Waddle's World

I know that everyone is disappointed with yesterday's loss. I'm not happy about it either, but I am able to put it into perspective.

There is no shame in losing to a very talented Charger team, IN San Diego.

If you read what I wrote in Sunday's paper, you know that I expected the Bears to play well, but lose. And while there were a few things that concerned me about yesterday, I was very encouraged by others.

The defense was outstanding, holding the explosive Chargers scoreless for the first 44 minutes of the game. They held the best player in the league to just 25 rushing yards on 17 carries. All three defensive ends were "flying around," Tommie Harris was back to his dominant self, and they played at an incredible pace. If they play with this passion and frenzy, they will be a top 3 defense.

The loss of Mike Brown is heart breaking. Brown is a team leader who worked his tail off to get back, and, obviously, still had some football left in him. The loss of Dusty Dvoracek will be felt, but overcome thanks to the depth created by the signing of Darwin Walker.

There is no doubt they are a better unit with Brown and Dvoracek, but the blunt reality is they reached Super Bowl 41 without both of them.

Also on my list of positives was the play of Rex Grossman. That may shock some of you, as his numbers were average at best, his QB rating was dismal and he threw his first interception of the year. But the truth is Rex took the best the Chargers had to offer and never buckled. It wasn't perfect, but despite the pressure, he was composed in the pocket, stepped up and threw with improved technique. It looks as if all the offseason work on fundamentals is paying off.

As for negatives, the Bears must run the ball better, and it starts up front. The offensive line was bullied and failed to create space for Cedric Benson. Benson didn't do anything to convince us he's capable of picking up where Thomas Jones left off. But, one game does not a season make. I am not willing to write Benson, or these Bears, off after a difficult loss on the road to one of the NFL's elite.

Disappointed, yes. ... Discouraged, no.

See you in Glendale, Ariz., in February.