Sports

The Fire (14-10-6) clinched a second straight playoff berth in two seasons under Gregg Berhalter, despite the loss — thanks to Orlando City’s victory over D.C. United.

Williams said he “felt comfortable from the rip.”

Duke received 10 first-place votes and was second in the preseason poll. Illinois received the other two and was third.

Taron Dickens threw for 216 yards for NIU (0-6, 0-2), which included a 34-yard touchdown pass to La’Don Bryant.

Pellant completed 16 of 25 passes for 191 yards for Illinois State (5-2, 1-2 Missouri Valley Football Conference), ranked 13th in the Stats Perform FCS poll. Victor Dawson added 82 yards and a score on 16 rushes.

It looks as if Miller is going to be a major part of Chicago’s rotation in Tiago Splitter’s first season as coach.

Williams is awaiting the final go-ahead from the coaching staff and trainers after going through his first full practice Thursday since he was injured in a 9-3 loss to Minnesota in Week 2.

As the Bears (3-2) prepare to visit the Falcons (2-3) on Sunday, each team already has been through the NFL’s quarterback grinder and has been fortunate to lean on a strong running game.

He opted to remain in New England, beginning a professional career that would last 15 seasons, including three with Detroit from 1974 to 1977, and his final season with Chicago in 1978.

Kane surpassed the American-born record held by defenseman Phil Housley, who had 894 assists in 1,496 games.