"At A Loss For Words"

Brandon Marshall is "at a loss for words." Brian Urlacher believes the only thing elite about Jay Cutler is his money. Coach Ditka is angry. Walter's son, Jarret Payton, said the Packers game left him "embarrassed as a  Bears fan."

Not just the famous are commenting.  I've received texts and emails from other teams' fans, suggesting that I might want to cheer for their teams. Right now, it's painful to be a Bears fan.

From my outside perspective, there seems to be a lack of cohesion. The Bears aren't behaving like a team, they're a group of individuals - many of whom are extremely talented. A successful team wants to work together and to support their quarterback. To say that Jay Cutler isn't warm and fuzzy is an understatement. However, he has to learn how to engender loyalty if he has any chance of being a team leader.

When I was deciding what to cook for the Packers game, I made a mistake. I went back to basics and made Tailgate Chili, believing that was what was needed by the Bears. That's not true. What the Bears need is a team meal where the ingredients work as one. Perhaps Jay should host a party featuring this delicious Italian Beef. In this recipe, all the ingredients work together to support the quarterback:

Chicago Style Italian Beef

3 LB Sirloin Tip Roast
32 Ounces Beef Broth
1 package of Good Seasons Zesty Italian Salad Dressing
1 jar Pepperoncini Peppers
1 jar Giardiniera (in oil)

Spray your crockpot with Pam. Add all ingredients and cook on Low for 24 hours or longer turning every 6 hours.

And the Winner Is ...

Thanks to Terry Lenaghan for his input. I've decided to go with the Giant Fat Sandwich as a nod to the Grease Trucks of Rutgers University and New York's Italian heritage. Here's the recipe:

3 LB Sirloin Tip Roast

32 Ounces Beef Broth

1 package of Good Seasons Zesty Italian Salad Dressing

1 jar Pepperoncini Peppers

1 jar Giardiniera

1/4 cup Mike Ditka's Hall of Fame Salsa

Spray your crockpot with Pam. Add all ingredients and cook on Low for 18-24 hours turning every 6 hours.

Pull apart with a fork and serve on Hoagie Rolls topped with choices of:

• Mozzarella Cheese
• Cooked Onions and/or Cooked Green Peppers
• Tomatoes
• More Mike Ditka Salsa
• Cole Slaw

Hopefully this sandwich will slow down Eli Manning and his team. Kick off is 7:20 CST on NBC. Go Bears! I'll be doing my part.