Three-headed Bronxter

Until this past Monday, the New York Yankees have had themselves a pretty pedestrian offseason as the Bronx Bombers have watched from the outside looking in as the game's top free-agents signed elsewhere. But the Yanks finally nabbed a sexy talent with the recent acquisition of one of the most dominant closers in the game to add to an already robust back end of the bullpen and create a three-headed monster. That's right, 27-year old Cuban sensation Aroldis Chapman is heading to New York where he'll be donning the pinstripes in 2016 and joining the 1-2 punch of Dellin Betances and Andrew Miller.

In what's been a firesale of top talent for the Cincinnati Reds since July, their All-Star closer is the latest marquee name to be moved following the team's 98-loss season in 2015. Other notable names that found new homes after starring for the Reds this past season are Todd Frazier, Johnny Cueto and Mike Leake. Brandon Phillips would also be on that list had it not been for a blocked trade to the Nationals which the second baseman himself ordered just a week ago. Earlier reports this offseason had Chapman being traded to the Dodgers, but the L.A. ball club had a change of heart and the deal fell through after news surfaced of an alleged domestic violence dispute between Chapman and his girlfriend back on October 30. Chapman's girlfriend, the victim of the incident, was hiding in the backyard when more than a dozen policemen showed up to Chapman's home where she claims he allegedly choked her before firing off eight shots in his garage. The incident which is pending investigation, contributed to what eventually became a nixed trade to the Dodgers which ultimately led to a decrease in Chapman's trade value. That's where the Yankees came in to pull off what many (including myself) consider to be a steal.

Given the stability both Betances & Miller provide, the Yankees were one of the few teams that could pull off a trade for Chapman without feeling the immediate effects of a suspension if and when one is handed down. And for the low price of just four Minor Leaguers -- right-handed pitchers Caleb Cotham and Rookie Davis and infielders Eric Jagielo and Tony Renda, none of whom that jump off the page at you, you have to applaud New York for making the move. With an aging rotation no longer reliable like it used to be, the Yankees are now leaning heavily on their relief corps which should help shorten games as the 7th, 8th and 9th innings appear to be in good hands no matter the situation or order they're called upon.

Likely to receive a suspension given Major League Baseball's recent stand on domestic violence and the zero tolerance policy for domestic violence in sports altogether, the Yankees did their homework and believe the reward is worth the risk. Rumors have also occurred regarding a possible trade involving last year's closer Andrew Miller whom Yankees GM Brian Cashman said he spoke to directly and explained his intentions to keep him despite making the deal for Chapman. If the Yanks do keep all three -- Betances, Chapman and Miller, not only would they climb atop the list of the most dominant bullpens in baseball, but they would also be the first team in MLB history to showcase a 'pen with three pitchers who had at least 100 strikeouts in relief the season before. The acquisition of Chapman also gives Yankees manager Joe Girardi the luxury of having the top three relievers by strikeouts and K's per nine innings in the bigs. His latest addition, however, might be his most talented yet. An All-Star in each of the past four seasons, the Cuban defector who will become a free-agent at the end of next season is coming off a 2015 campaign in which he saved 33 games and struck out 116 batters in 66 1/3 innings while posting an ERA of 1.63.

It's no myth that Chapman throws a mean fastball. Just to put Chapman's heat into perspective, the Cuban fire-baller threw the 62 fastest pitches in the big leagues last season, ranging from 102.36 mph to 103.92 mph. And his 1,694 pitches registered at 100 mph and above are 1,192 more than the next closest pitcher (Kelvin Herrera of the Royals) since Chapman's debut in 2009. While a shutdown bullpen is definitely nice to have and figures to help the Yankees contend for a trip back to the postseason, will it be enough to combat the reigning division champion Blue Jays and the Boston Red Sox whom made a splash of their own with the free-agent signing of $217 Million dollar man David Price? One thing is for certain, the AL East should make for some interesting baseball in the new year.


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49ers unable to tame Lions

Week 16 - Heading into Detroit for their final road game of the season, the (4-10) 49ers entered Sunday's game hoping to exit the Motor City with a win and return home with a winning-streak to finish what's been a disappointing season. But with the (5-9) Lions playing their best football of the season as of late, the Niners would be put to the test. A challenge they appeared to be willing to accept as they jumped out to an early lead by scoring a touchdown on their first drive for the first time all year. It would also mark their first 1st quarter touchdown of the 2015 season.

After putting up a fight which saw the Niners not only score the first 7-points of the game, but also stick around in a back and forth first half, the San Francisco offense disappeared after halftime as they were shutout in the second half. 49ers receiver Anquan Boldin who caught his first career ball against the Lions, got things started off by becoming just the 13th player in NFL history to record 1,000 career receptions when he caught a 5-yard pass on the first play of the game. A series of runs and short passes helped San Francisco march all the way to the goal line where they put an exclamation point on the drive with a 1-yard touchdown pass from QB Blaine Gabbert to tight-end Vance McDonald. The Lions answered by scoring a 36-yard field goal and a 29-yard touchdown on back to back drives to take their first lead. A fake punt in which Detroit converted a first down on a direct snap would setup the go-ahead touchdown. But Gabbert would have other plans as the Niners jumped back ahead after a 16-yard touchdown connection to Torrey Smith.

Gabbert managed to go without throwing an interception in the game but a 9-yard sack in which he fumbled the ball at the 1-yard line would cost him in the second quarter. Detroit's Joique Bell would capitalize on the very next play by scampering into the end zone for a touchdown. Niners kicker Phil Dawson would split a pair of field goals, missing a 45-yarder and making one from 40, only to be outdone by Detroit's Matt Prater who kicked a pair including one with time expiring to send his team into the locker room at the half, leading 20-17. Aside from keeping it a close game, San Francisco would also tie a season-high 17 first half points. Unfortunately, it would be all the scoring they would do as they failed to scratch a single point on the scoreboard in the second half. The 49ers shot themselves in the foot nearly all afternoon long as they were called for offsides or for being in the neutral zone seven times to set a single-game high by an NFL team this year, six of which came in the first half, the most for any team since 1993.

In what's been a nightmarish season for 49ers running backs this year with injuries sustained to Carlos Hyde, Reggie Bush and now Shaun Draughn, DuJuan Harris got the nod and was one of the few bright spots for San Francisco on Sunday. Signed by San Francisco as recent as Tuesday just days before Sunday's game, Harris rushed for a career-high 73 yards to lead all players. Australian rugby star Jarryd Hayne was also promoted to the team just in time for Sunday's affair and received his heaviest workload yet, rushing for 27 yards on 9 carries and catching a career-best 5 receptions for 20 yards. With both Harris and Hayne still getting their feet wet with their respected team, one name that has been around for quite awhile now in Detroit is receiver Calvin Johnson, better known as Megatron. In what may be his final home game in a Lions uniform, the ?-time Pro Bowl wide-out caught six passes for 77 yards including a fourth quarter touchdown as quarterback Matthew Stafford was sure to send his favorite target off with one last touchdown reception if he indeed plays elsewhere in 2016. Stafford threw for a pair of TD's and eclipsed the 300-yard mark with 301 yards on the afternoon, inching closer to his fifth consecutive 4,000 yard season, needing only 36-yards with one game remaining. Gabbert tallied 225 yards and a pair of touchdowns of his own, but did so in a losing effort as the Niners fell, 32-17.

Week 17 Preview - After falling to 4-11 on the season, the 49ers head back home to meet with the division-rival (7-8) St. Louis Rams where they'll hope to avoid their first four-win season since 2005. As for the Rams who are coming off a 23-17 win over the Seahawks in Seattle, St. Louis will look to finish their disappointing season by finishing with an even .500 record. And their rookie running back Todd Gurley who ran amok versus the Niners in their first meeting this year by racking up 133 yards and a touchdown, will be called upon to do the same thing a second time around. After holding Detroit to fewer than 90-yards on Sunday, the 49er run defense will once again need a strong effort in this one if they plan to end 2015 on a high note and avenge the 27-6 loss to St. Louis earlier this year.


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Kobe's Last Hurrah

The Mamba's still venomous - While we all knew this was the end of the Kobe Bryant era entering the 2015-16 season but refused to believe it, the Los Angeles Lakers guard finally put the rumors to rest three weeks ago when he held a live press conference regarding his decision to finally hang 'em up at the end of the season after 20 years in the league. Along with Kobe explaining his decision in front of a live television audience, was a poem he had written explaining that he was ready to let go of the game of basketball. After appearing to have shot himself to an early retirement with many pleading for the Mamba to call it quits in midseason, Bryant has instead responded to his critics by playing his best ball in years as of late. That's right, Kobe is finally beginning to resemble the iconic basketball player we all know and love.

In his last four games, Kobe has put up the following:

31 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists.
22 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists.
22 points, 3 rebounds, 6 assists.
25 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists.

Even if it is just a small sample size of the Kobe Bryant we all grew accustomed to seeing on a nightly basis, the fact remains -- it's refreshing to see one of the most celebrated players the game has ever known playing good basketball once again. Though I can truly say I didn't go as far as saying Kobe needed to reconsider his decision and retire now during his slump, I can admit that I thought Kobe had begun to resemble a man who was forcing himself thru something he can no longer do and that's taking on a rigorous 82-game season for a 20th time. But over the last four games he's proven otherwise. He's also ditched the poor shot selection that was eating away at his shooting percentage at the start of the season and has been a lot more productive in every facet while also getting others involved. As hard as it was to watch one of the game's all-time greats struggling the way he was, I wasn't ready for my all-time favorite player to walk away from the game for good. Bryant, a 17-time All-Star and 5-time NBA Champion, had this to say about his recent play, "I just feel good. my legs feel fine. I feel like me."

With the Lakers currently owning a record of 5-23, worst in the Western Conference and above only the 1-29 Philadelphia 76ers who's lone win on the season came at the hands of L.A., the last three seasons which saw Kobe plagued by different injuries, has somewhat helped us all accept this whole rebuilding stage that the Lakers and their fans aren't necessarily used to and has helped prepare us to move on towards a Kobe-less Laker team. With a good crop of young talent picked in the last two NBA Drafts in guards Jordan Clarkson, DeAngelo Russell and forward Julius Randle, L.A. is once again in good position to acquire some top talent in next year's Draft while preparing for life after Bryant. And as the season wears on and the games dwindle down, the only advice I can say to you as not only a Laker fan but an all around fan of basketball is this -- soak in as much of Kobe's final season as you can as we may never seen a talent quite like his again. Not to mention one who's played a record all 20 seasons with the same franchise. We may see another turnaround jumper and another intense first pump after a made basket, but we'll never see another hunger on the court like the one we saw when Kobe Bean Bryant was on the hardwood. 


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Turnover happy 49ers lose to Bengals

Week 15 - Sunday's meeting between the San Francisco 49ers and Cincinnati Bengals was a clash between two teams going in completely opposite directions. With a win by the visiting Bengals, Cincinnati would clinch a playoff spot. But with backup QB AJ McCarron making his first career start, a win would have to be fought for. And with former Alabama quarterbacks a combined 0-13 since 1987, McCarron would be called upon to buck the trend while filling in for the injured Andy Dalton. After a scoreless first quarter which saw the 49ers force a turnover on downs as the Bengals elected to go for it on a fourth and 1 attempt, Cincinnati would get things going in the second. 

Forcing three 49er turnovers in the second quarter, the Bengals capitalized on two of them, jumping out to a double-digit lead. Two of the miscues would be dealt to quarterback Blaine Gabbert as tight-end Vance McDonald had a pair of dropped passes result in interceptions, meanwhile, Anquan Boldin had a would-be first down reception stripped from his grasp as he went down, fumbling the ball. Bengals running back Jeremy Hill scored the first two of Cincy's three second quarter touchdowns with a pair of 1-yard runs at the goal line. The third being thru the air as McCarron's only touchdown pass on the afternoon went to a wide-open Tyler Kroft on a 20-yard dart to the rookie tight-end. Trailing 24-0, the Niners would finally get on the board after recovering a Jeremy Hill fumble as he was ran into by his own teammate. Five plays later, the offense would punch it in as fullback Bruce Miller recorded his first career touchdown with a 1-yard run up the middle. After blocking a field goal attempt a week ago versus Cleveland, the Niners had one of their own blocked on Sunday as kicker Phil Dawson who had made his last 19 field goal attempts, watched number twenty hit the hand of a Bengals defender.

With Anquan Boldin zeroing in on 1,000 career receptions, the 13-year veteran caught 8 passes for 74 yards on Sunday including one for a 15-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter that pulled San Francisco within two scores. The 49ers would recover the ensuing on-side kick following the touchdown, but Gabbert would be picked off in the end zone for a third time just two plays later, helping Cincy seal the 24-20 victory. Despite holding the Bengals to less than 200 yards thru the air and only 68 yards on the ground, the four 49er turnovers including three by Blaine Gabbert who threw for 295 yards, were too much for the 49ers to overcome on a day they fell behind, 24-0. As for McCarron who played turnover-free football while passing for 192 yards and a touchdown, the two-time National Champion with the Crimson Tide, became the first Alabama alum to win a game as the starting QB since Jeff Rutledge of the Giants in 1987. With the win, the Bengals improved to 11-3 and clinched their fifth straight playoff berth with an AFC North division title still up for grabs and next on their Christmas wishlist. As for San Francisco, the loss dropped the 49ers to 4-10 on the year and guarantees them their first last place finish in the NFC West since 2005.

Week 16 Preview - In what will be their final road game of the season, the 49ers head north to take on the (5-9) Detroit Lions. Already eliminated from playoff contention, Matt Stafford and company will look to finish the season strong in what could potentially be the final home game for Lions receiver Calvin Johnson who's in the final year of his contract. Coming off a 35-27 win on the road over the Saints, Detroit hopes to make it consecutive wins. The 49ers on the other hand are just hoping to complete the 2015 season on a high note coming off another string of back to back losses. 


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49ers Fail to cash-in vs Money Manziel, Browns

Week 14 - Entering Sunday's meeting in Cleveland between the (4-8) San Francisco 49ers and (2-10) Browns, the Niners found themselves in unfamiliar territory -- facing a team with a worse record than their own. Dealing with quarterback issues of their own, the Browns have had their guy all season long in second-year pro Johnny Manziel, but the team's unwillingness to commit to the former Heisman Trophy winner coupled with his poor decision making off the field, has left him on the sidelines more often than on the field. But with Manziel getting the call in this one after serving the last two games on the bench following his restriction set by coach Mike Pettine, the Browns' mobile QB was able to help snap Cleveland's 7-game losing streak. 

After their overtime victory over the Bears last week, the Niners came into this one looking rather surprised and played like a team that underestimated their opponent. Early on, however, the San Francisco defense would make their presence felt by blocking a 42-yard field goal attempt by kicker Travis Coons to keep the game scoreless. But the Niners' inability to get anything going on offense, aided the Browns who scored on their next possession. With only two rushing touchdowns all year for the Browns entering the game, the 49ers would see a steady diet of second-year running back Isiah Crowell who broke off a 50-yard run before doubling Cleveland's rushing touchdown total with his first of two TD's on the afternoon. San Francisco went into the half trailing 10-3, but could've easily been down by 17+ had it not been for a number of miscues by the Browns offense. Third-string running back Glenn Winston showed exactly why he's the Browns' third option at running back as he fumbled his only rush attempt on the afternoon. Manziel would endure a brain-cramp of his own after being flushed from the pocket and throwing an errant pass across his body to midfield which 49ers rookie safety Jaquiski Tartt snagged in midair for his first career interception. 

The Niners would open the second half just as sluggish as the first as the Cleveland defense which entered the game with only 8 sacks on the year, feasted on QB Blaine Gabbert who was sacked nine times in this game alone as the Browns took advantage of a weak 49er o-line and doubled their season sack total. Seeking their first December win since 2012, Manziel helped inch the Browns closer to a W after connecting with his tight-end Gary Barnidge for a 2-yard touchdown. The Browns weren't done there as Crowell added to an already stellar day with his second rush of 50-yards or more with a 54-yard dash en route to a season-high 145-yard performance, including a career-high 95-yards before contact. He would capitalize on the big gain five plays later with his second touchdown. With the game already out of reach, Gabbert and the 49er offense would finally put together a nice drive, marching 94-yards and scoring on a 6-yard touchdown pass in garbage time to receiver Jerome Simpson, his first of the season. Rather poor for a 49ers offense versus a Cleveland defense that has surrendered the third most passing touchdowns this season (25), behind only the Eagles and Saints. 

The only other scoring on the afternoon for the 49ers would come from kicker Phil Dawson whom the Browns payed a tribute to on the stadium scoreboard with a video, highlighting the 14 seasons he played in Cleveland. Manziel out-threw Gabbert in passing yards, 270 to 194 in the 24-10 win as the Browns recorded just their third victory of the season. 

Week 15 Preview - Falling to 4-9 on the year, the 49ers return home where they'll get set to host the 10-3 Cincinnati Bengals. Having been one of the best teams all season, the Bengals are now limping their way to the finish of the regular season with the recent injury to quarterback Andy Dalton who suffered a fractured thumb during the first quarter of Sunday's 33-20 loss to the rival Steelers. The Bengals are still a very dangerous team without Dalton with play-makers on both sides of the ball, but has to have Cincy fans trembling at the thought of making the playoffs without Dalton under center. Although backup QB AJ McCarron is up for the challenge, comparing his situation of stepping in for an injured star quarterback to the one that catapulted Patriots QB Tom Brady into the spotlight. McCarron, a first-year rookie drafted in the fifth round out of Alabama who won 3 National Championships in college with the Crimson Tide and will be making his first career start on Sunday, will look to keep pace in the race for the AFC's number one seed. Meanwhile, the 49ers who saw their own playoff hopes vanish, will try playing spoiler.

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Gabbert's late Heroics Propels 49er past Bears

Week 13 - With the 49ers in Chicago to face off with the (5-6) Bears, San Francisco head coach Jim Tomsula found himself going up against a former colleague -- Vic Fangio who served four seasons as the Niners defensive coordinator before landing the same job title in the windy city during the offseason, as well as Bears offensive coordinator Adam Gase whom Tomsula beat out for the head coaching job. In what would be a struggle offensively for most of the game by both teams, the game would have to be decided in overtime. 

After three and outs in each of San Francisco's first two possessions, the Bears took an early 6-0 lead on a pair of Robbie Gould field goals. Celebrating his 34th birthday, the rest of the day would be one to forget for the longtime Chicago kicker. Seeking their first 1st quarter touchdown of the season, the Niners would strike pay dirt in the form of a Jimmie Ward interception he took to the house. Playing in Chicago for the first time not far from Northern Illinois University where he played collegiately before being selected in the first round of last year's Draft, the interception marked the first of Ward's career, helping put his team on the board and end a first quarter touchdown-less drought that had reached 11 games. Kicker Phil Dawson would fail to tack on the ensuing PAT, however, as the 49ers suffered their first missed extra-point since 2003. With the game tied at 6, both teams would exchange rushing touchdowns as Matt Forte scored for Chicago, only to be matched by San Francisco's Shaun Draughn who scored his first touchdown in a Niner uniform.

The game would remain tied at 13 heading into the 4th quarter. It would be there where the Bears and 49ers would once again exchange rushing touchdowns, this time by a pair of unlikely recipients as both Ka'Deem Carey and Blaine Gabbert logged the first rushing touchdowns of their career, both capping six-play drives in the 4th quarter. Carey's would come first as he found the end zone from 4-yards out, followed by the longest rush of the season by a 49er -- a 44-yard scramble up the middle by Gabbert who showed athleticism on the play that nobody knew he had as San Francisco once again tied the game at 20 apiece. But Gabbert's late-game heroics were nearly erased on the ensuing kick as the 49ers special teams surrendered a 74-yard return to Deonte Thompson with under two minutes remaining. The return would put Chicago in position to win as Bears head coach John Fox called on Gould to kick his team to victory. But after missing his previous attempt in the third quarter, nothing was promised. And from 36-yards out, the Bears' Pro Bowl kicker shanked the kick wide left, spoiling his birthday and sending the game into overtime. It would mark the first game of Gould's career in which he missed a pair of field goals 41-yards or fewer.

With both teams going three and out on their first possession in overtime, Gabbert wasted little time on San Francisco's second drive as he aired it out along the left sideline where he found Torrey Smith all alone for the 71-yard walk-off touchdown. Prior to his game-winning reception which led to his 49er teammates mobbing him in the end zone, Smith had one catch for five yards. Gabbert threw for 196 yards on the day and led the team in rushing with another 75 yards as the 49ers pulled off the 26-20 overtime victory. Chicago's Jay Cutler threw for 202 yards in a losing effort as San Francisco claimed their first road win of the season and first of Tomsula's career. Niners receiver Anquan Boldin caught five passes for 37 yards, helping him reach 13,000 career receiving yards in what's been a stalwart career in the NFL and one that could very well result in a Hall of Fame induction one day. 

Week 14 Preview - At 4-8 on the year, the 49ers will look to build their first winning-streak of the season when they pay a visit to Cleveland to take on the 2-10 Browns. Coming off a 37-3 shellacking by their inner-state rivals the Cincinnati Bengals, the Browns are looking to bounce back at Home. Having endured quarterback trouble of their own this season, Cleveland has decided to name Johnny Manziel their starting QB heading into Sunday's game. While Manziel gives the Browns their best chance of winning games over fellow QB's Josh McCown who's now injured and Austin Davis, the former Heisman Trophy winner is coming off a 2-game absence as Cleveland coach Mike Pettine decided to discipline his young QB after videos of Manziel partying in his native Texas surfaced over the internet. The Niner defense will look to keep the duel threat quarterback at bey with another stellar showing on defense and build on their first road victory of the season. 


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Garbage roughing call costs 49ers vs Cards

Week 12 - Sunday's meeting between the (3-7) San Francisco 49ers and (8-2) Arizona Cardinals featured the team with the most yards and points per game (AZ) versus the team with the least (SF). And though there would be a wide gap between both team's records and season statistics, it would be hard to tell as both teams were neck and neck for most of this one. Feeling generous, the 49ers would deliver several gifts to the opposition in the first half as the Cardinals punched in their first three points of the game with a field goal after recovering a muffed punt by 49ers returner Bruce Ellington. On their next drive, San Francisco QB Blaine Gabbert would be picked off on an errant pass that was intercepted by Arizona's Tyrann Mathieu. The Cardinals would once again turn the 49ers miscue into points, but not before cornerback Tremaine Brock dropped an easy interception in the end zone which he lost in the sun.

While San Francisco's self-inflicted miscues made things easier for Arizona, they did them no favors on offense as the 49er defense held their own and kept it a close game throughout. The penalties, however, would dig them an early grave. On one third quarter drive by Arizona, the 49ers were called for five penalties -- four pass interference calls and one for illegal hands to the face as the Cardinals used it to their advantage by scoring a 1-yard touchdown ran in by third-string running back David Johnson as both Andre Ellington and Chris Johnson left the game with injuries. San Francisco would answer with a touchdown of their own on the ensuing drive as Gabbert connected with tight-end Vance McDonald in the end zone for the second time in as many weeks. The touchdown coupled with Phil Dawson's second field goal of the day would tie things up at 13 heading into the fourth quarter, but San Francisco's inability to convert on a single third down attempt would make things difficult for the offense.

Though the 49ers would out-gain Arizona in total yards -- 368 to 337 as Blaine Gabbert threw for over 300 yards for only the second time in his career, it wouldn't be enough to pull off the victory as San Francisco was called for a bogus roughing the passer penalty on a sack by second-year defensive-end Quinton Dial. On what looked like any normal quarterback sack on second and long, the officials flagged Dial for brazing the helmet of Arizona's Carson Palmer. Instead of facing a third and 18 situation, the Cardinals were given 15-yards and a first down which changed the complexion of the game. Palmer and the Cardinals offense would eventually reach the end zone as Palmer ran it in himself on a drive that lasted nearly 8 minutes long, but kicker Chandler Catanzaro would miss the extra-point, leaving the door open for some late game heroics by Gabbert and company and a chance to steal a win with just over two minutes remaining in regulation. But after marching down the field all the way to the Arizona 30, Gabbert took a 10-yard sack that brought up fourth and 20. He would find receiver Anquan Boldin across the middle for an 18-yard gain but would come up 2-yards short of the first down as San Francisco turned the ball over on downs.

With the 19-13 victory over San Francisco, the Cardinals achieved their first road win and series sweep of the Niners since 2008. Also with the win, the Cardinals improved to 9-2 on the year, assuring them of their first string of three consecutive winning seasons since 1974-76. Meanwhile, San Francisco dropped to 3-8 with the loss and have officially been eliminated from competing for the division. As for the debatable rouging the passer penalty which basically cost the Niners the game as well as a few other eyebrow-raising calls, guard Alex Boone didn't shy away from letting the league know just how displeased he was with Sunday's officiating, saying in a post-game interview, "I thought those refs sucked." And he wasn't alone as many criticized the officials on Sunday during a variety of games, including the Sunday night game between the previously unbeaten Patriots and Denver Broncos. Whether or not you believe a handful of questionable calls cost New England their first loss of the season, one thing is certain -- the NFL officials have seen far greater days than the one they had on Sunday. 

Week 13 Preview - With the 49ers hitting the road to take on the (5-6) Chicago Bears who are coming off a big Thanksgiving night win against the Packers at Lambeau, they'll be tested on offense by Bears defensive-coordinator Vic Fangio who spent the last four years in San Francisco before landing the job in Chicago during the off-season. Fangio and the Bears D will have somewhat of an easier job defending the run as it's been learned that the 49ers will be without starting running back Carlos Hyde who's been ruled out for the fifth consecutive week as he continues to nurse a banged up foot. Joining him will be TE Garrett Celek who's also been ruled out for SF. But as for those playing in Sunday's game at Soldier Field, the 49ers will have to make Jay Cutler as uncomfortable as possible as the Bears QB has his team winning games once again and still alive in the playoff hunt. As you may recall, Cutler rallied his team to a 28-20 win in San Francisco last season after falling behind early, 17-0 in the first regular season game ever played at Levi's Stadium. 

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