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Keys to Victory vs. Minnesota Timberwolveson March 4, 2020 at 5:35 pm

Running with the Chicago Bulls

Keys to Victory vs. Minnesota Timberwolves

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Cancer changes how I feel about deathon March 4, 2020 at 6:46 pm

Cancer Is Not A Gift

Cancer changes how I feel about death

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Cubs Den Top Prospect Audit: Catcheron March 4, 2020 at 7:59 pm

Cubs Den

Cubs Den Top Prospect Audit: Catcher

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REALXTY pens a call to action on “RN”on March 4, 2020 at 10:52 pm

City of Wind

REALXTY pens a call to action on “RN”

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Why Voting In the 2020 Elections Matteron March 5, 2020 at 1:06 am

One Cause At A Time

Why Voting In the 2020 Elections Matter

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Chicago Bears: 3 mistakes Pace must avoid as free agency beginson March 4, 2020 at 12:00 pm

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Chicago Bears, Matt Nagy

Chicago Bears (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)

As we draw near to the start of the new league year, there are some moves the Chicago Bears can’t afford to make.

In just a little over two weeks, the new league year will begin and the Chicago Bears’ offseason will officially kickoff. Although technically teams can begin to contact players and begin the negotiation process on March 16th, the year doesn’t officially begin until March 18th, meaning no deals can become official until then. As that date approaches, there are some mistakes that the Bears simply can’t afford to make.

But first, let’s take inventory of where the team is as they prepare for this offseason. It wasn’t supposed to be this way. Coming off an electric 2018 season, the team was supposed to take the next step in 2019 and compete for a Super Bowl. It didn’t happen, unfortunately, and now the team has more questions regarding their roster than one could have imagined just 12 months ago.

This offseason was supposed to be about fine-tuning rather than major overhauling, but the reality is because of what transpired in 2019, there are some significant holes and weaknesses that must be addressed if they want any chance of being a playoff team come 2020.

They have to figure out who will take over for recently released cornerback Prince Amukamara and wide receiver Taylor Gabriel, as well as identify replacements for safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix and guard Kyle Long. While those are important decisions for Pace, we identify three mistakes he can’t afford to make this offseason.

Next: Overpay for a Gently Used Rifle

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Chicago Bears: Relying on Trey Burton would be a mistakeon March 4, 2020 at 1:00 pm

Chicago Bears (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)

Chicago Bears (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)

It would be a huge mistake for the Chicago Bears to rely on Trey Burton next season.

According to a recent report from Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated’s Monday Morning Quarterback, the Chicago Bears are strongly considering rolling into 2020 with Trey Burton as the headliner at the tight end position.

In his latest piece, Breer noted, “I’m not saying Bears won’t go forward without supplementing at the position, but word is they’re OK with Trey Burton being the headliner there, on the belief that he’s just had a lot of bad injury luck the last couple years.”

This seems to be in contrast to a report last week that suggested the Bears were going to pursue Atlanta Falcons’ free-agent Austin Hooper. It also seems to conflict with common sense, as it seems apparent to everyone that the Bears need to upgrade the tight end position, regardless of where you come down on the Trubisky debate.

Whether Ryan Pace really intends to keep Mitch as the starter in 2020, the tight end position must be upgraded. However, if he does, it would be a monumental mistake to stick with Burton and not upgrade the position.

Look, no one can say with certainty what the Bears will do. Personally, I won’t read into Pace’s comments that Mitch is the starter in 2020. At this time, there is no other quarterback on the roster, and with the uncertainty around whether they’ll be able to land a quality option in free agency, it does the team no good but to come out and support Mitch publicly. However, the unwillingness yet to pick up his fifth-year option is more telling.

But let’s just say he is the starter. It’s clear that Mitch cannot be a quarterback that elevates the players around him. He’s simply not an elite quarterback. The conditions around him have to be almost perfect for him to be successful.

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He does, however, have a good skill-set that can be effective assuming he improves his footwork, his ability to read defenses, to process information, and regains his confidence. That’s a lot that has to fall into place, but it’s what has to happen for the Bears to have any hope to win with Mitch next season.

Beyond all of those things, they need a competent and more importantly, a reliable option at tight end. While Burton was fairly decent in 2018, he was largely unavailable in 2019, a season that was filled with more questions than answers about his health.

The Bears simply cannot go into this season on the “hope” that Burton bounces back. Even if they bring in a different quarterback, whoever that is will need a reliable tight end option. At this point, Burton simply does not represent that.

While it is “lying season” and it’s hard to discern fact from fiction in these various reports, if the Bears are truly content with Burton being the main tight end next season, it could suggest, as our own Ryan Heckman pointed out, that the Bears might want to use those resources to bring in a quality quarterback.

Next: Trade packages for Trai Turner

If that is the case, let’s hope it is someone who can elevate the players — particularly the tight end — around him, because absent a renaissance season from Burton, the Bears shouldn’t bank on big-time results.

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Chicago Blackhawks: An offensive explosion at United Centeron March 4, 2020 at 2:00 pm

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MARCH 03: Kirby Dach #77 of the Chicago Blackhawks shoots against the Anaheim Ducks at the United Center on March 03, 2020 in Chicago, Illinois. The Blackhawks defeated the Ducks 6-2. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – MARCH 03: Kirby Dach #77 of the Chicago Blackhawks shoots against the Anaheim Ducks at the United Center on March 03, 2020 in Chicago, Illinois. The Blackhawks defeated the Ducks 6-2. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

The Chicago Blackhawks went big on their offense as they routed the Anaheim Ducks at the United Center to inch closer to a playoff spot.

The Chicago Blackhawks are somehow remarkably still in the playoff race. They have been pretty good in their last few games so defeating the Anaheim Ducks 6-2 at the United Center is definitely a good thing. They are now six points back of the second Wild Card spot and ten home games in March. They need to keep it going and win most of their games to have a chance but it can still be done.

When Stan Bowman was a seller at the trade deadline the team was reeling. Since then, they have played well. Corey Crawford was the story of the game for Chicago after the first period. The Blackhawks were leading 1-0 but they were lucky to have that the case. Anaheim outshot them 16-6 in the period but Crawford gave them a chance to wake up. The Hawks still allowed 39 goals themselves so Crawford’s brilliance lasted all game.

They woke up in a big way by getting 18 shots in the second period and 16 in the third to get their total up to 40. The Blackhawks put five goals past John Gibson who is one of the best goalies in the NHL. Then he was pulled in favor of Ryan Miller who also allowed one goal. It was truly an offensive explosion for the home team after looking like they would fold after the first period.

One forward who was the story of the game overall was Dylan Strome. It has been a tougher season for Strome after bursting onto the scene last year. He hadn’t scored a goal since January so it was good to see him net one. Then he scored a second one which is hopefully a sign that he is back to his old self. It is pretty clear that he is better suited to play center than play on the wing. His game is at it’s best when he is moving in all situations. Strome was named the first star of the game for his efforts.

Related Story: Three Blackhawks who need to have a strong finish this season

The Blackhawks have the league’s hottest duo coming to town on Thursday. Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and the Edmonton Oilers roll into the United Center to try and keep up their strong play. The Blackhawks are going to need to put everything they have on the ice in order to defeat these guys.

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Chicago Blackhawks: Take advantage of home heavy Marchon March 4, 2020 at 3:00 pm

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MARCH 03: Corey Crawford #50 of the Chicago Blackhawks makes a save against the Anaheim Ducks at the United Center on March 03, 2020 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – MARCH 03: Corey Crawford #50 of the Chicago Blackhawks makes a save against the Anaheim Ducks at the United Center on March 03, 2020 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

The Chicago Blackhawks are going to be at home for the majority of this month. They need to win almost all of the games if they want to make the playoffs.

The Chicago Blackhawks earned a big win over the Anaheim Ducks to start off their month right. It was the first of a remarkable eleven home games in the month of March. They only had three home games in all of February and they struggled. They were sellers at the trade deadline but a solid Florida trip along with the big Anaheim win has them believing again.

Most of the teams they will play at home are pretty good. Players like Connor McDavid, Sidney Crosby, Zach Parise, Tyler Seguin, and Evgeni Malkin are all going to be trying to take the Hawks down at home so they are still going to need to be at their best. The Blackhawks haven’t been better at home than on the road, but if they are going to go on a run to the playoffs their best chance would be with more home games.

The crowd at the United Center is always sold out and cheers loudly for their team. That could be what they need to make something of this opportunity. There are other teams in a similar situation standings-wise that would love to have ten more home games this month. They are six points back of the final Wild Card spot with two games in hand over the Winnipeg Jets who hold that spot. This is the stretch that will tell what the 2019-20 Blackhawks are truly made of.

They do have four road games sprinkled in this month as well. The Detroit Red Wings and Buffalo Sabres are both below them in the standings, while the Minnesota Wild and Washington Capitals might be a little bit more tough on the road. If they can play well in those four road games while going 9-1 or 8-2 in the home games, they could come very close to the playoffs.

Related Story: Three Blackhawks players who need a strong finish to 2019-20

On trade deadline day, it looked like it was over. Now, there is still a small beam of hope. It might be a small bit of hope but the hope still there. If anything, it has the makings of an entertaining finish to the season. All fans of this team are encouraged to go support them at the United Center down the stretch. They are not giving up and neither should you.

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Best Places to Bar Crawl Through Andersonvilleon March 4, 2020 at 4:47 pm

Andersonville: the land of coffee shops, quirky bookstores, and feminist sex-toy shops. Perhaps you’ve been to Drag Brunch at Hamburger Marys or maybe you’ve delighted in the wonders of Ann Sather’s cinnamon rolls. Whatever your reason may be for visiting Andersonville, you have to add another to the list. Visit these 10 bars, scattered up and down Clark Street, for the ultimate Andersonville bar crawl. 

Little Bad Wolf
Photo Credit: Little Bad Wolf Instagram

 



Little Bad Wolf | 1541 W Bryn Mawr Ave

“What a big beer list you have!” a crawler exclaimed. “The more the merrier, my dear,” Little Bad Wolf replied. This isn’t a fable or fairytale: it’s reality and it’s all in Andersonville. Get to the bar of Little Bad Wolf and pour your heart out to a hearty pour. Quirky, eclectic, and friendly, Little Bad Wolf has a massive beer list (100+) and plenty of bourbon to go around. Little Bad Wolf welcomes you with friendly servers and plenty of cold beer so be sure to come early and stay late (2 am close!)!

Mary's Attic
Photo Credit: Hamburger Mary’s Facebook

Hamburger Mary’s (Andersonville Brewing) | 5400 N Clark St

Home to Mary’s Attic, Drag Brunch, and its own nano-brewery, Hamburger Mary’s is an electrifying combination of humor and charm. This place is ideal for a bar-crawl because of its approachable atmosphere and hometown feel with unique and small-batch brews from Andersonville Brewing. Sports fans rejoice: Hamburger Mary’s brewery, Andersonville Brewing, also has plenty of screens for all your game-day needs. Be Mary! 



*Of course, should you ever come here without the intention to bar crawl, Hamburger Mary’s Attic has an energetic Tea Dance (every first Sunday), Hambingo (on Mondays and Thursdays) in the Dining Room, as well as Drag Brunch (think Ed Debevick’s with Drag Queens). 

Bar Patios Chicago
Photo Credit: Cescas

Cescas Margarita Bar & Grill “CMBG” | 5403 N Clark St

You know that feeling when you’re at home blending your margarita (with a mix) and eating tortilla chips with some Velveeta cheese dip? You’re cozy and unbothered. Well, Cescas Margarita Bar & Grill effortlessly brings you that comfortable, relaxed vibe from home with elevated drinks and food (should you so desire). Welcome to an authentic cantina with exposed brick, complete with tamales, guacamole, and massive, crafted margaritas! Enjoy your new favorite home for margaritas and better-queso: CMBG!



Photo Credit: Replay

Replay | 5358 N Clark St

Not your typical crawl space, but a favorite among millennials and other generations alike, Replay marries the joys of an arcade with the delights of alcohol. Replay in Andersonville is a fan-favorite and its corner-location is ideal for a pick-me-up in the middle of your crawl. Play Pac-Man, Air Hockey, or aim for some hoops while you make some friends (or rivals!) along the way. 

andersonville bar crawl
Photo Credit: Lady Gregory’s

Lady Gregory’s Irish Bar & Restaurant | 5260 N Clark St

It’s like a library and pub got married; minus the noise-free area. Warm welcomes, long beer-lists, and a variety of seating options for you and your fellow crawlers, Lady Gregory’s’ Irish Bar and Restaurant is ideal for sharing a drink and creating conversation. Of course, Lady Gregory’s looks a lot more upscale than your typical bar-crawling spots. However, it is the ultimate Andersonville bar: literary references, quirky and eclectic, completed by an afternoon boozy beverage!



andersonville bar crawl
Photo Credit: Farraguts

Farraguts on Clark | 5240 N Clark St

No frills. No nonsense. All fun. Farraguts on Clark is a favorite watering hole for locals, regulars, and crawlers alike — and you’ll see why. Complete with a crooked chandelier, crafts, and domestics, along with a jukebox, you’re sure to enjoy this relaxed atmosphere with reasonably priced beverages! Make friends and delight in the nuances of crawling in Andersonville.

Photo Credit: Simon’s Tavern

Simon’s Tavern | 5210 N Clark St

You can’t miss this place on Clark: there’s a neon fish wearing a Viking hat…. Oh and that fish is holding a martini. Swedish-immigrant founded speakeasy turned bar, Simon’s Tavern is the ultimate dark but comfortable bar for your crawl (get lucky and grab a seat at the couch by the fireplace!). Word to the wise: replace your shot of Malort with that of the sweet notes of Swedish Glogg (a mulled wine). Complete with a jukebox and ghosts, Simon’s neighborly vibe and drinks are ideal for your crawl.



Hopleaf
Photo Credit: Hopleaf Facebook Page

Hopleaf | 5148 N Clark St

Belgian-inspired tavern, Hopleaf offers an extensive list of brews and delicious dishes (see Belgian fried chicken). Not a screen in sight, Hopleaf offers an uninterrupted space for conversation and drinking. Perfect to close your crawl on Clark — Hopleaf will give you space to gently ease your drinking for the day while still trying unique beers (did someone say mead?)!

bar crawl andersonville
Photo Credit: Yelp

Meeting House Tavern | 5025 N Clark St

Invigorate your bar crawl at Meeting House Tavern. You’ll find plenty of brews (and other inventive drinks!), food offerings from Hutch (next door), and classic bar games. Flex your muscles at Skee-Ball and shuffleboard while downing an alcoholic slushy. Discover camaraderie and forge friendships at Meeting House Tavern. 



bar crawl andersonville
Photo Credit: The SoFo Tap

The Sofo Tap | 4923 N Clark St, 1st Floor

After all that crawling, sometimes you just need to get to the corner tavern and hang out in their garage. The Sofo Tap can do that for you – and more! When the sunshine greets us, The Sofo Tap converts its garage into a quaint and whimsical beer garden. Bringing you the joys of the neighborhood, this tavern is dog-friendly, LGBTQ-friendly, and most of all, crawler-friendly!



Andersonville is the land of the indie, LGBTQ+, and approachable hipsters. Crawl all up and down Clark Street and guzzle the brews or chow down on some small bites!

At UrbanMatter, U Matter. And we think this matters.

Tell us what you think matters in your neighborhood and what we should write about next in the comments below!

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Best Places to Bar Crawl Through Andersonvilleon March 4, 2020 at 4:47 pm Read More »