Most of us are familiar with the term "Butter" face".  It's used by men in conversation when checking out women.  These words describe a woman with a nice figure but a not so pretty face.  The dialogue would basically sound something like this:  "Wow, she sure has got a great body, "but-her" face is ________".  Well you can fill in the blank as you see fit.  By changing the topic to football, we can apply the same concept to this year's version of the Chicago Bears.  Man, they sure have a great defense but the offense thus far has been downright ugly.  There is reason now for the team to at least hope that this is about to change.  Coach Lovie Smith was finally able to bench rookie quarterback Kyle Orton.  Rex Grossman, the intended starter from the beginning of the year, has at long last returned from a pre-season injury.

     Last Sunday Grossman entered the game against the Atlanta Falcons to start the second half, with the Bears clinging to a 6-3 lead.  He immediately led them on two scoring drives which netted 10 points. The Bears never looked back and cruised to victory.  Although Grossman was not spectacular, it was obvious that he sparked the team.  His ability was clearlysuperior to that of starter Kyle Orton.  His passes showed the velocity that goes with a strong arm, and he demonstrated the conviction to throw the ball down the field.  Orton, on the other hand, has been playing not to lose.  He takes no chances and repeatedly looked to complete short  passing routes.  I admit, it may be premature to jump on the Rex Grossman bandwagon, but he can only help this team.  The passing attack has no where to go but up.  Orton has a passer rating of 59.9.  Equally pathetic are his 9 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.  In fact, Orton has only thrown 2 touchdown passes in a game once all year and has also gone over 200 yards passing just twice.  Even worse,  in two other games he  passed for measly totals of 67 and 68 yards.  Awful!

     The most important aspect of Grossman's return is the renewed sense of hope this provides the defense.  After the Atlanta game, the effect that Grossman had on Bears defensive players was plainly evident.  Some of them were absolutely giddy with delight.  How much better might they be able to play now if the offense can provide them with a lead to work with?  If they have been teeing off on opposing teams all year long, what will they be capable of doing in this situation?  I doubt any of their opponents are all that eager to find out.  Ugly or not, wins are wins and this team currently stands at 10-4.  This record is entirely due to the play of the defense.  They have been the class of the league, but even this unit cannot be expected to win in the playoffs if the offense cannot score some points.  They don't even necessarily have to score alot of points, just a few more.  Perhaps Grossman can provide this leadership.  The diffference needed could be just one extra touchdown a game.  This defense is that good.  Still a doubter?  Then chew on this for a minute.

     The 1985 Chicago Bears are considered by many to be perhaps the most dominating defense in the history of the NFL.  In 1985 the team alllowed only 198 points during the 16 games of the regular season.  This year's version of the Monsters of the Midway have thus far allowed 151 points through 14 games.  With two games left against Green Bay and the Minnesota, it is extremely likely that they will better the mark of their famous predecessors.  Impressively they have allowed 10 points or less in ten of their fourteen games, losing only once.  This was a 9-7 opening day loss to Washington.  This formidable defense has allowed only one field goal in 3 games this year and two field goals in  2 other games.  For those of us who are mathematically challenged, that would be 21 points spread out over five victories.  Finally, three of their four losses have been against AFC foes, the superior conference.  (Contenders Cincinnati and Pittsburgh, along with a week 5 stinker against Cleveland) This makes them 9-1 in the NFC, not a good sign for their conference rivals.  The defense, along with the return of Grossman has catapulted the Bears to become this year's Cinderella.  Who woulda thunk it back on opening day, and even more so after the team started off 1-3.  The NFC North was the joke of the league.  Who's laughing now?

     If the playoffs started today the Bears would have a first round bye in the playoffs and be guaranteed at least one home game.  If the Seahawks win one more game they would secure the other bye week and home-field advantage throughout the playofffs.  The remaining teams still in contention for the wild card spots are (in current order) the Giants (10-4), Panthers (10-4), Tampa Bay (9-5), Washington (8-6), Minnesota (8-6), Dallas (8-6), and Atlanta (8-6).  If the playoffs started today Minnesota, Dallas, and Atlanta would be odd men out.  When you look at this group of wild card contenders collectively, none of these teams really scare you.  The Bears already own victories against Carolina (13-3), Minnesota (28-3), Tampa Bay (13-10), and Atlanta (16-3).  As I mentioned before, the Bears did lose to Washington (9-7) but that was way back on opening day with greenhorn rookie Kyle Orton at the helm.  All told, these five contenders combined to score 26 points against the Bears defense during their regular season meetings.  Call me a believer, but what would cause you to believe that the offensive chances of these teams would significantly improve at Soldier Field ,when it's freezing cold in January?

    The unknown variables for the Bears in their quest to make the Super Bowl. although few, are significant.  The two best NFC teams besides the Bears, in my opinion, are the Giants and Seahawks.  Assuming the Bears (I know it's not good to assume) and Seahawks secure first round byes, then the Bears would draw the highest seeded winning team from the wild-card round.  The Giants, with their balanced attack and solid defense would pose a challenge for the Bears, should they win their first round game.  Eli Manning is developing ahead of schedule but I am not sold that  he is quite yet ready to handle the Bears ferocious defense at this stage of his career, especially at Soldier Field.  The Giants defense, although solid, has been prone to giving up big plays both on the ground and through the air.  This would likely be a fabulous game, however I think the Bears would somehow prevail.

     In comparison, the Seahawks are so similar to the Giants. Just refer to the overtime regular season matchup between these two squads in Seattle as all the evidence you need. Three missed field goals by Jay Feely of the Giants cost them a highly competitive, and hotly contested game. Although the Bears would have to play the Seahawks in Seattle, I think the Bears would pull this game out as well.  Oh, and just imagine if the Seahwaks were somehow upset in their first playoff game.  If this were to happen the Bears would be truly difficult to beat with two playoff games at home.  So much to speculate on, so many games left to play, so much to look forward to.

     I know, I know, this guy must be nuts.  He thinks Da Bears can actually make the Super Bowl? You know, I don't necessarily truly believe they can myself, but the other NFC teams just don't impress me.  Their defense always gives them a chance.  I just smell the scent of destiny, karma, or divine intervention in the air.  This would be such a wonderful story, one to always remember.  Whatever the outcome of the Bears season, they have assumed the role of Cinderella. They started off as the "Butter Face" team of the league, but look at them now.  I know it may seem like a lot for them to hope for, but if Rex Grossman can stay healthy and give them the anticipated upgrade at quarterback, they will be an opponent to be reckoned with.  Even with marginal improvements at the position, Grossman just may be the cosmetic surgery their offense has been waiting for all year.  Until the Super Bowl anyway, because it will take a whole lot more than Grossman to knock off nearly any of the AFC juggernauts at the real Big Dance.  It would take the game of their lives for the Bears to be able to finish the deal, and I know inside it won't happen, but hey, you gotta be in it to win it.  Good luck at the ball Cinderella.  If I am correct, it sure will be a whole lot of fun to watch.