If you watch ESPN as much as I do,  then your heart is heavy like mine.  The tragic turn of events in the Dungy family have touched many of us during what is supposed to be a joyous time of the year.  As a parent myself, the pain Mr.Dungy and his loved ones are feeling is unimaginable to me.  I'm sure I speak for everyone when I offer my condolances and prayers.

     As we have been hearing for weeks now, the Colt's plan has been to rest many of their players for a large part of this now even more insignificant game.   However, in its own right, has this horrible situation actually made the game somehow more significant to the coaches and the team?  Temporary head coach Jim Caldwell and his players might have a very tough choice to make.  Do they stick to the plan that was in place, or do they disregard the head coach's will and try to win the game?  Many of the players were opposed to sitting anyway.  Do they defer to Dungy's wishes in this difficult time, or do they try and do something symbolic for him and his family?   

     My guess is that they will more than likely stick to the plan.... sort of.  Many of the regulars will indeed sit, but I think they will play more than expected.  Peyton Manning and crew have every right to be distracted, but I think they will rally around this event and come out as focused as ever.  I predict they will make a huge statement in the first half by jumping all over the Seahawks.  They will try to show the love and respect they have for their coach by playing their most inspired game of the year.  I believe the factors leading up to this (as I said before) insignificant game, might  actually prove more distracting to the Seahawks than the Colts.  It is very possible that the Seahawks are never able to overcome a furious opening burst by the Colts, and ultimately lose this game. 

     The Colts are a proud group of men.  I know that they will find the way to honor their coach and represent him well today.   The coaching staff will follow Dungy's plan to rest the players for whatever portion of the game.  Not as much as he would have initially preferred, but enough to show their respect to him and his plan.  The players will make their "extra" time on the field count for double.  In this way they can pay tribute and homage to their leader, and leave the game prideful knowing that they did everything in their power to dignify the memory of his son James.  Maybe this can provide a little peace, even just a tiny bit, during this difficult time.

Best wishes and God bless.

     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.

     I know this is old news to many, but Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb was recently criticized and verbally insulted by some individual named J. Whyatt Mondeshire.  This person just happens to be president of the Philadelphia branch of the NAACP.  Apparently McNabb's response to a question during an interview was found racially offensive by Mondeshire.  When asked why he was running with the ball less during football games, McNabb responded by saying something to the effect that there is a misconception that black quarterbacks are supposed to be scramblers. Mondeshire used this comment to lash into a verbal tirade against McNabb.  In summary, he called McNabb a "mediocre quarterback at best", said he "choked" during the Super Bowl" against New England, stated that he lacks leadership qualities both on and off the field, and places significant blame for the Terrell Owens fiasco on his shoulders.  Mondeshire also feels that McNabb's comment about black quarterbacks, regarding their reputations as scramblers, was a proverbial slap in the face to all their efforts and hard work.  Mondeshire believes that a scrambling style of play "confuses" defenses and "electrifies" fans.  Apparently McNabb's innocent comment was considered inflammatory enough to launch a public attack into not only his playing style, but his character.

     Before I go any further, let me set the record straight.  I am not a Donovan McNabb fan. This goes back to his days at Syracuse University.  I am a Big East fan who prefers St. John's and UConn. My allegiances force me to root against Syracuse, even in football.  I also like the the New York Football Giants, whom Donovan has found ways to defeat more often than not.  Therefore, I have witnessed a good deal of his career both collegiately and professionally.  Although I do not necessarily root for or against him on the field, I respect his ability as a football player a great deal.  Furthermore, Donovan comes across as a likeable sort, making this slanderous situation that much more perplexing.

     Let's compare McNabb to other quarterbacks who may fit the role of both passer and scrambler.  The athletes that come to my mind are Steve Young, Randall Cunningham, John Elway, Steve McNair, Daunte Culpepper, Michael Vick, and to a certain extent a younger Brett Favre. I include Favre because he didn't necessarily scramble for high yardage totals, but he was definitely mobile in the pocket.  I'm sure I left off some others but I want to talk about guys I've seen play.   Fran Tarkenton, for example, was way before my time. I also feel that McNabb should be compared to a more recent peer group, of which I feel legends like John Elway and Steve Young still apply.

     Of the other quarterbacks just mentioned, the cream of the crop surely must be considered Elway, Young, and Favre.  They all possess what every player desires. Just ask Mr. Three Time Super Bowl Champ Tom Brady.  He can't scramble though, so he needs to get on out of this article. Besides being Super Bowl winners, these three others each have statistically impressive hall of fame resumes.  At this middle stage of his career, it is not yet fair to truly compare McNabb to them.  Think about how long Elway had to play before he finally won the big game.  However, McNabb has put up very impressive statistics. He has also gone to 4 straight NFC title games with a Super Bowl appearance last year.  Mondeshire may claim McNabb choked during that game, but a certain modern era dynasty named the Patriots may have contributed to that just a little bit.  In my opinion, of the other passer/scrambler quarterbacks mentioned, only McNair and Cunningham compare to McNabb at this point in his career.  I envision him surpassing their accomplishments.  Culpepper and Vick are still works in progress and not nearly as established as McNabb.

      Of all the comments made by Mondeshire, the most ridiculous had to be blaming him for the T.O. fiasco.  Owens takes the simplest of statements by others and twists them into personal attacks on himself.  He also thinks nothing of of engaging in unprovoked verbal assaults on his teammates and coaches.  Shortly after the Super Bowl loss to the Patriots last year, Owens insinuated that the loss was McNabb's fault.  This was later followed by Owen's preseason incident where he was kicked out of training camp for insubordinate comments.  When I saw Owens working out at home, doing crunches in his driveway, wearing head-phones and camouflage, as well as ripping McNabb, I told myself, "Uh-oh this is bad".  I immediately put him on my "Do not draft" list in fantasy football, playmaker or not.  Turned out to be the best move I made in fantasy all year.  I had Nate Burleson of the Vikings ranked one teensy spot higher than Steve Smith of the Panthers on my draft board.  RATS!!! Sure coulda used him....but I digress.  What was McNabb to do? He had reached out to T.O previously and it had gotten him nothing but drama.  Now he's to blame? I don't think so.

     If you ask me, when thinking back in time, Rush Limbaugh's comments were less offensive than those made by this Mondeshire clown.  Not that I agreed with Rush because I don't think that McNabb is over-rated at all.  Rush did pose a good question though.  Did people sub-consciously root for McNabb because he is an African-American quarterback?  Let's face one fact openly.  Although absurd, there was/is a false perception by an ignorant sector of society that African-Americans overall are not able to be successful quarterbacks in the NFL.  To me it has always been lack of opportunity, not lack of ability.  But I did wonder about what Rush said, because it hit home for me.  I did want Donovan and other African-American quarterbacks to succeed, in part so that these pseudo-subtle racists would have to drop this tired argument once and for all.  Was I wrong for feeling this way? Not that I would root against a quarterback because he was white, but I have always generally pulled for the "underdog". In a way African-American quarterbacks have long been an underdog in the NFL.  Now here comes Donovan McNabb.  Talented, athletic, a coveted scrambler/passer, and hard working.  On top of it all he has personality to burn, is friendly, humorous, engaging and a seemingly all around good guy.  What's not to like? Fan of the Orangemen and Eagles or not, how could you root for a guy like him to fail?  With all the ignorance regarding the "black quarterback" subject, you're darn right I rooted for him more because he was African-American.  I am not ashamed to admit it either.  He represented the chance to stomp on a piece of an old evil in society, if only a small piece.  His reward, Rush Limbaugh trying to stir up the racial pot at his expense.  He wasn't over-rated because he was African-American, but he might have been rooted for more because of it.  So what.  He deserved to be rooted for.

     I have searched long and hard for J. Whyatt Mondeshire's motive regarding why he chose to publically take such a negative verbal stance against Donovan McNabb.  I have developed my character profile and this is what I came up with. Did I mention I also moonlight as a sports detective?  Here goes: Mondeshire is a rabid long-time Philadelphia Eagles fan with a severe man-crush on Terrell Owens.  After years of prolonged success for the Eagles and such a near miss in obtaining a Super Bowl title, this year's horror show of a season has pushed him over the edge. To backtrack a bit, I am not insinuating anything about sexual preference, for to judge another's lifestyle is offensive to me and should be to all others.  As long as you ain't hurting anybody, live your life my friends.  I do however theorize that Mondeshire greatly admires Owens and has become a huge fan of his. My intuition also tells me that he perceives himself to share many of the same character traits as Owens.  Brash and outspoken to name two. Really the similarities between the men are striking if you take the time to consider both of them. 

     T.O. has got one huge mouth that he cannot control.  Mondeshire clearly has the same problem.  Both men must think that the world gives a hoot about what either of them has to say.  They both blame McNabb for the Eagles losing the Super Bowl.  They both think that McNabb should have and could have done more to help T.O. solve his problems with management, tossing all past unprovoked attacks directed at him aside.  Owens has an over-blown sense of grandeur as the self-proclaimed greatest wide receiver ever.  Mondeshire must feel similarly since his title of President of the Philadelphia branch of the NAACP qualifies him to be an authority on Donovan McNabb's failings as both a football player and a person.  How many branch presidents of the NAACP are there anyway? Owens must feel McNabb is over-rated as Mondeshire claimed, since it was his opinion that the Eagles would be undefeated with Brett Favre. And one last connection:  they both have lost their previous positions because of overall lack of judgement, or at least I hope Mondeshire has lost his job.  If he has indeed lost his gig, I'm sure Owens will let him become president of the T.O fan club, membership now stands at two people.

     Poor Donovan.  I hope the old saying is true.  You know, the one about bad things coming in groups of 3.  First Rush Limbaugh, then Terrell Owens, and finally this Mondeshire loon.  McNabb has already dealt with a lifetime of garbage from these now notorious men. I wish him nothing but a return to health and good things in the future. That is until he plays the G-Men. Then I hope he loses gracefully.

     No, it wasn't  nails raking across a chalkboard that you heard the other day.  It was the collective whine, uhh I mean voice of Red Sox Nation wailing in agony as one of their own stabbed them in the back yet again.  At least that's how they seem to be interpreting it. Johnny Damon just pulled a perceived Benedict Arnold on the perpetually tortured fan base.  (One fluke of a World Series title not with-standing of course.)  "That rascal, that greedy bum, that traitor, that *#!?*#!!?# etc..  The sky is falling, the sky is falling". All I hear is blah, blah, blah.

      Although their reaction was to be expected, (these are Boston fans after all) the fact that Damon signed with the Yankees should not have surprised, shocked and outraged them.  I mean the writing has been on the wall for several weeks now.  The Yankees had made it abundantly clear that they were extremely interested.  Damon's initial requests were outrageous, but even so the Yankees were still willing to overpay for his services.  Everyone knows that they have deep pockets. What did you expect? George Steinbrenner, love him or hate him, lives for this kind of stuff.  Yes, the Yankees did indeed overpay for Damon, but as long as he is healthy he provides the only thing their potent line-up was missing: solid defense in centerfield and a true lead-off hitter.  So what about his arm.   He's being paid to score runs and catch the ball, not peg people at the plate.  That's what a good throw to a cut-off man can do anyway.

      Here's a good analogy.  What's the best way to burn your biggest rival? Steal his girlfriend of course.  In this case Steinbrenner and Cashman, the Emperor and Darth Vader of baseball's evil empire, stole Boston's most popular player.  They absolutely ripped the hearts out of all Red Sox fans. Damon may not have been their "best" player but oh boy did they love him in Beantown.  Man how this must have hurt his fans.  Derek Jeter may not be the Yankees' best player but he sure is the most popular.  He is their heart and soul.  Could you imagine Boston seducing him away from the Yankees, or the Yankees ever letting it happen for that matter?  Absolutely not.  The Empire would never let that occur strictly on principle. However, the Yankees just stole the Red Sox's prom date, Mr. Idiot himself. Damon coming to the Yankees is classic stuff, ladies and gentleman.  You can't get this on daytime soaps because this is factual. This is reality sports TV at it's best. 

     Boston has a track record of doing this to their best players.  They run their heroes out of town repeatedly. Take Pedro Martinez from just a year ago.  Yes, his arm issues were a concern.  Yes, his success against the Yankees was sporadic.  Yes, he seems to be losing some stamina as he ages.  Yes, he may never be what he once was.  Yes, he did help them win their first World Series since 1918.  Yes, he is a multiple Cy Young award winner. Yes, he had a great year for the Mets last year.  Yes, Boston's pitching staff fell part without him. Yes, they were swept by the White Sox  in the playoffs last year while losing a couple of fairly close games.  Yes, management was too cheap to sign him. Yes, he helped them win a world title.  Oops, said that already. The perception was created by executives that they did not need Pedro anymore and that he was a negative influence on the team. Hindsight being 20/20 and all, maybe they should have tried to keep him around somehow.  The Mets seem to like him just fine, especially former Yankee coach and now Mets manager Willie Randolph.  He doesn't seem to be complaining. Can you blame Pedro for wanting to be rewarded and recognized for pitching his heart out for Boston? Instead he was insulted and provided with a vendetta to prove them wrong.  Thanks for helping to end the curse buster.

     Do you all remember when Boston let some guy named Roger Clemens leave after the 1996 season because they felt he was in the twilight of his career?  Well they  actually didn't let him leave, they kind of ran him out.  Does anyone know what he's done since then?  Let me save you the trouble of finding out.  In 9 seasons since his departure he has posted a record of 149-61, had over 1900 strikeots, won 4 more Cy Young awards, won 2 World Series Championshiops, fell short in 3 other fall classics, and has continued to impress all baseball fans with his truly amazing talent.  I hope my twilight years are just like Roger's.  Oh, I hear Boston might be interested in bringing him back next season.  Isn't that ironic? 

     Here are a few other former Red Sox heroes to mention. A) Carlton Fisk hit one of the most memorable and replayed home runs in the history of baseball during the 1975 World Series against the Reds.  In 1980, after 11 seasons with the club, the popular catcher was let go to the Chicago White Sox where he played 13 more seasons. From 1981-1991, his last as a full-time player, Fisk hit 220 homeruns including 37 in 1985. B)  Fred Lynn, the former rookie of the year was also let go after the 1980 season.  From 1982-1987 he topped 20 homeruns every season in an era where over 20 homeruns was considered very productive.  He did this while playing for the Angels and Orioles. C) Wade Boggs, one of the best average hitters in the history of the game was let go by the Sox after batting just .259 during the 1992 season.  He signed with you know who, those dreaded Yankees.  In 1996 he fulfilled every players' dream and won a world championship.  Who can forget the sight of Boggs riding on horseback with a police officer after the deciding game 6 against the Braves?  That scene is timeless.  And by the way, in the 7 seasons after he was let go, Boggs batted over .300 5 times and never batted below .280.  He also surpassed 3000 hits and finished with a lifetime .328 batting average. D) Babe Ruth, enough said.

The fact that the Red Sox declined to keep cult hero Johnny Damon should surprise no one, least of all their fans.  Two seasons ago they all but had Alex Rodriguez signed. A dispute between Texas and Boston regarding approximately 10-20 million dollars of  Rodriguez's salary (who would pay) ultimately soured the deal.  We know where he plays now, don't we?  Currently making all the headlines is how unhappy Manny Ramirez is.  He surely seems to be feeling unappreciated.  All he did was make huge contributions towards finally ending the fabled curse of Babe Ruth.  I mean who would want to make one of the best, if not the best right handed hitter in all of baseball happy after that.  Judging by all accounts, both past and present, not the Red Sox.   Manny may be eccentric, but he is immensely talented, and ultimately a harmless, immature character in the clubhouse.  To coin Mr. Kevin Millar, "That's just Manny being Manny."  Simply put, Ramirez is too good to let go and I doubt you could ever replace his bat. So what if he is a boy in a man's body and needs a little coddling.

     Hey Red Sox nation.  Shouldn't you be used to this by now?  Quit your belly-aching.  You guys did finally win a World Series title after all.  Also, show a little class when Damon comes back to Fenway.  Don't treat him the way you did Clemens when he returned to relentless booing.  Your management had every opportunity to keep him and show that they valued his contributions.  Instead they chose to make him feel expendable, unwanted, not worth the price.  I am sure that if they had chosen the other road he would have loved to stay.  Instead he was driven into the arms of someone who wanted him more.  Now the Yankees have Capt. Intangible Jeter and Capt. Caveman on their team.  He may get a haircut and shave but he will always be Capt. Caveman to you and me.  Damon had this and many other reasons to go to the Yankees.  I'd say about   52 million dollars worth of reasons why, but who's counting?  It may be 10-15 million dollars too much, but like those American Express commercials like to say.  "Cost of a new center fielder, 52 million dollars............sticking it to your most hated rival............PRICELESS!