Bears finally getting some things right

All right, we're finally talking about some legitimate fan-friendly moves by the Bears.

Obviously they didn't like the direction the franchise was going and their sinking product forced a true transformation.

They hired a young, energetic general manager, a pretty good experienced head coach, some new assistants — and then did the unimaginable for this organization: they didn't raise ticket prices.

Someone is finally thinking over there.

Now, how many players will be back? Remember, you can change the chassis, but the engine may still look the same.

The engine is still Jay Cutler, so will it all make a difference with him? I still can't figure out what the disconnect was or when it happened, but Cutler is here while former head coach Marc Trestman and the others are gone.

Before we bring up another new offensive coordinator for Cutler, remember Trestman is the new offensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens — the fourth one in four years for Joe Flacco, who has managed to be pretty successful.

It was important Trestman not return because the fan base would have been totally underwhelmed.

Even if the Bears struggle for a couple of years, the changeover has pumped new life into the team, helping to erase some of the despair over a dismal season. Let's give the Bears organization credit for turning some things around, but now let's see them do it on the field.

Deflate-gate:

Bill Belichick went in front of the news media to address allegations that his team used deflated footballs in the AFC championship game — using his Sgt. Schultz “I know nothing” routine.

He said he was “shocked” and knew nothing about it until Monday. He said he wasn't aware of what they should weigh and never talked to anyone about football air pressure. The entire news conference lasted 11 minutes and the sole topic was trying to unearth an explanation as to why 11 out of 12 balls New England played with against the Indianapolis Colts were deflated.

With media doggedly persistent in the interrogation, Belichick repeated, “I have no explanation for what happened,” and “I've told you everything I know.”

He said the Patriots were completely cooperating with the NFL, and referenced his QB Tom Brady by mentioning they should ask Tom about how he likes his footballs.

I personally find it hard to believe that Bill Belichick, the ultimate control freak, wouldn't know. But maybe it does ultimately fall to Brady as the guy who may or may not be guilty, because he has said he likes deflated footballs.

Does the deflated football make that much of a difference in a game? Enough to cause a colossal controversy just before the Super Bowl. If I were NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, I would try to resolve the situation sooner than later.

Condolences:

My condolences to the family of 16-inch softball legend Eddie Zolna. Also to the family of Mike Spellman, a respected colleague at the Daily Herald who died Tuesday.

Program notes:

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• North's column appears each Tuesday and Friday in the Daily Herald, and his video commentary can be found Monday, Wednesday and Thursday at dailyherald.com. For more, visit northtonorth.com.