Hampton: The defense resents what's happening

On his way to the Hall of Fame, Dan Hampton dominated more than just the line of scrimmage.

But the days of a player like Hampton calling out his teammates seem to be over.

"I'll guarantee you the defense resents what's happening and there's a rift,'' said Hampton, who's as fearless as a WGN Radio analyst as he was on the field. "But no one says boo anymore because they don't want to lose a paycheck.

"I've talked to former players I know and a lot of guys think the same thing, that the attitude of the players today is 'keep your mouth shut and don't rock the boat.'

"Rex Grossman is the 'franchise guy,' and players won't say what they think, or they might be out of a job. Punch the clock and support the quarterback and maybe you can keep your job long enough to get rich and be set for life.

"Criticize the QB and you might get sent home.

"Look, we paid the bills and fed the kids, but not too many guys got rich. We played through injuries and everything else because we were committed to the team and to winning, and we wouldn't have stood for this.

"It's all lip-service now and it's not serving the greater good.''

Having lived through many a season when the defense carried the offense, Hampton doesn't believe the current defense will be able to hold its collective tongue forever, and the weekly votes of confidence will turn to outrage.

"There will be repercussions somewhere down the line if things don't get better,'' Hampton said. "The greatness of the defense was wasted by the ineptitude of the offense in San Diego, and two defensive starters were hurt, and instead of bouncing back against a putrid K.C. defense, the offense staggered around like bums at midnight.

"All we heard in camp was the hoopla about all the offensive weapons, and the explosive running game, and how Rex was about to blossom, and last time I checked, their only TD was scored by a 315-pound offensive tackle.''

Hampton laughed about perennial Pro Bowler Olin Kreutz taking the blame for the mishandled snaps of a few weeks back.

"That's Leadership 101, taking the blame when it's not your fault, and it earns you a lot of respect around the league because the players know what's going on there,'' Hampton said. "But guys are going to start to resent what's happening if things don't improve and changes aren't made.''

Hampton also says it's no coincidence that Grossman's play has slipped considerably since the middle of last season.

"The guys on the other side of the ball figured out last year that he determines his throw before the play,'' Hampton said. "Either read the defense and go through your progressions, or you're guessing and eventually you'll lose on turnovers.

"Now, the offense has become so vanilla for him that it's like trying to play Tiger Woods with 1977 Lee Trevino equipment. They're not competing on equal terms.

"Hard feelings on defense? If not already, there will be if they don't get this straightened out.''

Kitchen sinking

How great was it to see the Bears turn the dogs loose late in the game against the Chiefs?

There can't be anything more frightening for a quarterback than seeing Brian Urlacher coming full speed on a blitz.

And you have to hand it to Lovie Smith for giving new defensive coordinator Bob Babich the freedom to attack, when apparently he wouldn't do the same for Ron Rivera.

Bend-but-don't-break is not fashionable in Chicago, where fans want to see opposing quarterbacks on their backs.

So don't let anyone tell you that Smith hasn't learned how to play the fans.

Big Clown Show

Is this the year that it finally happens, that three or four teams go undefeated in college football, and bring a merciful end to the BCS?

The good guy

Cliche or not, they don't come any better than Jim Thome, and you can't help being happy for the guy, even if he's only been here two years.

We understand the sentiment of some White Sox fans who say Thome is really a Cleveland product and not one of their own, but you can still be happy for a guy who grew up nearby and considers this to be his home.

Stocking stuffer

As bad a year as it's been on the South Side, how about a Mark Buehrle no-hitter and a Jim Thome 500th in the same season?

Stunning.

Ivan Boldirev-ing

Don't be surprised if the Blackhawks get off to a fast start with their youngsters trying to make an impression, 11 of the first 17 at home, and the rest of the NHL not taking them seriously.

And then don't be surprised if it gets very tough after that as the kids hit the wall and opposing teams wake up and get physical with a team that plays quite small.

Bong recreation area

Scott Ostler of the San Francisco Chronicle, to Pacers forward Shawne Williams: "If you're going to drive your car with no driver's license, expired plates, and a stash of marijuana, you might want to consider using your turn signal. It's the little stick on the left side."

Best headline

Sportspickle.com: "Tom Brady (mad) that the Patriots cameraman taped over his recording of Grey's Anatomy.''

And finally ...

NBC's Jay Leno: "O.J. Simpson is in jail in Nevada, charged with armed robbery. On the bright side, the Vegas room that he's in now is fully comped.''