Mon, Oct 13, 2008
 Quarterback Rex Grossman (8) and the Bears showed some weakness last week in their first loss of the season, a 31-13 home defeat to Miami.
MCT 2006
. Welders, Fabricators for structural steel Office and Clerical Dr. Wayne Goodner, DDS Front Office PT Sales and Marketing Everready Glass Glass Sales Driver/Transportation DRIVERS Health Care Neurological Associates of Tucson Operations Manager Technical INSTALLER Sales and Marketing sales FootballWeek 10 Game of the day: BEARS at GIANTS
Big game, but not greatThe Associated Press
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 11.12.2006
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — For those who have followed the NFL for a couple of decades, the mention of a big game between the Chicago Bears and New York Giants brings memories of a 1985 NFC semifinal.
It was Mike Ditka, Jim McMahon, Mike Singletary, Walter Payton and "The Fridge" against Bill Parcells, Lawrence Taylor, Harry Carson and the rest of the New York Giants on a frigid, windy afternoon that would best be remembered for a whiff by New York punter Sean Landeta.
It was a game between two great teams.
The Bears won 21-0 and went on to win the Super Bowl. The Giants got their Lombardi Trophy the following year.
More than two decades later, the Bears (7-1) and Giants (6-2) will be meeting at Giants Stadium tonight in a game being hyped as the battle for supremacy in the NFC.
Is it though?
In one sense, sure. The team that wins will have the inside track on a first-round playoff bye and home-field advantage.
Is it a game between two great teams? Doubtful.
Halfway through the season, Chicago and New York both have issues.
While the Giants have won five straight to open a two-game lead in the East, the offense that features Eli Manning, Tiki Barber and Jeremy Shockey hasn't lived up to the lofty expectations.
New York's injuries are a bigger concern. Linebacker LaVar Arrington (Achilles' tendon) and receiver Amani Toomer (knee) have already been lost for the season. Pro Bowl defensive ends Osi Umenyiora (hip) and Michael Strahan (foot) are sidelined, while linebackers Carlos Emmons (groin) and Brandon Short (quad), cornerback Sam Madison (hamstring) and receiver Plaxico Burress (back) are iffy.
"It's disappointing because you want to go out there with your full troops," Giants middle linebacker Antonio Pierce said. "We have guys who have proven the last three weeks that they are stepping up. It's another week where guys are going to have to step up. We're going to find out this weekend what kind of team we really have."
Until a week ago, the Bears looked like the best team in the conference. All that changed with a stunning 31-13 loss to Miami at home.
Turnovers by Rex Grossman and the offense led to all four Miami touchdowns. The Bears' defense also is under a microscope after giving up 161 yards rushing to the Dolphins.
Some observers question the Bears' schedule, too. The combined record of Chicago's eight opponents is 21-35, with only Seattle (5-3) having a winning mark.
Chicago coach Lovie Smith doesn't care whether anyone is giving his team respect.
"To be truthful, what can you put into it? I try to deal in reality," he said. "The facts are this: We're a 7-1 ballclub. We like our record. … I like being 7-1."
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