Reality Check: Football — the ultimate reality series — is back

Reality Check: Football — the ultimate reality series — is back I’ve spent the past three months watching three months of “fill-in” reality shows.

Tribune Redesign Pays ‘Trib’-ute

The Chicago Tribune has long been nicknamed “The Trib.” But if a redesign prototype being passed around the Web becomes the final choice, that nickname will be a formal part of the paper.

Jerry is Getting Upset

In response to Sunday’s comments from rookie left tackle Chris Williams confirming that he had a herniated disc in his back when the Chicago Bears used the fourteenth overall pick on him in April - and that the …

Orton era begins tonight against San Francisco

Kyle Orton could usher in a long-sought period of stability in the Bears‘ quarterback chronicle.

49ers’ special teams not so special

A blocked field goal, a blocked punt and a slew of missed tackles - all in all, a miserable night for the 49ers special teams during a 37-30 victory on Thursday night.

Member of 1986 Bears‘ Super Bowl squad arrested in SoCal

Former NFL cornerback Michael Richardson, who won a Super Bowl with the Chicago Bears in 1986, faces up to 13 years in prison if a court finds he violated terms of a probation granted after his 21st drug …

Chicago Bears 2008 Season Preview

The Chicago Bears have two divisions: the one they share with Green Bay, Detroit and Minnesota, and the one between their offense and defense.

Bears RB Jones returns to practice (PA SportsTicker)
After receiving clearance from the medical staff, running back Kevin Jones will practice with the Chicago Bears for the first time Saturday night.

Upshaw helped and hindered (Yahoo! Sports)
The union made great gains under Gene Upshaw, yet so much more could have been accomplished.

Popularity: 5% [?]

All-Pro guard, Upshaw was craftier as union boss (AP)
Gene Upshaw was common sense writ extra large. Most men that big usually roll over people to get what they want. What made Upshaw an All-Pro guard in his playing days, and then the right man for the union job for the past quarter-century, is that he understood it was better sometimes to go around them.

Orton-led offense was efficient and even dangerous (Yahoo! Sports)
Had the Chicago Bears would have known Kyle Orton was going to play like this, he might have been given the…

Croyle looks, feels like a winner for Chiefs (Yahoo! Sports)
Thursday night was different from what Croyle was used to. This is the guy who hadn’t won a game as the Kansas…

Bears select Kyle Orton opening day starter (AP)

Kyle Orton was selected to be the Chicago Bears starting quarterback by coach Lovie Smith on Monday. Orton won the competition with Rex Grossman for the starting job. Orton, the fourth-year player from Purdue, will start Thursday’s third preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers and the Sept. 7 regular-season opener against the Indianapolis Colts.

Chicago Bears‘ Danieal Manning returns a kickoff.

It was a mixed performance to say the least for the Bears‘ special teams Thursday night against San Francisco.

Williams’ admission puts Bears in tough spot

August 24, 2008 4:30 PM Here’s an interesting admission for all you Chicago Bears conspiracy theorists out there.

X-and-O Show: Bears vs. 49ers
Jeremy Stoltz, our very own Prince of the Playbook, goes to the film room once again and breaks down one offensive snap and one defensive snap for the Chicago Bears from Thursday’s 37-30 preseason loss to the San Francisco 49ers at Soldier Field.

Chiefs‘ Johnson, Croyle sharp in win over Bears (AP)
Larry Johnson was having so much fun he didn’t want to leave the field. Considering how much time he missed, who could blame him? Johnson showed glimpses of his old self, and Brodie Croyle hinted at what might be. Back from a broken foot, Johnson ran for a touchdown on the opening drive and Croyle made the most of limited time to lead the Kansas City Chiefs to a 24-20 victory over the Chicago Bears…

Patriots sign OL Flynn; release CB Jimoh

The New England Patriots signed offensive lineman Mike Flynn and released cornerback Ade Jimoh on Thursday.

Slot is his spot

Dropping a hot pass from Kyle Orton at the goal line for what would have been his third touchdown catch Thursday night wasn’t what ticked Rashied Davis most.

Popularity: 9% [?]

Tribune Redesign Pays ‘Trib’-ute

The Chicago Tribune has long been nicknamed “The Trib.” But if a redesign prototype being passed around the Web becomes the final choice, that nickname will be a formal part of the paper.

Bennett Rookie Diary: 8th Entry
The Chicago Bears are plenty sick of the preseason and want everything to start for real, but Thursday’s exhibition matchup is still important for Earl Bennett and some other draft picks. In this installment of his Rookie Diary, Bennett writes about finishing strong and securing a spot on the roster.

Popularity: 6% [?]

Manning Jr.’s days in Chicago seem numbered

August 26, 2008 3:04 PM You probably thought we posted an item about the wrong Manning earlier this afternoon.

Croyle looks, feels like a winner for Chiefs (Yahoo! Sports)
Thursday night was different from what Croyle was used to. This is the guy who hadn’t won a game as the Kansas…

Some Bears fans say tailgating rule is a turnover (AP)
As far as some fans are concerned, the Chicago Bears just committed one big fumble. New tailgating rules are in place and they don’t understand why. Under a new policy that started with Thursday’s preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs, tailgaters without a ticket can no longer stay in the Soldier Field parking lots during games.

Jerry is Getting Upset

In response to Sunday’s comments from rookie left tackle Chris Williams confirming that he had a herniated disc in his back when the Chicago Bears used the fourteenth overall pick on him in April - and that the …

Disappointed Grossman has a backup plan

LAKE FOREST, Ill. Rex Grossman broke his silence Monday, speaking publicly for the first time about losing out to Kyle Orton in the competition to become the Bears‘ starting quarterback.

Bears TE Clark leaves game with injury (PA SportsTicker)
SEATTLE (Ticker) - Chicago Bears tight end Desmond Clark left Saturday night’s preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks with a knee injury.

Member of 1986 Bears‘ Super Bowl squad arrested in SoCal

Former NFL cornerback Michael Richardson, who won a Super Bowl with the Chicago Bears in 1986, faces up to 13 years in prison if a court finds he violated terms of a probation granted after his 21st drug …

Popularity: 9% [?]

Anderson Still Not Cleared To Practice

Browns quarterback Derek Anderson wasn’t cleared to return to practice Monday, so Brady Quinn likely will start his second straight game Thursday night in the preseason finale against the Chicago Bears.

Slot is his spot

Dropping a hot pass from Kyle Orton at the goal line for what would have been his third touchdown catch Thursday night wasn’t what ticked Rashied Davis most.

Bears Team Report (Yahoo! Sports)

Coach Lovie Smith named Kyle Orton his starting quarterback to give Orton a few weeks to prepare for the regular-season opener, and he responded with a strong effort against San Francisco on Thursday. He completed 10 of 17 passes for 147 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. He finished with a 126.3 passer rating.

Meanwhile, Grossman turned in his second consecutive lackluster performance, completing 1 of 4 passes for six yards. Granted, Grossman was hampered by poor offensive line play in the second preseason game, but he managed just 74 yards while hitting 9 of 15 passes and finished with a 44.9 passer rating as he failed to lead the offense past midfield in five possessions.

Patriots sign OL Flynn; release CB Jimoh

The New England Patriots signed offensive lineman Mike Flynn and released cornerback Ade Jimoh on Thursday.

Tribune Redesign Pays ‘Trib’-ute

The Chicago Tribune has long been nicknamed “The Trib.” But if a redesign prototype being passed around the Web becomes the final choice, that nickname will be a formal part of the paper.

Photo Gallery: Bears vs. Seahawks
The Chicago Bears proved they can block punts as well as any team in the NFL, but offense is another story altogether and could hold back this ballclub again this coming season. Here is a photo gallery highlighting some of the action from Saturday’s 29-26 exhibition loss to the Seahawks.

Halas Hall Chat: OT John St. Clair
John St. Clair supposedly wasn’t good enough to be a starter for the Chicago Bears after training camp last year, but now head coach Lovie Smith says he is the best left tackle currently on the team. St. Clair spent some time with Bear Report after Tuesday’s practice at Halas Hall.

Popularity: 7% [?]

49ers Put on Offensive Display at Soldier
The offense was really clicking Thursday for the Chicago Bears, but all of a sudden it’s the defense that appears to be riddled with question marks. The 49ers moved the ball at will all night long and made mince meat of what is supposed to be one of the league’s best defensive units.

Who failed whom? Alex Smith or 49ers

CHICAGO - Here’s the $24 million question: Did Alex Smith fail the 49ers or did the 49ers fail Alex Smith? The quarterback arrived as the No.

Popularity: 10% [?]

Bears terminate contract of CB Manning (PA SportsTicker)
The Chicago Bears terminated the contract of cornerback Ricky Manning Jr. on Tuesday.

Jerry is Getting Upset

In response to Sunday’s comments from rookie left tackle Chris Williams confirming that he had a herniated disc in his back when the Chicago Bears used the fourteenth overall pick on him in April - and that the …

Orton era begins tonight against San Francisco

Kyle Orton could usher in a long-sought period of stability in the Bears‘ quarterback chronicle.

Who failed whom? Alex Smith or 49ers

CHICAGO - Here’s the $24 million question: Did Alex Smith fail the 49ers or did the 49ers fail Alex Smith? The quarterback arrived as the No.

Popularity: 11% [?]

Orton era begins tonight against San Francisco

Kyle Orton could usher in a long-sought period of stability in the Bears‘ quarterback chronicle.

NFL Preseason Preview - San Francisco

Kyle Orton will begin his tenure as the Chicago Bears‘ starting quarterback on Thursday night, when Orton and his team welcome the San Francisco 49ers to Soldier Field in the third preseason tune-up for each …

Preseason Game #3: 49ers at Chicago Bears

Date: August 21st, 2008 Time: 5:00pm PST Location: Soldier Field, Chicago, IL Records : 49ers Bears ScoresandOdds.com Spread : Bears -3.5; Over/Under 36.5; Money Line: 49ers +160, Bears -180 - And if you’re …

Ditka hosts fundraiser in suburban Chicago

Quad Citians witness Obama-Biden rally in Springfield Associated Press - August 23, 2008 9:04 PM ET OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill.

Williams’ admission puts Bears in tough spot

August 24, 2008 4:30 PM Here’s an interesting admission for all you Chicago Bears conspiracy theorists out there.

Surgery shelves Bears top pick Williams (PA SportsTicker)
Tackle Chris Williams, the Chicago Bears‘ first-round pick this year out of Vanderbilt, had surgery to repair a herniated disk and will be out indefinitely, the team announced Thursday.

Popularity: 12% [?]

Orton outplays Grossman, Bears lose in OT, 29-26 (AP)

Bloodied and bandaged, Rex Grossman now seems baffled about his fight for the Bears‘ quarterback job. Grossman started and completed 9 of 15 passes with one interception in a harried, sputtering quarter and a half before Kyle Orton led Chicago to a field goal during a crisp two-minute drill in the Bears‘ 29-26 overtime loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday night.

49ers still mulling quarterback options

Kyle Orton has a starting job and J.T. O’Sullivan will try to lock one up, too. Chicago Bears coach Lovie Smith declared Orton the winner in the race with Rex Grossman.

Aug. 22: Kickers Part 1

AP Photo Chicago Bears kicker Robbie Gould reacts after his 47-yard field goal attempt goes wide Aug.

Preseason Game #3: 49ers at Chicago Bears

Date: August 21st, 2008 Time: 5:00pm PST Location: Soldier Field, Chicago, IL Records : 49ers Bears ScoresandOdds.com Spread : Bears -3.5; Over/Under 36.5; Money Line: 49ers +160, Bears -180 - And if you’re …

Bears Inside Slant: Kyle Starts Strong
Kyle Orton went a long way in making Lovie Smith look like a brilliant coach in Thursday’s preseason game against the 49ers, but the Chicago Bears still have a lot of questions to answer on the offensive side of the football. Get the Inside Slant from the NFL experts at Scout.com.

Bears‘ safety Brandon McGowan a fighter

Brandon McGowan desperately wanted to fall down, but something inside him told him to stand and take his beating.

Bears LB Wilson carted off field with broken arm

Chicago Bears backup linebacker Rod Wilson left the field on a cart with a broken right forearm in the third quarter against the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday night.

Patriots sign OL Flynn; release CB Jimoh

The New England Patriots signed offensive lineman Mike Flynn and released cornerback Ade Jimoh on Thursday.

Frye plays entire game at QB for Seahawks (Yahoo! Sports)
The Seattle Seahawks took a long look at Charlie Frye at quarterback Saturday night. Long, as in the entire game.

Popularity: 20% [?]

Croyle looks, feels like a winner for Chiefs (Yahoo! Sports)
Thursday night was different from what Croyle was used to. This is the guy who hadn’t won a game as the Kansas…

Bears say tailgating must end once the game begins (Yahoo! Sports)
For years outside Chicago Bears games, countless fans have shunned Soldier Field for the surrounding parking…

Orton-led offense was efficient and even dangerous (Yahoo! Sports)
Had the Chicago Bears would have known Kyle Orton was going to play like this, he might have been given the…

Popularity: 18% [?]