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player ready...As he left Monday’s media briefing, Dave Wannstedt was talking about next season.
“By opening day next season, the field position thing won’t be a problem,” the Bears’ coach insisted. “I’ll go through a lot of things, but I won’t go through that again.”
Does that bode ill for punter Todd Sauerbrun, who has struggled as a rookie and will be under the gun at training camp next summer?
“Who and how remains to be seen,” Wannstedt replied.
Not exactly a vote of confidence.
He’s hurting: All the Bears are hurting at 7-7, but wide receiver Curtis Conway is hurting worst of all. The medical staff drained blood from Conway’s back on Monday, but Wannstedt said the bruised back won’t stop Conway from playing Sunday against Tampa Bay.
“He’s hurting, but he’ll play,” Wannstedt said. “It wasn’t a factor (against Cincinnati).”
Cornerback Donnell Woolford (partially torn hip tendon) should still be considered doubtful to return Sunday, Wannstedt said. “He’s better today than last week. We’ll wait and see Wednesday where he’s at.”
Good news: History says the Bears should be heavy favorites at Soldier Field against the Bucs. The Bucs have won only two out of 15 games in Chicago.
In the 26 games between these clubs since 1983, the Bears’ edge in scoring average is 28 points to 14. That barometer was close to the mark of their previous 1995 game, a 25-6 Bears victory.
Can’t “take” control: One reason for the Bears’ dismal showing of late is that they haven’t had a takeaway in the last three games. The Bears have held their giveaways in this period to two.
Tony the tiger: Fullback Tony Carter’s personal-best seven catches against Cincinnati raised his season totals to 35 receptions.
Flag football: After being penalized 33 times in their first eight games (6-2), the Bears have drawn a flag 33 times in their last six games (1-5). The Bears have drawn six infractions in each of their last four games for 189 yards, perhaps illustrating how they have broken down in concentration and focus in all areas.
Gamblers special: Here’s an arcane fact you morning-line specialists won’t want to discount when you figure whether Cincinnati can defeat Cleveland next Sunday. Bear opponents have won 12 of the 13 games in the week after playing Chicago, and the Browns have been victimized twice–losing to Jacksonville and Green Bay.
By the way: Bears President Mike McCaskey turned 52 Monday. At last report, no birthday greetings from Mayor Richard Daley.