I hate to think the Bears will win this big - early on - to spoil it later. If they go anywhere close to the playoffs, it will be due to the Defense puttin' up points, a rushing game that takes off and the new "gunslinger" in Kyle Orton.

I really like his game so far. Do what the defense allows. Take the check downs to the running backs and short routes. Go deep 1 or 2 times a quarter to prove you can do it.  Move the ball and manage the clock and game.  It isn't the Silver Stretch of the Raiders or Fun -n- Gun of the Florida Gators, but until the Bears get another quality WR and TE, this is it.

Cincy will be the truest test of whether the Bears are goin' places or not. My prediction:

Bears - 24, Cincinnati - 17.  Orton breaks 200 yds with a TD/1 INT. Jones/Benson go for 100 yds +. Palmer struggles just enough (220-230 yds. 1 TD) so the defense holds up.

Cubs beat St. Louis again... Too bad it doesn't count for anything.  Matt Murton is 2006 starting LFer, IMO.  Nomar...resign him for 5 million plus incentives (3 years) because you can move Cedeno to 2nd. (Course someone probably wants Eric Patterson up in the Bigs....Corey #2 waiting to happen...) As constituted, the biggest weakness is Bullpen, then CF, then No. 5 Starter. (Rich Hill...lefty with a great hook.)

That's all....