July 15, 2014: Bear Drought

Are you ready for some football?  We only have to wait ten more days until training camp opens for Da Bears next Friday.  As the NFL opens up their 94th season, so do the Bears.  The Bears are as old as the NFL itself.  Being one of the original franchises, Da Bears, then known as the Decatur Staleys, have won the 2nd most NFL championships of all time.

It didn’t take them long, as the Bear franchise captured its first NFL championship in 1921.  This was the 1st year the NFL had a championship game, well sort of.  It was an exhibition game played at the end of the year because we ended up tied with the Buffalo All Americans (nice name).  We actually had more wins in the first year 1920, then the “champ” the Akron Pros (Hey, Akron does have a title).  Between 1920-1932, there were no true championship games, and the title was given based on regular season record.  We had 2 “championships” in that span, again 2nd best.

In 1933, the NFL championship game began with Da Bears winning the inaugural contest.  (The Decatur Staleys lasted one year, then the Chicago Staleys were around for one year, and then in 1922 Da Bears name was born).  We went on to win 8 NFL championships prior to the inception of the Super Bowl in 1966.  Again, we were 2nd best.

I think everyone knows how we’ve fared since then: One Super Bowl title in 48 years.  So with our grand total of 9 NFL championships, we stand behind only one team.  The same team that had the most titles prior to the NFL championship games, the same team that had the most NFL championships prior to the inception of the Super Bowl, the same team that we love to hate:  the Green Bay Packers.  With their 13 total NFL championships (4 Super Bowls), they are the NFL team with the most titles.  It’s time to catch up…

It’s been too long since a Super Bowl victory here in Chi-Town.  It will be 29 years this January, since we’ve last raised the trophy.  That isn’t exactly a Cub drought, but it’s longer than any other franchise here in Chicago.  How can that be?  Here’s an original NFL team with fans like no other, with the 2nd most championships in NFL history, that has gone through almost 3 decades without a championship.  Is this finally the year?
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Well, on paper, the team looks ready to contend.  Our offense is probably the strongest its ever been.  With Cutler, Forte, Marshall, and Jeffery, plus an OL that is intact, plus an offensive “genius” as a coach, there is no reason why we can’t be one of the top offenses in football.  This is a welcome switch for this franchise, and in today’s NFL world, is the only way to really be successful.  Yes, they say defense wins championships, and yes, the Super Bowl champions usually have a defense rated in the top 3rd, but you have to be able to score.  We may have to score… A LOT, based on the performance of our defense last year.

That was last year… the defense is totally revamped going into this season.  Lance and Peanut are still here, with Tim Jennings helping man the secondary, but there have been some big additions.  First round pick Kyle Fuller and DE Lamarr Houston are additions that should contribute immediately.  The big acquisition was of course Jared Allen.  I expect double digit sacks from him for sure.  I like the late addition of Adrian Wilson.  Yes, he is older, but he brings some toughness that we’ve seemed to lack lately.  Hopefully, he will be starting in the secondary, and lay some people out this year.  Who is the leader?

Talking with a friend of mine, we discussed the need for a leader, both on the team overall and the defense.  We’ve been blessed with some great defensive leaders over the years, who is the next one?  Briggs and Tillman are the obvious choices, but are they truly leaders?  Maybe Allen?  How about Wilson?  As far as the team leader coming from the offensive side of the ball, you have to look at Cutler, although Marshall is the most vocal.  Are either one of those guys true leaders?

To win the Super Bowl, everything needs to come together.  Health is one of the key factors, especially for this team, with no real backup QB… although that’s what we thought last year when McCown filled in nicely.  The team needs to grind out some wins, and gel at the right time.  Everyone needs to be on the same page, at the top of their game.  We need guys to be leaders on the field; guys to get us through the ups and downs that are guaranteed every NFL season.  Yes, the roster looks great on paper, and the defense much improved, but that’s why we play the games.  I’m ready for another Super Bowl; we’re overdue.  It’s time to end the drought, and get our 10th NFL championship in Super Bowl XLIX.