David Haugh, of the Chicago Tribune, takes most of the back page of the sports’ section to dissect the Bears’ defense (for lack of a better word). While it is a well written article, CLICK HERE TO READ IT ALL, it really just comes to the same conclusions everyone else has; the defense is broken and staid. Quarterbacks who should be on their backs so often they should be able to deliver a Master’s thesis on cloud formations are, instead, collecting clips for their highlight reel when they retire or become free agents.

Simply put, if Grossman had to play against these guys, he would be an All Star.

As I have stated before; “That makes Billy sad.”

Worse yet are the rumors that the defense is blaming Babich for the mind numbing play calls as Lovie, basically, is calling out the players for not living up to his scheme. The Bears have enough problems without acting like Bridezillas with helmets.

Okay, I will admit, they are legendary helmets.

What sucks about all this is the fact that unwarranted media time is being wasted pawing through the remains of this train wreck instead of looking at some of the great stories that are happening this year in Chicago sports.

Last night, in a rare break from the herd mentality, ABC news ran a lengthy piece on the Chicago Fire’s chances in the playoffs (very good) and spoke with several team members. What was fun about this was that the players they spoke to all had English as a second language and each one of them came across as professionally as you could imagine. Moreover, not one cliche got uttered and they took time to answer the questions openly and honestly. It was this nice breath of fresh air after all the fetid and rancid rumblings that have permeated the media of late.

From Diego’s impending retirement and dream of scoring in his last game to win the MLS Cup, to the rookies lauding their coach and team, it was a welcome break from all the falderal.

If you are a parent you could do a lot worse than these guys in your search for role models. Well, except for, maybe, Blanco, but even he has a sense of humor about his place in the universe. Just don’t mention the 5 current managers he seems to have running blood feuds with.

The Hawks continue to pile on the wins, and stockpile points, with a bunch of young stars who play like a team. You remember “team” don’t you? That odd concept of one person helping the others around him/her to accomplish a common goal? That stuff? That stuff that seems to have died in Halas Hall?

Baseball has taken its annual de-evolution into Hot Stove mania and has now been left with discussing the rumors about the rumors that were never more than possible hearsay in the first place. If it’s okay with you, I’ll just wait for something to actually happen before I talk about it.

In the meantime, you can kill the rest of your day and join Niteowl’s look back at some of the greatest concerts he’s attended.