Yep, that dude is the Chicago Bears starting quarterback.

This has been a unique month for a Chicago sports fan's mental psyche. Normally at this point in August, Cubs and Sox fans alike are quickly erasing the memories of an embarrassing season on the baseball diamond and anxiously awaiting that first polish sausage at Soldier Field.

Today's landscape couldn't be any different. The Windy City is having to confront the mind blowing possibility that the Cubs and Sox could meet in the World Series, and if that weren't enough, the Bears provide absolutely no optimism whatsoever. 

August is a time for optimism in the NFL. Even the very worst teams believe they have a shot, if everything fell just right, to sneak into a wild card game. Sadly, that's not the case in Chicago. The Bears have absolutely ZERO chance to make the playoffs, and a very minimal chance they'll flirt with 6 wins.

Why such pessimism? Not even Kyle Orton can be happy that he "won" the Bears starting quarterback nod on week 1.

Whether it was Rex Grossman, Orton, or even Caleb Hanie, the end result is going to be the same. Since GM Jerry Angelo failed to do his homework, he drafted a left tackle that may never play a down in the NFL. Additionally, he felt comfortable enough with his other lineman, that no serious moves were made this offseason. The result? As bad an offensive line as you'll see this decade.

This is why I hesitate to use the word "win" when it comes to this much publicized battle. Orton has only won the first fumble, interception and concussion.A noble accomplishment, to be sure.

The only events I do have to look forward to this fall, are the follies that Neckbeard and Sexy Rexy will provide the sports blogosphere. You know, I take everything I said back. Optimism runs high!

QB derby is over as Orton edges Rex for starting spot [Sun-Times]

(Personal note: Not that you really missed me or were wondering, but I've had a bit of a family emergency and have been unavoidably detained for the last day and a half. I should be back to full speed tomorrow night, just in time to watch Kyle Orton lose the starting job on Thursday)