In Chicago, David Haugh wrote if it "really is not about the money" for the McCaskey family, which owns the Bears, then team execs "will take an uncharacteristically intrepid approach to replacing their general manager, coach and coaching staff in the wake of this disastrous season." While history says that the McCaskeys "will go the conservative route," the Bears' future "depends on them taking the road less traveled, which could make all the difference." Hitting the "reset button at Halas Hall won't be cheap." Sources estimate that it "would cost the Bears" roughly $6M to buy out the final two seasons of coach Marc Trestman's contract and about $3M for the last two years of GM Phil Emery's (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 12/6).
RED ALL OVER: In DC, Jason Reid reported Redskins coach Jay Gruden's desire to "part ways" with QB Robert Griffin III "may put him at odds" with Owner Daniel Snyder and President & GM Bruce Allen. Allen handpicked Gruden to lead the Redskins "after they worked together" in the Buccaneers’ organization. Although Allen "is tied to Gruden, they could have competing agendas where Griffin is concerned" (WASHINGTON POST, 12/7). Also in DC, Todd Dybas wrote five consecutive losses "are strong inspiration to search out the couch before the final whistle, even if tickets were as low as $5." Access to "see such head-scratching events came cheap." Dybas: "Late in the week, standing-room-only tickets were $4.25 on Stubhub.com. A seat cost as low as $7. Field-level seats were as low as $36" (WASHINGTON TIMES, 12/8).
PATS FANS CHARGED UP: In Boston, Andrew MacDougall notes Patriots fans "had a hand in the electric atmosphere at Qualcomm Stadium Sunday evening." Patriots coach Bill Belichick said, "I thought there was a lot of energy in the stadium. There was a sea of Patriot fans behind our bench. I don’t think I’ve ever seen that before" (BOSTON GLOBE, 12/9). Also in Boston, Dan Shaughnessy noted the game included "tens of thousands of Boston transplants and road-trippers." Shaughnessy: "The Patriots were the home team in this game. I have seen and heard Red Sox fans take over Camden Yards and the TropDome, but I never have seen nor heard anything quite like this." It "had to be embarrassing for the Chargers" (BOSTON GLOBE, 12/8).
