Even Bears Couldn’t Find a Spot for McNown

The Times’ Steve Springer poses--and answers--the burning questions for this week’s games:

1. Question: When the Chicago Bears lost starting quarterback Jim Miller for the season this week because he violated the league’s drug-abuse policy, why did they name Shane Matthews to replace him instead of Cade McNown?

Answer: They were afraid McNown might violate the league’s parking-abuse policy.

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2. Q: Raider owner Al Davis is charging NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue with corruption in regard to a league compensation fund. Is there any football commissioner Davis has ever respected?

A: Yes, the commissioner appointed to head the American Football League in 1966.

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3. Q: Who was the AFL commissioner in 1966?

A: Al Davis.

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4. Q: Tampa Bay Buccaneer rookie quarterback Shaun King, filling in for injured Trent Dilfer, will get his first start Monday night against the Minnesota Vikings. What’s the most important thing for King to remember if he hopes to be successful?

A: Don’t be Trent Dilfer.

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5. Q: After sitting out the first eight games because of a contract dispute, Seattle Seahawk receiver Joey Galloway, the team’s star receiver in recent years, has caught only six passes in the three games since his return.

What’s the problem?

A: It’s best supplied by Seattle Coach Mike Holmgren, who put in his own system when he arrived in Seattle.

“It’s hard to absorb all this,” Holmgren said.

“It’s absurd to think you can just take your street clothes off, put your uniform on and then go out and play. It doesn’t work that way. [Galloway] is still learning.”

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6. Q: When the Jets and Giants play each other, as they do today at Giants Stadium, which team do the fans cheer for?

A: New York fans are known for the Bronx cheer, another way of saying they prefer a vicious boo over a friendly cheer any time. So the crowd at Giants Stadium today will direct its verbal abuse at whichever team is behind.

The New York fans’ ideal game is one in which the lead changes hands frequently. That way they get to boo both teams.