A Chequer-Board of Nights and Days

Well, this was a lousy way to end a winning streak.

Though the disappointment shouldn't come as a surprise. When one considers just how much the defense has carried the Bears, it is amazing that the streak did not come to an end sooner. But this is the price that must be paid for not having an offense and for not having a quarterback that is ready for primetime. Bless Kyle Orton for having kept it together adequately for so long. However, a consistently three-and-out offense doesn't get the job done in the end. One of the advantages of having a better offense is that it gives the defense time to rest and catch its breath. The Bears defense never gets that chance, and as a result, it gets tired. Is it any surprise then that Pittsburgh was able to score three touchdowns on a formidable defense--especially when one considers that the Steelers held onto the ball for a full quarter longer than the Bears did?

And don't respond by telling me that Orton had a good day today. He had an adequate day--after trying the patience of fans and teammates for weeks now with at-best mediocre play. Adequate wasn't going to do it today. The tom-tom drums are beating for Rex Grossman to take his place again at quarterback and given Orton's performance for the past few weeks, I can't say I blame the drummers. Look, the guy is going to be good someday. Maybe he will even be good for the Bears. But the NFC North can still be lost to the Vikings and no Bears fan should be willing to see that happen. At the very least, Kyle should enter the game against the Falcons next week on a short leash. If he can't deliver, Rex should be The Man.