A rolling stone...

...gathers no arrogant wide receivers. Of course this is referring to our favorite Minnesota Viking, Randy Moss, who felt the need to call out the Bears' secondary before the game today. There is no doubt that this is his way of making amends for getting a would-be game-winning touchdown reception ripped out of his hands by then-rookie cornerback Charles Tillman late last season in a loss that helped cripple the Vikings' playoff hopes. Unfortunately for Randy, he didn't put his money where his mouth is. (Probably because his foot is firmly implanted there.)

In summary, the Bears used a great performance by their fourth starting QB this season, Chad Hutchinson, and a stirring effort by the defense to upend the Norsemen, 24-14. Brian Urlacher, who had surgery just a few weeks ago on his calf and wasn't even supposed to be back for a couple of weeks, returned to have a marvelous performance that should land him defensive player of the week honors. His stats were great (7 tackles, 1 sack, 2 tipped passes, and an interception in the red zone to thwart a deep Minnesota drive) but what was even more impressive was his contagious energy and enthusiasm that seemed to spread to all of the other defenders. Boy, am I glad we have these players locked up for a while!

As for Hutchinson, watching him lead this team was like waking up from a terrible nightmare and realizing it was only a dream. He had everything that Jonathan Quinn and Craig Krenzel have lacked: a strong arm, quick throws, limited mistakes, and the ability to convert on third down. His 3-TD, 0-INT performance was the best by a Bears' QB in a long time and, while I am not ready to proclaim him a savior just yet, I now have confidence that the Bears can beat teams without relying on their defense and special teams for a majority of the points. It's quite refreshing.

I'm really looking forward to the 2005 season, as the Bears have a good shot to contend with a few minor additions/changes. Then again, I can't look too far ahead, as they still have a legitimate shot to make the playoffs this season. That sounds hard to believe given their 5-7 record, but in the watered-down NFC it might only take 8 wins to make the playoffs. (And, right now, they—along with 5 other teams—are only 1 game behind St. Louis for the final playoff spot.)

(Oh yeah, and while I'm discussing my favorite football teams, I have to congratulate both NIU for making a bowl game for the first time in 21 years and the Florida Gators for choosing the outstanding Urban Meyer to be their next head coach.)

-Mark