Defense and "Thuggery"

The Rex Grossman controversy is over, but there is a new controversy brewing in Chicago. The Bears clinched the number one seed in the NFC (and home field advantage throughout the playoffs) on Sunday with a 34-31 overtime win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Isn’t that a problem though? A three point victory over a 3-10 team coming in is a bit concerning. The defense is a shadow of its former self, at least in comparison to the early season defense. The absence of Mike Brown, Tommy Harris, and Tank Johnson (lets say he has a few legal issues right now), has affected the Bears’ ability to quell the run and caused the pass rush to become moot. Granted, the defense only gave up 57 yards on the ground Sunday, but 300 yards through the air, especially three break away plays, all of which occurred in the second half. The secondary is depleted as well, but something needs to be done to stop the leaking. Essentially, the defense blew a 24-3 lead, but luckily the offense brought home the prize. People need to start regaining their health or there maybe a problem come play off time.

On the bright side Grossman had a marvelous game, becoming the first Bears passer in 73 games (that’s quite a few seasons) to pass for over 300 yards. He ended up with 339 yards (a career high) and 2 touchdown passes. He held strong in the face of adversity and guided the offense, which this time, had to win the game. The normally solid Robbie Gould has been off of late as well. After making his first 24 field goals, he has missed three of his last six attempts, one of which could have won the game early in overtime. Luckily the defense held and gave him another chance, which he converted from 25 yards. All I can say is that I hope he regains his confidence, as he will play a major role down the stretch and in the playoffs. Devin Hester also had a shaky game, with one major fumble that turned into a touchdown for the Bucs in the fourth quarter. He did not run any back, but the Bucs kicked away from him most of the game, which goes to show that he is on the minds of Bears’ opponents, hence altering the make-up of the game.

The other topic of this discourse concerns the melee that occurred on Thursday evening between the Denver Nuggets and New York Knicks. Conjuring up memories of the debacle that occurred in 2004 between the Pacers and Pistons, this hideous display of belligerence has again tarnished the NBA’s reputation. Ten players were ejected with a 1:15 left in the game, basically all of whom were on the floor at the time. Carmelo Anthony (a cornerstone of the NBA elite) managed to humiliate himself; getting in a cheap shot blow to the face of Mardy Collins after the brawl was quelled. Evidently this brawl occurred due to Isiah Thomas warning Carmelo Anthony not to go to the “paint,” as the game was over by then, with the Nuggets leading big. Thomas evidently was irritated that Anthony and Marcus Camby were still on the floor in a blow out. What kind of behavior for a head coach-president of the Knick’s organization? Real classy!

Essentially this latest brawl has embarrassed the NBA again, relegating the league to “thuggery” status. I am sure that David Stern (NBA commissioner) will take stern (no pun intended) action against those involved in the melee. The sheer number of games that the players involved will accumulate in suspensions should be staggering. The NBA is slowly going down hill, as TV ratings are down and revenues are shrinking. Why is this? Because of these fights that are occurring on a consistent basis! Kids looks up to a lot of these NBA stars. But their actions on the court are not fitting of a role model, but instead they have more in common with a gang on the streets.