They want me angry.
Filled with the same rage as them.
But it’s just football.
As I stood in Northwest Stadium, coming to the realization that the Bears had allowed an unthinkable Hail Maryland and lost a game they had no business winning in the first place, I wasn’t angry. Was I disappointed? Of course. I don’t think I need to use this space to present my credentials as a Bears fan. That resume has been thoroughly vetted. I wasn’t angry because football doesn’t make me angry anymore. And quite frankly, if it’s capable of making you angry, you shouldn’t watch it.
I’m 42 years old. I got a theater company with a thriving education program. I got a new play and musical I think are going to be really interesting when we get them on stage. I have a great relationship, amazing friends, two cool cats, an incredible community and yes, this website, which has endured since 2005 and given me more than I could have ever imagined. Oh, and I am also pursuing a PhD that is about as rigorous as one could imagine, swallowing up every available minute of my time. I don’t share all of this to brag about my life. (Although it is pretty good, aside from a wonky back the last month.) I share all of this to say that IS my life. Those things are me. If I’m going to get angry it’s going to be in support of those endeavors and for those people.
The Bears aren’t me. And quite frankly, I’m thrilled about that.
But there is another reason I wasn’t angry. A football reason. Contrary to the social media opinion, this group of Bears is still figuring things out, including the rookie quarterback. You know, the rookie quarterback that orchestrated not one but TWO should have been game-winning drives? Teams have to learn how to win and often a big part of learning how to win is learning how not to lose. The Bears are clearly not there yet.
In 2024, the Bears have a signature flaw. For whatever reason, the coach cannot get them ready to play at the opening whistle. His in-game adjustments have been brilliant, which is obvious from their second half dominance. But his work in the days leading up to Sunday has been extremely lacking. If that doesn’t get fixed, Matt Eberflus will never win a tournament game in January. Playoff games are won and lost in the midweek game-planning sessions, that’s why Bill Belichick is the greatest playoff coach in league history.
So be disappointed. Hell, be skeptical of the coach. (I sure am.) But being enraged by a fluke play in one bizarre game in October is short-sighted nonsense. The Bears are young and talented. Their quarterback is going to be good for a long time. The arrow is decidedly pointed up. If you can’t see that, I’m sorry, but maybe you should find something else to do with your Sundays.
