CHICAGO BEARS GIVE ME THE GIFT OF TIME

From the time I was a small boy, my Autumn Sundays were built around the Chicago Bears' broadcast (then radio). My disposition was pretty much dependent upon how they played and how they fared. Once, when they were upset badly by the Chicago Cardinals and the incomparable Ollie Matson, I just stayed under the covers until school in the morning ("The Bears Ate My Homework").

It wasn't much different last year. If the Bears were playing, I was switched on, living and dying with every play. I loved that they cared so much and has so much pride. I was not distracted by the Grossman controversy. This team was completely invested in what they were doing.

Looking at it in the rear view mirror, it all really began to unwind in the last regular season game against Green Bay. I have always believed a team cannot decide to mail it in one day and play hard the next on a consistent basis. That day, they mailed it in.

Now, coming into their "bye" week, they just don't care. This team is neither well prepared nor energetic. Statistically, they are not eliminated from playoff contention but emotionally they are.

I care as much as they care. That means I now have the gift of Sunday afternoons to work at home, at the office or even hit some golf balls. Someone let me know next year when the real Bears and "SmashMouth" football return to Chicago. I don't know these guys.