body that are damaged due to age, disease and congenital defects. Stem cells have the power to go to these damaged areas and generate new cells and tissues by performing a repair and renewal process.

HUB ARKUSH CHICAGO BEARS Radio Announcer 1987 – 2004 NFL SIDELINE REPORTER

Hi, I’m HUB ARKUSH, General Manager of Chicago Football. I was a long-time sufferer of chronic knee pain in both knees. I was in constant pain and had tried just about everything to find relief. After receiving treatment, I can now say I am feeling better than ever.

GM CHICAGO FOOTBALL

CALL TO SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CONSULTATION CALL TODAY 844-755-PAIN (7246)

LOCATIONS ACROSS CHICAGOLAND • Chicago • Crystal Lake • Aurora • Gurnee www.StemCellTherapyForPain.com Due to Federal Law some exclusions may apply. Does not include exam and neccessary x-rays. Medicare and insurance guidelines followed.

CHICAGO FOOTBALL WEEKLY | Thursday, November 12, 2015 • ChicagoFootball.com

STEM CELL THERAPY

7

READ OPTIONS

ChicagoFootball.com • Thursday, November 12, 2015

| CHICAGO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

8

Alshon Jeffery ‘making it easy’ on Cutler, Bears ‘O’

By ADAM

JAHNS

ajahns@suntimes.com @adamjahns

Bears receiver Alshon Jeffery says it in almost every interview. When the Bears’ offense is healthy, “the sky is the limit,” he says.

And really, that directly applies to him.

Jeffery has been unstoppable since returning from a strained hamstring that kept him out four weeks. He topped 100 yards receiving for the third consecutive game Monday night against the Chargers, making 10 receptions for 151 yards.

“He’s making it easy on me,” quarterback Jay Cutler said.

And he’s making re-signing him an easy decision for general manager Ryan Pace, too. Pairing

him with Kevin White should remain in the Bears’ plans. Jeffery is too dominant, too special to let go.

If the Bears and Jeffery’s camp can’t reach a long-term agreement, the franchise tag will be a good option, especially if injury concerns re-emerge over the last eight games.

The best part of Jeffery’s play over the past three weeks for the Bears is that he’s acting like a No. 1 receiver. He remains soft-spoken – he will never be like Brandon Marshall – but he is demanding the ball in his own way.

That’s what Jeffery did after Chargers cornerback Jason Verrett recorded a pick-six by taking advantage of Jeffery’s miscue with Cutler on Monday night.

“I told [Cutler] to give me a goroute no matter what the coverage is,” Jeffery said. “I’m going right back at him.”

THE WAY WE HEAR IT Hey Rex, when is enough enough?

Alshon Jeffery

AP photo

Cutler did just that, hitting Jeffery for a 47-yard gain with Verrett in coverage. Verrett aggravated his groin injury on the play and didn’t return. It was Jeffery’s first catch of the game and a turning point in the Bears’ win.

“He’s a big-time receiver,” coach John Fox said. “This is our first year with him. It started a

little slow with nagging injuries.

He worked very hard to get back, and he’s been a big part of our offense in the last three games.

It sure helps when you have that kind of player out there.”

The Bears’ pass defense,

which is ranked fifth in the league, deserves plenty of attention. But the Bears aren’t exactly porous against the run anymore.

The Bears have only allowed two rushing touchdowns in eight games this season. That’s tied with the Jets for the fewest in the league.

The longest run the Bears have allowed this season is Lions safety Isa Abdul-Quddus’ 30-yarder on a fake punt.

It will be interesting to see if tight end Zach Miller’s one-handed touchdown grab is a sign of things to come for him.

Miller has improved considerably as a blocker, including at fullback, but the Bears brought him back for what he can do in the passing game. His highlight-reel grab in San Diego was only his fifth catch this season.

BY HUB ARKUSH

Ryan has tried to spin the story as normal course of business for him, that he has always rewarded Leave it to Rex Ryan to find a way to bump the Lions, Colts, Jerry his players by naming them capJones and Greg Hardy off the front tains when meeting a former team of the NFL news pages, even if it’s they may have had a significant history with. He cited Jason Taylor just for a few minutes and if it’s and Richie Incognito as examples done in a way that embarrasses when he had them and they were him and his team. going to play the Dolphins.

Ryan announced Monday that Here, of course, is the obvious one of his Bills team captains difference. Taylor is a potential for their Thursday night tilt with future Hall Of famer who spent the Jets this week will be backup linebacker IK Enemkpali, and then almost his entire career in Miami and was a significant contributor claimed it was just business as to Ryan’s Jets at the time. usual and nothing anyone should Incognito was the lead actor in try and read into. the Dolphins bullying soap opera, Why is this controversial?

Enemkpali is of course the former is believed by many to have been New York Jet who sucker-punched judged too harshly in the aftermath and has surprised everyone then starting quarterback Geno by coming back to be arguably the Smith in the locker room during Bills’ best offensive lineman this training camp, breaking his jaw year. and knocking him out of the first Enemkpali was released by Ryan few weeks of the regular season.

Enemkpali was quickly released and the Bills a couple weeks after they claimed him from the Jets, by the Jets and claimed by Ryan added to the practice squad a and the Bills.

week later, then suspended by the league for the Smith altercation for four weeks and then finally signed back to the Bills regular roster just three games ago.

In minimal playing time he has notched a total of two tackles as a Buffalo Bill.

Our sources around the league are near unanimous in calling out and criticizing Ryan for his latest thinly veiled jab at his opposition and pretending there can be any justification for the move.

Taylor was worthy of the honor and we don’t know if Incognito was or not but it was at least understandable based on the information we do have.

Enemkpali has done nothing to be worthy of being a captain of an NFL team at any time and had proven off the field – because he rarely gets on it – that he is one of the last guys any reasonably intelligent coach would want to be a leader of his troops.

One anonymous AFC general

division won’t send a sub -.500 team to the playoffs this year and what more can go wrong for the Colts?

Every scout and coach we’ve Is secession an option talked to since hearing the Luck for AFC South? news is still picking the Colts to With the Indianapolis Colts on win the division. top at 4-5, the Texans, Jaguars and When Indianapolis returns from Titans in tow and now the news its bye this Sunday, it will face that Andrew Luck will be gone for Atlanta, Tampa Bay, Pittsburgh, the next two to six weeks with a Jacksonville, Houston, Miami and torn abdominal muscle and lacer- Tennessee. ated kidney, who’s taking bets the Even with Matt Hasselbeck at quarterback the rest of the way if necessary, 9-7 seems perhaps more likely than merely possible.

Certainly the move from Pep Hamilton to Rob Chudzinski last week paid immediate dividends in the win over the Broncos.

Now folks around the league are asking is Ryan Grigson one of the best for having one of the best backup QB’s in the league in Hasselbeck?

Matt Hasselbeck Or is Grigson nuts for finding manager told us “It’s just another example of the Peter Principle and why Rex is a heck of a defensive coordinator.”

Bears tight end Martellus Bennett talks way too much and makes way too many outrageous comments to ever be overlooked.

But he feels like he’s sometimes overlooked in the passing game, even though he’s the Bears’ leading receiver with 45 catches, and he’s right.

Bennett’s problem is that he does too many other things so well, like pass blocking and run blocking.

Bennett’s performance on Monday Night Football in the Bears’ 22-19 victory over the Chargers was fairly typical. He caught eight passes on just nine targets, for 57 yards and an unspectacular 7.1-yard average. He also caught a 1-yard TD pass to start the Bears’ comeback from a 13-0 deficit.

It was an under-the-radar performance in a game where wide receiver Alshon Jeffery had 10 catches (on 16 targets) for 151 yards. Jay Cutler overcame a pair of costly, first-half turnovers, including a pick-6 to direct his third fourth-quarter comeback victory of the season.

OPINION

By BOB

LeGERE

rlegere@dailyherald.com @BobLeGere

But Bennett, in addition to his receptions and his TD, also was busy doing the little things that don’t show up in the box score.

Things like protecting Cutler and blocking on run plays, almost like a sixth offensive lineman.

He does all of it well, and his all-around game at least is appreciated by teammates and coaches. When offensive coordinator Adam Gase was asked before the Chargers game why Bennett

THE WAY WE HEAR IT

hasn’t made much of an impact since his 11-catch, 83-yard game against the Raiders in Week Four, he demurred.

“I would disagree with that statement,” Gase said. “Everybody looks at catches, yards, touchdowns and things like that.

[But] he’s such a vital piece of our running game [and] our protection scheme.”

Three different players have started at center for the Bears through seven games, and right tackle Kyle Long is the only O-lineman to start all seven games in the same spot. The 6-foot-6, 265-pound Bennett has helped pick up the slack.

“We’ve had a lot of changes up front,” Gase said. “He’s one of the main reasons we’re able to hold on to the ball, make some of those throws downfield and have some explosive plays. It’s because he’s helping our protection.”

Clearly, Gase has made getting the ball to Bennett a priority, but circumstances sometimes dictate that the ball go elsewhere.

“We do a lot to try to get him

Martellus Bennett H. Rick Bamman –Shaw Media

the ball sometimes,” Gase said.

“But sometimes he’s asked to stay in protection and be great in the running game, [at] which he does such a good job. That’s why we’re able to do what we do.”

Bennett is both blunt and amusing when he compares himself to some of the glamour tight ends, like Jimmy Graham, Antonio Gates and Julius Thomas.

“You watch their style of play,” Bennett said last week, lumping together most of the marquee tight ends. “They really don’t block. They do a lot of stuff in the passing game. I have to kick a** at the line of scrimmage and then kick a** downfield.

“Nobody expects them to pass protect or go one-on-one with the No. 1 pass rusher. You see Jimmy [Graham], Jimmy can’t block worth [crap]. They get a lot of credit, a lot of love, but [the Jaguars’] Julius [Thomas] doesn’t block nobody, Gates doesn’t really block anybody.”

Bears quarterback Jay Cutler feels Bennett’s pain, but he takes a broader view of the offense and how the tight end fits it.

“Marty wants the ball,” Cutler said. “It would probably be a problem if he didn’t want the ball. He always wants the ball at practice.

Every game he wants the ball.

He’s a little bit frustrated, but he’ll be patient, and we’ll continue to find ways to get him the ball.”

Bennett will be waiting – with arms and mouth wide open.

BY HUB ARKUSH

himself and Chuck Pagano in a spot where they have to hope a 40-year old quarterback can take the beating for the next 3, 4, 5 or 6 weeks and possibly get them to the playoffs.

We know this: What looked for all the world for quite a while like Jimmy Irsay and Grigson against Pagano is looking more every day like Grigson and Pagano working together to keep Irsay satisfied and save their jobs.

Is Jim Caldwell dead man walking?

We hate to talk about folks that way, but every source we’ve heard from tells us that short of practically winning out, the Lions will have a new coach next year.

We reported here a couple of weeks ago that the Lions’ 90-year old owner, Martha Firestone Ford, was taking a very active stand in managing the franchise. We expected that in spite of the prevailing opinion that head coach Jim Caldwell was safe, he would be wise not to make any real estate purchases in the Detroit area right now.

But Ford shocked even us when she left Caldwell in place last week and fired team president Tom Lewand and general manager Martin Mayhew.

Several sources around the league tell us

Jim Caldwell

that the move actually makes sense though because Ford envisions a complete overhaul of both the culture and organization around the Lions and the changes at the top allow her to begin the search immediately for top management and hopefully find the right people and put them in place by the end of the season and then allow them to identify the next head coach.

Caldwell is certainly a professional and he will do all that he can to continue to try and develop young talent on the roster and get quarterback Matthew Stafford turned

arms, but our sources are suggesting maybe Browns fans just aren’t listening to exactly what Pettine is saying.

The Cleveland head coach announced this week that if Josh McCown were healthy enough to go, he’d be the starter for the Browns again this Sunday against Pittsburgh rather than Johnny Manziel.

Browns fans and more than a few coaches, scouts and analysts around the country have voiced the belief that with the Browns going nowhere, now is the time to put Manziel out there regardless of whether he’s as good as McCown to find out what he can do going forward.

AP photo Pettine has said, as we all can see for ouraround so the second half of the season isn’t selves, Manziel is not as good as McCown a total loss. and it’s unfair to the organization and other It will also allow interim GM Sheldon White young players they’re trying to develop to the chance to focus on Stafford and offer stunt their growth by going with a lesser an opinion to Ford on whether he should be quarterback. dealt or can still be the face of the franchise.

But one key AFC insider suggests strongly Our sources are saying Caldwell will be out; to us that he believes the Browns have Stafford’s return is still 50-50. already seen everything they need to see, know that Manziel is not the answer and Maybe Browns have already don’t want to expose him anymore, possibly decided on Manziel? diminishing any trade value he might have Mike Pettine has done it again and left before they move in a different direction Cleveland Browns fans are once again up in this offseason.

9 CHICAGO FOOTBALL WEEKLY | Thursday, November 12, 2015 • ChicagoFootball.com

Bennett contributes more on ‘O’ than catching passes

ChicagoFootball.com • Thursday, November 12, 2015

| CHICAGO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

10

Rams owner Stan Kroenke has proposed this NFL football stadium to be named Farmers Field in Los Angeles.

AP photo

IS THE NFL

DEAD IN ST. LOUIS? While the Rams owner wants to move to Los Angeles, it’s too early to start packing bags

By HUB

ARKUSH

harkush@chicagofootball.com Follow@Hub_Arkush

T

here will be a subplot and undeniable irony in the Chicago Bears’ trip to St. Louis this Sunday to take on the Rams – it gives them a chance to complete the NFL’s vagrant triple crown.

The National Football League has existed – quite successfully, by the way – without a team in Los Angeles since 1995, the year the Rams and Raiders deserted Tinseltown to put down roots in St. Louis and Oakland, respectively.

Both clubs’ exits were decided upon by ownership’s dissatisfaction with fan support and inability to make any headway on building a modern, competitive NFL sta-

dium.

One of Roger Goodell’s – and apparently a segment of the team ownership he works for – top priorities since he became commissioner has been to put another franchise in L.A. It is puzzling to many because 20 years later, the city of Los Angeles has made little or no headway on its stadium problem, TV ratings are better than they were when L.A. had teams, and it’s not at all clear that Los Angeles wants the NFL back as badly as the league wants to return.

Fortunately, the league seems to understand that it is currently maxed out competitively at 32 teams, and there is no momentum anywhere for expansion. So Goodell’s and his bosses’ only road back to L.A. is to find someone to build the stadium of their dreams and relocate one of the NFL’s exist-

ing franchises.

Enter the Raiders, who the Bears defeated 22-20 at home on Oct. 4, the Rams and the San Diego Chargers, who played their inaugural season in Los Angeles in 1960 before moving to San Diego in 1961.

The Bears defeated the Chargers last Monday night, 22-19, in what might be their last ever visit to San Diego.

The Chargers and Raiders have been seeking new stadiums forever, and the Rams became dissatisfied with the Edward Jones Dome that was just built for them 20 years ago. The reason? It failed to live up to a clause in the lease within the last few years that requires it to be one of the top 25 percent of NFL stadiums.

It is not clear what the exact parameters are to be one of the top 25 percent of NFL stadiums, but it’s extremely clear the Jones Dome isn’t.

Even the city of St. Louis and state of Missouri get that as they are working feverishly on a $900 million to $1 billion plan to build a new riverfront stadium for the Rams.

Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon has assured Rams fans the state will do everything it can to keep the NFL in St. Louis.

“We’re making a really solid effort and

cohesive effort to keep them here,” Nixon said. “There’s a great redevelopment site there and I feel very good about staying an NFL city. ... The bottom line is the NFL has really liked St. Louis as a market. The fans there are really, really good fans. ...

“What we’re trying to do is make sure we’re competing with all the other NFL cities to make sure we have facilities and fan amenities cost effectively [with] no tax increase that will allow us to redevelop that riverfront.”

The biggest hurdle Nixon, his state and the city of St. Louis face in addition to financing their new building is that there is now finally some momentum to build not one but two new stadiums in Los Angeles, and one of the developers is Rams owner Stan Kroenke.

At some point late in 2013, Kroenke purchased a roughly 60-acre parcel of land in Inglewood that sits not far from Los Angeles International Airport and is often called the Hollywood Park site. He is reportedly partnering with Stockbridge Capital Group to build a $1.86 billion, 80,000 seat stadium, 6,000 seat entertainment venue and roughly 1.7 million square feet of retail and office space.

The plan reportedly has received all the necessary zoning and planning approvals by the city and state and is “shovel ready,” and you can bet Kroenke won’t build it to play landlord to another NFL team, nor

Stan Kroenke

AP photo

fellow owners for permission, receive the approval or vote of at least 23 of their fellow owners, and then agree to pay a substantial relocation fee to be split among the other 31 owners.

According to Marc Ganis, a sports marketing consultant who has worked with a number of NFL teams, “Clubs are obligated to

work diligently and in good faith to obtain and to maintain suitable stadium facilities in their home territories, and to operate in a manner that maximizes fan support in their current home communities,” the league’s relocation policy states.

Ganis says this could work against Kroenke because “it’s

well-known among the owners that he has not engaged in an active way with the St. Louis parties.

“If St. Louis steps up and comes up with the funding, and the Carson project continues to add viability (for the Raiders and Chargers), it’s hard to see the league approving a relocation of the Rams, pursuant to its own relocation rules,” Ganis said.

It has been reported by multiple sources that the NFL will support one new stadium capable of housing one or two teams in Los Angeles – but not two new stadiums to be occupied by three franchises. It ultimately could come down to a league vote between the San Diego Chargers, Oakland Raiders and St. Louis Rams with one winner, or any two out of the three.

One edge the Rams could end up with would be their ability to share their new building with one of the AFC teams, most likely the Chargers, as no one favors two AFC teams sharing the same building.

Finally, there is the potential damage to the “shield” the NFL will certainly suffer in any of the three current host cities by al-

lowing their club to leave, which would certainly be magnified in St. Louis as the only one that bent over backward to avoid losing its club.

Right now, it is believed that Spanos has the minimum nine votes he needs to block a Rams move that leaves his team in the cold, and that Kroenke has the nine votes he needs to block the Chargers and/or the Raiders.

While Goodell and the other owners want this resolved before the start of the 2016 season, and decisions could be coming soon, there is just no clear favorite plan at the moment.

Sources I’m hearing from in the league office are whispering that the powers-that-be may be trying to encourage a brokered deal between the Rams and the Chargers as the most logical outcome.

Of course, that would still leave the Raiders with a big problem and the league in need of a way to protect its image, TV ratings and licensing revenue in San Diego and St. Louis.

As badly as the Rams appear to want to load up the moving vans again, it’s just too early for them to start packing their bags yet.

Come check out the only gun wall around!

Thousands of NEW firearms priced well below msrp & large selection of used firearms!

We carry a full line of…

ALWAYS S BUYING U G GUN GUNS GU UNS UN S We’ll buy 1 gun or an entire collection!

and many more!

$399 $465

$345 $460Remington Ruger LC9s 870 Express 12ga

Ruger Springfield SR9, 40 or 45 XD Mod 2 9mm

$405

$449

Glock 43

$159

Hi Point C9

9mm w/hard case

$499

Ruger LCR 38spl

DPMS Panther Oracle

$375

S&W Shield 9mm or 40 S&W

Enter to Win A FREE Gun

Name:

Phone: Drawing to be held Nov. 27th @ 6pm.

Winner need not be present to win. No copies.

All state & federal laws apply.

Entry must be dropped off in person at Marengo Guns .

$45.99

Marengo Guns

815-331-0418 20014 E. Grant Hwy (Route 20) – Marengo

Open 7 Days A Week 9am-7pm www.marengoguns.com

“Like” Marengo Gun Shop on Facebook to see the latest deals!

$599

Ruger AR-556

$539

Glock 17 & 19 Anderson Lower Gen 4 $50 DOWN HOLDS A FIREARM FOR 30 DAYS OR $300 DOWN HOLDS A FIREARM FOR 90 DAYS Worth the short drive for

HUGE SELECTION & CRAZY LOW PRICES! Only 10min off I-90 on Route 20 in McHenry County.

All prices shown are cash/check/debit while supplies last. adno=0332685

11 CHICAGO FOOTBALL WEEKLY | Thursday, November 12, 2015 • ChicagoFootball.com

would the league be likely to allow that.

St. Louis clearly wants to keep the Rams, but it seems Rams ownership wants to leave, even if it is able to get a brand new “top 25 percent stadium” in St. Louis.

The only good news for St. Louis Rams fans at the moment is the decision isn’t up to Kroenke.

The Chargers and Raiders joined together earlier this year to form Carson Holdings and completed a deal with the city of Carson in the Los Angeles metropolitan area to acquire a 157acre parcel of land on which they plan to build a privately financed $1.7 billion stadium complex that they would share as their home field.

Unlike Kroenke, Dean Spanos and Mark Davis, who own the Chargers and Raiders, respectively, have continued to exhaust every effort to build new stadiums in San Diego and Oakland. Unlike St. Louis, those two municipalities have been reluctant to offer assistance or public funding of any kind.

At the end of the day, the only way any one, two or three of these owners will be moving their teams anywhere will be to petition their

ChicagoFootball.com • Thursday, November 12, 2015

| CHICAGO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

12

NFC NORTH REPORT By

ARTHUR ARKUSH

aarkush@chicagofootball.com @ArthurArkush

LIONS @ PACKERS

Overview

At his first news conference since last week’s firings of longtime executives general manager Martin Mayhew and president Tom Lewand, now-lame duck coach Jim Caldwell spoke of a Chinese word that relates to his 1-7 club. “It means ‘Crisis,’ but also in the same characters, it means ‘Opportunity’ as well. I think that’s where we are right now.” Indeed. Coming off the turbulent bye week and heading to Lambeau Field, where the Lions haven’t won since before owner Martha Firestone Ford, 90, became a senior citizen, it qualifies as both. It’d be a stretch to say the Packers, losers of two straight in the same season for the first time since 2010, are in crisis. But if their defense surren-

zone over taking the football, entrusting his No. 2 scoring ‘D’ to give Adrian Peterson and PK Blair Walsh a chance, a gamble that paid off.

By the numbers

Matchup to watch

Dom Capers’ defense has surrendered an average of 375 passing yards over the past three games after holding its first five ders nearly 500 yards or 30-plus points in opponents to a 186 average. … Detroit is a fourth consecutive game against a Lions 0-24 at Lambeau Field since its last win on th st club ranked 27 in total offense and 31 in Dec. 15, 1991. scoring, it might send them there.

Matchup to watch

First-round cornerback Damarious Randall is growing up quickly for the Packers, with athletic interceptions in consecutive games and a team-high 10 passes defensed. He should line up across from future Hall-of-Famer Calvin Johnson often in their first meeting – especially if top CB Sam Shields (shoulder) misses his second game in a row. “Megatron” isn’t getting downfield like he used to, but his three highest yardage totals of the season have come over the past three games. In addition to tremendous ball skills, Randall, a former safety, has flashed his 4.4 speed and physicality as a tackler. He’ll need both assets to be at their best against Johnson. … Green Bay’s pass rush has been shut out the past two weeks. Keep an eye on NT B.J. Raji and OLB Julius Peppers after the cameras caught Raji shov-

207 S. BUTLER NELSON, IL 815-251-4633 Closed Mondays Serving Lunch Specials Daily from 10am - 2pm Kitchen Open 10am - 9pm

Can’t watch your favorite football team?

We have the NFL Sunday Ticket and 5 TVs!

Daily Specials TUESDAY (5PM-9PM)

Our Famous Tacos

VIKINGS @RAIDERS

Overview

Selected four spots apart in the 2014 draft, Teddy Bridgewater (32 nd overall) and Derek Carr (36th) will meet for the first time. Vikings coach Mike Zimmer says Bridgewater should be “good to go” after a dirty hit knocked him out of Minnesota’s Week Nine win against St. Louis – the Vikes’ fourth straight – with a concussion. Carr has been unconsciously hot of late, with an 11:1 TD-to-INT ratio since the Week Six bye, though not hot enough to offset his defense allowing 597 yards and 38 points – both season highs – in the loss at Pittsburgh. The confidence is clearly building for Zimmer’s club, now tied for first in the NFC North: On a windy day in Minneapolis, he chose to defend an end

JJ’s

Come Back Inn

Amari Cooper has been even better than advertised for Oakland, and will likely warrant shadow coverage from Vikings No. 1 CB Xavier Rhodes. He’s a route-running clinician and true homerun hitter after the catch, putting the onus on Rhodes, S Harrison Smith and the rest of the Vikings’ secondary to tackle well in space. But pay too much attention to Cooper and fellow former first-rounder Michael Crabtree will make a defense pay. Crabtree’s three 100-yard games – including in two straight – equals Cooper’s, and fellow corners Terence Newman and Rhodes must also slow his timing at the line and finish well. No. 3 in the NFL in sacks/attempt, the Raiders do a terrific job protecting Carr, so while Minnesota’s rush remains formidable, Zimmer’s press scheme likely will be the difference.

By the numbers

The NFL’s rushing leader, Peterson eclipsed 100 yards on the ground for the fourth time this season and 46th in his career. … Walsh is the first Viking ever to tally game-winning field goals on the final play in consecutive weeks.

337 Main Ave. Downtown Milledgeville

815 815-225-7714

Video Gam iing

Karaoke on Blackout Wednesday, (Thanksgiving Eve), Friday, 27 th & Saturday, 28th

Come Watch the game here 7 TVs for your viewing pleasure.

WEDNESDAY

Wacky Burgers THURSDAY

Chicken & Spaghetti FRIDAY

Fish Specials - Cod, Swai,Tilapia SATURDAY

Bloody Mary & Bellini Bar On Sundays

ing teammate Ha Ha Clinton-Dix in Carolina following the young safety’s spat with Peppers. They’ll draw maligned C Travis Swanson and RT LaAdrian Waddle.

Prime Rib Night SUNDAY (9AM-10PM)

Sausage Gravy & Biscuits Try Our Homemade Soups!

www.therailsidebarandgrill.com

GOING ON VACATION? Keep in touch with the news of the Sauk Valley

FOOTBALL

Who will the breakout stars be in Week 10?

J.C. TALON

is averaging 4.2 yards per carry.

This won’t be a cakewalk for him – Jacksonville is No. 7 against the In their new roles as featured run.

Must start: Justin Tucker backs and facing subpar defenses, Solid play: Joe Flacco, Forsett DeAngelo Williams and Jeremy Worth a look: Kamar Aiken, Langford did not disappoint their fantasy owners in Week Nine. Crockett Gillmore, Ravens D/ST Last resort: Marlon Brown Williams had an especially good day with 170 yards and two TDs. Williams gets another cupcake PACKERS (vs. LIONS) (Cleveland) this week, but Lang- Noon Sunday Green Bay’s comeback effort ford will face a tougher test in St. last Sunday was too little, too late, Louis.

Will there be a breakout star but it should create some offenlike Langford or Williams in sive momentum heading into this Week 10? James White, Brandon game against an inferior oppoBolden and James Starks will be nent. Eddie Lacy has been banged popular adds this week. Of the up. In last week’s game, he was three, Starks seems like the best on the field for only 19 of 75 plays, bet. As always, fantasy points re- compared to 55 plays for Starks. sult from ability, opportunity and, Be sure to monitor Lacy’s injury (groin), but (for now) Starks looks of course, matchups. like the better play.

MATCHUPS TO EXPLOIT Must start: Aaron Rodgers, Randall Cobb, Mason Crosby STEELERS (vs. BROWNS) Solid play: Starks, Richard RodNoon Sunday gers, Packers D/ST Obviously, this would be a Worth a look: Lacy*, James better fantasy matchup for Pitts- Jones, Davante Adams burgh if Ben Roethlisberger were playing. Even with Landry Jones PATRIOTS (@ GIANTS) at the controls, the Steelers should 3:25 p.m. Sunday be able to move the ball against Revenge? Do Tom Brady and the league’s 29th-ranked defense. Bill Belichick seem like the kind The loss of Big Ben is disappoint- of guys who would hold a grudge ing for owners of Antonio Brown, over a little thing like two Super but we still believe Brown is a Bowl losses? The Giants should must-start. In Jones’ only other have just enough offense to keep start this season – Week Seven at this game interesting for a while.

KC – Brown caught six balls for Even if it gets out of hand, don’t 124 yards. expect New England to take its Must start: DeAngelo Williams, foot off the gas.

Brown Either James White or BranSolid play: Martavis Bryant, don Bolden, or both, will get a Chris Boswell chance to fill in for Dion Lewis Worth a look: Jones, Heath (torn ACL, out for season). It is Miller logical to assume that LeGarrette Last resort: Steelers D/ST Blount will get an increase in touches, but with Belichick, you RAVENS (vs. JAGUARS) just never know. Our best guess is Noon Sunday that Bolden and White will be hit This is a nice matchup for or miss each week, with neither Baltimore’s 10th-ranked passing back establishing much fantasy offense. The Jags defense is No. value.

25 against the pass and No. 30 in Must start: Brady, Blount, Jupoints allowed. Justin Forsett has lian Edelman, Rob Gronkowski, just two rushing TDs thus far and Stephen Gostkowski

By

ChicagoFootball.com fantasy football writer

Solid play: Brandon LaFell Worth a look: Bolden, White, Pa-

triots D/ST

Last resort: Danny Amendola,

Scott Chandler

BENGALS (vs. TEXANS) 7:30 p.m. Monday Only the Patriots and the Cardinals are scoring more points than Cincinnati. The well-balanced Bengals’ attack is No. 7 in passing yards, No. 11 in rushing yards and No. 6 overall. Houston’s defense is solid against the pass (No. 8), but has struggled in run defense (No. 25). The Texans are giving up 25.6 points per game (No. 22). Andy Dalton might not put up huge yardage numbers, but a solid rushing attack could lead to some long scores via play-action passes.

Jeremy Hill and Giovani Bernard have similar fantasy value.

Bernard is getting nearly as many carries, he has a better rushing average, and he has 21 receptions to Hill’s five. Hill will get more goal-line chances. Both are good bets this week.

Must start: A.J. Green, Tyler Eifert Solid play: Dalton, Hill, Bernard, Mike Nugent Worth a look: Marvin Jones, Bengals D/ST

ALSO CONSIDER RAMS (vs. BEARS) Noon Sunday The Bears are giving up 4.7 yards per carry, 29th in the NFL. Todd Gurley should be in for a huge day. Given the Bears’ propensity for poorly timed turnovers, the Rams D/ST also is a must start.

SAINTS (@ WASHINGTON) 3:05 p.m. Sunday If our math is correct, the odds makers are predicting the score of this game to be New Orleans 26, Washington 24.5. It’s the second-highest over/under of the week, behind only Patriots at Gi-

AP photo

ants. Expect Drew Brees to stay on a roll. This might be a week – if you are totally desperate – to play Matt Jones. Like the Bears, the Saints give up 4.7 yards per carry.

fense has allowed just 39 points in their last three games and hasn’t let up more than 20 since Week Four. The Broncos will be without Aqib Talib (suspension) and DeMarcus Ware (back), and this game could be close. There just MATCHUPS TO AVOID won’t be a lot of points scored.

Solid play: Travis Kelce LIONS (@ PACKERS) Worth a look: Charcandrick Noon Sunday Although the Packers defense West, Jeremy Maclin Last resort: Chiefs D/ST has slid to No. 23 overall, it’s noStay away: Alex Smith, Cairo where near as bad as it has looked Santos the past two weeks. The Lions’ defense, however, is terrible. Green TEXANS (@ BENGALS) Bay should jump out to an early 7:30 p.m. Monday lead, which will force the Lions Because they’ve played from to play catch-up, and that’s when behind most of the season, Housthings get ugly. ton comes into this game with the Must start: Calvin Johnson league’s 6th-ranked passing attack.

Solid play: none That production has not equated Worth a look: Eric Ebron Last resort: Matthew Stafford, to thscores. The Texans are ranked 20 in points per game (20.8). On Theo Riddick, Joique Bell, Ameer the other side of the ball, the BenAbdullah, Golden Tate, Matt Pratgals are 4th in points allowed. This er game might be closer than expectStay away: Lions D/ST ed, and a big day for DeAndre Hopkins is certainly within reaBEARS (@ RAMS) son. Outside of Hopkins, Houston Noon Sunday does not offer much, fantasy wise.

Mike Zimmer says they play Must start: Hopkins dirty; the stats say they play well.

Solid play: none The Rams defense is No. 5 overall Worth a look: Nate Washington and against the pass. They’re not Last resort: Brian Hoyer, Alfred quite as stout versus the run (No. Blue, Nick Novak 13). Assuming Matt Forte is still Stay away: Cecil Shorts*, Texout, Langford could have a decent ans D/ST day, but the Bears will be hardpressed to score 20 points.

ALSO BEWARE Must start: Alshon Jeffery Solid play: Jeremy Langford BILLS (@ JETS) (assuming no Forte) 7:30 p.m. Thursday Worth a look: Martellus Bennett Against Miami last week, BufLast resort: Jay Cutler, Robbie falo racked up 266 yards rushing Gould and averaged an astonishing 7.4 Stay away: Bears D/ST yards per run play. They had just 181 yards passing, but Tyrod TayCHIEFS (@ BRONCOS) lor completed 11 of 12 attempts.

Noon Sunday They’ll face a different level of The over/under in this game is defense this week in New York. hovering around 42 points. Only The Jets are the NFL’s best rush the Browns/Steelers tilt is set low- defense (80.6 yards per game) and er. After a rough start, the Chiefs are ranked 4th overall. have won two in a row. Their de• Check injury status

13 CHICAGO FOOTBALL WEEKLY | Thursday, November 12, 2015 • ChicagoFootball.com

FANTASY

Drew Brees

14

ChicagoFootball.com • Thursday, November 12, 2015

| CHICAGO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

‘Tales of Valor’ now available for purchase, Order your Limited edition now! of s e l Ta

alor A Tribute

alley Vete to Sauk V

rans

Sauk Valley Media salutes our

etera rans a

This book contains photographs and stories on veterans from the Sauk Valley area.

Premiering late November ‘15

Stop in to reserve your copy today!

To order “Tales of Valor” by phone with credit card, call 815-625-3600 or 815-284-2224

$21.50

tax included TELEGRAPH 3200 E. Lincolnway Sterling

113 S. Peoria Avenue Dixon

PATRICK FINLEY

ARTHUR ARKUSH

Could Langford be Bears’ No. 1 RB in 2016?

The Chicago Sun-Times’ Patrick Finley and ChicagoFootball.com’s Arthur Arkush discuss the running back situation given Matt Forte’s injury and contract situation and Jeremy Langford’s performance Monday night.

FINLEY: Arthur, we learned Monday night that the best man to replace Matt Forte is actually two of them: Jeremy Langford and Ka’Deem Carey. The former was the star, while the latter, who actually started after not touching the ball all season, reminded us how no mere mortal can handle Forte’s workload. My question for you: What did we learn about the Bears’ ability to adapt to new running backs? And what does that mean for Forte, a free agent after the season?

ARKUSH: Pat, wasn’t that nice of Adam Gase to make us rue writing Langford would get his first start? Carey picked up a

key first down on Chicago’s final drive, but it was one of just two second-half carries.

This is Langford’s show – and what a debut it was, albeit against the NFL’s worst run ‘D.’ We already knew about the chameleon Gase’s adaptability; we might’ve learned more about Ryan Pace’s mid-round drafting. Langford looks like a feature back – which doesn’t look great for Forte’s chances of remaining a Bear in 2016. But we should probably wait to see what the rookie does against big bad St. Louis and Denver before preparing his Hall bust, right?

FINLEY: That would probably be prudent, yes. Langford looks like a keeper thus far, but Matt Forte is one of the great modern Bears. What if they could be paired together? Forte is notoriously stubborn when it comes to playing time, but he’s 29.

What if Langford actually helped extend his career? While I try to reorganize my

15

Jeremy Langford H. Rick Bamman - Shaw Media

clout in the locker room is valid, but guess who else is a highly respected locker room leader? Jermon Bushrod, now a backup. This shouldn’t be interpreted as me trying to accelerate the beginning of the end for Forte in a Bears uniform. I just think they recognize the need to find out just how much leverage they have at the table with Forte by learning what they have in Langford. And, yes, they certainly gain leverage by backs other than Forte succeeding in Gase’s system.

You know what would throw a wrench in that idea? Gase leaving. I smell another Take-2 topic.

STAY CONNECTED WHEREVER YOU ARE!

CHOOSE FROM

• BREAKING NEWS • SEVERE WEATHER • SCHOOL CLOSINGS • SPORTS NEWS • & MORE

dailyGAZETTE

4%,%'2!0(

SPONSORED BY

News that starts with you.

815-625-3600 | 815-284-2222

txtALERTS

BROUGHT TO YOU BY SAUK VALLEY MEDIA

CHICAGO FOOTBALL WEEKLY | Thursday, November 12, 2015 • ChicagoFootball.com

TAKE TWO

cart and horse, I wonder: Is that an insane thought?

ARKUSH: It’s a nice thought, but if Langford is ready to shine now – at a bargain, fourth-rounder salary – and Forte is looking for one last lucrative multi-year pact, Pace could opt to allocate his funds to rebuilding the defense. No disrespect intended to Forte, who showed before his injury he might be the rare example of a 30-year-old back worth that commitment.

Where things might get a tad uncomfortable is if the Bears begin evening the workloads between the two once Forte is healthy. Again, we’re not there yet, but isn’t that at least a possibility?

FINLEY: Sure. But I don’t think it’s likely.

When Forte returns later this season – I don’t think it will be Sunday – there’s no reason to think his knee injury alone will limit his snaps. Before he got hurt, he’d played 367 of 439 snaps, or 84 percent of the time. And remember, in the previous two seasons, only one other running back even earned a carry. I could see Forte not rushing back, knowing the Bears are in good hands.

But once he’s back, he won’t be a part-timer. Forte is the most respected player in the Bears’ locker room; if he gets stiffed by management, it will ruffle every other player on the roster. When it comes time to negotiate, though, don’t you think the Bears will be more than happy to point out others’ success in their system this season?

ARKUSH: I think your point about Forte’s

815-288-4455 - www.KenNelsonAuto.com

:_`ZX^f=ffkYXcc%Zfd › K_lij[Xp# Efm\dY\i ()# )'(,

| CHICAGO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

16

#DF022

#JG003

#CG002

#DG003

#DF064

50

Celebrating 1100 N. Galena - Dixon, IL - 815.288.4455 - www.KenNelsonAuto.com years

Mike Freeman Craig Buchanan

General Manager

Sales Manager

Bob Pilling

Sales Manager

Rick Hauser

Sales Manager

Brett Simpson

Carl Buehler Chad Conderman Jamie Curia

Rusty Baker Adam Chapman Josh Vannoy Tanner Dornacher Dave Kipping

Steve Davis

Business Manager Sales Professional Sales Professional Sales Professional Sales Professional Sales Professional Sales Professional Sales Professional Sales Professional Sales Professional

*Prices do not include tax, title, license or doc fees. Residency restrictions apply. See dealer for details. Must take retail delivery by 11/30/2015. ~ Not redeemable for cash. Min $40 purchase. See store for complete details. Must present coupon at time of purchase. Limit one redemption per customer. Not valid with other offers. Photos for illustration purposes only. Dealer not liable for errors.

FOODDRIVEFORDIXONCOMMUNITYFOODPANTRY!MAKADONATIONGETA$5COUPONOFFSERVICE