Patrick Finley
Verified
Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Patrick Finley
All 4 NFC North teams are playoff-caliber — and have fatal flaws
Matt LaFleur didn’t want to make a bad day worse by getting fined. So when the Packers coach was asked Sunday about the controversial calls during their 20-17 loss to the division rival Lions, he went full Marshawn Lynch. “I can say what I really think, but I don’t think it does any good,” he said. “So, it is what it is.
Optimist vs. Pessimist: Bears could struggle to dig out of NFC North hole Original
For Jason Lieser’s optimistic look at the Bears’ next 10 games, click here. It’s easy to be optimistic about the Bears’ first seven games. It gets harder to do so when you look at their final 10. For all their success this season — to be 5-2 after starting three different quarterbacks is nothing short of remarkable — the Bears have struggled where it matters most: against the rest of the NFC North.
Bears get surge from Colston Loveland, Luther Burden at just the right time Original
When Bears quarterback Caleb Williams was agitating to return from his hamstring injury, he talked up his pass-catching corps. He called them the best in the world — “BIW” for short — and said he planned on making them even better. “I’m going to keep putting the ball up in the air, you keep making catches,” he told them. “Then from there, we’ll keep growing.” Receiver Luther Burden and tight end Colston Loveland took that to heart.
Bears' Ben Johnson on failed trick play: 'Shooters shoot ... We missed' Original
Bears coach Ben Johnson didn’t back down from his decision to hand the ball off the guard Joe Thuney on Thursday night, even as he acknowledged his team was flagged because they did it the wrong way . “It’s one of those things where, shooters shoot,” he said Friday . “We shot, we missed.
Bears lose TE Cole Kmet for the season with knee injury
The Bears’ worst fears were confirmed Friday morning when testing showed that tight end Cole Kmet will miss the rest of the season with a right knee injury. Kmet hurt his knee late in the fourth quarter Thursday night after catching a nine-yard pass along the Bears’ sidelines. Shocked teammates gathered around him before he was carted to the locker room. After the game, coach Ben Johnson said that the outlook didn’t look promising.
Bears lose TE Cole Kmet for the season with knee injury
Sports 3 hours ago Cole Kmet suffered season-ending injury during game against Patriots, Bears confirm nbcchicago.com • 3h The Chicago Bears on Friday confirmed tight end Cole Kmet suffered a serious, season-ending knee injury on a fourth-quarter reception against the New … Caleb Williams 4 hours ago A brutal knee injury ruins Cole Kmet's 2026 breakout game with the Chicago Bears slapthesign.com - Oliver Vandervoort • 4h Losing a beloved veteran to a severe lower-body injury deals a...
Halas Intrigue podcast: Bears keep it rolling Original
Patrick Finley and Jason Finley break down the Bears’ 30-24 win over the Patriots. New episodes of “Halas Intrigue” will be published regularly with accompanying stories collected on the podcast’s hub page. You can also listen to “Halas Intrigue” wherever you get your podcasts, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Music. Patrick Finley Chicago Sun-TimesChicago Bears reporter Chicago Sun-TimesChicago Bears reporter
Bears K Cairo Santos 'annoyed' by miss even after booting career-long FG
Cairo Santos wasn’t smiling in the Bears’ locker room even after hitting a career-long 58-yard field goal Thursday night to salt away the Bears’ 30-24 win against the Patriots. He was still “annoyed” with himself after hitting the left upright on a 53-yard try earlier in the fourth quarter that would have put the Bears ahead by nine. Santos has missed a field goal in each of his last three games — a 43-yarder wide left against the Packers and a 56-yarder wide left against the Falcons.
Bears TE Cole Kmet carted off with right knee injury Original
Bears tight end Cole Kmet was carted off the field in the fourth quarter Thursday night after hurting his right knee. Kmet caught a second-down pass from quarterback Caleb Williams and ran up the Bears’ sideline, where he was tackled. Kmet went down immediately, was surrounded by teammates and coaches and was eventually taken to the locker room. He was ruled out for the game shortly therafter. The tight end was cheered as he was carted into the northwest tunnel. He gave a thumbs up to fans.
Bears' handoff to G Joe Thuney on trick play disallowed Original
The Bears were flagged for an illegal forward handoff on a trick play in the second quarter of Thursday night’s game against the Patriots at Soldier Field. The Bears put tight end Colston Loveland at left tackle and had left tackle Ozzy Trapilo line up to the right of their right tackle. Caleb Williams took the snap and handed the ball forward to left guard Joe Thuney, who ran for four yards.
Bears' handoff to G Joe Thuney on trick play disallowed
Caleb Williams took the snap and handed the ball forward to left guard Joe Thuney, who ran for four yards. The Bears were flagged for an illegal …
Bears pay tribute to Mike Ditka on 'Thursday Night Football' Original
Playing their first game since the man synonymous with their franchise died, the Bears paid tribute to Hall of Fame player and legendary coach Mike Ditka on Thursday night at Soldier Field. The team stenciled a football with Ditka’s No. 89 on it onto the northwest sideline. The team is wearing a matching patch over the hearts of their navy jerseys. The Bears handed out fake mustaches to fans and have scheduled a moment of silence before the national anthem.
Bears should focus on modest upgrades with trade deadline fast approaching
The Colts were 7-2 and in first place in the AFC South last November when they decided to go all-in. In a trade that shocked the NFL world, the Colts traded two first-round picks and receiver Adonai Mitchell to the Jets for cornerback Sauce Gardner, who had signed a four-year, $120.4 million extension just four months earlier.
What the Bears are doing to honor Mike Ditka on Thursday
The Bears will hand out fake mustaches to fans on Thursday night as part of their plan to honor Mike Ditka, who died earlier this month. The first 10,000 fans will also receive a Bears knit headband inspired by Ditka’s trademark sweater. The Pro Football Hall of Fame will put a display in the Soldier Field south courtyard. The Bears will commemorate Ditka will a stencil on the Soldier Field grass. The Bears’ spirit squad will hold Ditka-themed flags.
What the Bears are doing to honor Mike Ditka on Thursday
Christianity Now Pope Leo's alma mater Villanova traveling to Rome for hoops doubleheader vs. Notre Dame ncronline.org - Andrew Dampf • 43m An hour after Robert Prevost was elected as the first American pope, Villanova's athletic director texted sports travel expert John Anthony with the … Liberal View 3 hours ago Mike Waltz' New Big Lie: The Left Is Working With Iran crooksandliars.com - John Amato • 3h The US ambassador , like all Trump officials refusing to discuss reality.
Psilocybin and Inflammatory and Mitochondrial Stress Markers in Parkinson Disease : A Nonrandomized Clinical Trial
|
Serotonergic psychedelics, including psilocybin, show early promise for treating diverse neuropsychiatric disorders, but their therapeutic mechanisms are unclear. In a nonrandomized, single-arm pilot trial1 that enrolled people with Parkinson disease (PD) and mood dysfunction, psilocybin therapy was associated with improvements in depression as well as motor function.
By Ellen Bradley, Parker Kelley, Balázs Szigeti, Kristen M Nishimi, Martin Picard, Gisele Fernandes-Osterhold, Jill L. Ostrem, Caroline Tanner, Connie Ludwig, Patrick Finley Verified, Zachary B. Busby, Andrew Penn, Joshua D. Woolley, Aoife O’Donovan, Kimberly Sakai, Katiah Llerena, Amber McKernan, Madeline Marie Pantoni, Aliss C. C. Wang
|
JAMA Psychiatry
Verified
Halas Intrigue podcast: Thursday night spotlight Original
Patrick Finley and Jason Lieser preview Thursday night’s Bears-Patriots game at Soldier Field. New episodes of “Halas Intrigue” will be published regularly with accompanying stories collected on the podcast’s hub page. You can also listen to “Halas Intrigue” wherever you get your podcasts, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Music. Patrick Finley Chicago Sun-TimesChicago Bears reporter Chicago Sun-TimesChicago Bears reporter
Bears QB Caleb Williams wins NFC Offensive Player of the Week
For the second time in his career, Caleb Williams is the NFC Offensive Player of the Week. Three days after he beat the Falcons in his return from a three-game absence because of a torn hamstring, the Bears quarterback won the award Wednesday. He went 30-for-36 for 305 yards, one touchdown and a 111.2 passer rating against the Falcons. He went a whopping 24-for-24 from a clean pocket.
How Dennis Allen's blitzing Bears have dominated third down
If it’s third down Thursday night, the Bears will likely blitz. And it’s probably going to work. Nine of the Bears’ 17 sacks this season have come on third down. Despite being on the field less than any defense in the sport, the Bears are second in the NFL in third-down sacks. As a result, they have the second-best third-down percentage in the NFL. They allow only 25.8% of third downs to be converted, which trails only the blitz-happy Vikings.
Bears QB Caleb Williams: Having my character questioned was 'added motivation' Original
Caleb Williams heard the jokes about his toughness after he was carted off the field in Week 2 with an injury that would keep him out for three games. That was clear last week when the Bears quarterback laid out his complaints about the reporting surrounding his hamstring injury. It was also an insight into what slights — real or perceived — fueled him during three weeks of rehab. “A little bit, a little bit,” he said Tuesday after the team’s walk-through.
Bears report: G Jonah Jackson upgraded to limited Original
What happened Tuesday at Halas Hall: Guard Jonah Jackson, who has injuries to his hip and quad, was upgraded to limited in Tuesday’s estimated injury report. The Bears held a walk-through but filed a report detailing who would have been able to participate in a standard practice. If Jackson can’t play, the Bears will turn to Luke Newman, who replaced him Sunday. Running back Kyle Monangai remains out and is unlikely to play Thursday.
Bears predictions: Week 7 vs. Patriots Original
|
The Sun-Times’ experts make their picks for the “Thursday Night Football” game against the Patriots: Bears, 27-21: The last time the Bears played on “TNF,” they lost 6-3 to the 2024 Seahawks. Thomas Brown was the interim head coach. Caleb Williams had a 53 passer rating and was sacked seven times. Season: 2-4. Bears, 24-23: The battle of the two best quarterbacks of the 2024 class comes down to the final seconds and a pressure-packed field-goal kick for Cairo Santos. Season: 3-3.
By Patrick Finley Verified, Jeff Agrest Verified, Jason Lieser Verified, Scoop Jackson, Steve Greenberg Verified
|
Chicago Sun-Times
Verified
Former Bears Pro Bowl returner Cordarrelle Patterson arrested
Cordarrelle Patterson, who went to two Pro Bowls as the Bears kickoff returner in 2019 and 2020, was arrested Saturday on suspicion of domestic assault. He was released from the Sevier County (Tenn.) Jail later that night. ` TMZ reported Tuesday that Patterson’s wife accused him of grabbing her by her upper hair and her hair. Patterson played in the NFL from 2013-24, going to two Pro Bowls each with the Vikings and Bears.
It took Kyler Gordon just 17 snaps to become the Bears' most dangerous defender Original
It took Kyler Gordon 17 snaps to become the Bears’ most dangerous defensive player. That’s the only conclusion to reach after his historic three-sack, two-forced fumble season debut in Sunday’s 31-23 win in Atlanta. “He’s got outstanding quickness, and he’s really elusive,” defensive coordinator Dennis Allen said Monday when asked about his blitzing ability.
Halas Intrigue podcast: Bears ground Falcons
Patrick Finley and Jason Lieser break down the ridiculous performances of Caleb Williams and Kyler Gordon on Sunday. New episodes of “Halas Intrigue” will be published regularly with accompanying stories collected on the podcast’s hub page. You can also listen to “Halas Intrigue” wherever you get your podcasts, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Music. Patrick Finley Chicago Sun-TimesChicago Bears reporter Chicago Sun-TimesChicago Bears reporter
Caleb Williams leads Bears to TD on first drive back from injury
ATLANTA — Caleb Williams gave the Bears an opening drive that was worth waiting three weeks for. The quarterback marched his team to a touchdown in his first action since tearing his hamstring in Week 2. Williams’ hamstring looked fine, too, as evidenced on his 14-yard touchdown pass to tight end Colston Loveland. Williams stepped up in the pocket, rolled right and threw across his body to Loveland, who survived a hit at the goal line for the score.
Bears pay tribute to Mike Ditka on what would have been his birthday
ATLANTA — The Bears paid tribute to Mike Ditka on Sunday, which would have been his 87th birthday. The team posted a sketch of the former coach and player on their social media channels. He died Oct. 9. Remembering Da Coach on his 87th birthday 💙 pic.twitter.com/zxps4N0Hwx — Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) October 18, 2026 The Bears continue to wear helmet decals with Ditka’s No. 89 on them.
Tyson Bagent will be the Bears' backup QB vs. Falcons
ATLANTA — Ben Johnson’s weeklong quarterback shenanigans included the Bears head coach not wanting to even name a backup quarterback. Ninety minutes before the Bears’ game against the Falcons, they did. The team decided to make Case Keenum the emergency third quarterback, meaning that Tyson Bagent will back up Caleb Williams in his return.
Bears QB Caleb Williams in line to start Sunday
The Bears are planning on Caleb Williams starting Sunday against the Falcons, ESPN reported Saturday. Coach Ben Johnson said the quarterback had been on track to start, though the team called him questionable. Williams tore his hamstring while running to his left — and toward the end zone — in the final minutes of the team’s Week 2 loss to the Vikings. He was replaced by Case Keenum in a Week 3 win and Tyson Bagent in a Week 4 victory.
Bears QB Caleb Williams in line to start Sunday
2 hours ago A former Pittsburgh Steelers running back is reportedly involved in a troubling legal situation that includes a domestic assault charge. According to TMZ Sports, ex-Steelers running back Cordarrelle Patterson was arrested Saturday, October 17, 2026, for domestic assault. He was booked into Sevier …
Bears activate CB Kyler Gordon
Kyler Gordon, the slot cornerback whose months-long calf injury frustrated his bosses, will play Sunday against the Falcons. Gordon was activated from the physically unable to perform list Saturday afternoon as the Bears left Halas Hall to fly to Atlanta. To make room, the Bears put defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo on injured reserve. Odeyingbo, who hurt his quad last week, will miss at least four games. The Bears also signed cornerback Nick McCloud to the active roster and cut safety Xavier Woods.
Sunday starts a crucial 5-day test for Bears coach Ben Johnson and his QB
Sunday’s humiliation at Lambeau Field was the Bears’ worst loss since Week 2 last year, when Ben Johnson lost his Ford Field homecoming by 31 points. The Bears responded by winning nine of their next 10 games. If they’re going to rebound again this year, it has to start Sunday in Atlanta, the first of two games in five days. How the Bears respond to the loss to their rivals will be a test of not only their quarterback — Caleb Williams is on track to start — but their head coach.
Bears-Falcons: What To Watch For
Breaking down what to expect Sunday when the Bears visit the Falcons: Even after their clunker last week at Lambeau Field, the Bears’ rushing offense remains the best in the NFL. Their average of 173.2 yards is about 6 ½ yards more than the NFL’s second-ranked running team — Sunday’s opponent, the Falcons. Bears coach Ben Johnson struggled to establish any offensive rhythm against the Packers.
Bears report: RB Kyle Monangai won't play vs. Falcons Original
What happened at Halas Hall on Friday: Bears running back Kyle Monangai will miss another game Sunday. After not practicing for the second-straight week because of turf toe, he was ruled out. Coach Ben Johnson said he remains “week-to-week,” meaning the Bears viewed the injury as keeping him out for four games or less. “As far as I know, he’s trending in the right direction,” he said.
Bears expect Falcons to try to throw deep, 'can’t be afraid of it' Original
The Packers threw deep on the Bears. The Falcons will try to Sunday. So will the Patriots five days later. That’s what happens when a team gets exploited the way the Bears did against their rivals. Packers quarterback Jordan Love completed six passes that flew at least 20 yards in the air. They totaled 258 yards, the second-most in the NFL on such throws in 10 years. “Teams are not gonna stop throwing the ball up top. …” Bears defensive backs coach Al Harris said Thursday.
CATCH-22: Bears facing starting lefty QB for second time in 15 years
Analyzing the Bears with the help of 22 names, starting with … Michael Penix (1), who will be the rarest of Bears opponents on Sunday — a left-handed quarterback. The Bears have faced one lefty starter in the last 15 years — Tua Tagovailoa (2) in Week 9 of 2022. Even if Penix somehow doesn’t start — the Falcons say his ribs are fine — his backup is, you guessed it, Tagovailoa. About one-in-10 people are left-handed.
Bears picks: Week 6 at Falcons
|
The Sun-Times’ experts make their picks for Sunday’s game in Atlanta: Falcons, 24-21: Are the Falcons good? Does it matter? If the Bears play the way they did at Lambeau Field, the answer is no. Season: 2-3. Bears, 30-26: This is a tough game against an ascending Falcons team, but the Bears need it badly as the two participants from last season’s Super Bowl await them next. Season: 2-3. Falcons, 35-30: They always say don’t do anything when you are emotional.
By Patrick Finley Verified, Scoop Jackson, Jason Lieser Verified, Steve Greenberg Verified, Jeff Agrest Verified
|
Chicago Sun-Times
Verified
Bears report: Kyle Monangai still listed as out on injury report Original
What happened Wednesday at Halas Hall: The Bears held a walk-through but issued an injury report estimating player participation if they’d held a full practice. Running back Kyle Monangai, who missed Sunday’s game with turf toe, would have been ruled out, as would linebacker T.J. Edwards (hamstring), defensive lineman Dayo Odeyingbo (quad) and linebacker Keyshaun Elliott (quad). Coach Ben Johnson called Edwards “week-to-week” and implied Odeyingbo wouldn’t be ready for Sunday’s game.
Falcons coach: QB Michael Penix in line to start vs. Bears
Quarterback Michael Penix is in line to start against the Bears on Sunday “as long as everything goes accordingly,” Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski told Atlanta reporters Wednesday. Penix hurt his ribs late in the fourth quarter of Sunday night’s overtime loss to the Ravens. He was replaced by Tua Tagovailoa, who completed two passes and then threw an interception in overtime to seal the game.
Bears to make Caleb Williams a full participant in Wednesday's injury report
Bears quarterback Caleb Williams will be a full participant when the team submits its estimated injury report to the NFL on Wednesday afternoon. Williams hurt his right hamstring while trying to run into the end zone in the fourth quarter of a Week 2 loss to the Vikings. Williams returned to practice Friday, where he was a limited participant, and was put through a workout at Lambeau Field hours before kickoff. Tyson Bagent took his place to finish the game but suffered a concussion.
Bears DE Montez Sweat suspended 2 games for drug violation
Bears' Montez Sweat Suspended for Next Two Games for Violating NFL Policy The Bears will need the rest of their defensive line to pick up the slack against the Falcons and Patriots. The NFL announced on Tuesday that it will …
Bears DE Montez Sweat suspended 2 games for drug violation
Bears defensive end Montez Sweat has been suspended two games by the NFL for violating its performance-enhancing drug policy. He will be eligible to return to the Bears on Oct. 23, the day after their game against the Patriots. Sweat has two sacks and seven tackles this season. He is the team’s highest-paid player, posting a $25.08 million salary cap hit this season. Sweat had 10 sacks last season in what Bears coach Ben Johnson considered his best year.
Ben Johnson's loss was disconcerting for reasons that go beyond the Packers rivalry Original
The most disconcerting loss of Ben Johnson’s Bears career had everything Sunday — an offense that never found its rhythm, a defense that got beat by the deep ball and every turn and a special teams unit that missed its only field goal. There was a way-too-late quarterback switch and a pass rush that popped up for one out of 60 minutes. The Bears never led, spending more than half the game trailing by two touchdowns in a game they’d lose 31-7.
Falcons coach: Will know more about QB Michael Penix's availability vs Bears on Wednesday
Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski said he’ll have a better idea Wednesday of whether quarterback Michael Penix will be able to play Sunday against the Bears. Penix hurt his ribs during the “Sunday Night Football” overtime loss to the Ravens. Monday, Stefanski wouldn’t say whether imaging showed a break or not. Penix was injured when he was sacked by Ravens linebacker Tavius Robinson on the fourth-to-last play of regulation Sunday.
Halas Intrigue podcast: Well, that sucked
Patrick Finley and Jason Lieser analyze the Bears’ putrid performance against the Packers at Lambeau Field. New episodes of “Halas Intrigue” will be published regularly with accompanying stories collected on the podcast’s hub page. You can also listen to “Halas Intrigue” wherever you get your podcasts, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Music. Patrick Finley Chicago Sun-TimesChicago Bears reporter Chicago Sun-TimesChicago Bears reporter
Packers' Zaire Franklin fires back at Bears' Luther Burden — 'He quit' Original
GREEN BAY, Wis. — Packers linebacker Zaire Franklin heard what Bears receiver Luther Burden said Monday about making his rival want to quit. Sunday, he had the last laugh. “We see all the little weird stuff they be doing in the media and all the different stuff they be saying,” Franklin, who was traded from the Colts to the Packers in March, told Packers reporters after their 31-7 win at Lambeau Field.
Bears' Cairo Santos bemoans kick 'that got away' Original
GREEN BAY, Wis. — Whether because of a plumbing issue or just old-fashioned rivalry shenanigans, the Bears didn’t have hot water in their locker-room showers after their 31-7 blowout loss to the Packers on Sunday. Bears kicker Cairo Santos said he probably needed a cold shower, anyway, after he missed his only field goal of the game, a 43-yarder midway through the third quarter that would have cut the lead to 20-10. The Bears’ field goal operation was another thing that went wrong Sunday.
Packers QB Jordan Love dominates Bears defense with deep shots Original
GREEN BAY, Wis. — The Bears dared Jordan Love to beat them deep. The Packers quarterback did, over and over again, in a 31-7 rivalry loss Sunday at Lambeau Field. A Bears defense that dominated the previous three weeks — they gave up nine points in the rain to the Vikings, seven to the Eagles and 12 to the Jets — looked more like the unit that produced a disturbing season opening performance.
On live radio, frustrated Ben Johnson says Bears must be '[bleeping] better' Original
GREEN BAY, Wis. — A frustrated Ben Johnson said the Bears needed to “be f———g” better on the radio as he ran to the locker room for halftime of the Bears-Packers game Sunday at Lambeau Field. The Bears head coach was being interviewed by ESPN 1000 sideline reporter Jason McKie after the first half wound down with the Bears down 14-7. He was asked about momentum. “Momentum, shmo-mentum,” Johnson said. “We gotta play f———g better.
On live radio, frustrated Ben Johnson says Bears must be '[bleeping] better'
New Orleans Sports 1 hour ago AP college football Week 6 poll reaction: What's next for each Top 25 team ESPN • 1h There's a new team atop the poll! Texas was edged by Oklahoma, and Georgia narrowly beat Alabama, allowing the Bulldogs to become the country's No. 1.
Show More
loading
Actions
Get in touch with Patrick
Contact Patrick, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack