It’s already been done ad-nauseum, so I’m not going to go into great detail on yesterday’s games. Indianapolis simply dominated the New York Jets, and New Orleans was lucky it wasn’t dominated. How a team only wins by three when it’s given six fumbles and two interceptions is beyond me. But nonetheless, congratulations to both the Colts and the Saints on reaching the big game.

The real purpose of today’s installment is to shed light on a franchise that’s making the Buffalo Bills’ search for a coach seem like a picnic. And I’m not talking about a team looking for a head coach. I’m looking at the coordinator-less Chicago Bears.

At the end of their disappointing season, the Bears fired their offensive coordinator Ron Turner, as well as defensive coordinator Bob Babich. Both moves were seen as a formality, but I never could have imagined that we’d be past the Conference Championships and Da Bears would still be without men to run their offence and defence. I’ll start chronicling the futility on the defensive side of the ball.

When Lovie Smith relinquished his play-calling duties, Chicago’s focus shifted to Perry Fewell. The interim Buffalo Bills head coach worked under Smith both with the St. Louis Rams and the Bears – but he chose the New York Giants instead. Since then, it’s been all-quiet on the western front for the Bears’ defence. With Smith still on board, a coach with Cover 2 background is a necessity. Some of the candidates being tossed around are Seattle defensive coordinator Gus Bradley, current defensive line coach Rod Marinelli (yes, he of the 0-16 Detroit Lions fame), and even, former NY Jets and Kansas City Chiefs head coach Herm Edwards.

Even more upsetting are the prospects at offensive coordinator. The Bears’ (and Jay Cutler’s) first choice was USC o-coordinator Jeremy Bates – Cutler’s confidant in Denver. He decided to join Pete Carroll in Seattle, as did another option, quarterback coach Jedd Fisch. Chicago wanted to interview Green Bay quarterback coach Tom Clements, but were denied. Ken Zampese (QB coach for the Bengals) and Rob Chudzinski (TE coach for the Chargers) have both been interviewed, but neither seem likely for the job. Mike Martz has openly campaigned to be up to the challenge, but he’s known to be quite a handful to work with. This one doesn’t look like it’ll be ending anytime soon.

The harsh reality for the Chicago Bears and their fans is that no one wants either job. We saw this just over a week ago with the Bills, until the ’settled’ on Chan Gailey. The Bears seem to be stuck with a long list of candidates, yet none of which they’re truly sold on. The solution? Well, the first option is to get rid of Lovie Smith. It’s painfully clear that people are shying away from the Windy City due to Smith’s job security, or lack thereof. If he’s terminated next season, the entire staff may be gutted as well, leaving whoever takes these jobs back in the unemployment line.

A second problem, at least offensively, is the presence of Jay Cutler. Yes Chicago finally has a franchise quarterback, but one who needs special attention and someone he’s comfortable working with. Cutler lobbied hard for Bates and Fisch, but neither wanted to reunite with him.

As for the defence, it’s tough to be motivated to take over a unit that’s statistically declined in the three seasons since Chicago’s Superbowl birth. With the insistence on the Cover 2 defence, potential candidates are clearly scared off by the lack of a pass rush, aging and injured middle linebacker, and questionable at best secondary.

The Chicago Bears are in a position no team wants to be in – respected personnel are staying away from the organization. They need to rectify the problem immediately, or it’s going to be a long season at Halas Hall.

TWO POINT CONVERSION

- David Garrard, Pro Bowler. How utterly ridiculous

- the Jets released five coaches today. Interesting philosophy for a team that just exceeded expectations and made the Conference Championships

Wow. I’m still trying to get a handle on the Green Bay/Arizona game.  Combined, the two teams racked up 1,024 yards of offence, and despite terrible play throughout the game, we saw that defence wins in the playoffs. As we start to get ready for next weekend’s games, here’s a few of my takes from the weekend that was in the NFL.

NY JETS/CINCINNATI

The Jets just keep proving me wrong. I said heading into the playoffs that they were the worst of the twelve team field. And despite their win, I still feel that way. But I’ve got to hand it to them, and especially Mark Sanchez. His stats read an unimpressive 12 of 15 for 185 yards and a touchdown, but it was what he didn’t do that defined his game. He didn’t turn the ball over, and that was the key to the Jets win. Darrelle Revis didn’t play as well as I thought he would, and he was beaten by Chad Ochocinco on a few plays (penalties included). Revis’ job won’t get any easier, he’ll get 6′5 Vincent Jackson next week.

PHILADELPHIA/DALLAS

This wasn’t even a game. Right from the opening kickoff, this was Dallas’ game. Tony Romo played mistake free football, while the Eagles turned the ball over four times. Dallas has done such a great job incorporating Felix Jones into it’s offence, he’s far too dynamic of a playmaker to be kept on the sidelines. Marion Barber will need to be used more next week to break down the Minnesota defence, but for now, top marks to Dallas. The receiving core also looked quite good, and I don’t know why, but I’m getting the feeling that Roy Williams is in line for a big game soon.

BALTIMORE/NEW ENGLAND

Another snoozer. So much for the ‘evolving’ of New England’s offence without Wes Welker. I told anyone who’d listen this week that you can not replace 123 catches out of your lineup. As for Baltimore, what a rushing attack. It’s nice to see Willis McGahee getting touches on a consistent basis, he’s a key part of the offence again. Joe Flacco, however, was simply atrocious. 4 of 10 for 34 yards and a pick? Those numbers had better improve when the Ravens meet up with Peyton Manning and the Colts.

GREEN BAY/ARIZONA

Once again, wow. I feel bad for Aaron Rodgers, having a fantastic game end on his fumble. Reports on ESPN.com claim that Kurt Warner is set to retire following the season. Based on his play earlier today, why? 29 of 33 for 379 yards and five TD’s – simply amazing. Get ready for another shootout next weekend when the Cardinals travel to the Superdome to dance with the Saints.

TWO POINT CONVERSION

- Pete Carroll to Seattle… didn’t see that one coming

- Eric Mangini gets another year in Cleveland. I guess Mike Holmgren wants another top ten pick next year

College of Sports Media Game of the Night:

Yesterday’s game between the Minnesota Twins and Detroit Tigers was rained out so to make things even more dramatic tonight they’ll play a double header. The Tigers have a two game lead over the Twins in the AL Central and a sweep of this evening’s games would mean they would clinch the division crown. If the Twins sweep they pull into a tie with the Tigers and things become even more interesting. Starting game one will be the two pitchers that were to go last night, Rick Porcello (14-9) for D-town and Nick Blackburn (11-11) for Minny. In game two the Tigers hand the ball to Justin Verlander (17-9). The Twins counter with Brain Duensing (5-1).

In the National League, the wild card race is heating up. The Colorado Rockies are still first in line for the postseason’s extra invitation, but the Atlanta Braves are only two games back and looking to bud in front. Last night the Braves blanked the Florida Marlins 4-0 in the first game of a three game series. The Rockies didn’t play so the Braves gained a half game on them. For game two tonight, Atlanta turns to veteran pitcher Tim Hudson (2-1). Florida goes with their ace Josh Johnson (15-5). Colorado is in action tonight. They play the first of three against the Milwaukee Brewers. Jason Marquis (15-12) starts for the Rox, while Chris Narveson (2-0) gets the call for the Brew Crew.