My Friends,
Somewhat lost in the excitement of the return of the NFL is
the fact that we’re smack dab in the middle of packer week. It seems like only
yesterday that we last left the Bears here, as they were showing off their new
NFC North Champion caps while the local fans trudged off into the darkness to
morosely consume their Christmas beast.
But Sunday is a new season, one in which the Bears return all 22 of their starters
and have added key backups to their roster through the draft and free agency.
The defending cellar dweller to the north, on the other hand, has spent its
time burping and feeding the 14 rookies on their squad and getting used to Mike
McCarthy, their new head coach.
Among the casualties of McCarthy’s wholesale roster purge was Najeh
Davenport,
whose packer career finally crapped out. The reason Davenport was dumped,
according to GM Ted Thompson, was his inability to stay healthy during his four
years in green bay. Maybe a change of laundry will help get his slate wiped
clean.
One guy who did survive was their veteran quarterback, some say the consummate
team guy, who whined last season that he didn’t wanna hafta come back and learn
a whole new offensive system while the team was in rebuilding mode. But he
decided to suck it up and play after keeping the packers wondering almost a
full month past the start of the free agent signing period. At the press
conference announcing his decision to return he said, “my desire and my
commitment is why I’m here,” and I believe him. That is, his desire to pick up
his $3 million roster bonus and his sixteen game checks worth $625,000 each and
his commitment to see them cashed. And that’s a good thing for the Bears, with
whom he connected for six interceptions and two touchdowns last year while
also losing two fumbles.
And things are going to get harder for him before they get better, as the line
charged with keeping a swarming Bears line away sports rookies at both of the
guard spots. Tommie Harris, come on down!
It’s opening day at Curly’s Place, and they’ll be commemorating the tenth
anniversary of their quarterback’s only Super Bowl ring with a special pregame
ceremony. Also, they’ll be unveiling a spot on the façade of their silo boxes
with the name of Reggie White, who was recently enshrined in the Hall of Fame.
It’s fitting that the packers chose the east side for this honor, as the packer
faithful will rise as one and face the direction of the city where Reggie retired.
I can’t wait for the Bears to spoil their party, much like the packers did on
those Monday nights when the Bears honored Butkus, Sayers and Hampton.
Have a nice drive home.
LBF
9/7/2006