Devin Hester, the next president of the United States of America

With a notable exception or two, the Bears looked like shit against the Broncos. Probably most alarming was the great gaps in the defense. Seven yard run here, 65 yard pass there, 432 yard run everywhere. The offense looked anemic as well- until the end. When Rex lost a fumble in the fourth with the Bears down 14, it surely looked over. Sometimes a team can hang around for an entire game even being outplayed, and deservedly win it in the end. I really can't say that in this game.

A clear chain of impossible events conspired to keep this season alive- for another week at least. Hall of Fames two kick returns for TD's were obvious points of divine intervention. The blocked punt. Adrian Peterson was stopped short of the goal line- but then the Bears' lines push wasn't whistled dead until the ball was in the end zone. And the final drive was kept alive with a ' very lucky to be called ' penalty on fourth down and one of the most spectacular and clutch touchdown catches in N.F.L. history by Bernard Berrian. And: nice pass, Rex- is this not a sign of God's help ??

And what are we to make of Hall of Fame? He had an NFL record six returns last year, plus another TD on the longest play in NFL history -the 108 yard missed field goal run back- and the KO return in the Super Bowl- the fastest points ever scored in the Super Bowl. That's eight last year - and four this year. He has more TD returns than Billie "White Shoes" Johnson and Gale Sayers. And his rate of TD/returns is the highest in NFL history. I believe that if he retired today, he should immediately be enshrined in Canton. What- there's ever been better??

More than anything, it was Hall of Fame that kept the patient alive. The Bears wanted to let it get away, but he brought them back. He didn't allow the Broncos get away. On the Tillman punt block, I thought right away that that ' fear of a Hester planet ' somehow made the block possible- later views on the Sunday nite recap shows shows that to be correct. It was way more than just him, but a supreme player elevates those around him. What time is Sunday's kickoff??

And the playoffs are still in reach. Waited forever for the Sox this past season, and am waiting still for the Bulls. But maybe just maybe they can stay alive this season and turn a corner. As it is, they are tied with six other teams at one game out of the wild card position. Many have said the Bears will have to win out, but It's possible nine wins will do.

The Giants are next. They are 7-4, but were just beaten by the Vikings. The Bears mite be able to do it next week. The Bears also have to play Green bay, who has only one loss (to the Bears) this year. The other games are winnable- but only if the Bears can start to win. They haven't won two games in a row this year, and nothing (other than miracles) suggests they can again. But there is still life.

HALL

OF

FAME

Bears Wrap

Finally, the Grossman wait is over. He played conservatively and within the system. He must have had an ass-chewing because he seems to have gotten the message. Well the Bears won big, but a closer analysis reveals that their weak schedule has been very deceptive. They played a hapless Rams team that was beaten by the Bears MVP Devin Hester. Here's a quick recap by positions and a 1-10 rating.

Quarterback(7) Grossman avoided the mistakes that have made him the lead story in the sportsworld. Though he had several bad passes which were tipped or dropped, he played solidly within the system. This is the way he should play!

Running backs(8) Jones and Benson are a great 1-2 punch and Peterson was resurrected for several great runs. The competition between Jones and Benson appears to be helping both. Bensen still seemed to be sulking following Hesterts 2nd td-what a team player.

Receivers(8) Muhammad played great possesion receiver and the Barrien run was great for Rex. Several dropped balls by the tight ends.

o-line(8) great pass protection and run blocking. Only drawback was several unusual penalties.

Defense(4) The myth of the invincible Defense has been put in the grave and fully buried. They allowed 27pts by a has been Rams offense. They were burned on the ground continuously and Bulger was able to pass all day even though his receivers did their best to drop balls. If they can't stop the Rams imagine a playoff game against the Saints. How much do they miss Harris ? More likely they just aren't that great, they simply dominate weak teams.

Special Teams(10) Devin Hester won the game! This guy is incredible! He made up for an exposed defense. Why in the world did the Rams keep kicking to him, i don't get it. Any future opponent should avoid kicking to Hester at all cost. This is the only way to nuetralize him.

The Bears should win the remaining 3 games and will get a pass in the first round, but they are clearly not as good as their record indicates. Though Rex played well, when will he try to be Namath again. Someone seems to always bail Rex out, whether it be the D or Hester. This won't do in the playoffs, everyone has to bring it. One and done will wipe out the entire season like a dream.