Illinois proud

Though I'm in Wisconsin right now, let me clearly state that I grew up in Illinois. As such, I am bound (I think by state law) to be a Chicago Bears fan. And Monday night was a great night for Chicago.

Even before the Bears v. Rams game began, the entertainment started off with a blast. Illinois senator Barack Obama delivered a message that started off sounding like he was going to announce his candidacy for president. But at he last moment, he switched, but on a Bears hat and said he was "ready ... for the Bears to go ALL THE WAY, BABY!" He capped it all with a broad smile and a great laugh.

Here's another view and a place you can see the YouTube clip.

The Bears won by 15 points, quarterback Rex Grossman had deeply needed great night, and rookie Devin Hester (#23) ran back two kickoffs for touchdowns, setting a new record (number of kickoff-returns-for-touchdowns in a single season).

Those two return were really sweet, too. Because of injuries, Hester had to play defensive cornerback, and he got scored on the just before the first return. As one of the announcers imitated what he might have said, "Yeah, you beat me; but I beat all of you."

The second came as the Bears were prepared for an on-side kick, and were lined up "hands-ready," meaning there was no blocking wedge. That he was able to manage a touchdown was nothing short of amazing.

I really liked it, too, because the game was called well by the officials -- the right penalties got called on both sides -- and because there were no Bears turnovers (the only one for the Rams came in the final minute). Though the game took place in St. Louis, the crowd was dominated by Bears fans, all cheering the same plays I was. Plus, Rex Grossman, who'd been under a lot of pressure to perform, really pulled through after a period where he's been trying really hard to reform his game. How can you not root for a guy who listen's to his wife's friend's friend's friend for advice?

So it was a great night of entertainment for me. GO BEARS!