| The Chicago Bears are currently 3-1. This may make some longtime Bear fans think they have somehow gotten caught in a time warp, and have been sent back to the mid 80's glory years in Chicago. But no, the calendar is 2001, and the Bears are becoming a team once again worth watching. And like many Bears teams past, it is the defense that is the heart of the team and leading the way. It began with a strong effort against the defending Super Bowl Champion Ravens in Baltimore. The Ravens, with newly signed Elvis Grbac, were now going to light up the scoreboard while their defense crushed the opposition. HA! Mr. Urlacher and friends gave a rude awakening to the defending Champs, and Bear fans sat up and noticed. |
Since that opening game, the Bear defense has proceeded to get better each week. As we enter week 6, Bear fans can now watch their team with open eyes and high expectations rather than crossed fingers and dreams of seasons past. This Bear defense is for real, and is capable of keeping the team in the game against most anyone. The offense is a different story. An ineffective running game and sporadic passing attack have caused the Bears to squander opportunities, and rely perhaps too heavily upon the defense to bail them out. Jim Miller being named the starting quarterback is a big help, as he brings leadership to a previously rudderless ship. His stats will never be great, but the team plays better with him under center. The running game has shown flashes, and the injection of rookie Anthony Thomas might be the spark required to jump start the rushing attack. While I am still not convinced the Bear coaches won't find a way to screw this up, the current state of the team is reason for hope. |
Our young players are showing flashes of potential great things to come. Brian Urlacher is establishing himself as one of the best middle linebackers currently playing. And football in a Bears uniform is becoming fun again. And the Bear/Packer games are not far from having meaning again. The greatest rivalry in sports has been providing surprising results even while the Bears wallowed in suckdom. It will be much more fun now. This week the Bears travel to Cincinnatti for a game against another former doormat. Corey Dillon of the Bengals is a legitimate offensive threat, and it is crucial the Bear defense keep him in check. John Kitna has not yet shown he is capable of carrying a team, so the Bears must try to force him to do just that. Cincinnatti is becoming a good team, but I see the Bear defense once again being the controlling factor. Bears 23 Bengals 21 |