The chip is firmly back on Mike Ditka`s shoulder. Go ahead, just try to knock it off.
The Bears coach had a message Monday for all those who doubted the Bears could return to the top or that Ditka could lead them there.
”I don`t think there are very many people even right now who really respect this team,” he said. ”That`s the way I like it. That`s the way I want it.
”The players just want to keep going out and proving it. That`s what`s important in life-not what people think of you, but what you think of yourself. If you think enough of yourself, you`ll make the guy you`re playing against think you`re good, too.”
Tough guy: Ditka revealed a letter from a Michigan fan that contained excerpts from Bo Schembechler`s book describing how Jim Harbaugh played through an injury while a Wolverine. Ditka said it provided some insight into his quarterback`s intestinal fortitude.
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No lights: Like a Cub loyalist, Ditka believes football games should be played under the sun.
”I don`t like late games, I hate them.” he said. ”You`re supposed to wake up, go to church, eat breakfast, go play football-at noon. Then you`re supposed to go home and eat dinner.”
Ditka was told some of his players preferred night games.
”Do they? Who said that?”
Jay Hilgenberg.
”Well, he doesn`t get out of bed until 2, that`s why.”
Injury report: Tight end James Thornton, still suffering blurred vision after getting poked in the eye Sunday night, was examined Monday. Tight end Cap Boso has a sprained knee ligament and reserve guard Jerry Fontenot a hip pointer. All are expected to be ready for the Phoenix game Oct. 28.
Long wait: With his interception Sunday, cornerback Donnell Woolford ended a stretch of 13 games without picking off a pass. His dry spell dates back to last Oct. 29, against the Rams. Woolford was the last starting defensive back to get an interception. ”Once you get that first one, the rest will come,”
he said.
Defensive numbers: Mike Singletary leads the club in tackles with 51, followed by Shaun Gayle`s 44 and Mark Carrier`s 42. Lemuel Stinson leads the team with four interceptions and also has broken up 12 passes. Woolford and Gayle have each broken up eight and Richard Dent five. Dent and Trace Armstrong have five sacks apiece. Carrier has forced four fumbles and Armstrong two.
Vacation schedule: With a bye this week, the Bears will practice Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, take the weekend off, work out Monday, take next Tuesday off and return to their normal practice schedule Wednesday in preparation for their game against the Cardinals.
Hotline: The Bears have set up a phone line for fans to get team news, ticket information and to enter a contest to win game tickets. The number is 1-900-4- GO-BEAR, and the cost is 95 cents per minute.