Bears general manager Jerry Angelo expressed disappointment in the team's highly paid defense in his end-of-the-year press conference Tuesday, and a couple of hours later, defensive backs coach Steven Wilks was fired.

That doesn't bode well for defensive coordinator Bob Babich and defensive line coach Brick Haley, who have already taken some heat for a defense that was 28th in total yards allowed in 2007 and 21st in '08.

With essentially the same group, the Bears' defense was No. 2 in total yards allowed in 2005 and No. 5 in '06, the final two years under former defensive coordinator Ron Rivera.

The roles of Babich, Haley and other defensive assistants will be discussed at length as Angelo and coach Lovie Smith continue their postseason evaluations this week.

Now that general manager Jerry Angelo has established quarterback as the Bears' highest priority, I'm thinking about Michael Vick. He's scheduled to be released from prison July 20, and he has made it clear he wants to resume his football career. He's an intriguing possibility for a team in search of quarterback help. I wonder if this town could forgive his crimes.