Top ten sports myths in Chicago

BY DANNY SHERIDAN

Until I started reading Jay Mariotti on a regular basis, I pretty much took every word in the sports section like it was the Bible. Now, four years later, I like to go against what the public thinks or says. Here are 10 myths widely assumed by the majority of Chicago sports fans that aren’t necessarily true.


10. The Bears defensive line is really good


Had Adewale Ogunleye and Alex Brown played in the Super Bowl like they did last Sunday night, Rex Grossman might still be a hero in Chicago, not an afterthought. While at times the line will get some pressure, there are too many long stretches when opposing quarterbacks have all day to throw. Part of that is because the Bears are stubborn enough not to blitz with much regularity, but the other part results from the Bears lack of size across the d-line. Watch how easy it is for tackles to push Ogunleye and Brown five yards outside the pocket. On running plays, Tommie Harris can be overpowered. Dusty Dvoracek is an impact player, but he can’t be counted on to stay healthy. By far the strength of the Bears “D” is the back seven.


9. The Cubs have the best bullpen in Chicago


For all the talk about how dominant the Cubs pen has been, the Sox look to be in better shape in that area coming down the stretch. Ask yourself this question if you’re a Cubs fan; who can you trust with the ball in late game situations besides Carlos Marmol and maybe Kerry Wood? The Sox may not have anyone as good as Marmol, but they have a few more dependable options, especially with Scott Linebrink back and Matt Thornton looking good. Don’t even get me started on who’s got the better closer. Give me Bobby Jenks over Kerry Wood in a heartbeat.


8. Luol Deng will never turn into a consistent All-Star


Deng and Bulls officials will say otherwise, but Luol turning down $60 million at the start of last year definitely contributed to his rather average season. Now, a lot richer and a lot happier, Deng should finally show the rest of Chicago why John Paxson was so hesitant to include him in any deal for Kobe/Pau Gasol. Of course, having Derrick Rose at point guard sure doesn’t hurt either. Look for Rose to help get Deng a lot of easy transition buckets.


7. Kenny Williams is just an average G.M.


If you had to pick the person most responsible for the Sox surprising season, Williams would have to be right at the top of that list. Not only did Williams help build the 2005 team by acquiring key pieces that perfectly fit the Sox new approach, but look at the effect he’s had this year. Stealing Carlos Quentin from Arizona gets the most headlines, but where would the Sox be had Williams not boldly traded Freddy Garcia and Brandon McCarthy two years ago for unproven Gavin Floyd and John Danks? Probably somewhere in fourth place. Spotting Alexi Ramirez was huge, as was restocking the bullpen. Giving Jermaine Dye that extension late last year has worked out as well.


6. Alfonso Soriano is overpaid


Okay, his defense absolutely sucks, and he’s clearly not a leadoff hitter. Still, Soriano is more important to the Cubs than any other player, and it’s really not even close. Had he not missed eight weeks earlier this season, Soriano would have better power numbers than anyone in baseball. More importantly, look at the Cubs record with him (61-33) and without him (25-25). Now if Soriano chokes once again this year in the playoffs, then I might change my opinion.


5. Kyle Orton is the fourth best quarterback in the NFC North


This might sound crazy, but right now I’d take Orton over John Kitna and Tavaris Jackson. You won’t see too many people win 10 games a rookie, sit for two years, and then come back as if nothing happened. Orton looks a lot more confident, mature, and as a result Ron Turner can open up his playbook without losing sleep. It’s silly to think Orton’s going to have many 300 yard passing games, or have his team finish second in points per game like they did under Grossman in 2006. What Orton can do however, is manage a game, and when needed, make some plays down the field. A lot of his success will depend on whether the Bears can run the ball successfully.


4. Carlos Zambrano can be counted on down the stretch


Even if Zambrano does miss only one start, it’s a slim chance he’ll quickly turn back into the pitcher he was during the first four months. Since August, Zambrano’s been the team’s worst starter anyway, so there’s no reason to think he’ll suddenly turn it around once October comes. It’s really a shame too, because the Cubs didn’t give Zambrano all that money for him to cause the team an unnecessary headache at just the wrong time.


3. Steve Bartman is most responsible for the 8th inning of Game 6 of the 2003 NLCS


How many people would have had the exact same instincts as Bartman? My guess would be quite a few. Even after that, look at the situation; man on first, one out, full count, Cubs lead 3-0. So don’t blame Bartman for Mark Prior wearing down, Alex Gonzalez’s error, Dusty Baker’s indifference, the Cubs weak bullpen, Moises Alou’s childish reaction, or Wood’s total choke job in Game 7.


2. The Bears will be much better than people thought


After only one win against a Colts team devastated with injuries, that seems a bit premature. Just be glad the schedule makers did the Bears a favor and that Peyton Manning was very rusty after not taking a snap all preseason. The first week in the NFL season often opens itself to unrealistic expectations, both good and bad. Sunday’s performance can’t hide the fact the Bears still don’t have an offensive line, wide receiver, or anyone on offense that teams have to game plan for. Assuming the defense stays healthy, the Bears should be in most games, but still don’t expect anything better than 8-8.


1. The Cubs aren’t the team to beat in the NL anymore


This most recent slump might turn out to be a good thing in the end. Remember how badly the 2005 White Sox performed the final month and a half, only to turn it on the final week and ride that momentum all the way through World Series? And on top of that, even losing eight of nine games, the Cubs lost only two and a half games off their comfortable division lead. Every team in the National League has more flaws than the Cubs, and barring an even bigger collapse, they should have the all important home field advantage against the team they’re likely to meet in the NLCS, the New York Mets.