Bears
- Sean Jensen at the Chicago Sun-Times wrote one of his nice human interest pieces on an unlikely friendship has helped defensive tackle Tommie Harris through adversity this season.
- Apparently they are selling naming rights for statistics now. Jensen points out the Bears rank dead last in something called the “New York Life Protection Index”, which measures a team’s ability to protect the passer.
- Mike Mulligan, also at the Sun-Times, points to the incredible good heath that the Bears have enjoyed as a huge factor in their success. I can only agree.
- Perhaps I’m a bit biased but seems a shame that Lance Briggs‘ outstanding season is being reward by being only third in the an voting at outside linebacker.
- Patrick Mannelly gets some well deserved dap.
Elsewhere
- From my favorite column, Pro Football Weekly‘s Audibles:
“The owners need to find a way to get the labor situation resolved fast. If it’s not done sooner, I don’t know that Bill Cowher or Jon Gruden will find jobs. You’re talking about some of the best football coaches in the National Football League. They clearly want back in and are good for the game, but there is not a place for them, not with the uncertainty. They are not coming cheap. … You know what suffers — it’s the product on the field.”
I made the point some time ago that the owners could be firing head coaches early in an attempt to give the interim guys a good shot at earning the job. It cold be much cheaper than paying two coaching staffs not to work during a lockout. Its what I’d do in this situation and I don’t consider it to be a good sign that teams are possibly resorting to this. It means they really aren’t sure a deal will get done.
- Mike Klis at The Denver Post throws out Jim Fassel‘s name as a possible successor to Josh McDaniels as Broncos head coach (via Mike Florio at profootballtalk.com). I never understood why Fassel can’t find another job in the NFL. He led the Giants to a Super Bowl and is known as a good offensive mind. He might be a good fit in Denver.
- Dan Steinberg at the Washington Post reports (via Florio) that Donovan McNabb was booed as he attended a Wizards home game. Rumors have been rampant that the Redskins are thinking of starting Rex Grossman and I guess the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. As much as I like Grossman and am rooting for him, I really don’t think Washington fans know what they’re likely in for if that happens.
One Final Thought
I will be away on a business trip today, through Saturday so there will be few if any posts until Sunday morning. Have a good time in the malls. –Tom Shannon