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The NFL schedule makers are part gamblers, part fortune-tellers. They take educated guesses months in advance of how teams will finish and try to set compelling match-ups, especially down the stretch.

One such match-up they seemed to nail already was the final Monday Night Football game week 16, when the Minnesota Vikings are set to visit the Chicago Bears. Already potentially a showdown for the divisional crown the rumored return of Brett Favre shoots the potential ratings off the chart.

Imagine Brett Favre walking in to Soldier Field, wearing Viking purple instead of Packer green, and dueling it out with Jay Cutler for the NFC North. ESPN execs may require plastic surgery to remove the smiles from their faces. Tony Kornheiser is already losing what’s left of his hair trying to figure out how to fit in all the John Madden jokes.

It would be the NFL’s, ESPN’s and the media’s dream come true. A late Christmas present from Santa Claus.

And I think it’s going to happen.

It’s plain to see at this point that Brett Favre can’t help himself. Upset at ending his career with an interception in the NFC Championship game he came back last year and forced his way out of Green Bay.

Now unable to handle finishing his career collapsing down the stretch and taking the Jets from AFC favorites to out of the playoffs he wants to return to the NFC North with the Vikings. Favre simply wants to erase last year and prove the Packers wrong by going and winning at the place the refused to send him last season.

This guy’s ego is unbelievable.

Last year Bears fans could ignored the Favre drama. He was headed out of the NFC, and why should they care about a player who tormented them for years tarnishing his legacy? He was just another pro-athlete who didn’t know when to hang ‘em up.

But now it’s a different story. Now Favre is Arnold Schwarzenegger at the end of Terminator, right down to the corny “I’ll be back” line. You can shoot him, run him over with a truck, blow him up, but he just won’t go away.

There is no denying the Vikings are a Super Bowl ready team that’s only missing the quarterback. They are being held back by having to choose from two inconsistent and mistake prone QBs – Tavaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels – when they just need someone who won’t turn it over, hand the ball to Adrian Peterson and occasionally go deep to Bernard Berrian and Percy Harvin.

Is Brett Favre really that guy at this point? His finishing kick in New York might suggest otherwise.

As a Bears fan, if the Vikings want to hitch their Super Bowl wagon to a soon-to-be 40 year old fading QB then I say “bring it on” and I am sure most Packers fans feel the same.

Who ever thought there would be a time when everyone in Green Bay didn’t love Brett Favre? That’s what an uncontrollable ego will get you.

So circle December 28th on your calendars now. It could be a movie script ending along the shores of Lake Michigan when Brett “The Terminator” Favre finally gets crushed, this time by Jay Cutler.

The Fridge is an icon in Chicago sports, making the gap tooth hip long before Michael Strahan got on the scene. That’s why it’s a hard day for every Chicago sports fan to hear that William Perry has been hospitalized in South Carolina and is in serious condition.

Only 46-years old Perry was diagnosed last year with Guillain-Barré syndrome – a disease in which the body’s immune system attacks the nerves – and spent five months in the hospital recovering; now a flare up has him back. The cause is unknown and there is no cure, but treatments can elevate symptoms and shorten the length of the disease which most patients recover from.

A larger than life figure in many ways during his rookie season and 10 year NFL career, Perry had slipped off the radar screen after football. There was the occasional eating contest, Ultimate fighting exhibition, commercials and even a Sports Illustrated cover about his life working in construction. But on the whole “The Fridge” was enjoying a quiet retirement out in the garage.

The best news is that Perry is expected to make a full recovery and that the disease isn’t fatal. He should be around for many ’85 Bear reunions to come.

So pop in that Super Bowl XX tape or DVD, throw on the Super Bowl shuffle, and take a trip down memory lane with a man who captured Chicago’s imagination like few others. Then send your thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery so we can see that gappy smile on the shores of Lake Michigan again.

Over the last few days the articles about Jay Cutler have been flying fast and furious. They’ve taken approaches as wide ranging as ‘Cutler is a whinny baby who will regret leaving Denver’ to ‘Jay Cutler is the savoir and Jerry Angelo is the messiah for bringing him here.’ I think the rational Bears fan knows it all fall somewhere in between.

But perhaps the most stunning and inexplicable article I’ve read was one posted over at si.com “Kyle Orton could throw more TDs than Jay Cutler”. The bloggers five reasons are: receiving corps, offensive line, defense (Orton will play from behind), Josh McDaniels’ offense, and that Orton is underrated.

It an argument that on the surface looks completely reasonable and to some people might make them think that “hey, the Broncos didn’t make out so bad in this thing after all”. But I find the flaws in that to be nearly as bad by judging a starting pitcher simply on his win-loss record, too many other factors are involved.

Anyway, the whole point is this article prompted me to finally put down some thoughts on the situation. This is especially aimed at the writers and pundits who’ve been ripping Cutler and overhyping Orton since the deal… I’m looking at you Rick Morrissey, Gene Wojciechowski, Trent Dilfer and Mark Schlereth, Hub Arkush, Mel Kiper Jr., and this idiot who also wrote “Broncos won’t lose much if they trade Cutler”.

As a Bears fan I wish Kyle Orton the best in Denver. He was a solid football player for us and made the best of his talents and situation.

As a football fan I won’t be stupid enough to act like the Bears didn’t pay a premium for Cutler or believe that “giving up 2 first round picks isn’t a big deal because the GM would’ve screwed them up anyway” is a valid argument.

But for all the people on the “Kyle Orton is underrated” bandwagon, you are in for a bumpy ride. People talk about Orton’s great first half before the ankle injury but all it was were 3 good games against 3 terrible pass defenses (Detroit, Atlanta, Minnesota) and that’s it

Orton lacks anything that really resembles mobility; he doesn’t side step the rush or extend plays. Additionally Orton has a ton of problems when having to come off of his first read, and if he does it’s generally to play it uber-safe and dump it to a running back.

It should also be noted that Orton completed one, ONE pass that traveled more than 30 yards in the air all of last season. That one pass was in the last game of the season, was under thrown, and would’ve been picked if Hester had not come back underneath the defender to make the catch.

It’s not a lack of arm strength, because his shorter and medium passes have zip, but a lack of trajectory as Orton just chucks up rainbows on any pass over 25 yards. And for a guy who’s 6’4″ he has an absurd number of passes batted down at the line of scrimmage.

As for Cutler, as a Bears fan I realize he’s not a savior. He’s not Brady or Manning yet. He’s a gunslinger prone to mistakes from trying to make throws not even his incredibly gifted arm allows. I openly acknowledge and admit to all of that.

But this is also the first time in my lifetime the Bears have anyone playing the most important position in sports that is even remotely worth the term “franchise”. For once as a Bears fan I can talk about the QB making the players around him better instead of frantically figuring out how they were going to get better at the other 10 spots to raise the game of an average QB.

Jerry Angelo filled the biggest gap in any franchise in sports history. The Bears are THE original NFL team and yet Sid Luckman still holds 75% of our passing records. So should Bears fans care that he’s a “whiner”? Maybe it’s more likely that Cutler’s just a QB who has the leverage to get himself out of a situation he didn’t want to be in and did so. Isn’t that how the Broncos got John Elway in the first place?

There is a difference in weapons and offensive philosophy that could mean Orton throws more TDs than Cutler, but in this record breaking offense last year with the best players in the league the guy Josh McDaniels initially wanted – Matt Cassel – threw just 21 TDs, so this is no guarantee. More importantly I’ll take the balance of this new Bears offense that will not only be able to run the ball but throw it effectively to all three levels: short, medium AND deep.

Orton is what he is: 58% completion with a dink-n-dunk approach. He is passable and the very definition of an average QB. Jay Cutler brings a lot more than to the table right now and has the chance to get better. To get better here in Chicago and grow as the face of the franchise for the foreseeable future, as a Bears fan two first-round picks and a third-round pick is a small price to pay for that.

Reported on ESPN.com and NFL.com the Bears have traded for disgruntled Broncos’ QB Jay Cutler.

While ESPN and NFL have not reported the details of the trade they have announced on ESPN 1000 that the Bears sent Kyle Orton, this year’s first-round (#18 overall) and third round picks, and a first-round pick next year to the Broncos.

This is completely stunning as a Bears fan… it’s almost inexplicable, but the greatest gap in any franchise in any sport has finally been filled. With Cutler under center the future job security of Jerry Angelo and Love Smith, not to mention the entire outlook for the team just shot through the roof.

While some have questioned in recent days whether it was worth a steep price to acquire a player seen in some circles as a prima donna or a malcontent, it was undoubtedly the right move. Quarterback is such a unique position in sports and one that it is so important to have filled. This season Bears fans will witness a quality of play in the blue and orange never before seen.

Being strong at QB can make the other 10 players on offense better. It’s a much easier situation to work with than what the Bears have tried to do since Jim McMahon, and that was have the other 10 players raise the quality of the quarterback.

This is truly a special day for all Chicago Bears fans. I’ll have a full analysis of the trade up later tonight and a special episode of Bearscast coming soon, but for now let’s all sit back and enjoy this ray of sunshine Jerry Angelo has brought Chicago on a cloudy day.

Some news and notes from Bears mini-camp, which started yesterday. The three-day camp, which is traditionally held in May or June, was moved up as a way to kick-start a crucial season. Without big improvement Lovie Smith will find himself on the hot seat.

Injury News – There are a number of players who won’t be participating in the camp. Hunter Hillenmeyer is out with an ankle injury which is not particularly good timing given his job is on the line.

Dusty Dvoracek is in the same boat still recovering from the torn bicep that put him on IR for the third straight year, he needs to get healthy quick or is going to lose out to Anthony Adams and Marcus Harrison.

In the secondary the Bears will be missing projected starters Charles Tillman and Kevin Payne who are both still rehabbing shoulder injuries. This means Nathan Vasher and Corey Graham will be the starting corners during camp and Josh Bullocks will be slotted in at free safety next to Craig Steltz.

Trumaine McBride will also not participate in camp.

Danieal Manning stays at nickel and under Lovie’s wing – With questions surrounding the free safety position there were early off-season rumors that Manning might be moving back there. Those rumors have been officially put to rest.

Manning finally began to emerge as an impact player in the nickel role while getting a lot of 1-on-1 coaching from Lovie Smith. And that situation will continue in ’09 as Lovie plans to keep close tabs on Manning along with his new defensive play-calling duties.

Zach Bowman moves to FS – While Manning is staying it will be Zach Bowman moving to safety. Bowman is an attractive option at free safety for many of the same reasons as Charles Tillman, who was rumored about making the switch, because of his combined size 6’1”/200lbs and athleticism.

Bowman made a mark early in the season with a game clinching interception against the Vikings but was then out the remainder of the season with a bicep injury. Now he can hopefully be molded into the playmaker in the secondary this team so desperately needs.

Omiyale still working at LG – With John St. Clair now in Cleveland the Bears options are getting very thin at right tackle. With Angelo, Smith, and Co. sticking to the plan of keeping free agent signing Frank Omiyale at left guard as camp opened and the only choice is Cody Balogh, who spent last year on the practice squad.

So far the company line is that Omiyale will compete with Beekman at left guard, Roberto Garza and Dan Buenning competing at right guard and right tackle will be fixed later. Balogh is fine when the players are going through the motions in shorts and t-shirts , but without an addition through free agency the Bears better be ready to move Omiyale back to tackle.

UPDATE: Well it didn’t take long but the Bears have officially moved Frank Omiyale to right tackle. He’s stated that’s where he is most comfortable and how long he stays there could depend on if it’s easier for the Bears to add someone else to the mix at guard or tackle.

The Bears have desperately needed to add someone at safety since the decision to part ways with Mike Brown was made early this off-season. It was obvious no one, perhaps outside of his immediate family and friends, was excited about the idea of Craig Steltz starting at free safety.

Unfortunately, Jerry Angelo’s solution to this problem is to bring in a guy – Josh Bullock – who lost his starting job in one of the worst defensive backfield’s in the NFL. Now Bears fans have to hope a guy who couldn’t stay on the field with Saints and never had more than two INTs in a season will be able to fix the team’s massive coverage void in the secondary.

In Bullock’s defense that entire defense is pretty messed up, with serious problems on every level. So there is a chance given he’s only 26, plus the move to a Cover-2, he could still make an impact. The scouting report on Bullock seems to indicate he’s at his best in coverage and specifically zone coverage.

That same scouting report also mentioned a tendency for Bullock to hesitate or jump routes on play-action, which seems dangerously similar to Danieal Manning’s problem. But the Bears wouldn’t be getting Bullock for 1yr/$1.2 million if he didn’t have some flaws, and even with those warts he’s still the best option currently on the roster.

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As the Bears add to re-tool their secondary they also subtract to continue re-tooling of the offensive line. Terrance Metcalf, a former 3rd round pick who made 25 starts in 84 games, was released after seven years with the team.

Although Metcalf signed a six-year, $12.2 million deal in 2006 the addition of Frank Omiyale, along with the presumed return of John St. Clair, made him expendable. Metcalf had been penciled in for the starting left guard spot before last season but a preseason knee injury opened the door for Josh Beekman and Metcalf never really got back in the mix.

Metcalf was also suspended four games this year by the NFL for violation of the league’s policy regarding anabolic steroids and related substances.

So with Omiyale, Beekman, Roberto Garza and Dan Buenning all in the mix at the guard position, and the likelihood the Bears will use another high draft pick on a tackle the offensive line transition would appear to be almost complete.

The Bears second move of the free agency was just as mundane and uninspiring as the first. On Friday the team agreed to bring ex-Lion Kevin Jones back on a two-year, $3.5 million deal.

Jones was a disappointment most of last season, failing to lighten the work load for rookie Matt Forte and with only 34 carries on the season. However, at the start of the season Jones was only eight months removed from ACL surgery.

Given that it normally takes at least a year to fully recover from a reconstructive knee procedure, Jones and the Bears are both betting they’ll see the player who looked like an emerging star back in Detroit. That player could take a hundred carries away from Matt Forte without the Bears offense missing a beat.

Jones signing also gives the Bears another draft pick to play with in April. Without Jones on the roster the Bears would be looking for a backup to compete with Garrett Wolfe somewhere in the draft. Now they can focusing on using all six picks on more pressing needs.

Additionally, Kevin Jones willingness to play special teams down the stretch last year might save the Bears a roster spot. With both Wolfe and Jones capable special teams contributor the Bears could afford to let long time special teams ace Adrian Peterson go.

But most importantly, as un-sexy as the signing of Kevin Jones is, it answers an important question of who’ll be splitting time with Forte. That may not fix any of the Bears glaring holes, but it could be one small piece to the final solution.

Omiyale signing doesn’t close door on St. Clair

Although the Bears hit the ground running in free agency with the signing of OT Frank Omiyale from the Carolina Panthers, they have not given up on their own free agent John St. Clair. Jerry Angelo says he intends to continue to pursue John St. Clair with the intention of having him replace John Tait at right tackle and moving Frank Omiyale inside to guard.

Omiyale could potentially start at either guard position: Josh Beekman is considered undersized and could be better of backing up Olin Kreutz, and coaches are reportedly unhappy with the performance of Roberto Garza.

So instead of his replacement, it appears the Bears are bringing Omiyale in to fill John St. Clair’s old role of super-sub, someone who could start and provides depth at four positions. If the Bears can resign St. Clair the odd man out will likely be Terrence Metcalf, and if not Omiyale will slide in at RT.

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Bears look to Darren Sharper for help at Safety

If you are tired of trying to beat them, why not ask them to join you? That’s seems to be the Bears approach to filling the void left by Mike Brown in the secondary with former Packer and Viking Darren Sharper.

A 12-year veteran and a four time Pro-Bowler, Sharper would provide a major upgrade over the default free safety at the moment, Craig Steltz. Not only would he fill the major leadership role left by Brown, but his career 54 interceptions are an indication of what sort of playmaking he could bring to the position.

While many Bears fans, including myself, would prefer to see the Bears spend the money to bring in a more long-term replacement, Sharper can be an adequate stopgap until a better solution can be found in the draft.

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Bears not closing the book on Kevin Jones

Kevin Jones first season with the Chicago Bears was a bit of a disappointment. After being brought in with the billing of someone who could take the starting job from rookie Matt Forte, he got only 34 carries the entire season with most of those coming in the first five weeks.

But there appears to be strong mutual interest in bringing Jones back for the 2009 season. While he is attracting serious offers from other teams Jones has given the Bears a ringing endorsement:

“I’ve been telling you all along, and you may have thought, ‘This kid is crazy,’ during last year, I want to come back to the Bears. I like the staff; I like all the teammates. If you want an example of what an NFL team should be like, the coaching staff, everything, that’s it. I’d love to be back, but sometimes business gets in the way.”

And that business is probably the main thing that could keep Jones away. In some ways it was a miracle that Jones was able to do anything for the Bears last season considering he was just 8 months removed from ACL surgery. If the Bears gave him a second opportunity there is a good chance they’ll see the back that looked to be on the rise in Detroit.

However, with Adrian Peterson and Garrett Wolfe already in place are the Bears interested in carrying four running backs again? Jerry Angelo has already stated a desire to get Wolfe more playing time, as the former third-round pick is currently considered a bust. But Kevin Jones willingness to play special teams for the Bears down the stretch last year could be a big mark in his favor.

The Bears have made their first move of the free agent period and it’s one that no one, including my saw coming. Earlier this morning they agreed to a four-year contract worth between $11.5 and $14million with Carolina Panther free agent Frank Omiyale.

While Omiyale is undoubtedly not the big name most fans were looking for, at least he’s not John St. Clair. As a four year veteran with only one career start Omiyale fits perfectly with Jerry Angelo’s system of letting other teams develop linemen and then going after them in free agency.

He also brings two aspects the Bears desperately needed along their line. He should make the unit bigger at 6’4”/310lbs and most importantly younger at 26.

Some people might be shocked by the size of the deal, especially for a player with limited starting experience, but that’s the NFL. Omiyale oddly enough received a ringing endorsement from ex-Bear Mushin Muhammad, who was his teammate this past season in Carolina.

It’s hard to tell what this means for the rest of the Bears free agent plans at OT. It’s possible they could still bring St. Clair back and open up the competition for RT. One way to look at this deal is a response by Bears management to the added leverage John Tait’s retirement provided St. Clair in negotiations.

Frank Omiyale may not be the name most Bears fans were hoping to see come across the wire in the early stages of free agency, but he is also the kind of young cost-efficient signing that a team with as many needs as the Bears has to have.

Booker might go down at the most productive Bears receiver of the last 15 years, but his second stint with the team was something to forget.

Booker never regained his Chicago form after being traded to the Dolphins for Adewale Ogunleye following the 2003 season. Obviously management felt it had more to do with the environment than eroding skills…. obviously, they were wrong.

Marty is well represented in the Bears record book finishing 3rd in career receptions, 6th in yards and 8th in TD catches. He even managed to add a few highlights this year with the ridiculous catch in Detroit and the 51 yard TD against the Vikings.

But in the end the Bears needed and expected a lot more than 14 catches for 211 yards. Booker was expected to be a steadying veteran force and instead he kept Earl Bennett on the bench and pushed Mark Bradley out of town.

So as fondly as I and many Bears fans will remember Booker and as hard as it was to let him go the first time, I am certainly not the least bit sorry to wave good-bye the second go round.