Bears Take Exception to Douglas’ Hit

The Bears lost starting quarterback Jim Miller early in the second quarter. Miller suffered a separated right shoulder after throwing an interception and taking a big hit from Philadelphia’s Hugh Douglas.

Miller and Douglas shouted at each from across the field after Miller came back from the locker room, where his shoulder was examined. Miller wouldn’t say whether he thought Douglas’ hit was fair.

“I’m not going to comment until I see the tape,” Miller said. “I’d hate to say something stupid until I see what happened.”

It appeared the hit was legitimate. Damon Moore intercepted Miller’s pass and it was during the 18-yard return that Douglas hit Miller.

But Miller’s replacement, Shane Matthews, took exception to the way Douglas took out Miller. “The shot that put Jim out was dirty. It was uncalled for and it’s a shame,” Matthews said.

Douglas disagreed.

“Look,” he said, “he acted like he was going to try and make the tackle. He moved.... When he stood there, I just stood in front of him. But when he moved, I put him down.

“It was a clean block. Afterward all their guys came up to me and got after me. Not to be cruel, but I don’t care. He moved and when he did, I hit him.”

This might have been Miller’s last game as a Bear. He is an unrestricted free agent, though he said he’d like to return.

*

At the beginning of the season, the word from Chicago was that third-year Coach Dick Jauron would be fired after this year. Saturday, before the Bears were eliminated from the playoffs, Jauron was named Associated Press coach of the year for leading them to their first NFC Central title since 1990 and first playoff appearance since 1994.

Though Jauron has yet to receive a contract extension, General Manager Jerry Angelo has said Jauron will be back next season. Jauron said he didn’t want to think about the honor or the contract after the tough loss.

“What I told the team was ... I just wanted to talk about what we all just came through,” he said. “I don’t think I’ll ever forget this team or this staff.”

*

Diane Pucin