Chicago Sports Landscape (9/23/2012)
It may be tough to admit, but lets be honest, the Chicago Cubs are not the only sports team in Chicago. While we all share an unconditional love for the Cubs, we share that love with the other Chicago sports franchises. Whether it be the Chicago Bulls, Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago Bears or even the Chicago White Sox, sports fans in Chicago are lucky to have such a variety of professional sports teams to support.
Sep 13, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) leads the offense walks off the field during the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Bears 23-10. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE
It is my hope to bring that variety to Cubbies Crib. Now lets be clear, Cubbies Crib 99% of the time will be covering the advancements of the Cubs’ organization. However, beginning today and to be continued on each Sunday, we go around the FanSided network and take a look at what is making news for the other professional sports team in Chicago.
- Chicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox are the best baseball team in Chicago, and yet, some could argue that they are not receiving the same attention that the Chicago Cubs are getting. In the heat of a division race with the Detroit Tigers, the recap of the White Sox loss to the Los Angeles Angels on Saturday is now on Southside Showdown. The White Sox, fueled by general manager Kenny Williams, have been one of the better stories of the 2012 season. However, their story may not end on a positive note as the team is currently riding a 4 game losing streak with the Tigers only a half game behind for the division. The Tigers, mainly because of their defense, have shot themselves in the foot on several occasions this season. This week figures to be a pivotal in week in deciding the winner of the American League Central division.
- Chicago Bears
Today is game day. Ten days after the Chicago Bears lost to the Green Bay Packers, and after a week of talking about a shove that was not much of a shove, Jay Cutler and the Chicago Bears take to Soldier Field today to play the St Louis Rams. Reading Bears Goggles On this week, I saw an interesting piece that suggested that Cutler is not the quarterback to lead the Bears to a championship. Boomer makes a compelling case for that sentiment as he compares Cutler’s record against teams with .500 records, winning records, and losing records. Cutler is a combined 19-6 against teams with a ,500 winning percentage or less, however, he is only 7-13 against teams with winning records. The one caveat that I would put on Boomer’s research is that it only accounted for Cutler’s time with the Bears. Say what you will about the flaws of Cutler, but the Bears have yet to treat Cutler like a franchise quarterback. In the three seasons leading up to the 2012 season, the Bears have failed to provide Cutler with an adequate offensive line or receiving core. This season, the Bears have an improved receiving core, but their offensive line remains unchanged. Meaning there are many other factors to consider when you are looking at Cutler’s record with the Bears. Cutler is not Peyton Manning nor is he Tom Brady, he is Jay Cutler. I, for one, am a Cutler supporter and think he is capable of leading the Bears to the championship.
- Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls are preparing for the start of the 2012-2013 season. However, optimism is lacking in regards to the Bulls. We all saw the Derrick Rose injury last season in the Bulls’ first playoff game against the Philadelphia 76ers, and to be honest, I’m not too sure we have all recovered from what we saw that day. But Rose is on the path to recovery, and his path to returning is being documented for a web series. You can follow the series at Pippen Ain’t Easy as we all hope to see Rose on the court sooner rather than later.
- Chicago Blackhawks
The NHL is currently in the middle of a lockout. To get the latest on the lockout and the effect that it has on the Blackhawks, head over to Blackhawk Up as they have several posts in regards to the lockout as they wait for hockey to be played once again.