Okay, before we get into week 2, I just want to say that I am so pleasantly surprised that the Bears beat the 49ers in week 1. I did bet on the Bears to win, but it was 100% wishful thinking. But, in the six days since that unexpected victory, I have found myself drinking a lot of Chicago Bears kool-aid.
These are the thoughts that make me nervous. The Bears are 1-0, coming off an unexpected win. The Packers are 0-1, coming off an embarrassing divisional loss where nothing seemed to go right. If I were talking about any other two teams in the NFL, the optimism for the young, upstart, rebuilding team could be legitimately warranted. Unfortunately, I am talking about the Chicago Bears and the Green Bay Packers. I have about 30 years of hard data proving that I should never feel optimistic going into this game. And yet, here I am, optimistic, and even confident.
You see, I believe it is a new day for the Chicago Bears. Not just because of a young quarterback with potential, or a new coach, or a new GM, or even a potential new stadium in the ‘burbs (can’t come soon enough, in my opinion), but because I feel an attitude shift on the team. This team feels like a cohesive unit, that loves playing together and for each other. There are so many young players with potential on this roster that are dying to prove themselves. When you combine that with a first year head coach, who really seems to be selling his message to players, I think the Bears are ripe for a big season.
I could sit here and talk Xs and Os all day long, but we’ve had this conversation many times in the past. I don’t think the Packers have always had a better team on paper than the Bears. I think there is an aura about them, where mistakes get amplified and cause a cascade of negative thoughts and energy. No more. I, for one, am ready to put my foot down, stand my ground, and give it back. My entire life, when the Bears play the Packers, I have this anxiety inducing feeling in the pit of my stomach all week. I did not have that feeling this week. I think it is time that Chicago Bears go to Lambeau Field and impose some will of their own to the Packers.
“This is your time. Their time, is done. It’s over. I’m sick and tired of hearing about how great of a football team the Packers are. Screw ‘em. This is YOUR time. No go out there and take it.” This quote from Herb Brooks (paraphrasing a little, obviously) perfectly sums up how I feel heading into this game. Win or lose tomorrow night, I have a feeling that I won’t feel the shame and embarrassment I usually feel after a Bears/Packers game. My prediction; Bears 27 Packers 20.
FTP Bear Down.
Lavs @NickLavris24