Thanks to Backups, Bears Back Up in Division Race

Random thoughts (or as close as we come around here to thinking) in the aftermath of a Monday night football game featuring the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers: If nothing else, the Bears’ 27-20 victory at Green Bay showed the Packers aren’t as good without quarterback Aaron Rodgers as they are with him. Big surprise, huh? Or to put it another way, the Bears’ backup QB is better than the Packers’.

Sorry, but no NFL cheerleaders today — although Melissa Satta is a worthy substitute.

* With Rodgers injured on a Shea McClellin tackle on Green Bay’s opening possession, the Packers lost their leader for the rest of the game — and quite possibly longer if his injury is a broken collarbone, which was one initial report. If Rodgers is out for the next 6-10 games, the Packers can say goodbye to the season and postseason. If the injury to his left (non-throwing) shoulder is less severe and he does not miss that much time, the Pack might be able to say hello to the postseason once again.

* Speaking of the Packers, if they win a game with Seneca Wallace at quarterback, Mike McCarthy ought to win coach of the year.

* Speaking of coach of the year, Marc Trestman could be in contention if he can continue to have his Bears in playoff contention. He has shown he can win with a backup QB in Josh McCown with starter Jay Cutler sidelined by injury. Not to mention a defense that has endured injuries to sideline starters. With a 5-3 record that ties the Packers and Detroit Lions for first place in the NFC North, the Bears are poised to take over the division lead. It’s either the new math or a competitive division. Or both.

* Speaking of Cutler and the Lions, there is talk that his return from a groin injury will be Sunday at Soldier Field against the Lions. Of course, the Bears’ best hopes for a victory — regardless who is their QB — might be finding a way to send Detroit QB Matthew Stafford to the sidelines. Not that the Lions wouldn’t try to reciprocate.

* The Bears awarded the game ball to owner Virginia McCaskey. Presumably because she is 90 and the Bears don’t win much at Lamneau Field. Certainly not because she rid the team of the Honey Bears after the 1985 season when the team won the only Super Bowl crown in franchise history.

* Speaking of honors, the Chicago Blackhawks visited the White House for a ceremony hosted by president Barack Obama. Among the president’s remarks: “To the Bulls, Bears, Cubs, White Sox, I am term-limited, so you guys got to get moving.”

* In a show of what would appear to be politican bipartisanship, there was no Republican response saying how un-American hockey is.

* Still speaking of timely decisions, the polls remain open for voting for your favorite sports podcast. OK, my favorite sports podcast. And David Spada’s, too. Namely “Sports & Torts,” which airs Thursdays at noon Central time on Talkzone.com. The program — coincidentally co-hosted by David Spada and Elliott Harris — is in the top 10 final for best sports podcast. We are asking for your support. All you have to do is go to podcastawards.com and vote. After you vote you will receive an email confirming your vote. Your vote will not count unless you respond to the email. If you don’t see the voting verification email, check out your spam or junk email folder (that’s where mine went — trying to send me a subliminal message?).

And thank you in advance for your vote or votes. As with any election involving anything Chicago-related, you are encouraged to vote early and often. The main difference between this and an actual Chicago election is multiple votes from a person (presumably still living) is permitted for the Podcast Awards. You are allowed to vote once a day. To vote, click here. Among our competition are sites from ESPN and CBS, so we need to battle the behemoths. We feel good about doing so — especially with your assistance. Stay tuned. Voting continues through Nov. 15. And thank you once again.

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