Kordell? KORDELL???

To those of us who have followed the Chicago Bears on their march into oblivion the last 17 years, this off season seemed like a promising time. Appearances can be deceiving apparently because the Bears want to make Kordell Stewart their quarterback.

Yes, the same Kordell Stewart who could not keep his job in Pittsburgh when it became apparent that retread Tommy Maddox was a more effective weapon.

Yes, the same Kordell Stewart who has thrown more interceptions than touchdowns in his career.

Why should anyone be surprised at the progress -- or lack thereof -- of this quarterback pedigree?

Since Jim McMahon led the franchise to greatness in the mid-1980s, there has been a string of mediocrity at the position. Names like Steve Walsh, Erik Kramer, Rick Mirer, and Peter Tom Willis remind every Bears' fan of the team's inability to fulfill the one crucial position in pro-football effectively. And who can forget the Cade McNown experiment? (Yes, he was a No. 12 pick.)

Coming off a disastrous 2002 campaign, which saw a catastrophic decrease in wins, the Bears had better do something significant.

With an offense that possesses talent at all other areas except the quarterback position, one would think the decision making process would be easy. There are quality options available in a free agent such as Jeff Blake or possibly working out a trade for the Denver Broncos' Brian Greise. Instead, the franchise has decided to put the offense in the hands of a quarterback who has never showed solid decision-making on a consistent basis.

Also confusing to the Bears' faithful is how a decision like this could be made considering the pressure on Offensive Coordinator John Shoop. Shoop is a questionable game-planner at best and has never shown the competence to be an effective game manager. Even in 2001, when the Bears finished 13-3 and looked to be at the precipice of greatness, it was the defense and a lot of luck that was the heart of that team. If that defense had not held opponents to 12.7 points per game, the season would not have been nearly as successful as it was.

Last year's offense sputtered and stalled, scoring 15 points per game. Jim Miller and Chris Chandler (I won't even consider Henry Burris) were beyond ineffective finishing with QB ratings of 77.5 and 79.8, respectively.

Professional sports franchises are supposed to at least make an attempt to move forward from year to year. The Chicago Bears, under different leadership, have refused to take that step time and time again and have run a once proud franchise into the ground.

What makes it worse is that they seem happy there, and that is truly sad.