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Hawks Have Golden Opportunity to Seize Chicago Sports Spotlight

By Willy Nast | December 28, 2008 | The Blackhawk Report

With the Bears failing to make the playoffs on Sunday, and the Bulls suffering from a perpetual case of mediocrity, the Blackhawks have been the sole provider of comfort and joy for Chicago sports fans such as myself this holiday season.Currently riding an eight-game win streak, it's clear that the Hawks have returned to prominence in the NHL. But this season is about more than that for the Hawks. With all the buzz around town about the Winter Classic, and the lack of excellence on both the gridiron and the hardcourt, the Hawks are also looking to re-establish their prominence in the hearts of citizens of Chicago. The turnaround in the casual fan's attitude toward the Hawks has not only been impressive, it has also been swift. Just two seasons ago, I attended a Hawks/Red Wings game at the UC. It was one of the most depressing experiences of my...

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Bob Probert, Chicago Bears, Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago Bulls, fans, Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Tony Amonte, Winter Classic

NFL Top Ten: Best Games from the 2008 Season

By Greg Trippiedi | December 27, 2008 | MVN Outsider

The regular season may not be over just yet, but it has already produced plenty of classic games. I had the pleasure of picking ten games that might show up again on NFL Classics in the future. All games had to be heavily competitive to be considered, but bonuses were given to games with great storylines, great endings, and really critical results. Here are the top ten games from the first 16 weeks of the regular season:Number 10 (October 26)Giants defeat Steelers 21-14At the time of this game, whether or not the NFC had overtaken the AFC was very much in the air. The Eagles had taken care of the Steelers at home earlier this season, but the Steelers were hosting the Giants in this one. The Giants controlled much of the action in the first half, but the Steelers came out and scored in the second half, and led...

Read more | 2 Comments | Tags: Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, Carolina Panthers, Chicago Bears, Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos, New England Patriots, New York Giants, New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers, San Diego Chargers, Top Ten

Week 17 Preview - at Houston Texans

By Ryan Tennant | December 26, 2008 | From the Midway

I don't know if I can take much more of this.Two straight gut-wrenching overtime victories in the last two weeks have me ordering this for Sunday's game, because I'm positive the Bears are trying to kill me.Following this team is like being in an abusive relationship. Every time you find the reason and courage to leave, they do something that makes you remember why you follow the team in the first place, and you stupidly forget all the hell they put you through. Then the cycle repeats itself again.Better yet, maybe Michael Corleone sums it up best with his infamous "Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in!" line from Godfather III. The Bears have sent my blood pressure through the roof in and caused my heart to stop beating all season long, but I can't tear myself away.The Bears have shown a lot of heart...

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Andre Johnson, Bears, Chicago Bears, Houston Texans, Kyle Orton, Mario Williams, Matt Forte, Minnesota Vikings, NFC North, NFL, playoffs, Texans, Vikings

Packers-Bears: Someone Use the Heimlich on the Green & Gold!

By MJ Kasprzak | December 24, 2008 | The Frozen Tundra

It was a cold day in Hell. The Packers were in a frigid Soldier Field for a rematch against the team they beat 37-3. The last win the Packers earned, as a matter of fact. Let's hope it's not the last one they ever earn. No one wants to be a footnote in history as the only team to lose to the Detroit Lions. No team, no matter how decimated by injury, wants to go from 13-3 to 5-11; 6-10 is bad enough. For three-plus quarters, the Packers dominated our rivals, holding a 267-113 edge in yards more than two minutes into the fourth quarter. But we managed only a 17-10 lead. Then the typical fourth quarter Packers showed up. Game, how do I choke thee? Let me count the ways: Defense: They gave up 98 yards on the Bears next three possessions, excluding their one kneel-down. Once again, most...

Read more | 6 Comments | Tags: Aaron Rodgers, Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, Mason Crosby, Matt Forte, Mike McCarthy, NFC, NFC North, NFL

Week 16 Preview - vs. Green Bay

By Ryan Tennant | December 22, 2008 | From the Midway

Five weeks ago, Green Bay eviscerated the Bears at Lambeau Field 37-3 to move in to a tie for first place in the NFC North, seemingly positioned for another run at a division title. The Bears seemed badly exposed by the blowout loss, looking bad in every possible way. The playoffs were the farthest thing from anyone's mind that Sunday. Fast-forward to now and the Packers have been eliminated from playoff contention after losing four straight games. The Bears still have the faintest of playoff hopes, but have won three of four since that Sunday in Lambeau. If Monday night's game isn't particularly well-played, it should at least make for high drama on prime-time TV. Green Bay will be aching to end their four-game skid AND dash Chicago's playoff hopes at the same time. The Bears, on the other hand, have to win to keep their post-season plans in play....

Read more | 1 Comment | Tags: Bears, Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, NFC North, NFL, Packers, playoffs

Packers-Bears Re-Match Preview

By MJ Kasprzak | December 21, 2008 | The Frozen Tundra

Monday night, the Bears could be playing for a chance to stay alive in the hunt for the division title if the Vikings lose against Atlanta Sunday. But that won't make any difference in either team's desire.That's because the Packers and Bears will definitely be playing for pride. The Bears will be trying to avoid a season sweep at the hands of their longest-standing rivals, and the Packers will be trying to avoid only their second ten-loss season since 1991.The coach who loses will surely be on the hot-seat, and could even get fired. Both coaches' stock has fallen since they were lauded as among the best in the league in the past two seasons. Both have made moves that warrant their job security being questioned. Both have a chance to all but ensure their employment for one more season with a win.The Packers' last win was against the Bears...

Read more | 2 Comments | Tags: Chicago Bears, Devin Hester, Green Bay Packers, Lovie Smith, Mason Crosby, Mike McCarthy, NFC, NFC North, NFL, Robbie Gould, Ryan Grant

NFL Power Rankings Week 16: Pennsylvania teams eventually rise to top

By Greg Trippiedi | December 18, 2008 | MVN Outsider

1. Tennessee Titans (12-2) The Titans hold the top spot at least one more week through the loss, but they will have to beat Pittsburgh at home without Albert Haynesworth and Kyle VandenBosch to hold it any further. Good luck guys.2. Philadelphia Eagles (8-5-1)The Eagles jump up to number two this week behind the strength of a third consecutive win, and the Steelers knocking off the Ravens, who beat the Eagles back when this was a team in turmoil. 3. Pittsburgh Steelers (11-3) Do the Steelers have the greatest defense of all time? Only a championship would validate this. The offense apparently isn't going to assist them until the final two minutes of every game.4. Baltimore Ravens (9-5) The Ravens aren't going to fall too far, falling victim to the "Tuck Rule curse". They should have taken care of business in Pittsburgh, and then it wouldn't have come down to...

Read more | 4 Comments | Tags: Baltimore Ravens, Carolina Panthers, New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers, power poll, Tennessee Titans

NFL Stock Market Week 16: Giants firesale!

By Greg Trippiedi | December 16, 2008 | MVN Outsider

Don't you feel foolish for buying those back2back Giants World Champions posters so early? It's the NFL Stock Market on MVN Outsider!Sell, Sell, Sell...New York GiantsYes, the Dallas front seven has been playing great football lately, but eight sacks?! The best offensive line in the league would never allow that many sacks in a game, perhaps not in three. Eli will be forced to play back inside the conditions next week, and then against a Minnesota team in Week 17 that has had his number going back to last year. Getting Brandon Jacobs back will help a lot, but were talking about a potential 3 seed here. They're a super bowl contender, still, but maybe not even the front-runner from the NFC.It's time to get on the bandwagon....Houston TexansAll the Texans needed from Santa this year was an NFL-caliber defense. Fortunately for the Texans, they found that by themselves sometime...

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, Houston Texans, Miami Dolphins, New York Giants, NFL stock market, Philadelphia Eagles

NFL Top Ten: Best Games from the 2008 Season

By Greg Trippiedi | December 27, 2008 | MVN Outsider

NFL Power Rankings Week 16: Pennsylvania teams eventually rise to top

By Greg Trippiedi | December 18, 2008 | MVN Outsider

Read more | 4 Comments | Tags: Baltimore Ravens, Carolina Panthers, New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers, power poll, Tennessee Titans

NFL Stock Market Week 16: Giants firesale!

By Greg Trippiedi | December 16, 2008 | MVN Outsider

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, Houston Texans, Miami Dolphins, New York Giants, NFL stock market, Philadelphia Eagles

The NFL third-quarter review

By Andrew Strickert | December 4, 2008 | MVN Outsider

Three quarters of the NFL regular season have been played and we head into what should be an exciting fourth quarter. Nineteen teams are in strong contention for postseason play. The Giants, Titans, Cardinals and Broncos each have three-game leads in their divisions and are on the verge of clinching. They'll be jockeying for position in the home stretch for the best seedings. The other four division races are a lot closer. The Steelers, Jets and Vikings each have one-game leads and the NFC South is extremely close. The Panthers and Bucs are tied with 9-3 records and will face each other Monday night, with the Falcons on their heels and only a game behind them at 8-4. Here's a look at the current standings, remaining schedules and the remaining strengths of schedule. AFC division leaders: Tennessee Titans (11-1) Browns, Texans, Steelers, Colts 26-22 (.542) Pittsburgh Steelers (9-3) Cowboys, Ravens,...Read more

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, Carolina Panthers, Chicago Bears, Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos, Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings, New England Patriots, New York Giants, New York Jets, NFL, Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tennessee Titans, Washington Redskins

Plaxico, the Giants and other news and notes from around the NFL

By Andrew Strickert | December 2, 2008 | MVN Outsider

Plaxico Burress has been charged with two counts of felony possession of a weapon, following an incident in which he accidentally shot himself in a nightclub last Friday night. Burress could face incarceration for 3½ to 15 years. Even if he gets off, he's probably played his last game as a Giant. Giants captain Antonio Pierce may be in trouble as well. He's accused of hiding the gun Burress accidentally shot himself with and Giants fans aren't happy with Pierce or with the club's decision to let him play against the Redskins. New York may have strict gun control laws but several Giants players defended Burress. On the other hand, Burress may be an idiot for carrying an unlicensed gun into a nightclub. Here's my question, does a temporary insanity defense apply here? The sadly ironic thing about this situation is it occurred prior to the game in which the Redskins honored...Read more

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Buffalo Bills, Chicago Bears, Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Washington Redskins

Live blog: Bears at Vikings on SNF

By Staff Report | November 30, 2008 | MVN Outsider

From the Midway's Ryan Tennant and Vikings War Cry's Anthony Hall blog live as the Chicago Bears visit the Minnesota Vikings in an NFC North showdown on Sunday Night Football....Read more

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Chicago Bears, Minnesota Vikings, NFL

NFL Week 13 preview: Predictions and burning questions

By Anthony Hall | November 29, 2008 | MVN Outsider

Every weekend, MVN Outsider's five NFL writers look into their crystal balls and pick the outcomes of the week's games. After twelve weeks of predictions, here's how the standings look:Patrick Patterson: 10-6 last week, 113-63 overall Anthony Brown: 10-6 last week, 108-68 overallAnthony Hall: 11-5 last week, 108-68 overall Andrew Strickert: 9-7 last week, 107-69 overall Greg Trippiedi: 7-9 last week, 102-74 overallAnd here are their predictions for Week 13 of the NFL season: Finally, we'll leave you with a few burning questions for the week:Derek Anderson gets a second chance as Cleveland's starter with Brady Quinn out for the year. Is he up to the task against Indianapolis?Can Matt Cassel keep it up against Pittsburgh's league-leading defense?Who takes control of the NFC North on Sunday night: Minnesota or Chicago?How terrible will the ratings be for the awful Monday Night Football matchup between the Jags and Texans?...Read more

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Chicago Bears, Cleveland Browns, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, Minnesota Vikings, New England Patriots, NFL, Pittsburgh Steelers

News and notes from around the NFL

By Andrew Strickert | November 28, 2008 | MVN Outsider

Roy Williams has more to be thankful for than most in the NFL. A month ago, before he was traded to Dallas, he was stuck in the purgatory known as Detroit. On Thanksgiving, Williams' former team, the 0-12 Lions, was shellacked by the Titans 47-10. His current team, the 8-4 Cowboys, remains in playoff contention after a 34-9 trouncing of the Seahawks. Jim Haslett's bank account will be $20,000 lighter for cussing during a disputed play. Fined for cussing, are you kidding me? Cussing is a part of football, from Pop Warner all the way through to the NFL. The league claimed Haslett was cussing at an official; Haslett claimed he wasn't cussing the official, that he simply yelled, "get off the @#$%^&* ball." The league also fined Patriots T Matt Light and Dolphins LB Channing Crowder $15,000 each for fighting. I'm surprised they received equal punishment since Light seemed to be the...Read more

Read more | 2 Comments | Tags: Chicago Bears, Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys, Detroit Lions, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints, New York Giants, NFL, Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers, St. Louis Rams, Washington Redskins

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