Dan Pompei answers your questions:
“Does it seem to you that national media often undercovers the Bears?
“Mark Early, Arlington, Va”
“The Bears aren’t national media darlings, in part because they aren’t as media friendly as some teams. They like to keep a low profile. It’s part of their organizational philosophy, and many of the key individuals on the team don’t seek the spotlight. They would never allow a “war room cam” into their draft room. They would never even consider being the subject of “Hard Knocks,” as the Jets were last summer. But if they keep winning, you will hear more and more about them on the national level. That’s inevitable.”
First I’m going to disagree with Mark. The Bears do get a lot of national attention. They might not get as much as some teams which are more high profile, that’s true. But no one knows better than the television networks that its good for football generally and for them in particular when the Bears are good. Chicago is a great sports town and there are Bear fans all over the country which is why they set ratings records when they are on national television and which is why they are in demand for prime television slots. The Bears have been in so many of those situations that the networks can no longer flex them into better positions because they’ve reached their limit.
Second I’m not only gong to agree with Pompei but I’m going to laud the Bears for their organizational philosophy. I love ownership that stays out of the spotlight and out of the way and lets the football people do their jobs. I truly believe that handling things in a steady, low profile way is the way to run a franchise from top to bottom. I’ve never bought into the “why isn’t Lovie Smith more emotional like Mike Ditka” complaints from Bear fans.
Yes, I certainly do wish that the coaches in general and Smith in particular were more open with the media. But even I have to admit that I’d rather they strayed too far in this direction than the opposite one. Minimizing distractions is what’s best for the team and the Bears do as good a job of it as anyone.
Much though I love Rex Ryan and much though I believe he’s good for football, I don’t think I’d want him coaching my team. Give me under the radar any day. And twice on Sundays.