A Chequer-Board of Nights and Days

Bears win. Chicago's effort over the past two weeks has been laudable and impressive, but as noted here and here, there are legitimate questions as to why we didn't see this kind of effort and hustle from the Bears throughout the season.

And the answers are relatively clear. The Bears remain unsettled at quarterback. The running game has only just recently found an effective combination with Adrian Peterson and Garrett Wolfe--too much time has been wasted, it would appear, on the Cedric Benson era and losing Thomas Jones at the beginning of the season because of his personality conflicts with Benson was a disastrous decision that cost the Bears offense plenty. The defense has been riven by injuries throughout the season thanks to the fact that it has had to play significantly more minutes due to an ineffective offense.

Challenges for the coming year: Nail down a franchise quarterback. Either fish or cut bait on Peterson and Wolfe--fishing seems to be the best suggestion, as both have shown dedication and talent. Integrate Devin Hester--God love Devin Hester--into the offense fully and completely. And hang on to as many free agents from the defense as possible, with the re-signing of Lance Briggs being a priority in order to ease as much pressure off of Brian Urlacher's shoulders as humanly possible.

There is no reason why this season's disappointments need to be revisited. And there would be no excuse if they were.