Muhammad's rip of Bears 'weak' shot by 'front-runner'

Q. What was your reaction to former Bear and current Panther Muhsin Muhammad's preseason comments about Chicago being a place "where wide receivers go to die"?

A. Moose has always been a front-runner. Look at the reason Kyle (Orton) probably got his job pulled (in 2005). It was partly because of the comments Moose was making to the media about a lack of him getting the ball and the lack of an explosive offense because of Kyle's limitations. If the situation wasn't OK for Moose, he was never the reason. Now, to sit in Carolina and say these types of things and then backtrack, that's weak. I just think Moose has always been a guy who looked out for Moose first.

Q. You predicted a Bears victory last week. What happened in that game that you expected and what surprised or disappointed you?

A. I was disappointed in Devin Hester's decision to take the ball out of the end zone (from 7 yards deep) because it could have had such serious complications. You can't give Peyton Manning extra opportunities. The way the Bears beat Manning up, I've only seen him take that type of beating maybe three or four times in his career. It was really impressive how, when there was a severe deficiency on the Colts' offensive line (at center and guard), the Bears really took advantage of it, and it really was a factor in the game. The Bears' defensive line knew they had to go into that game and dominate, and they did it.

Q. How different is the task that the offensive line faces this week against the Panthers' defensive front than it was last week vs. the Colts?

A. It's a totally different monster than preparing for the Colts. Take the combined body weight of the Colts' front (1,092 pounds) and the Panthers' (1,209 pounds). There's going to be a significant difference, which is going to result in fatigue from pushing those big guys out of the way in order to make the running game work.

Q. Is it harder to run the ball against a front like this?

A. Yes. This is a much thicker front that you're going to try to run against. The Bears have to face an initial onslaught of extremely physical football. But then there's a point, when I watch Carolina, that they take a turn downward because their physical conditioning doesn't hold up to their first quarter and a half of play. So, if the Bears can face that initial onslaught and then have physical conditioning and preparation take over, that's where the game will be decided.

Q. How much easier is it for the Bears' defense with Steve Smith suspended?

A. It probably makes it easier for one position (cornerback), the guys who would cover Steve Smith. But you still have to respect Jake Delhomme. You can take Tony Romo, Jake Delhomme and Drew Brees and put them all in the same category; they're all the same type of quarterback. They can make the same throws; they have the same good head on their shoulders. Rather than taking a sigh of relief because you don't have to deal with Steve Smith, be prepared for Jake Delhomme, because he can beat you without Steve Smith. This is a quality offensive line, and it's going to be more difficult for the Bears' defensive line.

Tom Thayer answers key questions each week from Daily Herald Sports Writer Bob LeGere. Thayer's analysis also can be heard during each Bears broadcast on WBBM 780-AM