Bears Fans

There are two Bears fans I talk football with. Both are good students of the game and have interesting opinions. First there is "Steve the Hotdog" guy. His family owns a classic Chicago style hotdog / Italian beef joint near my office. He's a huge sports fan and a bit of a NFL gambler.

After the Bears lost to Tampa Bay in overtime he cancelled himself off the waiting list for Bears tickets. He was a big Brian Griese fan when the Bears had him. He has been a critic of Rex Grossman even during their Super Bowl season in 2005. He didn't have much to say this week even when I asked him for his scouting report. I think he'd prefer to talk about the Cubs right now.

Then there is Jonathan the Chicago-sized Janitor. Jonathan played defensive tackle in high school and has the knees and weight problem for his effort. He has a good football mind and has a good eye for line play. He noted that Charles Tillman got some blame for a critcal late game penalty, but it was a team loss. Check the Bears' grades in the Chicago Sun-Times here:

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football/bears/1177361,CST-SPT-grades22.article

Def. backs
D Charles Tillman's day said it all: a key forced fumble and 11 tackles but an inexcusable penalty that paved the way for defeat.

I didn't watch this game, but the Bears need to beat the Eagles this weekend to avoid a 1-3 start. The Eagles almost beat the Giants so the Bears could be on the ropes early. Will the Bucs be as pass happy against the Packers without Al Harris?

Update: For more information on the Tillman vs. Trueblood fight check here:

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football/bears/1178693,bowen092208.article

It looks like the Packers can expect a "chippy" Tampa team.