NFL

LAKE FOREST – As a “gunner” on the Bears special teams units, most of Corey Graham’s favorite statistics never will appear in a box score.

As difficult as this might be, as politically incorrect as this might seem, as wild and crazy as this might sound, I’m here to defend Bears quarterback Jay Cutler. 

New Orleans Saints 9-0 (1)

Bears rushing offense vs. Eagles rushing defense

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – He is 32 years old, but Ricky Williams is far from done. And even without Ronnie Brown, the once-written-off Miami Dolphins are back in the playoff picture.

MINNEAPOLIS – One day after being told by the Minnesota Vikings that extending the lease at the Metrodome was not an option, the team’s landlord made the offer anyway and infuriated the only major tenant left in the stadium.

LAKE FOREST – The Bears caught a significant break Wednesday when they learned that Eagles running back Brian Westbrook officially was ruled out of Sunday’s game.

LAKE FOREST – Bears quarterback Jay Cutler never has slumped this badly before.

CINCINNATI – Larry Johnson might have his career up and running sooner than expected.

The Northwest Herald will quiz a Chicago athlete about the contents of his locker in an occasional series. After interviewing Bears defenders Anthony Adams and Zackary Bowman, we sought out a player on the Bears’ offense to see how he sizes up.

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) – Dick Jauron was fired by Buffalo on Tuesday with the Bills off to a 3-6 start and among the lowest scoring teams in the NFL.

CLEVELAND – Even after Baltimore had punished Brady Quinn, Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis got in one more vicious hit on Cleveland’s quarterback.

GREEN BAY, Wis. – In a miserable tailspin one week, solid playoff contenders the next.

LAKE FOREST – Bears receiver Devin Aromashodu waited almost two years for this.

MINNEAPOLIS – Even when Sidney Rice is tightly covered, Brett Favre isn’t afraid to fire a pass downfield.

GREEN BAY, Wis. – Charles Woodson wouldn’t let the Green Bay Packers’ season slip away.

INDIANAPOLIS – A stunning gamble by Bill Belichick set up a stunning win for Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts.

CHICAGO – A Bears-free Sunday should offer ample time for you to check an extra item or two off the to-do list.

CINCINNATI – Chad Ochocinco’s pretend $1 bribe is going to cost.

Are we watching a quarterback with great potential be ruined by an inept system?

SAN FRANCISCO – Last season, Bears receiver Earl Bennett yearned to catch a pass.

SAN FRANCISCO – This was not a statistical category that Bears quarterback Jay Cutler hoped to lead.

SAN FRANCISCO – Bears quarterback Jay Cutler’s arms fell to his side and he walked slowly off of the field after his last-second, career-worst fifth interception Thursday night.

SAN FRANCISCO – Frank Gore ran for 104 yards and a touchdown, Jay Cutler threw a career-high five interceptions with his last coming in the end zone on the game's final play and the San Francisco 49ers snapped a four-game losing streak by beating the Bears, 10-6, on Thursday night.

Bears rushing offense vs. 49ers rushing defense

New Orleans Saints 8-0 (1)

It’s hard for me to believe, but I’ve been out of the NFL for almost 15 years. 

CHICAGO – The Bears will be playing for more than a winning record or a chance to creep back into the playoff picture when they visit the San Francisco 49ers today.

DENVER – Josh McDaniels had the Midas touch at the start of the season, his every move paying off as the Denver Broncos shocked the NFL with a 6-0 start.

The Northwest Herald will quiz a Chicago athlete about the contents of his locker in an occasional series. After starting the series with Anthony Adams, one of the messiest Bears, we sought out “Mr. Clean.”