Bear Down Sunday: Game #14

The Chicago Bears are 7-6 and tied for first in the NFC North.  The Cleveland Browns are 4-9 and in last place in the AFC North.  This should be a win for the Bears, especially considering how great they played last Monday.
Even with their recent winning ways, the Bears could still use help on defense.  How about Brian Brikowski?  Brian is a free agent defensive end, who played for the Chicago Rush last season.
The connection is that Brickowski also played for the Cleveland Gladiators in 2012 and 2013.  ESPN praised him for making a huge impact for Cleveland.
Additionally, Brikowski has long-snapped.  Patrick Mannelly has been injured a bit last season and this one, too.  Having a quality backup snapper would be a good thing.
I know it is a long shot, but I just really like the players from the Rush.  These guys were such class acts in the face of such chaos with the Rush.  I would love to see the players, like Brickowski, get a shot at the NFL.  If you would like to see where he might play next season, you can follow Brikowski on twitter!

Brian Brickowski and me in Palatine, IL-August 2013.

On the Beat with the Playoff-bound Chicago Rush

The Central Division champ Chicago Rush will face the Spokane Shock tomorrow night in Spokane the opening round of the AFL playoffs.  The Rush (10-8) face a tough challenge with the Shock (14-4) who beat them earlier this season.  Still, the Rush have faced and beaten obstacles all season and I certainly hope that trend continues.
Matt and I attended the last Rush practice before they left for Spokane.  The practice was intense as Coach McMillen and Coach Housman worked on specific plays.  Quarterbacks Luke Drone and Carson Coffman seemed to share snaps during the practice, but Coffman is still listed as the starter.  Having two talented ready quarterbacks is a good thing.
We also took part in the media session with Coach Bob McMillen, receiver Reggie Gray, defensive back Josh Pleasant and defensive lineman Brian Brikowski.  Aside from the upcoming game with Spokane, we talked about everything including Western Illinois University, family, long snapping and much more.
These are some unique looks into the Coach and players.  I love these type of sessions, because along with the standard questions, we get to hear other fun stuff, like about Pleasant's family.
The Rush is a great organization, full of simply fantastic people.  It has been a wonderful experience and I am hoping that continues with a win Thursday night.
I will be at Cafe Zalute in Rosemont to watch the Rush playoff game.  Everyone is welcome to join the fun and cheer on the Rush!!!!