Random thoughts while wondering what ever happened to Skip Pitlock:

Continuous Loop Dept.: Super Bowl hype week is now underway although the Colts are still in Indy (I'll bet they can't get away from the nightlife there.)  The game has now been divided into four main themes, which will be run into the ground by the print media, ESPN and CBS as part of it's scheduled four hours of pre-game coverage.  The themes are as follows:

1) We have two African-American coaches in the Super Bowl this year.  Let's all hug and then watch in horror as Jesse Jackson forces his way into photo ops.

2) The legend that is Peyton Manning and what he becomes in a historical context should the Colts win Super Bowl LXI.  If they lose, he becomes Dan Marino with a better personality.

3) The Bears like being the underdog.  And, for the most part, this team has done a fairly good job of walking the walk and silencing the doubters. I do believe the '85 Patriots said they enjoyed being the underdog before they got pasted 46-10 in Super Bowl XX.

4) The new Bears can't compare with the '85 Bears.  You have to admit the '85 team had a bad boy charm that radiated through it with great characters and outstanding nicknames like "Sweetness", "Mongo", "Danimal", "L.A. Mike," "The Refrigerator" and "Da Coach".  The new addition of the Bears has all the personality of unseasoned Potato Buds.  In the end, it doesn't matter.  Just win, baby!

Education is Fundamental: If you are new to the Chicago Bears, perhaps a history lesson would be in order.

Skull Session Dept.: Here's our daily dedication to X's and O's, you know, the important part of the game.  In today's installment, The Bears defense says that Peyton Manning running around like his helmet is on fire prior to the snap will not freak them out.

One of the things the Bears must be concerned about is Indy's ability to launch into a no huddle offense.  The Bears have several packages and personnel groups that they like to get on the field depending on the situation.  Lovie Smith and Ron Rivera also like to rotate players a lot, especially the defensive linemen.

If the Colts pick up the pace on snapping the ball, it may leave the Bears flat footed without the optimum personnel on the field.  This could cost the Bears, especially on passing downs where rookie Mark Anderson has been outstanding.  Anderson can't be outstanding if the Bears can't get him on the field. 

Fourth Times the Charm Dept.: In baseball, you have the ex-Cub factor which states that if you have three or more ex-Cubs on your roster, you won't win in the playoffs or in the World Series.  Hopefully in football there is the Bill Polian factor which dictates any team with Bill Polian at the helm won't win a Super Bowl. 

Location, Location, Location, Dept.: The Miami Super Bowl seems to be more popular than the Detroit Super Bowl.  Go figure.

Hometown Hero Dept.: No matter what happens on Sunday, Lovie Smith will remain a decent, humble, small town guy.  He is the anti-Ditka.

Grill of My Dreams Dept.: Planning to tailgate at the stadium for the Super Bowl?  Guess again.  The NFL claims it is for security reasons.  My guess is they get a cut of the concessions.  The tragedy is it was your only chance to get a decent brat or Italian in Miami.

Who Do You Want Me To Be Dept.: Norv Turner, determined to run yet another NFL franchise into the ground, competes for the privilege of saying "Yes, Jerry."  The fact that Turner has worked for both Daniel Snyder and Al Davis make him eminently qualified for this gig.

Well Shut My Mouth Dept.: Finally, Kenny Williams puts his burner on simmer.

Fiction is Stranger Than Truth Dept.: Another beloved urban legend is pulverized into sausage and pepperoni.

Blow in Here Dept.: I guarantee someone will rip this story from the headlines.  This sounds like it's right off of David E. Kelley's typewriter.