Jim Souhan rakes 'the Brads' over the coals

After yesterday's mistake-fest (proving that it is possible to lose a game when the opposing quarterback manages a 1.3 passer rating), Jim Souhan asks some pointed questions:

NFL coaches and quarterbacks, we hear, receive too much credit after victories and too much blame after losses.

Baloney. As the Vikings' season froze like a tongue to a flagpole on Sunday at frigid Soldier Field, the culprits were the Bear Market Brads.

Because Brad Johnson threw away the biggest game of the year, Brad Childress is facing the most important decision of his career.

Johnson tossed four interceptions in the Vikings' 23-13 loss to Chicago, leaving Childress with no choice but to send in Brooks Bollinger.

[. . .]

This week, Childress will pick between the flailing Johnson, the ailing Bollinger (who injured his left shoulder) and the unveiling of Jackson.

The Chiller had better choose wisely, or he'll turn an already-seething locker room into the set of "Mutiny on the Bounty."

Apparently, it wasn't all bad: the running game was excellent, gaining 192 yards on 35 carries (although Chester Taylor was injured late). The Vikings owned the game clock, keeping the ball for over 39 minutes. The defence had three interceptions (among five turnovers by the Bears). Chicago managed just over 100 yards of total offence. But the Bears still won by 10 points.

The fans were already against Brad Johnson after the last few losses, but they'll be throwing beer cups and towels at him if he's still starting the next home game. Bollinger was injured in this game, and may not be fit for next week's game against Detroit. Tarvaris Jackson has admitted that he doesn't really feel ready to start yet. It almost makes me suspect that there'll be a surprise QB signing this week . . . after all, Johnson's 10.3 passer rating wouldn't frighten too many teams.