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Dan Pompei has covered more than 500 National Football League games over a quarter of a century. He currently writes about the NFL and Bears for the Chicago Tribune. His opinions and analysis also can be heard on WSCR-AM. He previously authored the NFL Insider column for The Sporting News. He is one of 44 members on the Pro Football Hall of Fame selectors board and also is one of nine members on the seniors committee. He has covered 25 Super Bowls and served as a pool reporter at five Super Bowls.
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Pompei: Urlacher still had what it takes
May 22, 2013
Brian Urlacher's retirement is a surprise. A pretty big surprise. This is why: The middle linebacker still can play.
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Urlacher deserving of 54-gun salute
May 22, 2013
When Brian Urlacher held up that navy blue jersey for the first time on that April day in 2000, his face a little pimply and his scalp covered with closely cropped blond hair, no one had any idea what 54 would come to represent.
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Onobun growing as tight end by leaps and bounds
May 21, 2013
You have to be cautious about what you see from a football team when buds still are on the trees and pads still are in the lockers.
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McCown fits profile for NFL backup QB
May 18, 2013
Bears fans may be more panicked about Josh McCown being the team's backup quarterback than they were about the Chicago-area water levels being higher than sled hills last month.
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Forte embraces all concepts of new offense
May 15, 2013
Matt Forte still looks big, smooth and fast. But in organized team activities, he looks a different kind of big, smooth and fast.
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New Bears team needs new leaders
May 12, 2013
As the Bears have navigated their way through the offseason workout program, the voluntary minicamp and the rookie camp, they have started to become a team.
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Playmaker Greene could be natural fit for Bears 'D'
May 11, 2013
If Khaseem Greene can do for the Bears what he did for Rutgers, he soon will be in a group that includes Lance Briggs, Charles Tillman, Julius Peppers and Henry Melton.
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Bears' new line: Guards valued over tackles
May 9, 2013
If you want to know why the Bears used their first-round draft pick on a guard for the first time in 52 years, cast your gaze in the vicinity of Bourbon Street.
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Bears picks measure up well — for most part
May 4, 2013
They don't wear scientist smocks in the Bears' draft room, and the scouts understand that game tape isn't just something to wrap around joints on Sundays.
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Bears reaching for greatness
April 28, 2013
If the Bears had been picking 32nd instead of 20th, no one would have said boo about them selecting Kyle Long. But they were picking 20th, and they caught a lot of people by surprise.
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Bostic brings lot to Bears table
April 26, 2013
Jon Bostic may never be all that Brian Urlacher was. Or all that Mike Singletary, Dick Butkus or Bill George were.
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Bears play follow the leader
April 26, 2013
They have been called "big uglies," "hogs" and even "big hog mollies."
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How low can Bears go?
April 24, 2013
It won't be long now until the Bears walk down the aisle with their first pick of the draft.
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Bears offense will be fired up
April 18, 2013
In music, tempo is measured in beats per minute. In football, tempo may be measured in drops of sweat per minute.
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Relax, Bears GM has a plan
April 17, 2013
Somewhere in Phil Emery's Halas Hall office, perhaps in a fireproof safe, is a folder.
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Reader Q&A: Bears mailbag
April 15, 2013
Who's the best edge rusher in the draft? RaiderNation4Life, from Twitter
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Dan Pompei's mock NFL draft
April 6, 2013
With the NFL draft less than three weeks away, it's time to take a first stab at how things might shake out in the first round. At this point, NFL teams already have about 95 percent of the information that will influence whom they select. Now it's a matter of team decision makers getting on the same page and solidifying opinions.
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New look in store for NFC North
March 21, 2013
PHOENIX — If you find the NFC North unrecognizable this fall, it's not because your binoculars need adjusting.
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Trestman says Bears will have ambitious, versatile offense
March 20, 2013
PHOENIX — Even though Bears players are scattered across the country, their new offense has begun to take shape.
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Bears show willingness to pounce on free agents
March 20, 2013
PHOENIX — Perhaps they should rename them the Chicago Vultures.
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Bears embrace change at the top
March 19, 2013
PHOENIX — At the 2010 NFL meetings at the Ritz Carlton in Orlando, the Bears front office was represented in part by Chairman Michael McCaskey, President Ted Phillips, general manager Jerry Angelo and coach Lovie Smith.
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Heir apparent for Cutler?
March 17, 2013
The Bears should not be looking for a developmental quarterback in April's NFL draft.
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'Perfect storm' carried Bushrod to Bears
March 13, 2013
Jermon Bushrods don't just happen.
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Bears pull fast one in free agency
March 12, 2013
Free agency is full of false hope and flimsy promise.
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Bushrod signing tackles Bears' protection problem
March 12, 2013
Of all the tackles who made it to free agency, Jermon Bushrod clearly was the best fit for the Chicago Bears.
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Two-way TE Bennett a perfect fit
March 12, 2013
Martellus Bennett makes perfect sense for the Chicago Bears as their primary free-agent signing and automatically makes their offense more potent.
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Trestman's redemption
March 9, 2013
The question was innocuous enough.
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Tight end might be Bears' top target in free agency
March 8, 2013
As the Bears have combed through the free agent left tackles, they undoubtedly have noticed the group has thinned out like the hair on Brian Urlacher's head.
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10 big winners from NFL scouting combine
February 28, 2013
The NFL scouting combine officially ended Tuesday, but some team executives, including those from the Bears, are sticking around in Indianapolis to digest everything they saw and heard over the previous six days.
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Pompei: Bears can't cut corners in secondary anymore
February 26, 2013
INDIANAPOLIS — There has been much speculation about offensive linemen and the Bears.
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Bears can't let guard down
February 23, 2013
INDIANAPOLIS — Choosing a guard in the NFL draft's first round usually isn't any team's top priority. And it's probably not for the Bears this year.
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Salary-cap issues 1st on Bears table
February 21, 2013
INDIANAPOLIS — For an NFL team, coming to the scouting combine can be a little like visiting an automobile showroom.
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Free agent left tackles could entice Bears
February 20, 2013
INDIANAPOLIS — The left tackles will be on parade here at the NFL scouting combine like beauty pageant contestants on a runway through Tuesday.
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Cutler should expect many teaching moments
February 16, 2013
In the event Marc Trestman and Jay Cutler do not always speak the same language, the Bears have hired a translator.
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New defensive coordinator surprisingly selling continuity
February 15, 2013
New coaches sell change the way politicians sell hope.
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Retiring Bears strength coach a pioneer in his field
February 7, 2013
Strength and conditioning in the NFL is radically different from what it was 28 years ago, when Rusty Jones first started working for the Bills.
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It's John over Jim in HarBowl
February 4, 2013
NEW ORLEANS — What happened Sunday on the world's stage has been going on between John and Jim Harbaugh for many moons.
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Flacco-Ravens contract talks should be interesting
February 2, 2013
NEW ORLEANS — If the thought of playing out the last year of his contract makes Jay Cutler uncomfortable, he might want to consider the case of Joe Flacco.
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Singletary had big impact on Lewis, Davis
February 1, 2013
NEW ORLEANS — From his home outside Minneapolis, more than 1,000 miles from the Superdome, Vikings assistant head coach Mike Singletary will cast a large shadow on Super Bowl XLVII.
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Graham shows he's more than special teamer
January 31, 2013
NEW ORLEANS — The Ravens are in the Super Bowl.
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Jim Harbaugh knows no bounds
January 30, 2013
NEW ORLEANS — The world's next great football coach has been on a roll this week, speaking of incorporating an enthusiasm unknown to mankind, building a beaver dam, lacking a "tweeter," living a childhood that was the opposite of the song Cat's in the Cradle and planning his 5-month-old son's future as a football star.
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Tucker known for getting most out of available talent
January 22, 2013
MOBILE, Ala. — "Relentless equals high velocity, nonstop."
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Bears ready to size up offensive tackles
January 20, 2013
With Marc Trestman on board, Phil Emery has achieved his goal of being able to stand side by side with his head coach in Mobile, Ala., while watching Senior Bowl practices.
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Trestman's task: Succeed with Cutler where others have failed
January 17, 2013
Sitting there listening to Marc Trestman elucidate at his introductory news conference at Halas Hall, the vision appeared.
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Hot prospect days behind him, Trestman's time finally has come
January 16, 2013
We can wonder if Marc Trestman can be a dynamic leader of one of this league's founding franchises in the country's second-largest NFL market.
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Dan Pompei's NFL power rankings
January 10, 2013
Last week in parenthesis
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Emery takes solid approach with meticulous search
January 10, 2013
A strong possibility exists that Bears general manager Phil Emery has learned more in the last week than any other NFL executive trolling for a head coach.
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Bears face big decisions on several key players
January 5, 2013
Most of the players on the Bears roster were acquired by Jerry Angelo to be coached by Lovie Smith. Now that neither is part of the organization anymore, many of those players might not be feeling quite as secure.
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Packers prep for playoffs after knocking out Bears
January 3, 2013
Instead of watching the Packers in a wild-card playoff game Saturday night, you could have been watching the Bears.
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Bears offense neglected for far too long
January 2, 2013
There is no need for Phil Emery to be locked into hiring a head coach with an offensive background.
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Dan Pompei's NFL power rankings
January 1, 2013
Last week in parenthesis
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Coaches like Smith hard to find
December 31, 2012
Getting rid of Lovie Smith does not make the Bears a better team.
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Bears' offense leads to slow death to postseason hopes
December 30, 2012
DETROIT — The Bears' season met a sudden, stunning death when Blair Walsh's 29-yard field goal sailed over the upright in the Vikings' victory over the Packers.
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Mannelly in game for long haul
December 29, 2012
The game against the Lions on Sunday could have been the last one for a Bear who has been around forever and has his name listed prominently in the team record books.
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Johnson and Marshall incomparable
December 28, 2012
Forget Calvin Johnson versus Charles Tillman for a minute.
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Reader Q&A: Dan Pompei's Bears mailbag
December 27, 2012
Has Phil Emery shown his hand at all regarding his feelings for Lovie Smith? @Joey FAV, from Twitter
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Bears' O-line holds up against blitz
December 25, 2012
On Monday, what stood out about the Bears' performance on Sunday is the pass protection held up both in terms of recognition and execution against an aggressive, accomplished blitzing team.
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Bears look more like their old selves
December 23, 2012
GLENDALE, Ariz. — After losing their way at some point on their 16-game journey, the Bears might have found themselves Sunday in the desert.
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Jeffery still learning the tricks of the trade
December 22, 2012
When the Packers effectively took away Brandon Marshall last week, Plan B was big rookie Alshon Jeffery.
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Opponents absolve Tice of blame
December 20, 2012
Based on the heat Mike Tice has been feeling, you would think he has been the one who has been giving up the sacks, committing false starts, throwing the interceptions, running the wrong routes and plowing into the backs of blockers.
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Pompei's NFL rankings
December 18, 2012
1. 49ers (4): Not counting games against the Rams, they have won six in a row, including one of the most impressive victories of the year by any team Sunday.
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Rodgers torches Bears' secondary
December 17, 2012
It didn't take Aaron Rodgers long to notice Tim Jennings wasn't playing.
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Problem for Bears: Cutler is no Rodgers
December 16, 2012
Less than two minutes remained in the first half when the Bears took over on their on their 37-yard line, tied at 7-7.
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Packers 3-4 defense difficult for Bears to digest
December 15, 2012
The Bears offense has been having a difficult enough time hitting a fastball. And along come the Packers with a nasty curve.
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Bears dependence on Marshall exposes flaws
December 13, 2012
If the Packers take away Brandon Marshall as effectively as they did in their September matchup, and the Bears stay true to character, there is no chance the Bears will score enough points to win Sunday.
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Packers winning methodically
December 11, 2012
GREEN BAY — Although the Bears have failed repeatedly to hold down the Packers, the rest of the league believes the Bears know how to do it.
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Dan Pompei's NFL power rankings
December 11, 2012
1. Patriots (3 last week): Step into Bill Belichick's web, Colin Kaepernick.
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First play worst play for Bears
December 10, 2012
It's rare that a game's first play from scrimmage is the most critical, but it sure seemed that way in Minneapolis on Sunday.
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Cutler can't step up
December 10, 2012
MINNEAPOLIS — To understand what kind of day it was for Jay Cutler, know that Jason Campbell, the allegedly incompetent backup, was able to put as many points on the board in one drive as Cutler was in 11.
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Bears face Urlacher dilemma
December 8, 2012
When the Bears line up to play the Vikings at the Metrodome, they may be getting a look into the 2013 season.
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Pompei's NFL power rankings
December 4, 2012
1. Texans (1 last week): We will find out all we need to know about this team Monday night when they visit the Patriots.
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Bears defense hits low point of season
December 3, 2012
What stood out about the Bears' 23-17 overtime loss to the Seahawks on second view was how sloppy the defensive performance was.
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If Bears can't gain half-yard, they deserve to lose
December 2, 2012
Lovie Smith was wrong.
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McClellin ranks near middle of class
December 1, 2012
With the 15th pick of the NFL draft in April, the Seahawks chose defensive end Bruce Irvin. Four picks later, the Bears chose defensive end Shea McClellin.
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Facing long odds, Wilson hasn't come up short
November 29, 2012
Being short has cost Russell Wilson money, not touchdowns.
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Pompei's NFL power rankings
November 27, 2012
1. Texans (1 last week): By now Jim Schwartz should have received that fruit basket from Gary Kubiak.
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49ers debacle forces adjustments to forestall disaster
November 27, 2012
Inspiration is the preferred method to induce beneficial change.
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Cutler helps himself with fancy footwork
November 26, 2012
The player most responsible for keeping Jay Cutler clean Sunday was Jay Cutler.
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Bears' forecast suddenly cloudy
November 25, 2012
There was bright sunshine at Soldier Field on Sunday, as much as we've seen at any game this year.
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Can Bears get their own Kalil?
November 24, 2012
When the Bears see the Vikings offense Sunday with Matt Kalil lined up at left tackle, they have to be envious.
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Peterson having MVP-type season in comeback year
November 22, 2012
The last four times the Bears have banged around with Adrian Peterson, they have limited him to fewer than 100 yards.
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No silver lining for Bears
November 20, 2012
The 49ers defeated the Bears every way a team can be beaten Monday night — power, speed and thought.
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Campbell only raises more questions
November 20, 2012
SAN FRANCISCO — Jay Cutler picked a great game to sit out.
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McCown perfect fit for Bears
November 17, 2012
You might think Josh McCown won't be around long enough for his cup of coffee to stop steaming.
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49ers coach profited from many mentors
November 15, 2012
The story begins in the dimly lit Harbaugh family basement in Ann Arbor, Mich., in 1974.
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Pompei's NFL power rankings
November 14, 2012
1. Texans (3 last week): They proved they are for real by winning against a tough Bears team in bad conditions Sunday.
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Bears' offensive line passes big test
November 12, 2012
Going into Bears versus Texans, many thought the most important game within the game was the Bears offensive line against the Texans' pass rush.
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Bears need better play from QBs
November 12, 2012
You could blame it on wet balls, a slick field, nasty Texans or foggy thoughts, but ultimately the Bears didn't have the quarterback play they needed to beat an elite team Sunday.
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'Peanut Punch' a devastating blow
November 10, 2012
You now can purchase a "Peanut Punch" T-shirt.
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Mercilus wants to prove worth to Bears
November 8, 2012
In the April draft, the Bears chose Shea McClellin in the first round and passed over Illinois' Whitney Mercilus.
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Watt extreme force of nature
November 7, 2012
The Texans made second-year defensive end J.J. Watt a captain this week. This was after the media pronounced him defensive player of the year about a month ago. And after defensive coordinator Wade Phillips put him in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in training camp.
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Dan Pompei's NFL power rankings
November 7, 2012
1. Falcons (2 last week): Matt Ryan is stringing together good performance after good performance. And the Falcons don't lose when Ryan is on.
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Special teams key to Bears' blowout
November 6, 2012
The Bears were facing one of the best special teams units in the NFL on Sunday, but special teams played a significant role in the Bears' victory.
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Special teams key to Bears' blowout
November 5, 2012
The Bears were facing one of the best special teams units in the NFL on Sunday, but special teams played a significant role in the Bears' victory.
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Bears reach high point, but questions remain
November 4, 2012
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — As one, the Bears and their thousands of fans merrily marched out of town late Sunday after invading Nashvegas and making it their own.
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Wright in line for promotion
November 3, 2012
Early last offseason, Bears safeties coach Gill Byrd received a text.
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Marshall winning over teammates' hearts and minds
October 31, 2012
When I asked Brandon Marshall during training camp about how reliable his hands were, given the number of drops he had in his career, he said, "It won't be a problem."
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Pompei's NFL power rankings
October 30, 2012
1. Giants (1 last week): How would an Eli Manning-Peyton Manning Super Bowl strike you?
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Dan Pompei's film session
October 29, 2012
Jay Cutler was sacked six times Sunday, which usually is grounds for putting the offensive line in solitary confinement with no visitation privileges.
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Cutler terrible for 3 quarters, but he delivers a win in the 4th
October 28, 2012
Whether you want to call him Mr. Clutch or Mr. Double Clutch probably depends on whether you call the glass half-full or half-empty.
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Cutler can't get a (boot)leg up
October 28, 2012
Jay Cutler ran a bootleg Monday and threw a touchdown pass.
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He's now Panthers' No. 1 concern
October 25, 2012
He still looks like Cam Newton and moves like Cam Newton, but he's not playing like Cam Newton.
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Pompei's NFL power rankings
October 24, 2012
1. Giants (3 last week): Is there a better quarterback in the NFL in the final two minutes than Eli Manning?
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Bears try to exploit cornerback weakness
October 23, 2012
Considering the Bears' No. 2 wide receiver couldn't play against the Lions on Monday night, you might be surprised to know the Bears were considerably more reliant on "11" personnel, or three receiver packages, than usual.
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Cutler takes Lions' best shot
October 23, 2012
It could have been a moment that changed a game, a season, maybe even a career.
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Bears hoping for quick fix to offense's slow starts
October 21, 2012
Every week, it seems, the Bears offense is like a car that has been sitting in the cold too long.
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Bears defensive coordinator isn't one to crow
October 20, 2012
When the Lions and their fans look at how dominating the Bears defense and its scheme has been, they have to think, "That should have been us."
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Bears and Williams were never a good match
October 17, 2012
Chris Williams never was going to be the next Jim Covert. But he didn't have to be the next Stan Thomas, either.
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Pompei's NFL power rankings
October 17, 2012
1. Falcons (2 last week): They aren't getting any style points for the way they have been winning lately, but they are the NFL's only unbeaten.
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Status quo won't be good enough for Bears
October 13, 2012
The Bears have been pretty good, probably better than most expected.
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Are these Vikings built to last?
October 11, 2012
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — The Apostle Matthew was not referring to the Vikings when he wrote in his gospel "the last shall be first," but they would like to think his words apply to them.
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Reader Q&A: Bears mailbag
October 10, 2012
Any chance the Bears go after Plaxico Burress? -- @chifan4life, from Twitter
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Pompei's NFL power rankings
October 9, 2012
1. Texans (3 last week): They have outscored opponents by 76 points this year, which tells you something about all three phases of their game.
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Marshall potent weapon for Bears
October 8, 2012
The vision for this Bears offense was to be able to allow opposing defenses to pick their poison.
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'Old' Bears defense still shows plenty of swagger
October 7, 2012
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Ways to describe the Bears defense early Sunday afternoon: Old. Outdated schematically. Fatigued. Out of its element.
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Missing preseason can help or hinder
October 6, 2012
Missing training camp and the preseason had different consequences for the face of the Bears and the face of the Jaguars.
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Dan Pompei's NFL power rankings
October 3, 2012
Last week's rankings in parenthesis.
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Dan Pompei's NFL power rankings
October 3, 2012
Last week's rankings in parenthesis.
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Cowboys can't stand up to Bears blitz
October 3, 2012
As a rule, the Bears' defensive scheme may be the most predictable in the NFL. But coordinator Rod Marinelli and the boys stepped out of character a bit Monday.
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Cutler leads Bears where it counts
October 2, 2012
ARLINGTON, Texas — Leadership can be complicated.
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Cutler, Romo not exactly mirror images
September 30, 2012
At this stage in their careers, Jay Cutler and Tony Romo often are portrayed as the same quarterback in a different uniform.
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Orton keeps turning up on Bears radar
September 29, 2012
At one point or another, the Bears decided they preferred Rex Grossman, Chad Hutchinson, Brian Griese, Jay Cutler and Jason Campbell over Kyle Orton.
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Competition for playing time boosting Bears
September 27, 2012
The bench players that general manager Phil Emery added to the Bears in the offseason did more than improve depth.
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Dan Pompei's NFL power rankings
September 25, 2012
1. Cardinals (9 last week): It's hard to believe they are the best in football, but they have beaten more good teams and answered more challenges than any other team.
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Cutler off the mark against Rams
September 24, 2012
The Bears didn't need Jay Cutler to be on his game to win Sunday, and it's a good thing.
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Resiliency can carry Bears a long way
September 23, 2012
Sometimes the will is more important than the skill.
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Bears potent rushing with or without Forte
September 22, 2012
The last time the Bears were without Matt Forte, as they will be Sunday against the Rams, they went 1-3.
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Bears not shoddy in sack department
September 21, 2012
Sacks have been the source of much consternation at Halas Hall this season. But they also have been the source of much consternation in the offices of every Bears opponent.
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In big games, Cutler too often comes up small
September 18, 2012
Forget, for a moment, that Jay Cutler might not exactly be Alexander the Great in the leadership department.
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Pompei's NFL power rankings
September 18, 2012
1. 49ers (1 last week): There isn't much not to like about the 49ers. At this point, the only question is who is No. 2?
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Little to cheer for Bears
September 14, 2012
The problem with the Bears offense in Thursday night's 23-10 loss to the Packers wasn't that pass rushers outnumbered pass protectors.
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Offensive line lets Chicago Bears down
September 14, 2012
GREEN BAY — It's one thing to block the Colts, without Dwight Freeney and with the comforts of playing at home.
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Bears passing can put Packers on defensive
September 12, 2012
If the Bears have any hope to pass the Packers, pass is the operative word.
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Dan Pompei's NFL power rankings
September 11, 2012
Last week's ranking in parentheses
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Bears' Webb grows up in opener
September 10, 2012
The wide receivers took the bows and the cornerbacks got the high-fives, but the Bears won their opener Sunday because they beat the Colts in the trenches.
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Rodgers undisputed leader of Packers
September 10, 2012
GREEN BAY — It happened gradually, like a beard coming in on a teenager.
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Bears defense shows some fight
September 9, 2012
Too old.
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Tice developing new identity
September 8, 2012
Mike Tice probably is more popular than any offensive coordinator in Bears history.
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Colts owner has way with words
September 6, 2012
The temptation is to define the man, or at least his body of work, by 140 character messages.
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Lean, healthy, Bears' Smith in it for long haul
September 5, 2012
Going into his ninth season with the Bears, lean and healthy Lovie Smith sure appears to have staying power.
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Dan Pompei's NFL power rankings
September 3, 2012
1. Packers: The addition of Cedric Benson could give the Packers a dimension they lacked.
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Luck no ordinary rookie quarterback
September 2, 2012
INDIANAPOLIS — The thought of playing against a big puppy of a rookie quarterback in his first game usually has veterans like Julius Peppers and Lance Briggs licking their chops.
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Briggs giving game his all, and appreciating it more
September 1, 2012
Brian Urlacher may play on opening day. He may not.
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McCown just doesn't fit on Bears roster
August 31, 2012
On Thursday, Josh McCown was a hero.
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Exhibition finale not totally meaningless
August 31, 2012
CLEVELAND — You might have yawned at the proceedings Thursday night at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
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Reader Q&A: Dan Pompei's Bears mailbag
August 29, 2012
I have seen the Bears' safety problem hang around for most of the post-Mike Brown era and now with the injuries to Brandon Hardin and Chris Conte. Could we see Peanut Tillman make the move to safety and have Kelvin Hayden slide into a starting cornerback spot? I have heard many times that safety is the second-most important spot on the field in Lovie Smith’s Tampa 2. So why not put your best DB there? If not, do you ever think Peanut will make the move similar to Charles Woodson in Green Bay? Nick B.
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Benson believes he's in prime, and Packers can benefit
August 28, 2012
GREEN BAY, Wis. — So here is Cedric Benson, staying late at Lambeau Field after most of his teammates have left to review more tape.
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Colts rebuilding from bottom up
August 27, 2012
INDIANAPOLIS — No matter what it is labeled, this is rebuilding in the most classic sense.
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A lot to learn from Hardin's mistake
August 26, 2012
Every youth football coach in America should show his team the video from a play in the Bears-Redskins exhibition game.
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Bears must resolve 'communication' issues
August 25, 2012
We should not get too excited or upset about anything we see on a football field before the start of the regular season, with the possible exception of the Democratic National Convention at the Panthers' stadium.
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It's time for Cutler to become Manning's equal
August 25, 2012
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — If the third exhibition is a porthole to the regular season, Jay Cutler is going to be a disappointment.
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Giants tell tale of 2 teams
August 23, 2012
ALBANY, N.Y. — When the Giants look in the mirror, what do they see?
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Lions trying to clean up act
August 21, 2012
ALLEN PARK, Mich. — Lost in all the opponent stomps, roadside arrests, practice sucker punches and handshake fracases is the fact that the Lions are mighty fine football team that keeps getting better.
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Another sorry exhibition
August 10, 2012
There was thunder and lightning at Soldier Field on Thursday night, but none of it was created by big-name quarterbacks.
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Stunning playoff loss fuels 2012 drive
August 8, 2012
GREEN BAY, Wis.—After a season in which 15 opponents were vanquished, some NFL teams might become self-congratulatory.
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Broncos get jolt of confidence from Manning
August 4, 2012
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The Broncos' team logo still shows a horse's face, not Peyton Manning's.
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Vikings think Ponder will make great progress
August 1, 2012
MANKATO, Minn. — After losing 11 straight games to NFC North opponents, the Vikings' view of the division might be similar to an ant's view of a Redwood forest.
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Lock up Cutler, Urlacher – after the season
July 29, 2012
BOURBONNAIS — Brandon Marshall and Shea McClellin are not the only notable newcomers to the Bears' offensive and defensive meetings rooms.
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Packers still class of NFC North
July 28, 2012
There is little doubt that, on paper, the Bears have a highly talented team.
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Marshall doesn't worry about drops
July 26, 2012
BOURBONNAIS — The savior receiver had a couple of drops on the first day of camp.
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Jennings bounces back
July 25, 2012
BOURBONNAIS — If resiliency is a critical trait in a cornerback, Tim Jennings has an edge that distinguishes him.
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Bears' Hardin has all the tools
June 13, 2012
Truth be told, not much is revealed about a football team in padless practices in May and June.
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Reader Q&A: Dan Pompei's Bears mailbag
June 6, 2012
Is the expansion of the Bears' scouting department a natural progression for a general manager who wants to develop a draft-driven team? You reported the team now has 18 in the department -- how does that stack up with other NFC North teams? Vic Fiebig, Springfield, Va.
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Urlacher and Bears must reach understanding
June 2, 2012
This is how ugly starts.
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Hayden happy to be home
May 31, 2012
In an offseason full of babble, hardly a word has been spoken about a player who has a decent chance of starting at cornerback for the Bears.
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Tice's Bears offense likely to resemble 2002-05 Vikings
May 26, 2012
If you want to know what Mike Tice's Bears offense will look like in the fall, it isn't a crystal ball you need.
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School of hard Knox
May 23, 2012
I would like to report a happy story about Johnny Knox, but I really can't.
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Bears appear to have leverage in money battle with Forte
May 20, 2012
Sometimes it seems the closer the Bears get to training camp, the further they are from signing Matt Forte to a new contract.
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Readers Q&A: Dan Pompei's Bears mailbag
May 16, 2012
If Brandon Marshall is cleared of charges in New York, can Roger Goodell still suspend him? Ray Gliwa
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Bates' job: Bring Cutler's game back to the future
May 13, 2012
Alshon Jeffery was brought to Chicago to help take Jay Cutler's game to a place it has never been.
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Passing game has big players for big plays
May 12, 2012
Mike Tice is getting his first chances to play with some of his new toys, and the Bears offensive coordinator is discovering he has some fast cars and big trucks.
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Reader Q&A: Dan Pompei's Bears mailbag
May 9, 2012
In your opinion, is this the most talented post-Super Bowl 41 Bears roster? -- Chris Jensen, from Twitter
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McClellin's best trait also most valuable: Pass rush
May 5, 2012
The challenge of defining Shea McClellin might be new for NFL teams, but it is not new for offenses that have had to deal with him.
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Draft is over, but Bears' Emery isn't done shaping roster
April 29, 2012
If Bears general manager Phil Emery had put a spin on Mick Jagger during the course of the NFL draft, he might have sung, "You can't always get what you need. But if you try sometime, you just might find, you get what you want."
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Jeffery a controversial pick for Bears
April 28, 2012
If Shea McClellin was a conservative pick in the NFL draft, wide receiver Alshon Jeffery was a slightly risky one and safety Brandon Hardin was a daring one.
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McClellin looks like he was made to play for Bears
April 27, 2012
Shea McClellin wasn't born wearing shoulder pads, but he plays like it.
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Bears should have ample choices to fit pressing need
April 25, 2012
The Bears will be at the mercy of the 18 teams picking ahead of them in the first round Thursday when the NFL draft begins, the quality of players available and their own evaluations.
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Reader Q&A: Dan Pompei's Bears mailbag
April 19, 2012
Why all the focus on getting another defensive end? I thought one of the biggest keys to Lovie Smith's defense was a stud three-technique tackle -- someone like Tommie Harris before his decline. Are the Bears satisfied with what they have in that regard? -- Kellen Maicher, Columbus, Ohio
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Smith sees mostly blue sky
March 28, 2012
PALM BEACH, Fla. — Sunshine has not been difficult to find at the oceanfront site of the NFL meetings, but Lovie Smith brought more of it Wednesday in a breakfast with the media.
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Bears' McCaskey doesn't like to deal with hypotheticals
March 25, 2012
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — After becoming chairman of the board last May, George McCaskey has overseen an interesting year for the team his grandfather George Halas founded. McCaskey sat down with the Tribune at the NFL meetings to discuss the state of the Bears.
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Bush fits Bears with or without Forte
March 24, 2012
Perhaps the reason Matt Forte is so sensitive to sharing the meeting room, shower area and backfield with Michael Bush is he knows Bush can be more than just his caddie.
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Bears new receiver has standout potential
March 13, 2012
The Bears appear to have received excellent value in acquiring Brandon Marshall for two third-round draft picks and there's little doubt he can make the Bears offense more dynamic and proficient.
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Bidding for star-studded free agents begins Tuesday
March 12, 2012
Open season on NFL free agents starts at 3 p.m. Tuesday.
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Texans' Williams should be Bears' top free-agent target
March 10, 2012
A little more than a month after the Bears professed to be re-emphasizing the draft, they likely are about to make it rain in free agency.
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Bears' Emery won't stray from scouting roots
March 3, 2012
The Bears hired Phil Emery as general manager because he was an effective road scout.
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Seller's market for tight ends
March 1, 2012
Bricklayers no longer need apply for the job of Bears tight end.
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Good year for Bears to be eyeing receivers in draft
February 26, 2012
INDIANAPOLIS — If the Bears are intending on drafting a receiver, they had to walk away from the combine workouts Sunday whistling and winking.
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Duerson family lawsuit could alter NFL
February 23, 2012
The NFL is in Indianapolis this week for the annual scouting combine.
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Whitney Mercilus' NFL draft diary
February 18, 2012
Illinois' Whitney Mercilus is one of the highest-rated defensive end prospects in this year's NFL draft. The first-team All-American and first-team Big Ten performer will chronicle his experience leading up to the April draft for the Tribune.
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One year later, Duerson's family still coping
February 12, 2012
On Friday, a mother and her four children will drive to South Bend, Ind., to place flowers by a mausoleum.
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Offensive coordinator's loss stirs Packers' emotions
January 11, 2012
GREEN BAY — Every player on the Packers 53-man roster participated in practice Wednesday, a rarity at any time of the season, let alone in January.
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Rodgers wins QB duel over Cutler
September 28, 2010
When Aaron Rodgers embraced Jay Cutler near the 50-yard line at 10:44 p.m. Monday night, he must have been wondering why he was congratulating Cutler instead of it being the other way around.
