Thursday, November 19, 2015
G
H Holiday
IFT
GUIDE 2 0 1 5
A Marketing Supplement to Sauk Valley Media & Ogle County Newspapers
PAGE 2
Sauk Valley Media • November 19, 2015
Holiday Gift Guide
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2400 N. Locust St. Sterling, IL
815.625.8529
Black Stainless Steel Collection
Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm Sat 9am - 3pm
November 19, 2015 • Sauk Valley Media
PAGE 3
Holiday Gift Guide
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | WHAT’S INSIDE pp. 4-8
pp. 9-11
pp. 12-15
pp. 16-19
pp. 20-22
Make the past your present with a stroll down memory lane at antique stores.
Grab a seat while you’re Christmas shopping – at a furniture store
There’s a bumper crops of gifts for the farm family
Just in time for New Year’s resolutions: The gift of health and fitness
A few Hallmark moments can make short work of your Christmas list
Publisher Sam R Fisher Advertising Director Jennifer Heintzelman Advertising Sales Mike Bonnell Luke Eisenberg Deb Janssen Jill Reyna Lori Walker Andrew Williamson Page Design Rusty Schrader
Articles and advertisements are the property of Sauk Valley Media, 3200 E. Lincolnway, Sterling, IL 61081; 815-625-3600 or 815-284-2222. No portion of the “Holiday Gift Guide” may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. Ad content is not the responsibility of Sauk Valley Media. The information in this guide is believed to be accurate; however, Sauk Valley Media cannot and does not guarantee its accuracy. Sauk Valley Media cannot and will not be held liable for the quality or performance of goods and services provided by advertisers listed in any portion of this magazine.
UNIQUE GIFTS FOR EVERYONE
Signs • Ornaments • Glassware • Clocks • Jewelry • Gift Cards s Jackets
Boots
Apparel
We carry a wide variety of Helmets, Glasses, & Outerwear Workman Harley-Davidson, Inc. 1903 Harley-Davidson Drive, Rock Falls • 815-626-1213 LikeUs!
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Sauk Valley Media • November 19, 2015
Holiday Gift Guide
GIFT IDEAS | ANTIQUES
Turning to the past for your presents A stroll down memory lane can lead to some great gifts Ever thought about buying some retro furniture, like this table and chairs at Great River Road Antiques, for a kitschy kitchen as a Christmas gift? If you have, then check out area antique shops. What used to be in is in again, and it can make a groovy gift for Christmas.
BY LONNIE C. MILLER Special to Holiday Gift Guide
When it comes to buying unique gifts this holiday season, many folks are thinking outside the box – outside the “big-box” stores, that is. Those thoughts are directing them to something old instead of something new, and that’s taking them to antique malls, flea markets and mom-and-pop antique shops. At those shops, they’re finding shelves filled with collectible glass, primitives, racing or sports collectibles, vintage books, antique toys, jewelry, and designer handbags. Big or small, antique shops offer a treasure trove of gifts to suit just about any taste. Joanne Gribbons, owner of Showplace Antiques in downtown Sterling, said when you’re heading to an antique stores to fill your Christmas list, don’t look for one-size-fits-all kinds of gifts. ANTIQUES CONTINUED ON 6
Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com
10% OFF • Everyday low price guarantee* • Best selection & value • Wine, liquor, beer • Cigars, cigarettes, lottery, ice • Delivery available for prepaid party orders+ *
Price match for only locally advertised prices with local competition only.Valid on liquor & wine only.Beer excluded. + For prepaid party orders, minimum purchase required.Delivery charges may apply.
On purchase of $100 or more Wine & Spirits Only Not valid with any other offter.Expires 12/31/15
$5 OFF On purchase of $40 or more Wine & Spirits Only Not valid with any other offter.Expires 12/31/15
November 19, 2015 • Sauk Valley Media
PAGE 5
Holiday Gift Guide
‘Tales of Valor’ now available for purchase, Order your Limited edition now! f Tales o
alor to A Tribute
Sauk Vall
ey Vetera
ns
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
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Sauk Valley Media • November 19, 2015
Holiday Gift Guide
Shopping trips can be like going on a treasure hunt ANTIQUES
CONTINUED FROM 4
“It all depends on what your family or friend collects. That defines what you might purchase. Of course, gift certificates assure they get exactly what they want.” Another advantage of antique shops: The search for the gift is half the fun. No Black Friday battles, just a trip down memory lane while finding that certain something special for the special someone. If you don’t know what you’re looking for, it’s very enjoyable to just search through all the possibilities while you wait for inspiration to strike. Showplace Antiques offers five levels and multiple vendors, giving shoppers almost endless options. Merchandise includes items that you won’t find in a chain store. Karen Minssen, at Great River Road Antiques in Fulton, said, “Quilts are always popular, along with crocks of all kinds; both are trendy right now.” The
Where to go
Here’s a partial list of some area antique shops. Showplace Antiques – 307 First Ave., Sterling; 815-564-9376 or 815564-8254 Great River Road Antiques – 23080 Waller Road, Fulton (on Route 84 between Fulton and Thomson), 815589-3355 Sterling Antiques and Collectibles – 117 W. Third St. Mr. & Mrs. P’s – 710 S. Galena Ave., 815-288-1178 Eclectic – 19 E. Third St., Sterling, shop also offers estate and new jewelry, toys, garden and yard tools, unique furniture pieces for children and adults, hand-crafted items, antique dolls, used appliances, and tools of all kinds. Great River Road Antiques also has gift certificates and a lay-away program. If you are not knowledgeable about purchasing antiques there are many resources available, such as books
815-535-6337 Our House Antiques – 510 E King St., Polo, 815-441-1263 Tom & Audrey’s Antiques & Collectibles, 505 S. Second St., Clinton, Iowa, 563-243-3439 Broken Spoke Antique Mall, 2204 N. Second St., Clinton, Iowa, 563-2432296 Conover Square Shopping Village, 201 N. Third St., Oregon, 815-732-3950 and websites that offer tips, information and prices – just make sure the book or website is current, as prices on antiques can vary greatly from year to year. While websites and books will help you define both quality and price, your best resource is someone who knows antiques and will offer advice, or even shop with you. PAST PRESENTS CONTINUED ON 8
Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com
Does someone on your list like to capture Christmas memories on film instead of an SD card? Antique stores offer picture-perfect gifts.
November 19, 2015 • Sauk Valley Media
PAGE 7
Holiday Gift Guide
HAVE YOU DONE YOUR SHARE TO HELP UNITED WAY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY REACH THEIR GOAL THIS YEAR? School children in Sterling, Rock Falls, Tampico, Prophetstown and Morrison have raised 949,669 pennies for the United Way of Whiteside County
Jeff Detra, United Way of Whiteside County Board President, Betty Clementz, Education Chairperson and Craig Bowen “Mr. Penny.”
• United Way of Whiteside County helps to fund 20 local partner agencies with 37 programs that last year served over 53,000 in the county. • 99% of everything raised in Whiteside County stays in Whiteside County
Contributions can be sent to PO Box 806, Sterling, IL 61081 Check us out at www.uwwhiteside.org (815) 625-7973
12 Months Interest Free With Approved Credit
UNWRAP NEW FURNITURE FOR YOUR HOME THIS CHRISTMAS!
101 West 2nd Street, Rock Falls, IL • 815-625-0129 Mon.-Thur. 9 AM - 5 PM • Fri. 9 AM -7PM Sat. 9 AM - 4 PM • Sun. NOON - 4 PM Visit www..wheelockfurniture.com & look for the polar bear
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Sauk Valley Media • November 19, 2015
Holiday Gift Guide
Antique dealers can help with holiday lists
40%
Saviings On Any One
ISTMAS ITEM CHRISTMAS
Know someone who likes to hoist some holiday cheer? Give them am antique stein and help them get into the holiday spirits.
W it h t his ad.
Good d Through Th h Dec. D 1 19, 2015 (Excludes sale items & special orders. May not combine with any other offer.)
Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com
PAST PRESENTS CONTINUED FROM 6
Or you can just wing it. Most shoppers just wander through the displays, some a jumbled heap, some beautifully displayed in specific groups, and buy what brings them joy upon sight. Antique stores offer a wide range of prices, too. Some items are understandably more expensive, such as larger
pieces of furniture, collectible toys or gold and silver jewelry with gems. But some things, while unique and beautiful, are inexpensive yet matchless in character. Nostalgia and memories are simply priceless. If you don’t want to offer the routine gift, think outside the box, and try shopping an antique store. Recipients will appreciate the effort put into finding something beyond the norm that was selected from the heart, specifically for them.
CARRY AWAY HUGE SAVINGS
A Furniture Store & More New & Used Furniture, Antiques, Books, Doilies, Jewelry, Glassware, Pictures, Christmas Decor & so much more! OUR GIFT CERTIFICATES ARE ALWAYS PERFECT!
DIXON FURNITURE MART 60-Day Layaway & Financing Available
2400 W 4th St. Dixon 815-288-2488
• • • • • • •
CANDLES TERVIS WILLOW TREE JEWELRY CARDS HOME DECOR PLUSH
501 Locust St., Sterling
815-625-4375
Bring this ad in to receive discount
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FRESH TAMALES
GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE!
FIESTA PARTY TRAYS
FRIDAY - FIESTA BUFFET 10 AM - 9 PM SUNDAY - BRUNCH BUFFET 9 AM - 3 PM
Willy’s MexicanRestaurant & Cocktail Lounge
815-626-0401
3210 W. 4th St. Lincolnway, Sterling
November 19, 2015 • Sauk Valley Media
PAGE 9
Holiday Gift Guide
GIFT IDEAS | FURNITURE
Grab a seat while you’re Christmas shopping Not all your gifts have to fit under the tree – think furniture BY LONNIE C. MILLER Special to Holiday Gift Guide
Whether you’ve got a new grandbaby or one on the way, kids who are growing like weeds, ’tweens or newlyweds on your holiday gift-giving list, furniture makes a wonderful gift for any one in your family, and will really be appreciated by cash-strapped kin. How about a new bedroom set for your little princess or prince, a dining room set for the
happy honeymooners, or living room furniture for those setting up housekeeping for the first time? Even your hubby or dad might like a new, stylish-butcomfortable recliner to replace that worn-andtorn one currently in use. If you’re not sure of their taste in furniture, you can always buy a gift certificate. All area stores offer them. Dixon Furniture Mart has new and used furniture to fit any budget. It also has estate finds that include collectibles, accessories, and home décor. You can order custom-upholstered pieces, too. Owner Linda Hollingsworth says, “We
Michael Krabbenhoeft/mkrabbenhoeft@saukvalley.com
Wheelock Furniture in Rock Falls has a wide assortment of power recliners and sofas in different colors and styles.
are a furniture store and so much more. We have jewelry, holiday decorations, bedding and furniture for every room in the house. All our furniture is American made and sourced as locally as pos-
sible. Our upholstery is done in Indiana, the Carolinas and Wisconsin. Our bedding is made in Rock Island. It assures us that we can get service quickly.” Harold’s Furniture in
Rock Falls has a nice selection of kids beds, bunkbeds, daybeds and loft beds. They also carry a huge selection of recliners in a variety of colors. Stacey Beer, owner and manager,
offers this advice, “Furniture selection is very personal. The best way to get what your recipient likes is to get a gift certificate and let them pick what they like.” FURNITURE CONTINUED ON 10
104WILLIAM W. MainHILTON St., Morrison 1000 PKWY HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC 29928
815-772-4118
843-342-6663 www.diamondland.com
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Sauk Valley Media • November 19, 2015
Holiday Gift Guide
Photos by Philip Marruffo/pmarruffo@saukvalley.com
Left: The Zayley bedroom has nine different colored inlays that can be changed to help keep the set fresh. Right: The Dexifield bedroom set is a contemporary style to freshen up your child’s bedroom.
Reclining or resting, furniture can be a relaxing gift FURNITURE
CONTINUED FROM 9
Daehl Reitzel, owner at Wheelock Furniture in downtown Rock Falls says, “Power reclin-
ers and sofas are extremely popular this year. Flexsteel is a leader in that industry.” His store offers a wide selection of those, plus accessories such as lamps, mirrors and clocks or art pieces that will comple-
ment any home. They also have outdoor furniture for the patio or RV. Daehl strives to offer the lowest possible prices, and he and his staff monitor prices throughout the region to do so. Delivery and installation are
GIVE THE GIFT OF HEALTH
available. Knie Furniture in Sterling offers furniture and appliances. Along with furniture for every room in the house, and an impressive array of famous-brand appliances,
Knie offers a whole children’s collection from Ashley Furniture. Layaway and gift certificates are available. LAYAWAY CONTINUED ON 11
54 YEARS SERVING THE SAUK VALLEY AREA
YMCA Gift Certificates DIXON FAMILY YMCA
110 N. Galena Avenue Dixon, IL 61021 815 288 9622 www.dixonymca.org
HOLIDAY SAVINGS GOING ON NOW AT FARLEY’S! 24 HOUR - 7 DAYS A WEEK
SERVICE AVAILABLE ON ALL MAKES OF FURNACES 1245 N. GALENA AVE, DIXON, IL | 815-284-2052
November 19, 2015 • Sauk Valley Media
PAGE 11
Holiday Gift Guide
Buying furniture gifts? Don’t delay, layaway today LAYAWAY
CONTINUED FROM 10
If you are looking for something created by a craftsman, Tegler’s Amish Furniture in Morrison is the place to shop. According to the store’s website, it boasts the “finest hand-crafted furniture
built in America’s heartland.” Amish craftsmen “use the finest northern hardwoods, and produce custom-ordered products, custom finished and signed by the artisan whose skilled hands bring it to this world.” It takes several weeks lead time for most custom pieces, but Tegler’s has five showrooms full of ready-
to-purchase pieces, including “character cherry wood” pieces, and some “express” items that can be finished in time for the holidays. It has gift certificates and a 90-day, interest-free program for qualified buyers. Whatever your taste or budget, there is a great selection of options in the area.
Where to go
Here’s a partial list of some area furniture stores Dixon Furniture Mart – 2400 W. Fourth St., Dixon, 815-288-2488; 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday Harold’s Furniture – 1210 U.S. Route 30 W., Rock Falls, 815-625-7177; 8:30 a.m.5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.- 5 p.m. Saturday, noon-4 p.m. Sunday Wheelock Furniture, 101 W. Second St., Rock Falls, 815-625-0129; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday,
9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, noon-4 p.m. Sunday Knie Furniture, 3614 E. Lincolnway, Sterling, 815-626-5631; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. MondayThursday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.5 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday Tegler’s Amish Furniture, 13459 Crosby Road, Morrison (2 miles south of Morrison on Route 78), 815-772-3533; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday
Philip Marruffo/pmarruffo@saukvalley.com
Knie Appliance and TV has GE Slate appliances, a hot seller this year.
...a Visa® gift card from Sterling Federal Bank* Member FDIC
CHRISTMAS SPECIAL Two Hours - Aircraft Rental & Three Hours - Flight Instruction $299 .00 - Big Savings!
There a convenient location near you: Sterling ● Rock Falls Dixon ● Morrison Mt. Morris ● Byron ● Clinton, IA
“Introductory Flight” Gift Certificates • Only $89.00 Exp. January 31, 2016
Whiteside County Airport• 10950 Hoover Rd. • Rock Falls, IL *For terms and conditions, see information accompanying the card. Not to be used for cash withdrawal.
Phone: 815-622-FLY-1 (3591) • Fax: 815-622-5071 • www.mmaviation.net
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Sauk Valley Media • November 19, 2015
Holiday Gift Guide
GIFT IDEAS | FARMING
There’s a bumper crop of gifts for the farm family BY LONNIE C. MILLER Special to Holiday Gift Guide
If you’ve got a farmer, or a farmer-at-heart in your life, you’ll want to check out the gift selection at several area stores. If your farmer wants a lawn tractor, a pedal tractor, a collectible toy tractor or a John Deere tractor, they’re all available locally. Or, your farmer’s wife might like farm-related clothing, home décor, canning and freezing gadgets, or boots to muck around in the barnyard. From clothing big and small to tractors big and small, Blain’s Farm and Fleet offers farmrelated gifts for all ages and sizes – from baby clothes on up to big boys toys. And if you’re not sure what to buy, the store also offers gift cards. But if gift cards aren’t your style and you need a little help picking the right
gift, who better to ask than the person you’re shopping for? Farm and Fleet offers a gift registry, so you might want to encourage the farmers in your life to register for what they’d like; it’s a way to assure that you select exactly what they want. Whether you ‘bleed’ red or green, the store has fans of Farmalls and John Deere covered, with wallets, signs, clothing, and more. The store also offers Illinois hunting and fishing licenses, pet supplies and bird feeders, auto supplies, big and tall clothing selections, work wear, shoes, boots, hunting gear, small kitchen appliances and canning supplies. It also offers outdoor power equipment, tools, and gardening supplies. Your favorite city-gardener will love the selection here, too. FARMING CONTINUED ON 14
THE BEAUTIFUL YOU BOUTIQUE ...because we give a glam!
OUR UR LOADED BAKED POTATO SOUP IS BACK!!!
Warm Up To Good Food... GREAT TIMES!
Fashion Handbags • Jewelry • Accessories • Apparel Lotti Dotties • Ginger Snaps • Lenny & Eva
JJOIN US FOR OUR NEXT SIP N’ SHOP: DECEMBER 4, 5 & 6
Looking for the Perfect Gift?
Try a Kelly’s Gift Certificate or Kelly’s Apparel & Merchandise
218 Locust St., Sterling • 625-7969 (for carryout) • www.kellysinc.com
815-622-0007 • 3512 E. Lincolnway, Sterling Open M-F 9-6, SAT 9-4, & SUN 10-4
November 19, 2015 • Sauk Valley Media
PAGE 13
Holiday Gift Guide
Please visit the best kept holiday secret in the region - the gift shop and art gallery in the Northwest Territory Historic Center.
Black Friday
EARLY 10% OFF Select Gifts
15% OFF
205 West 5th Street Dixon, IL 61021 Phone: 815-288-5508 E-mail: info@nthc.org Web Site: www.nthc.org
Two or More
(Cannot be combined with other offers - Only valid on items marked with a red or green star Sale runs through the end of December 2015)
2522 E. Lincolnway, Suite C, Sterling, IL 61081 | 815-625-3409
SHANNON • POLO • LAKE CARROLL
Shannon (815) 864-2111
Polo (815) 946-2777
www.fsbshannon-polo.com
Lake Carroll (815) 864-2125
NTHC is formerly Dixon Historic Center
PAGE 14
Sauk Valley Media • November 19, 2015
Holiday Gift Guide
Think red and green for Christmas – Farmall red and Deere green FARMING
Where to go Here’s a partial list of some area farming stores.
And of course, they have something for the good boys and girls on the list too – toy tractors, play sets, farming puzzles and more await Christmas shoppers. Wilco Rentals in Sterling isn’t just about rentals. It offers “the coolest toys for kids or all ages,” according to owner Kevin Springman. “We have battery-operated ride-on-tractors, replicas, and radio-controlled toys.” There’s also games, puzzles, books and more for the little ones, and a wide range of toys for the bigger guys, such as lawn and garden equipment or collectible farm toys, which are very trendy right now, and brand names such as John Deere, Toro, Echo, Stihl, Areins and Gravely. They have gift certificates, too, if you just can’t decide what’s best for your farmer friends and family. Tractor Supply also offers gift certifi-
ANIMA SE L O R
Photos by Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com
Left: Who says pink can’t be rugged? Local farm stores offer tough coats for those cold days on the farms. Right: Top off your Christmas shopping with some stocking stuffers, like these farm hats.
FARM GIFTS CONTINUED ON 15
K-
WILCO RENTAL
9
TER EL SH
GR AN NY
Blain’s Farm & Fleet 3913 E Lincolnway, Sterling, 815-6259028; 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday Wilco Rental 1825 Locust St., Sterling, 815-6254323; 8 a.m. -5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday Tractor Supply 1810 S. Galena, Dixon, 815-284-0422; 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday
CONTINUED FROM 12
If We Raise $100,000... We Get A $100,000 Matching Pledge!
Granny Rose’s New Indoor Dog Training Facility
GREEN This Christ Give A Little
mas!
Your Support Is Appreciated! All Donations Are Tax Deductiable.
www.ShopKnies.com WE ACCEPT
(Interconnected with our Ashley Furniture HomeStore)
STERLING
3614 E. Lincolnway
815-626-5631
MON.-THURS. 9-6, FRI. 9-8, SAT. 9-5, SUN. 11-4
LYNN BL VD.
Granny Rose Animal is a 501(C)(3) not for profit organization. We survive solely on donations and fundraisers to provide this much needed service for the homeless animals in our area. Sponsored By
POLO 708 S. Division St. • 815-946-2714
McCORMICK'S
MENARDS
IL. T. R 2 / E. LINCOLNW AY ALDI'S
MON.-FRI. 8:30-5:00, SAT. 8:30-3:00
~ Furniture & Mattresses In Sterling Only ~
613 River Lane, Dixon, IL • 815-288-PETS(7387) Just West of the Dixon City Limits on IL Rt. 2
TOYS! TOYS! TOYS!
Buy 1 Get 1 Half Price! * Price item must be equal or lesser value. Some exclusions apply. Offer good thru 12/24/2015 1825 Locust • Sterling 815-625-4323 • www.wilcorental.com *
November 19, 2015 • Sauk Valley Media
PAGE 15
Holiday Gift Guide
Young and old, big and small, there’s farm gifts for all FARM GIFTS
CONTINUED FROM 14
Tractor Supply also offers gift certificates and a lay-away program. The Dixon store has a huge selection of gifts for pets, farmers or hunters on your list. From clothing and footwear, an assortment of equipment and tools, hunting gear, gun safes, lawn mowers or power generators, to scented candles or brand name ladies’ wear, you’re bound to find something that will be appreciated by your country cousins. “Collectible Breyer horses are a hot item this year,” said store manager Montana Vincent. This year’s top contender is Peppermint Kiss Holiday Horse. Whether you’re looking for country equipment for your favorite farmer, or country décor for a farmer-at-heart, there’s plenty to pick from locally.
Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com
Collectible Breyer horses are a popular gift this year.
Gift Subscriptions Make Great Gifts!
Call Today! oday!
815-625-3600 or 815-284-2222 Ext. 5301
PAGE 16
Sauk Valley Media • November 19, 2015
Holiday Gift Guide
GIFT IDEAS | HEALTH AND FITNESS
We wish you a healthy Christmas You can really get people pumped up over your gift BY LONNIE C, MILLER Special to Holiday Gitt Guide
It’s often said that money can’t by health or happiness. But it can buy products to promote health, which leads to a happier life. We all have a “health-nut” or two in our families, be it young parents who are seeking to inspire their families to good health, and set an example for their children, or older folks who want to take the edge off of aging. Holiday gifts can include gym or YMCA memberships, health and beauty products – and, of course, gift certificates . Anytime Fitness (in Dixon and Rock Falls) offers a gym that’s open 24 hours daily, with a professional staff available at all hours. The gym has cardio and strength equipment, and it’s secure and clean.
Anytime Fitness manager Jenna Cleaveland works on the lat machine under the eye of personal trainer Jeannie Atkinson.
FITNESS CONTINUED ON 18
S O D IN?? NOT SNOWED O A CHANCE! C C POWER CLEAR 518 -ZR * Great for Smaller Areas * Clears Snow Down to the Pavement * Guaranteed to Start * Electric Start Available
359
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99
POWER CLEAR 721-R * Clears Snow Down to the Pavement * Power Propel System * Guaranteed to Start * Electric Start Available
$
499
99
WILCO RENTAL 1825 Locust • Sterling • 815-625-4323 • www.wilcorental.com
Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com
Holiday Shopping Made Easy! A Stillman Visa® Gift Card is the perfect gift for everyone on your list. It works anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted!* Stop in today! Byron 815-234-5626
Oregon 815-732-7956
Rochelle 815-562-7071
Rockford 815-332-8100
Roscoe/Rockton 815-623-1800
Stillman Valley 815-645-2266
stillmanbank.com
Member FDIC *For terms and conditions, see information accompanying the card. Not to be used for cash withdrawal.
November 19, 2015 • Sauk Valley Media
Holiday Gift Guide
PAGE 17
Merry Christmas to all … and to all a great year! These Dixon merchants appreciate your friendship and support at the holiday season and year round!
The
PAPER ESCAPE Used Paperbacks and Comic Books Trading Cards and Supplies Largest Selection of Magic Packs Role Playing Games and Accessories Fantasy Collectibles, Coin Supplies, & Much More!
205 W. First St., Dixon 815-284-7567 34 years in Downtown Dixon!
www.paperescape.com
75th Annual
Holiday Bazaar
Saturday, Nov. 21 • 9am - 2pm
Delicious Cookies • Candy Store Baked Goodies • Gourmet Nuts Christmas Items Re-purposed Items • White Elephant Stitchery & Crafts
Individual Ham Loaf & Salad Buffet
Luncheon served at 11am and Noon. Purchase tickets at the church office or at the door. $7 Adults, $3 kids 10 and under.
First United Methodist Church 202 S. Peoria Avenue, Dixon • 815-284-2849 Handicapped Accessible off Peoria Avenue
GREEN RIVER Holiday Gift CYCLERY
Specials
20% off
any one regular priced Candle Expires 12/31/15
20% off
Enjoy a good glass of Riverfront Moscato, or purchase a bottle, which is sold exclusively at
Expires 12/31/15
The Crystal Cork
any one Photo or Readymade Frame Many Stocking Stuffers & Teacher Gifts $5-$10!
BICYCLE SERVICE 815-622-8180 8 & REPAIR bik d t @h t il bike_doctor@hotmail.com www.greenrivercyclery.com
2 East First Street 205 Dixon Illinois 61021
Dixon Riverfront Wine Sales
25% off
any one Print or Framed Picture Expires 12/31/15
210 W. First St. Dixon 815-288-2400 • Tues - Fri 9-5, Sat 9-12
219 W. First Street Downtown, Dixon
Stop in today and let the girls gift-wrap a bottle, or fill a gift basket with all the bows and trimmings, for a great present to give as a hostess gift, a good friend or a just-because gift.
PAGE 18
Sauk Valley Media • November 19, 2015
Holiday Gift Guide
Just in time for New Year’s resolutions: Healthy gifts Where to go
Here’s a partial list of places to buy health and fitness gifts.
Photos by Philip Marruffo/pmarruffo@saukvalley.com
Health and Nutrition Plus at 2522 E. Lincolnway carries a wide variety of Now Solutions products for your holiday needs.
FITNESS
CONTINUED FROM 16
They always offer a one-time trial pass, but you might want to consider their 2-month trial membership for someone who’s been talking about getting back in shape. Or, you could add months to an existing membership. You can also buy a gift certificate for personal trainer hours. The Dixon YMCA has options to buy gift memberships or “scholarships” for children or adults. Scholarships are a good
way to give to children who might not otherwise be able to partake of healthy pursuits such as a variety of classes, swimming, sports and so on. If you have a heart for charitable works during the holidays, this is one way to do that work. Health and Nutrition Plus in Sterling is a family-owned and operated business that offers a full line of health and beauty products. Because health is such a personal matter, the store has gift certificates that can be used toward merchandise or nutritional and health counseling. HEALTH CONTINUED ON 19
TM
Our ur House Antiqu Antiques 510 E. King St. • Polo, IL 61064 • 815-441-1263
ANTIQUES • COLLECTIBLES • HAND MADES Shop Hours: Thursday & Friday 10AM -7PM Saturday 10AM - 5 PM ourhouseantiques@comcast.net
All major cards & Paypal accepted
Anytime Fitness – 1223 N. Galena, Dixon, 815-285-4855; 107 S. First Ave., Rock Falls, 815-564-9000; Open 24 hours daily Dixon YMCA – 110 N. Galena Avenue, Dixon, 815-288-9622; 5 a.m.-9 p.m. MondayThursday, 5 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday, 6 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.5 p.m. Sunday Health & Nutrition Plus – 2522 E. Linclolnway Suite C, Sterling, 815-625-3409; 9 a.m.6 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Saturday.
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November 19, 2015 • Sauk Valley Media
PAGE 19
Holiday Gift Guide
Express your love with a gift of health and fitness HEALTH
CONTINUED FROM 18
Supplements and vitamins, teas and Organo Gold coffees, bulk herbs, aromatherapy, organic and gluten-free groceries and specialty products such as essential oils are all available. The store also has a full line of natural skin-care supplies, including bath salts or detoxifying soaks and goat’s milk soap. Personal consultation for healthy living is another option; there are multiple ways to enjoy a gift certificate. The store also ships products for out-of-area gift recipients, and will order special-request items if possible. Nutrition Plus, in Clinton, is owned by Carey Everson. Her store also offers a full line of health and beauty products, supplements and consultations. Carey says she’s been passionate about helping people regain their health. “Health foods and supplements are a part of the industry that is growing because of the health crisis we are undergoing in the United States.” She strongly believes that herbal supplements are a healthy way to guard your health. She offers gift certificates, too. If you are among those who believes in promoting better choices to achieve better health and longer life, perhaps a gift certificate for health and fitness products and services is the way to express your love.
Personal trainer Jeannie Atkinson (right) helps Anytime Fitness manager Jenna Cleaveland demonstrate a core fitness exercise. Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com
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PAGE 20
Sauk Valley Media • November 19, 2015
Holiday Gift Guide
GIFT IDEAS | HALLMARK
A Hallmark moment: Well worth the time FOR THE SPORTSMAN ON YOUR CHRISTMAS LIST!
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Stores can help solve your gift-giving dilemma with ornaments, decor and more BY LONNIE C. MILLER Special to the Holiday Gift Guide
Do you ever get overwhelmed trying to come up with something unique and thoughtful to put under the Christmas tree? We buy so many gifts over the holidays that sometimes it feels like there’s nothing out there that our loved ones haven’t already seen, or that we haven’t already bought. If you’re feeling like a failure in the “creative gift-giving” class, you are definitely not alone. Step into one of our local gift shops and you’ll be tranported into a winter wonderland and instantly begin to feel less stress about your gift-giving skills. Pam’s Hallmark in Dixon offers a cornucopia of fascinating ideas for almost anyone on your list. If ornaments are being collected by anyone in your family, this store offers plenty of holiday magic to hang on the tree, whether you’re celebrating your loved one’s job, personality, or hobby. From sports figures such as Jared Allen or Jonathan Toews – and many more – you’re bound to find your athlete’s favorite. The little ones, too, will enjoy seeing their favorite Disney movie character or Star Wars ornament hanging on the tree. HALLMARK CONTINUED ON 21
Whether the people on your Christmas list are fans of comedy or sci-fi, Hallmark ornaments have you covered, with iconic scenes from “Vacation” and “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.”
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November 19, 2015 • Sauk Valley Media
PAGE 21
Holiday Gift Guide
Join us for Refreshments during The Mistletoe Walk Sun, Nov. 22nd • 12-4pm Drop-off Point for Salvation Army Toy Drive
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The book and game “The Christmas Star from Afar” was developed by a Natalie Ard of Polo. Go to starfromafar.com for more information.
Former Polo resident’s book available at Hallmark store HALLMARK
CONTINUED FROM 20
Especially nice is “The Star from Afar” set, a book by former Polo author and artist Natale Ard, and a wooden nativity set to use with the story. It’s a little like “The Elf on a Shelf” idea, but with the star that gets hidden each week until it finally locates the manger and Christ child on Christmas
eve. It’s an option for those of us who want to share this inspirational story with our children and grandchildren as they learn about loving others at the holidays. Golden Key Gifts in Sterling has recently added Hallmark along with their many other gifts and treasures. They also carry a huge assortment of candles, wreaths, and thousands of gift ideas. GIFTS CONTINUED ON 22
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Golden Key Gifts – 702 W. Fourth St., Sterling, 815-622-3903; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. MondayFriday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.3 p.m. Sunday Pam’s Hallmark – 1100 N. Galena Ave., Dixon, 815-288-6600; 9 a.m.-8 p.m. MondayFriday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.5 p.m. Sunday
POINSETTIAS 8 Colors Grown in our Greenhouse!
Fresh Wreaths, Fresh Garland, and Grave Blankets Holiday Gifts, Unique Indoor Plants Terrariums & Miniature (Fairy) Gardens
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Gift Certificates for the Gardener!
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Contact Emily Hermes to book an event (815) 631-2357, or email ehermes0@gmail.com
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Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com
PAGE 22
Sauk Valley Media • November 19, 2015
Holiday Gift Guide
26th Anniversary
Christmas Open p House Country Floral
Fri., Nov. 20 • 8:30 AM-5PM & Sat., Nov. 21st • 8:30 AM - 3PM th
Crossroads Candies • Large Selction of Scarves & Jewelry Boxed Hallmark Christmas Cards Half Priced • Fresh Christmas Arrangements, Wreaths & Grave Blankets • Select Scarves $5!
101 N. Division • Polo • 815.946.3952 • www.countryfloralpolo.com
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600 Gale Street Oregon, IL 61061
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Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com
There’s no place like home in Illinois, and this shirt and hat at Pam’s Hallmark will make good gifts for lovers of the Land of Lincoln, or those who moved away and want to wear their pride for home.
Hallmark stores have gifts for those near to you, and those far from home GIFTS
CONTINUED FROM 21
And like any good Hallmark store, they have a host of ornaments to deck the halls, including Spider-man, Tom Brady, favorites from the movie “Frozen,” and much more. Both stores carry stocking stuffers such as
boot socks and natural scarves, and a delightful collection of baby items, children’s books, crafts and puzzles, a dizzying array of scented candles and sachets, Isabelle Bloom art décor and Illuminated prints that are works of art which are back-lit. And if you want to say “I love you” to friends or
family who can’t be with you for Christmas, you can always say it with Hallmark. Both shops carry Hallmark cards for every member of your family and all your friends. If you’re stumped for ideas, these stores will inspire you in no time. They also do gift wrapping and offer gift cards.
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November 19, 2015 • Sauk Valley Media
GIFT IDEAS | ON A BUDGET
Don’t bruise your budget gift shopping By StatePoint Media Service
While many will seek financial absolution in January, the first of the year will be a lot brighter if you avoid seasonal over-spending in the first place. Here are some simple strategies for setting up a holiday budget and sticking to it. Get started early – You can end 2015 in the black by planning ahead. Just as you may tuck away savings for a rainy day or for a big purchase down the line, you can also create a holiday fund. Cut back on unnecessary expenditures here and there, diverting that portion of your income to a special savings account marked “Holiday spending.” Make a list – Store designers have admitted that floor displays are designed to keep you browsing and to encourage impulse purchases. You can circumvent these obstacles by being aware of them. For example, the area around checkout is full of grab-and-go smaller items, the purchase of which can easily be justified on a whim. Making a list and knowing what you plan to purchase before entering a store can help you get in and out without adding more to your cart than you planned. With smart planning and new tech tools, you can end this year with your coffers full. Little things mean a lot – Little gifts for the kids’ teachers, the neighborhood mail carrier, your favorite hairdresser and office co-workers can add up to some big expenses. Gift cards are a special way to show your year-round appreciation and you don’t have to spend
PAGE 23
Holiday Gift Guide
much to make an impact. Consider giving gift cards for a popular restaurant, retail store or coffee spot. Adorn the gift card with a unique ornament or decoration to add some extra holiday flair. Stocking stuffers – After the large items are purchased, don’t forget the stocking stuffers. With nearly limitless possibilities, consider fun items like lip gloss, hand cream and travel-sized toiletries for those on the go. For kids, think about small toys, mini coloring sets and yummy holiday treats including candy canes and chocolates. Add in little everyday items like gloves or a pair of patterned fuzzy socks. The stocking is a fun part of the holiday tradition that doesn’t have to drain your budget. Gifts from the heart – Sometimes the most meaningful gifts are the one you make. Fill a fun candy jar with holiday sweets like individually-wrapped mints and chocolates, and then finish it with a coordinating ribbon and gift tag. You can also give someone a stress-free supper with a homemade soup in a jar mix. Purchase canning jars and fill with soup ingredients like beans, pasta, spices and other delicious ingredients to make a tasty DIY gift. Decorate the jar with ribbon and use the gift tag to include cooking instructions on the back. Finally, let the kids help by creating personalized holiday cards using colored paper, glitter and craft essentials for a one-of-a-kind greeting. Use creativity and have fun with it. Make this holiday memorable by giving meaningful gifts that won’t stress your budget.
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PAGE 24
Holiday Gift Guide
Sauk Valley Media • November 19, 2015
FANTASY FOOTBALL
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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2015 CHICAGOFOOTBALL.COM
GASE’S FUTURE
ASSESSING THE TRADE
Hub Arkush: Bears’ OC likely a head coach some day, but probably not next year
Six years after the trade from Denver, Cutler is playing the best football of his career
2
BRING ON THE
BRONCOS Jay Cutler, John Fox ready to face their former team, minus Peyton Manning
N D K J
4
10
ChicagoFootball.com • Thursday, November 19, 2015
| CHICAGO FOOTBALL WEEKLY
2
Odds against Adam Gase getting HC job in ’16 How much time have you spent recently worrying about what the Bears are going to do next year after offensive coordinator Adam Gase has left for his first NFL head coaching job? How many times have you read about the concern or listened to it discussed on talk radio? Why won’t anyone understand it’s not all that likely to happen? Before I explain all the issues here, let me be as clear as I can when I say I think Gase has done an outstanding job through the first half of his first season in Chicago. It seems likely, perhaps even certain, that the 37-year-old, 11-year veteran NFL assistant coach will one day get his first head-coaching job. It’s just that the odds are really stacked against it happening after this season. Here are a few facts: Since 2008, there have been 19 NFL offensive or defensive coordinators hired for their first NFL head-coaching jobs. One coordinated a 15-win team, two 13-win teams, three 12-win teams, seven 11-win teams, two nine-win teams, one an eight-win team, two seven-win teams and one
FROM THE EDITOR
By HUB
ARKUSH
harkush@chicagofootball.com @Hub_Arkush
a six-win team. Sixteen of the 19 coached in the playoffs in their last game before leaving for their new head-coaching jobs. If the Bears don’t make the playoffs, Gase has a 16 percent chance based on the recent history of the league. Or are his odds that good? The two 7-9 coaches were Pat Shurmur, who coordinated the Rams’ offense in 2010 before going to Cleveland, and Rob Chudzinski, who coordinated the Panthers’ offense in 2012 before succeeding Shurmur in Cleveland. The 6-10
coach was Mike Pettine, who coordinated the Bills’ defense in 2013 before following – wait for it – Chudzinski in Cleveland. There are other factors working against Gase. One is that while most of Chicago believes Gase walks on water for the rehab job he’s done on Jay Cutler, most of the rest of the country will say, “Great, but how good is his offense?” Coming off easily their two best offensive games of the season against San Diego and St. Louis, the Bears currently rank 16th in the NFL in total offense and 20th in points scored. Why aren’t Josh McDaniels (Patriots), Harold Goodwin (Cardinals), Hue Jackson (Bengals), Mike Shula (Panthers) or Ben McAdoo (Giants), who coordinate the top five scoring offenses in the NFL, as good or better candidates as Gase? You know what they all have in common? They’re all on firstplace teams and all but McAdoo are already practically guaranteed playoff trips. If you’re doing your homework, you know McDaniels and Jackson
already have had head-coaching jobs. What I can tell you for sure is McDaniels is going to get another shot, it’s just a question of when and where. You think Gase is a miracle worker? Have you seen what Shula is working with in Carolina? With head-coaching experience at Alabama and his bloodlines, you can bet the former Bears assistant is going to get a lot of play, too. Here’s one more question: Is Gase the best head-coaching candidate on his own staff ? Who’s accomplished more, Gase with five Pro Bowlers to work with, or Vic Fangio with his eighthranked total defense that’s 24th in points allowed and boasts only Antrel Rolle with Pro-Bowl creds? Adam Gase has done a great job through nine games and deserves head-coaching consideration, but unless the Bears win at least five of their last seven and claim a playoff spot, the odds are strongly stacked against him this year. Unless, of course, he wants to go to Cleveland, whose job is likely to be available again.
BY THE
NUMB3RS
7-7
Bears all-time record vs. the Broncos.
4-2
Bears all-time record vs. the Broncos at Soldier Field.
37-34
Final score the last time the Broncos visited Chicago, on Nov. 25, 2007. Late in the third quarter, Jay Cutler hit Brandon Marshall for a 68-yard touchdown pass to regain the lead ... for the Broncos. But two fourth quarter TDs by the Bears secured the win for the home team. Chicago Football Weekly is produced by Shaw Media, the Daily Herald Media Group and the Chicago Sun-Times in partnership with other Illinois daily newspapers.
1997
Brandon Marshall
CUTLER FOR ORTON
The Bears wanted a quarterback for the future. The Broncos were trying to rebuild. So, the Bears sent their starting quarterback Kyle Orton, their first- and third-round picks in
MARSHALL FOR PICKS
The Bears wanted an elite wide receiver, so they made a move to reunite Brandon Marshall with Jay Cutler, who were teammates in Denver. Marshall, who had put up two straight 1,000-yard seasons in Miami, was traded to Chicago in exchange for the Bears’ 2012 third-round pick and 2013 third-
round pick. Marshall would go on to have a career year with the Bears with 1,508 yards and 11 touchdowns. He combined for more than 3,500 yards in three seasons in Chicago.
DRAFT PICKS TRADE
The Bears finished 1-13 in 1969 and had the second overall pick in the 1970 draft. They decided to trade out of the first round, send-
ing the selection to the Packers for Lee Roy Caffey, Bob Hyland, and Elijah Pitts. None of the three lasted past the 1970 season in Chicago. The Bears also sent their second-round pick to Dallas for Craig Baynham and Phil Clark. Baynham, at least, played two seasons with the Bears, but Clark was gone after 1970. Five players spent a combined five seasons with the Bears in what was an unmitigated disaster for Chicago in the 1970 draft.
1996
AP photo
1970
2009
Some trades can shape teams’ futures for years. The trade that brought Jay Cutler to Chicago in 2009 is a fitting example. As Chicago and Denver, the teams that orchestrated the Cutler blockbuster, face off this weekend, here are five of the biggest trades in Bears history.
2009 and their first-round pick in 2010. In return, the Bears got Cutler and the Broncos fifthround pick, which they used to draft Johnny Knox. Out of all five players involved in this trade, Cutler is the only one still on the same team.
2012
BEN GARTLAND
bgartland@chicagofootball.com
FIRST-ROUND SWAP
The Bears were anxious to move up in the 1996 draft to get the chance to draft cornerback Walt Harris, so they sent their No. 18 overall pick, a thirdround pick and a sixth-round pick to St. Louis to move up to No. 13. Harris would be a productive DB for the Bears, playing six seasons and recording 15 interceptions and 11 forced fumbles.
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3 CHICAGO FOOTBALL WEEKLY | Thursday, November 19, 2015 • ChicagoFootball.com
The Bears needed a quarterback in 1997 and were desperate enough to send a first-round pick to the Seahawks in exchange for Rick Mirer and a fourth-round pick. Mirer was considered a bust in Seattle after four average seasons, never living up to his second overall pick status. Despite signing a three-year, $11.4 million contract, he started only three games for the Bears and threw for just 420 yards before being released at the end of the season.
Five of the biggest trades in Chicago Bears history By
MIRER FOR 1ST-ROUNDER
GAME PREVIEW
ChicagoFootball.com • Thursday, November 19, 2015
| CHICAGO FOOTBALL WEEKLY
4
Broncos
VS.
WK 11
Bears
GAMEDAY: NOON SUNDAY, NOV. 22 / SOLDIER FIELD, CHICAGO
By
KEVIN FISHBAIN
Kyle Long
kfishbain@chicagofootball.com @kfishbain
BEARS RUSHING OFFENSE vs BRONCOS RUN DEFENSE
As of press time, there is no update on Matt Forte, but let’s assume he will wait another week to get back to 100 percent, considering his focus on being healthy for the long-term. Jeremy Langford and Ka’Deem Carey have done a very nice job filling the void, and now the pair faces a Broncos defense that is allowing only 3.5 yards per carry, second-best in the league. Wade Phillips’ 3-4 defense is extremely stout up front with inside linebackers Brandon Marshall and Danny Trevathan and defensive linemen Malik Jackson, Sylvester Williams and Derek Wolfe. That group has combined for 20 tackles for loss. As good as Jay Cutler has been, the Bears are still going to want to run the ball because it’s what they do, and it will help neutralize the Broncos’ pass rush. The run game can stand to be more effective, as it’s averaging only 3.89 yards a pop, 24th in the league. The Rams were able to win one-on-one battles to notch stops for no gain or behind the line and the Broncos have the personnel and scheme to win this battle.
H. Rick Bamman – Shaw Media
EDGE BRONCOS
BEARS PASSING OFFENSE vs BRONCOS PASS DEFENSE
This is our strength vs. strength matchup of the game. Cutler is in the best stretch of his career coming off the best passer rating of his career (151.0) Sunday in St. Louis. He has thrown only two picks in the past five games, as the Bears’ interception rate is eighth-best in the league. Cutler’s accura-
cy is on the rise since the bye and he should have a healthier Alshon Jeffery. All that said, this may be the best all-around pass ‘D’ the Bears have faced all season long. The Broncos lead the league in sacks (32), are tied for allowing the fewest passing touchdowns (eight), and opposing quarterbacks have a 74.6 passer rating. Physical corners Aqib Talib, Chris Harris and Bradley Roby allow the Broncos to go three-deep at the position
with hard-hitting safety T.J. Ward looming in center field. Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware have combined for 11.5 sacks and 32 quarterback hits. Adam Gase’s game plans and Cutler’s decision-making have allowed the Bears to move the ball effectively, no matter the defense. With that in mind, this isn’t as lopsided as the stats and personnel would dictate, but it still goes in Denver’s direction.
EDGE BRONCOS
BRONCOS RUSHING OFFENSE vs BEARS RUN DEFENSE
The focus on Peyton Manning and a Broncos passing attack that has fallen apart ignores how bad the Broncos’ running game has been. Maybe they go hand-in-hand, but Manning got no help from his backs. Ronnie Hillman is averaging 4.1 yards per carry and C.J. Anderson hasn’t been able to regain last year’s form. As a team, Denver is
29th in the league in rushing and 27th in yards per carry (3.78). The Bears’ run defense numbers still aren’t pretty – 25th overall, 27th in yards per carry allowed – but it’s been very good the last two weeks. Vic Fangio’s group just held the league’s hottest back, Todd Gurley, to 45 yards on 12 carries, and that comes a week after limiting Melvin Gordon to 31 yards. Shea McClellin’s return to the lineup makes a big difference for a defense
BROCK OSWEILER
THIS WEEK IN THE NFL
credit AP photo
AP photo
that, as a whole, is coming together nicely. Fangio’s game plan may help the run defense if he stacks the box, putting the game in Brock Osweiler’s hands. This isn’t so much a win for the Bears’ run defense as it’s a lack of confidence in Denver’s ability to move the ball on the ground.
EDGE BEARS
BRONCOS PASSING OFFENSE vs BEARS PASS DEFENSE
Throw out all of Denver’s passing numbers. Gary Kubiak says it will be the same offense with Osweiler, but he is not Peyton Manning – which actually could be good for the Broncos, as it will open more things up on offense. But Osweiler certainly is no match for Manning’s intelligence, decision-making and experience. This is first NFL start, and on the road no less. Osweiler was an efficient 14-of-24 with a touchdown and an interception in relief of Manning against the Chiefs, and he’ll have a full week to prepare for this one. He has the arm and can move for his size, plus he has a great receiver in Demaryius Thomas, who will look to improve on his career-low 12 yards a catch. Denver’s best weapon in the passing game may be Emmanuel Sanders,
who is averaging 13.9 yards a catch. His route-running could cause problems if he lines up in the slot against undrafted rookie Bryce Callahan. The Bears did a great job making things difficult for Nick Foles by moving him off his spot, forcing him out of the pocket. They’ll need to do that against Osweiler, and Fangio should certainly have a sound game plan against a quarterback that few – if any – in the league know better than John Fox and Adam Gase.
EDGE BEARS
SUNDAY’S OVERALL EDGE
How things have changed in the past two weeks. This matchup is riddled with uncertainty for the Broncos, while the Bears are brimming with confidence. The Bears’ coaching staff has kept this team competitive no matter the opponent, but can they do it on offense against the league’s most ferocious defensive unit, albeit one coming off a bad game? The aspects of this matchup that go in the Bears’ favor can’t be noted on a stat sheet, but when we’re talking overall edge, we have to lean to the visitors. There are too many Pro Bowlers on that sideline to ignore, despite the recent struggles.
EDGE BRONCOS
Top players
OFFENSE / RB Ronnie Hillman, WRs Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders, OGs Evan Mathis (left) and Louis Vasquez (right) DEFENSE / DE Malik Jackson, OLB Von Miller, CBs Chris Harris, Aqib Talib and Bradley Roby, S T.J. Ward
Schemes
OFFENSE / In Brock Osweiler, Gary Kubiak has a QB with the mobility to run his preferred bootleg, play-action scheme. The key to Kubiak’s attack remains an effective zone-blocking scheme that forces defenses to guard sideline to sideline before attacking downfield with big-play targets in Thomas and Sanders (toe, check status). DEFENSE / Wade Phillips’ pressure 3-4 will deploy blitzers from all angles, supplementing one of the NFL’s elite rushers (Miller). Denver also boasts the NFL’s top corner trio, capable of flummoxing topflight receivers with physicality.
Weaknesses Hillman and C.J. Anderson have struggled to consistently gain traction, as evidenced by a No. 29 overall ranking on the ground, unheard of for a Kubiak-coached team. Injuries on the edges have decimated Denver’s O-line and led to a lack of cohesion. Journeyman Ryan Harris will protect Osweiler’s blind side.
Last time they met
12/11/2011: Marion Barber giveth and taketh away, rushing for over 100 but also fumbling in OT and allowing the Broncos to pull off the comeback by scoring the game’s final 13 points for a 13-10 triumph.
TITANS @ JAGUARS
RAMS @ RAVENS
7:25 p.m. Thursday, NFLN
Noon Sunday, FOX
If ever there was a week not to tune into “Thursday Night Football” ...
Case Keenum time in St. Louis. Out of time in Baltimore.
WASHINGTON @ PANTHERS
Noon Sunday, FOX
Noon Sunday, FOX
BUCCANEERS @ EAGLES Two teams feeling very different about their 4-5 records.
Slight step up in class for Cousins, Washington offense against undefeated Panthers.
CHIEFS @ CHARGERS
BRONCOS @ BEARS
Chiefs ‘D’ back to near elite level; no team needed a bye more than bloodied Bolts.
Noon Sunday, CBS
3:05 p.m. Sunday, CBS
Brock Osweiler makes his first start against opposing staff that knows him best.
PACKERS @ VIKINGS
COWBOYS @ DOLPHINS
Rodgers-led Pack has taken 9 of 10 vs. Vikings, but these aren’t father’s Vikes – or Packers.
Noon Sunday, FOX
3:25 p.m. Sunday, FOX
Romo’s return too little, too late, but Miami hanging by thread after Suh finally dominates.
49ERS @ SEAHAWKS
RAIDERS @ LIONS
After another blown fourth-quarter lead, 4-5 Seahawks get gift of Gabbert.
Noon Sunday, CBS
3:25 p.m. Sunday, FOX
Raiders classic up-and-down club; Lions ‘D’ benefits from youthful change.
BENGALS @ CARDINALS
JETS @ TEXANS
Cardinals QB looks like NFL’s No. 2 passer, leading league’s No. 2 team into Carson Palmer bowl.
Noon Sunday, CBS Jets had 10 days to rue worst loss; Texans on short week after best win.
COLTS @ FALCONS Noon Sunday, CBS 2-0 as starter, Hasselbeck again in driver’s seat; Falcons hope bye helped Matt Ryan, sputtering offense.
7:30 p.m. Sunday, NBC
BILLS @ PATRIOTS 7:30 p.m. Monday, ESPN AFC’s only unbeaten has taken 27 of 30 versus division rivals; Brady logged 466 yards in Week 1 win at Buffalo. • The Browns, Giants, Saints and Steelers are on bye weeks, the final bye week of the season.
CHICAGO FOOTBALL WEEKLY | Thursday, November 19, 2015 • ChicagoFootball.com
Marcus Mariota
5
ChicagoFootball.com • Thursday, November 19, 2015
| CHICAGO FOOTBALL WEEKLY
6
BEARS
VS.
BRONCOS STAFF PREDICTIONS
Thursday spread: Even
Hub
Kevin
Arthur
Nate
Bob
ChicagoFootball.com
ChicagoFootball.com
ChicagoFootball.com
ChicagoFootball.com
Daily Herald
Bears 16 Broncos 23
Bears 19 Broncos 18 Can the Bears’ game plan and execution work hand-in-hand again? I say yes, they go 4-0 vs. AFC West.
Bears 23 Broncos 20 Momentum, familarity too much in Bears’ favor not to pick the home team.
Bears 20 Broncos 24 Losing Peyton Manning improves the Broncos, and talent beats momentum in this one.
Bears 16 Broncos 23 Expect the Denver offense to look better with a healthy Osweiler than it did with a broken-down Manning.
Season Record: 3-6 Versus Spread: 5-3-1
Season Record: 4-5 Versus Spread: 5-3-1
Season Record: 3-6 Versus Spread: 5-2-2
Season Record: 4-5 Versus Spread: 7-1-1
Season Record: 5-4 Versus Spread: 7-1-1
Jon
Adam
Jay
Kyle
Wes
Northwest Herald
Chicago Sun-Times
Rockford Register-Star
Kankakee Daily Journal
Peoria Journal Star
Bears 14 Broncos 21 The Bears have the better QB, but the Broncos have the superior defense.
Bears 24 Broncos 13 The Bears are catching the Broncos at the right time. And the Broncos are catching the Bears at the worst time.
Bears 27 Broncos 17 My how things have changed! Cutler and Bears soar to .500, Broncos’ spiral continues.
Bears 20 Broncos 21 The Chicago Bears’ protection again will be tested by a terrific defensive front seven.
Bears 24 Broncos 20 So this is what wellcoached football looks like in Chicago. I expect it to continue.
Season Record: 4-5 Versus Spread: 5-3-1
Season Record: 3-6 Versus Spread: 4-3-2
Season Record: 7-2 Versus Spread: 7-1-1
Season Record: 3-6 Versus Spread: 3-5-1
Season Record: 3-6 Versus Spread: 6-2-1
ARKUSH
I’m fine guessing wrong when Bears lose if all the matchups were against them. Even without Peyton, which roster would you rather have?
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ChicagoFootball.com • Thursday, November 19, 2015
| CHICAGO FOOTBALL WEEKLY
8
ILB competition heating up between Jones, Anderson By ADAM
JAHNS
ajahns@suntimes.com @adamjahns
The competitions never end. Not when John Fox is your coach and Vic Fangio is your coordinator, and the Bears have a defense to methodically improve after the two worst seasons in franchise history. Right now, the most significant one is at inside linebacker, where Christian Jones and Jonathan Anderson are competing for playing time next to Shea McClellin. And it’s Anderson who is on the rise. In San Diego, he took over the defense’s calls from Jones and played 99 percent of the defensive snaps with McClellin still sidelined by a sprained knee.
In St. Louis, Anderson replaced Jones in the Bears’ nickel defense next to McClellin. It’s apparent that Anderson, an undrafted rookie, might be on the verge of usurping Jones, who has been the starter since the offseason program. Over the past two games, Anderson has been on for 117 defensive plays to Jones’ 84. Anderson was signed to the Bears’ practice squad after the final cuts in September and promoted to the active roster on Oct. 14. “He’s got a good physical skill set for his position,” Fox said. “Like most rookies new in a system, it takes a minute to learn and adjust. … He’s explosive. He’s very good athletically. He’s got good speed. All the things you look for in a linebacker.” Anderson emerged when McClellin was out, but now he’s got
THE WAY WE HEAR IT Did Week 10 QB mayhem reshape 2015 playoffs
Brock Osweiler will get his first NFL start this Sunday against the Bears due to the foot injury to Peyton Manning, but a number of NFL Insiders are telling us the more significant damage this past Sunday may have been done to three other playoff wannabes. The Houston Texans are tied with the Indianapolis Colts for first place in the AFC South but were forced to go to T.J. Yates in the third quarter in Cincinnati when Brian Hoyer went out with a concussion. Sam Bradford was knocked out of the Eagles’ game against the Dolphins, and we’re hearing he will be gone for at least two weeks as the 4-5 Eagles sit a half game out of first in the NFC East. While we believe he remains relatively healthy, Nick Foles’ abysmal performance against the Bears has caused the 4-5 Rams to go to Case Keenum at quarterback, raising
Jonathan Anderson
Since making 12 catches for 165 yards in wins over the Raiders and Chiefs, Wilson has made just five receptions over the past four games. The return of Alshon Jeffery certainly changes things for Wilson’s targets tailing off, while Langford and Miller have produced. Against the Rams, Wilson made one catch for one yard.
H. Rick Bamman – Shaw Media
to learn to play next to him. McClellin isn’t going anywhere. “He’s been great,” McClellin said. “He’s a young guy. He’s just getting better each week. That’s why he’s out there; he’s been making plays. “I haven’t played much with him, but we’re getting there and the chemistry is getting there. We just got to keep communicating with each other and learning
how to play off of each other, but we’ll get there.”
As tight end Zach Miller and rookie running back Jeremy Langford have flourished recently in the Bears’ offense, receiver Marquess Wilson has experienced a fall from grace of sorts.
More needs to be made about running back Ka’Deem Carey’s success against the Rams. He had 14 carries for 56 yards. Carey’s north-and-south style and quick decision-making seems to click in the Bears’ offense, especially when they go up-tempo. He should get more carries. “This is it,” Carey said. “This is exactly the offense that I love.”
BY HUB ARKUSH
serious doubts as to whether they can continue to contend for an NFC wild card spot. Osweiler is an unknown, having spent his entire NFL career watching Manning, but with a 7-2 record the Broncos retain a three-game lead over the Chiefs in the AFC West with just seven to play. The bigger question there is how long will it take Manning to get back on the field, and as poorly as he was playing before the injury, is it worth the effort? The Eagles were in the process of blowing a nine-point lead when Bradford went out. Sanchez is clearly a step down, leaving most of the scouts we’re hearing from to suggest it may be time for Philadelphia to start thinking about next year. Yates and Keenum are career journeyman backups who will try and chase down Matt Hasselbeck in Indy and Carson Palmer in Arizona. The Andrew Luck injury could
Andy Dalton
this will once again be a Bengals team that can’t win the big ones.
Packers at all-time low under Rodgers?
allow Yates to keep the Texans in the hunt, but it seems awfully unlikely that Keenum will allow the Rams to chase down Carson Palmer and the Cardinals or stay even with the Seahawks.
Choke time in Cincinnati already?
The Bengals were bound to lose a game eventually, but that they did it to playoff nemesis Houston in prime-time, possibly looking forward to the Cardinals a week down the road brought the boo birds out in Cincinnati Monday
The Green Bay Packers’ current three-game losing streak ties the longest dry spell the club has ever suffered with Aaron Rodgers at quarterback dating back to 2008, Rodgers’ first year as the Green AP photo Bay starter. night. We’re hearing though that reFingers immediately began to ports the problems begin with the point at Andy Dalton, including the play-calling of Tom Clements and extra long digits of Texans All-Pro that Mike McCarthy is considering J.J. Watt, mainly due to Dalton’s reclaiming that job are greatly history of poor performances in big exaggerated. games. McCarthy may very well resume A bushel full of dropped balls, calling plays, but our sources are including three by the emerging telling us the Packers’ head coach Tyler Eifert, and a late fumble by is far more concerned with the All-Pro A.J. Green were far more re- number of drops his receivers sponsible for the loss than Dalton. are making, and the thought that Nonetheless, several of our most Rodgers may be over-reaching to reliable sources suggested in the do too much to break the spell and aftermath of the Texans’ upset instead doing more harm than the that when push comes to shove, play selection.
Only a pass-catching tight end who has gone 1,448 days in between catches can fully appreciate Zach Miller’s current situation. On Oct. 2, 2011, Miller caught a 14-yard touchdown for the Jacksonville Jaguars. After a Rip Van Winkle-like hiatus, Miller resurfaced in Week Two with two catches for 14 yards in the Bears’ 48-23 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. That hardly foreshadowed what Miller would accomplish almost two months later. It started with a spectacular, one-handed, game-winning 25-yard TD catch on “Monday Night Football” in Week Nine against the San Diego Chargers. Six days later, Miller’s 87-yard TD became the longest by a tight end in 16 years. A twoyard TD grab later in the game provided the window dressing for a five-catch, 107-yard performance. Miller’s absence wasn’t narcoleptic in nature. It was the result of spending 2012 (calf) and 2014 (foot) on injured reserve, and the 2013 season out of football.
OPINION
By BOB
LeGERE
rlegere@dailyherald.com @BobLeGere
Even through an extended period of down time, Miller said he never considered throwing himself a pity party or contemplated giving up. “I never said, ‘This is just not going to happen,’ ” Miller said. “I never thought it was over. I didn’t want to give up, didn’t believe it was over. I just wanted to go work through it and grind through it. I knew that if I could get back healthy, I knew I could produce.” Miller doesn’t consider his
perseverance anything special, but he credits his wife Kristen and their two young children with a huge assist. “Those are the people I’m with every single day,” he said. “They’ve seen me go through that stuff. I don’t want to say it was an easy transition, but going through those recovery days, they supported me in the plan that I had – get up, go to rehab, I’m not really working, not really involved in football. “But I’ve still got a specific schedule I’ve got to stick to, and they allow me to take care of what I need to take care of.” The Bears’ offense has been looking for new weapons in recent weeks. Pro Bowl wide receiver Alshon Jeffery has been in and out of the lineup. The other starting wide receiver, Eddie Royal, has missed the past two games, as has running back Matt Forte. So Miller stepped up. But he’s also demonstrated that he is a reliable target that opposing defenses must respect. “We’ve got a great team and a lot of weapons,” the 6-foot-5,
Zach Miller
Sarah Nader – Shaw Media
236-pound Miller said. “When other people are covered, they have to throw it to someone. You just have to make the play when it comes your way.” Credit former general manager Phi Emery with bringing Miller aboard when he signed him to a futures contract the day after the 2013 season ended without Miller having played a snap in the league that year. A two-touchdown game in the 2014 preseason was the only evidence new GM Ryan Pace and coach John Fox had to go on when they took over in January.
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It was enough. “They didn’t probably cut up much tape of me because I was probably the last tight end on their list,” said Miller, one of eight tight ends on the Bears’ offseason roster. “So they probably went through all the guys on the list and got to me and said, ‘Hey, we’ll watch this one game and see what it is.’ “And they probably thought, ‘All right, we’ll give him an opportunity to come back and play.’ ” As it turns out, Miller really can play a little bit.
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9 CHICAGO FOOTBALL WEEKLY | Thursday, November 19, 2015 • ChicagoFootball.com
Patience, perseverance lead to production for Zach Miller
ChicagoFootball.com • Thursday, November 19, 2015
| CHICAGO FOOTBALL WEEKLY
10
REWRITING HISTORY?
Jay Cutler
Six years after the trade from Denver, Cutler is Bears’ all-time TD record-holder and having the best season of his career By NATE ATKINS natkins@chicagofootball.com The path that has brought Jay Cutler to now has no clear direction, no Point A headed for a Point B. Rather, the map is cloudy and hard to read, a canvas muddled by so much – a trade, constant coaching switches, a massive contract extension, plays both magnificent and horrifying – that it’s simply ironic that it culminates in what happened that Monday night in San Diego, when perhaps the easiest throw of his career was the most monumental, searing him in the record books for a team he didn’t expect to play for. But the story has to start somewhere, right? So let’s start at the bottom. It comes after the 2009 trade to Chicago from Denver, the team Cutler and the Bears will play on Sunday at Soldier Field in a reunion for John Fox, Adam Gase, Eddie Royal and others, but especially for Cutler. This moment comes in Week Two in 2011 against the Saints on Sunday Night Football. Cutler is running Mike Martz’ motion-heavy, no-audible offense, but he’s more accurately running for his life. Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams has brought the overload blitzes the Bears can’t pick up, and Cutler is getting knocked around to the tune of six sacks and even a kick to the throat. After one particular hit on a passing play, the NBC camera catches Cutler yelling back over to the sidelines: ‘Tell him I said, ‘F*** him!’” For a while, this was the narrative of Jay Cutler in Chicago: getting kicked around, shooting frustration outward and having it absorbed by everyone watching. This was the guy they traded first-round picks for. Quarterback trades don’t happen
often in the NFL, but the ones that do tend to have a way of creating ripples. That’s what happens in a league run by quarterbacks. In 1992, the Packers sent a firstround pick to the Falcons for a wily backup named Brett Favre. In 2007, the Texans threw second-round picks at those same Falcons for another backup quarterback, Matt Schaub, who was a solid starter for a few years but more importantly opened Alanta’s door for the next year’s No. 3 overall pick, Matt Ryan. In 2004, the Chargers and Giants swapped rookie quarterbacks with the Giants getting No. 1 overall pick Eli Manning in exchange for Philip Rivers, the fourth overall pick and two more picks that netted the Chargers Pro Bowlers Shawne Merriman and Nate Kaeding. Since both Manning and Rivers are potential Hall Of Famers, you could argue the Chargers got the better end of the deal with two additional stars, but San Diego likely wishes it had Manning and the two Lombardi trophies his Giants have earned with him. And 2011 saw the Bengals trade Carson Palmer to the Raiders for picks in the first and second rounds. The move didn’t work for Oakland, which won eight Palmer starts in two years, but it saved the quarterback from following through with his threat to retire on the spot with the Bengals. In 2015, he leads the league in yards per attempt and is second in touchdown passes with the 7-2 Cardinals. Then there was this trade, in 2009, the one that came out of nowhere, both in the public eye and within so many square feet of Halas Hall. After replacing Mike Shanahan with Josh McDaniels as head coach, the Broncos were looking to move Cutler, and he was expecting the same. A move of some sort eventually became a done deal,
AP file photo
and the likely target was Washington. At the time, then-Bears general manager Jerry Angelo was privately looking for a way to improve the quarterback position above Kyle Orton. He wasn’t going to look to the first round of the draft, where the Bears were set on taking an offensive lineman, so he looked to other teams. In Cutler, he saw a young player who’d had success, a former first-round pick fresh off his first Pro Bowl selection in his third year. Angelo wanted him, more than those offensive linemen he could grab in the first round. He had to find a way to get him without tipping off Washington. That’s why Halas Hall was so quiet. But then the move happened, and it was a blockbuster: Cutler and a fifth-round pick went to the Bears in exchange for Orton, first-round picks in 2009 and 2010 and a third-rounder in 2009. The Bears were all in. And so frustration by everyone was only natural with such a steep price tag. This was big, and the outcomes were meant to be big. That frustration spilled out in different
forms early on, from fan criticism of his clunker performances during his first year to national figures questioning his toughness in not playing through a knee injury in the 2011 NFC Championship loss to the Packers. It boiled over once he locked into a seven-year, $126 million contract before last season. The past is important to Cutler, as it is a story of maturation that has led him to now, when he’s the new owner of the team record for career touchdown passes with 142. But it’s a complicated mess, and he’d rather not talk about the good or the bad. “That’s an after-the-year, kinda look back on that,” Cutler said about reflecting on his career. “It’s such a grind week-in and weekout, and being a short week, there hasn’t been a lot of time for that.” Others express the same feeling when it comes to Cutler and the trade that brought him to Chicago. Angelo declined an interview for this story, stating through a former employee that the move was “ancient history.” A call to Orton through his agent went unreturned. The Bears declined to make Cutler separately available and did
Jay Cutler
H. Rick Bamman – Shaw Media
ality is evolving under a coach he met at the right place and the right time in his life. Maybe it’s none of that, but consider this: It’s Monday Night Football against the Chargers. Already trailing by a score, he throws a ball well outside of Alshon Jef-
fery and into the arms of Jason Verrett, who returns it for a touchdown. Cutler-esque. He runs to the sidelines, right for his offensive coordinator, a man just five years older than he is. And he just has questions: What happened? How do we fix it?
“Any time that happens, you feel really good about it as a coordinator because you know that’s not going to happen again,” Gase said later. On the very next drive, Cutler threw a touchdown to Martellus Bennett to break the team record. The rest is literally history.
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11 CHICAGO FOOTBALL WEEKLY | Thursday, November 19, 2015 • ChicagoFootball.com
not open up anyone from the front office or ownership. And so the process of connecting those dots becomes a personal endeavor. An itch of curiosity. But it is a topic of interest to many people, as one listen on AM 670 The SCORE can validate. Since the trade, Cutler is 48-42 as a starter and consistently hovers around the league average in yards per game. For so long, fans knew what they were getting, and knew how he would give it to them, with that cannon of an arm that can just as easily make an oh-my-God completion as a game-changing interception. In a league where you either chase prosperity or hope, Cutler can seem too average to provide either. He’s gray, neutral, static. Or so the story has gone. But if there’s a time to believe in change, it could be right now. Nine games into the Fox and Gase regime, Cutler has 13 touchdowns to five interceptions on 64.2 percent completion. In a season riddled by injuries, like the one to his hamstring and the others that have swallowed his offensive line, his receivers and even Matt Forte, stats are never the full story. But one that sticks out most in his favor is the lack of picks, fewer than 22 other quarterbacks. It could be just a stat, but it could also be something more, a tug at the parts of Cutler he doesn’t want to discuss. Maybe, just slowly, a 32-year-old father’s person-
ChicagoFootball.com • Thursday, November 19, 2015
| CHICAGO FOOTBALL WEEKLY
12
NFC NORTH REPORT By
ARTHUR ARKUSH
aarkush@chicagofootball.com @ArthurArkush
PACKERS @ VIKINGS
Overview
Mike McCarthy admitted this week that MVP Aaron Rodgers is pressing after a stunning Lambeau Field loss to Detroit pushed the Packers losing streak to three, the longest since Rodgers’ first year as the starter, in 2008. Mike Zimmer stopped at the T-shirt press to have “BEAT GREEN BAY” shirts made for the surging Vikings, winners of five straight and alone atop the division after a young club leaned on its spry veterans to roll over the Raiders in the Bay Area. A ho hum Week 11 divisional clash for first place indeed. Rodgers has a 65.6 percent career completion percentage, but he has completed just 55 percent over the past two weeks. He’s continued to abandon his mechanics as his receivers continue failing to against man coverage and his blockers often abandon oncoming
in games Rodgers has started. … Vikings CB Terence Newman notched two picks in Oakland, joining Hall of Famer Deion Sanders as the only other 37-yearold to intercept two passes in a game. … Minnesota’s remaining opponents are a combined 38-26. The Packers’ remaining opponents are a combined 33-30.
rushers. After running away from Oakland for his record-tying sixth career 200RAIDERS @ LIONS yard day, Adrian Peterson is separating from the pack in his bid to become the NFL’s first 30-year-old rushing champion. Overview Green Bay has never been forced to rely The Lions clawed to a cathartic win on its quarterback more, while the Vi- in Green Bay, their first in the past 24 kings’ run game and Peterson take center Lambeau visits. Sheldon White is 1-0, stage ahead of Teddy Bridgewater. and quickly quashed any questions regarding the impact an interim general Matchup to watch manager can make at midseason after he Rodgers has been hit 28 times and tak- signed CB Crezdon Butler off the street en 11 sacks over the past three games, one last week and Butler made the game-endof many illustrations of how currently dis- ing pass breakup on a potential game-tycombobulated the Packers’ offense is. It ing, two-point conversion in the closing doesn’t help when he’s asked to drop back seconds. Questions still abound, partic61 times – a Packers record – last week, ularly regarding Detroit’s still-lifeless nor would the loss of LT David Bakhtiari ground game, another uncharacteristic who, despite not playing well himself pri- gaffe by Calvin Johnson and the future or to exiting with a knee injury last week, Motown outlooks of Jim Caldwell and is a marked improvement over fill-in Don Matthew Stafford. But the Lions’ shortBarclay – especially matched up against handed ‘D’ played its best game, and Vikings top rusher Everson Griffen. Golden Tate and Ameer Abdullah made their biggest contributions to date. With By the numbers another offense full of explosive passThe Packers have won nine of the game personnel next on the docket, and past 10 meetings (including postseason) the Lions with just three healthy corners
after Nevin Lawson (concussion) and nickel Josh Wilson (knee) left Sunday’s game, second-round CB Alex Carter or practice-squad player Stanley Jean-Baptiste should make their Lions debut. After surrendering 30 or more points in consecutive losses, the Raiders desperately need a road win to get back to .500 and stay in the postseason mix.
Matchup to watch
Something has to give when Detroit’s last-ranked rushing offense (3.4 ypc) tangles with Oakland’s No. 23 run ‘D,’ which over the past two weeks has permitted 458 yards. Could rookie RB Ameer Abdullah earn his way into Caldwell’s good graces after a 104-yard kickoff return sparked the Lions to a second-half lead they were able to secure? It’s clear Joique Bell (14 carries, 17 yards last week) isn’t part of the long-term plan, and with a Lions O-line failing to generate space, it’s Abdullah, not Bell, with the ability to create on his own. Also keep an eye on the Lions’ situation at right tackle, where former Bear Michael Ola could see action against Oakland edge force Khalil Mack.
By the numbers
Abdullah’s 104-yarder tied an NFL record for longest non-scoring play when he was tracked down by the Packers DB Micah Hyde.
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FOOTBALL
With NFL’s worst D’s on bye, fewer solid plays By
J.C. TALON
ChicagoFootball.com fantasy football writer
Three of the league’s worst four defenses (Giants, Saints, Browns) are on bye this week, so you’ll have to look a little harder for your patsies. Here’s a look at some of the favorable, and not so favorable, matchups in Week 11.
MATCHUPS TO EXPLOIT RAIDERS (@ LIONS)
CHIEFS (@ CHARGERS) 3:05 p.m. Sunday After a dismal 1-5 start, Kansas City is on a bit of a roll having won three consecutive games with an average margin of victory of more than 20 points. Charcandrick West has done an admirable job of filling in for Jamaal Charles. Although he averages a full yard less per rush (4.1 to 5.1) than Charles, West has scored four times in four games (three rush, one receiving). This week he’ll face the 24 th- ranked defense in the NFL. The Chargers are giving up nearly 28 points per game. Kansas City does not have much of a passing attack, but there is a chance they could have some success in the air this week. San Diego’s defense is ranked 26th against the pass. Drew Brees, Eli Manning and Ben Roethlisberger are on byes this week. If one of those guys is your regular QB, you could consider playing (gulp) Alex Smith. Must start: West, Travis Kelce Solid play: Jeremy Maclin, Cairo Santos Worth a look: Smith Last resort: D e ’ A n t h o n y Thomas, Chiefs D/ST
Noon Sunday The Oakland Raiders are coming off a disappointing performance against Minnesota, but they should be able to bounce back against the league’s 25 th -ranked defense. The Lions just held Aaron Rodgers and the Packers to 16 points, but Green Bay moved the ball at will in the game’s final quarter. Derek Carr connected with 10 different targets against the Vikings. Owners of Michael Crabtree and Amari Cooper have to hope that trend does not continue. Must start: None Solid play: Carr, Latavius Murray, Cooper Worth a look: Crabtree, Sebastian Janikowski Last resort: Jamize Olawale, SEAHAWKS (vs. 49ERS) Mychal Rivera 3:25 p.m. Sunday Stay away: Raiders D/ST It’s been a year to forget for Seattle and their 18 th -ranked PANTHERS (vs. WASHINGTON) offense. The Seahawks are 4-5; Noon Sunday the same record as the ChicaWashington’s defense played go Bears. Yeah, we all saw that well against New Orleans last coming, right? However, if Rusweek, but they’ll face a much sell Wilson & Co. were ever gostiffer test this week in Caro- ing to put it together, this would lina. Washington is giving up be the week. The 49ers defense five yards per rush, which is is ranked 27 th overall and 29 th against the pass. worst in the NFL. Must start: Steven Hauschka, Must start: Cam Newton, JonSeahawks D/ST athan Stewart, Greg Olsen Solid play: Wilson, Marshawn Solid play: Graham Gano, Lynch, Jimmy Graham Panthers D/ST Worth a look: Doug Baldwin Worth a look: Ted Ginn Last resort: Thomas Rawls Last resort: Mike Tolbert, Stay away: Jermaine Kearse, Devin Funchess, Corey Brown
Tyler Lockett, Paul Richardson
SEAHAWKS (vs. 49ERS) 7:30 p.m. Monday The injury to Julian Edelman will turn Danny Amendola into the hot pickup of the week. He is definitely worth a roster spot, but don’t expect Edelman-like numbers. Brandon LaFell’s targets also will likely increase. The Bills’ defense is much hyped but, in reality, they are an average unit. Buffalo is 16th in yards allowed per game. Must start: Tom Brady, LeGarrette Blount, Rob Gronkowski, Steven Gostkowski Solid play: Brandon LaFell, Danny Amendola Worth a look: Patriots D/ST Last resort: James White Stay away: Brandon Bolden
ALSO CONSIDER LIONS (vs. RAIDERS) Noon Sunday Only the Saints and the Giants are giving up more yards per game than the Raiders. The Lions showed some signs of life last week. There is no guarantee that will continue, but playing at home against a soft defense gives Detroit a good chance to build on its momentum.
VIKINGS (vs. PACKERS) 3:25 p.m. Sunday The Packers are giving up 116 yards per game on the ground (24 th in the NFL). This week will determine whether Green Bay is simply in a slump or if they are about to fall off a cliff. Regardless, Adrian Peterson is perhaps the best fantasy play of the week.
MATCHUPS TO AVOID BUCCANEERS (@ EAGLES) Noon Sunday The Eagles’ defense is mediocre (No. 18), but they are 9th in
Monica Synett – Shaw Media
points allowed at just 20.4 per game. The Buccaneers will be hard-pressed to score that many. Tampa is 25 th in points scored (21.2 ppg). They are 23rd in passing yards and Jameis Winston has thrown only 10 touchdowns this year against nine picks. This is also not a great matchup for the Eagles. Though Tampa’s defense receives little fanfare, they are 10th in yards allowed. Solid play: Mike Evans Worth a look: Doug Martin, Bucs D/ST Last resort: Winston, Charles Sims, Vincent Jackson*, Brandon Myers, Stay away: Austin Seferian-Jenkins*, Connor Barth
BUCCANEERS (@ EAGLES)
Noon Sunday Houston is coming off a nice win in Cincinnati and the Jets suffered a tough loss to Buffalo on Thursday. This could be a close game, but Houston is unlikely to have much offensive production against the Jets and their fourthranked defense. New York is No. 1 against the pass. Brian Hoyer is in the league’s concussion protocol. If T.J. Yates is the starter, it’s hard to see the Texans posting more than, say, 17 points. Running back Alfred Blue averages 3.4 ypc and has just one TD filling in for Arian Foster. He is a bust. Must start: None Solid play: DeAndre Hopkins Worth a look: Texans D/ST RAVENS (vs. RAMS) Last resort: Alfred Blue, JonaNoon Sunday You wonder if offensive co- than Grimes, Nate Washington Stay away: Brian Hoyer*, T.J. ordinator Marc Trestman will look back fondly on his one sea- Yates, Nick Novak son in Baltimore. In fairness, Baltimore has the NFL’s 11 th- ALSO BEWARE ranked offense. But despite his proclamation to run the ball, 49ERS (@ SEAHAWKS) the Ravens are 23 rd in rushing. 3:25 p.m. Sunday The 49ers are undefeated in Justin Forsett’s rushing average has dropped more than a the Blaine Gabbert era. What, yard from a season ago. He has you’re not rushing to the waivfound the end zone just twice in er wire to claim Gabbert? Smart nine games. Forsett had just 53 move. It will be a surprise if the yards last week against the Jag- 49ers reach double digits in Seuars. The Rams are coming off attle. a pasting by Chicago, but their defense ranks 6th overall and 5th BENGALS (@ CARDINALS) 7:30 p.m. Sunday against the pass. Thus far this season, when Must start: None teams fall off the undefeated Solid play: None Worth a look: Joe Flacco, For- bandwagon, they tend to fall sett, Crockett Gillmore, Justin hard (see Denver, Atlanta and Green Bay). That trend could Tucker Last resort: Kamar Aiken, Ra- continue with the 8-1 Bengals as they travel to face the Cardinals vens D/ST Stay away: Buck Allen, Maxx and their third-ranked defense. Williams *Check injury status
13 CHICAGO FOOTBALL WEEKLY | Thursday, November 19, 2015 • ChicagoFootball.com
FANTASY
Adrian Peterson
14
ChicagoFootball.com • Thursday, November 19, 2015
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Do Houston, Young have a future in Chicago? Now that Lamarr Houston and Willie Young are coming off back-to-back impressive games at their new positions, what – if anything – does it mean for the Bears’ future at the position? Pat Finley and Kevin Fishbain discuss in Take 2.
Finley: Kevin, the Bears have a luxury among their outside linebacker corps – and I mean that in the truest sense of the word. Lamarr Houston and Willie Young, backups for most of the season, are making a combined $10 million this season. When defensive MVP Pernell McPhee failed to get on the team plane Saturday, though, the two came up big. Are the converted defensive ends starting to get the hang of outside linebacker? And what does that bode for their future, if they have one here at all? Fishbain: Pat, did you just call Willie Young an outside linebacker? How dare you! He made it very clear that he is a
defensive end. Well, I hate to break it to the team’s best fisherman, but he sure seems to be getting the hang of a twopoint stance as an OLB. Lost in the win over San Diego was his run defense, and he applied consistent pressure against St. Louis. Lamarr Houston is showing off his strength to get to the quarterback, but is he ready to be a full-time player? Unless either proves to have the potential of being a starter opposite McPhee in 2016, the Bears can move on without much of a cost. But with seven games left, it’s not a stretch to think one or both keep ascending, is it? Finley: We tend to talk about the two as one entity, but they’re not. Young has been better this season, and the $3.16 million cap hit he’ll take next season is less than half that of Houston. Young could be a bargain; Houston won’t be. Both, though, are getting a chance to show the Bears – and, possi-
ger can Houston put on a happy face and be a rotational player? Finley: Their fit in Vic Fangio’s system is suspect, even on a good day. But I wonder if the more those good days pile up, maybe Young will start to picture his future as an outside linebacker. Both have been good teammates and, in the public eye, good soldiers. But Houston has played 30 percent of the Bears’ snaps this year. He doesn’t want to do that next year, I presume. Here’s the question that no one can answer: Now that both are healthy and have been in the system for more than half a season, will they continue to improve next week and the week after? When have they topped out? What’s the sound of one hand clapping? Kevin? KEVIN? Fishbain: Pat, no need to shout, though I’m sure Willie Young was as loud as ever when he got his first career interception, then reeled in a big one in his celebration. They’re going to get opportunities, especially if McPhee’s knee remains an issue. Houston and Young have worked hard, and they want to be productive – even if it’s not their ideal position – and we can all agree the Bears are in good shape if the duo truly look like bonafide contributors by season’s end. If not, then Pace can continue to make the roster younger and Young and Houston can find better landing spots.
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15 CHICAGO FOOTBALL WEEKLY | Thursday, November 19, 2015 • ChicagoFootball.com
TAKE TWO
bly, their next employer – that they can play 3-4 outside linebacker and, perhaps, rush with their hands in the ground on passing plays. Consider: against the Vikings, Willie Young and Houston Young combined to play 11 snaps. In two games since then, they’ve played 151. The tryout is on. Still, I think the Bears’ greatest need in the offseason is a pass-rusher across from McPhee. Is there anything the two can show to Lamarr change that? Houston Fishbain: Landing a speed, 3-4 edge rusher in the draft has seemed like a top priority, but wouldn’t it be ideal if Houston or Young really established himself as a starter? The Bears have so many needs – cornerback, offensive line, inside linebacker, defensive line, maybe running back – they could bump OLB down in priority if they can rely on Houston and/or Young for another season, especially since they’re already under contract. Ryan Pace can bring Sam Acho back, add a rookie and be set, but would the two Emery signings want that? It sure seems like Young would prefer to be in a 4-3, and how much lon-
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