Winless Chicago Gets Kicked Again

The worst possible thing that could have happened to the Bears has happened: They lost their punter. How can they go on?

Todd Sauerbrun, arguably the team’s most essential, if not best, player suffered a season-ending knee injury.

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How good are the Vikings? They beat the 0-0 Buccaneers to start the season, the 0-1 Rams the following week, next the 0-2 Lions and now play the 0-3 Bears.

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Charlie Batch, starting in place of Scott Mitchell in Detroit, threw two interceptions, was sacked five times and failed to lead his team to a touchdown. And now you know how down the Lions are on Mitchell. “I thought Charlie Batch did a heck of a job,” Coach Bobby Ross said. Shoot, he played just like Scott Mitchell.

“There are some things I really like about him,” Ross said. “I love his competitiveness and his fight and his fire.” OK, so he’s nothing like Scott Mitchell.

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The Packers had the second-most penalties in the exhibition season. After three real games, however, they have the fewest. Maybe Coach Mike Holmgren threatened them with having to remain in Green Bay in the off-season.