The Chicago Bears open their season by hosting the Detroit Lions. The Lions have come a long way from their woeful stretch of recent years. Still, the Bears should prevail in their opener.
In honor of the Lions, I am featuring Hall of Famer Charlie Sanders. During his ten year career, all with the Lions, Sanders was a 7 time Pro Bowler as a tight end. For most of those seasons, his quarterback was either Greg Landry or Bill Munson. While both QB's were solid, neither was a passing machine. This makes those 7 Pro Bowl appearances by Sanders even more impressive.
When I met Sanders, we talked about the great battles between the Bears and Lions during his career. Despite neither team being very good, their games were hard fought matches. They were part of the old 'black and blue' division. Sanders said it was a pleasure to play and I said it was really a pleasure to watch him. I honestly don't think the Bears have had a tight end anywhere near as good as Sanders during my 40 years of watching them (Mike Ditka had already left when I started watching).
Fortunately Sanders isn't there today to help Matthew Stafford, the Lions young star QB. Maybe Greg Olson will step up for the Bears.
Charlie Sanders and me in Oaks, PA-October 2009.
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