File this one under “a W is a W and we'll take it.” The Bears win, but they are not ready yet. They may be aroused from their hibernation, but they still need a double espresso to clear the cobwebs. The Bears win 24-23 when Arizona kicker Neil Rackers missed a 40 yard field goal with 30 seconds left. The hype for the past week has been all about comparisons of this year's Bears to the 1985 Super Bowl team. It was fun seeing clips of Samurai Mike's piercing gaze and Refrigerator Perry's touchdown run, but that 1985 team, with all it's mythology and legend, won because they were disciplined and fundamentally sound.
Tonight's display of lazy arm-tackles, turnovers and three-and-outs by the Bears was more indicative of an Abe Gibron 1970's Bears team than the 1985 Super Bowl Shufflers. Before the season I predicted the Bears would “be lucky to win 9 games” and, while I hope I'm wrong, I'll stand by it. Tonight, the Bears didn't have an offensive touchdown.
The combined winning percentage of the teams the Bears have beaten is less 0.300 and they damn near lost to the 0-4 Cardinals who started a rookie quarterback. Matt Leinart went 24 for 32 with 232 yards and 2 TD's. Which Super Bowl defense has ever gotten schooled by an opposing rookie quarterback?
The Bears looked bad. Edgerrin James ran through holes large enough to fit TO's ego. Maybe we forget how good that 1985 team was. I won't go over the stats, but a defense that stingy didn't get there by standing around with their hands on their hips. McMahon didn't throw into triple coverage.
Don't get me wrong. When it's twenty below and the wind is howling off the lake, I'll be in the East stands in my Bears parka with hand warmers and wool socks. I'll be hoarse on Monday morning just like every other Monday morning.
The Bears win, but only despite their poor play. Are these the re-incarnation of 1985? Hardly. We're 6-0, nothing to celebrate, let's take the gift and move on.
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