Lou Piniella had a miserable 2010 season with the Cubs.  A few months ago, he announced that this season would be his last.  And, a week ago, he called it quits early due to unfortunate circumstances, the illness of his mother.

Lovie Smith’s 2010 season with the Bears holds the same peril.  And, after the showing that the Bears have made during the first three games of the preseason, Smith should make a similar announcement to Piniella.  2010 will be his last.

The Bears have at least gone through the motions of making 2010 a competitive season.  First, they signed the defensive prize of the free agent pool in Julius Peppers.  They also brought in Chester Taylor to provide running back depth.  Finally, they hired world-renowned offensive guru Mike Martz to run the Jay Cutler-led offense.  So far this preseason, one word sums it up.  Fail.

Lovie Smith is a defensive guy.  And, his defense is getting old and fragile.  I put the over/under of Brian Urlacher games played at about nine.   Tommie Harris is an injury waiting to happen and their secondary is completely suspect. 

I grew up near Chicago.  It’s one of the best sports cities there is.  But, the area craves winners.  It doesn’t happen often, but their teams tease them with success.  The season hasn’t started, but Bears bloggers are already nervous.  This from Windy City Gridiron:

For a fan base as football starved as we are, thus far our Chicago Bears have not given us much to be excited about.

And, bearsgab.com is going the same place I am. 

I know what you’re thinking – if Saturday night’s extended look at starters is what we have to look forward to in ’10, bring in the moving trucks because the Bears will be cleaning house come next January…if not sooner.

If you’re playing the guessing game of which NFL coach will be fired first, keep an eye on Lovie.  If the Bears start out slow, Mike Martz will inherit a head coaching job in a hurry.