Vendors Russ Adams, Donald Morris and John Hagan chat about the world of sports with Executive Assistant Patrick Edwards.
Donald: All right, fellas. So, we have to talk about it. I know, I know, it’s a very tough topic, but they are ours. Let’s talk about our Chicago Bears and their playoff chances. Patrick: Don, I love the tightrope opening! Russ: I know, right? That could have gone very differently… Donald: John, what do you have? John: Listen, no matter how mediocre the NFL is this season, the Bears just can’t get ahead of it and get moving in the right direction.
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Donald: Yeah, man. The Bears can’t finish a game; they can’t defend; they can’t execute any offense…I just don’t feel good about us, man… Russ: First off, the Bears are not making the playoffs this year. The loss against the Baltimore Ravens sealed it for me. Before that game, I felt they needed to win just about every game and, now, looking at their remaining games, I don’t see it. Four or five playoffs teams among them. Patrick: I hear y’all, but I’m still with our Bears—even though the playoffs this year will not include them. And
I’m sad about it. There’re other teams I cheer for, but only the Bears have my heart.
lieve we’re better than them and will take care of business when we collide.
Donald: Well, the situation at the QB position isn’t looking too good. I mean, we do have Andy Dalton to fall back on in the event Justin Fields isn’t out there—whether the coaches replace him or he’s hurt—but we need consistency. We have to have at least that.
Russ: I don’t know, man… the Bears are trippin’ a little bit. By the time this issue hits the street, if the Lions have a win on their record, I will hope it’s the Minnesota Vikings who are to blame for that—not us.
John: In a recent game against the Baltimore Ravens—who did not have phenom QB Lamar Jackson available—the Bears lost 16-13. I hope by the time this issue hits that the Detroit Lions are still winless, that we were able to get a victory against them. Patrick: I believe we’re going to get them. We’re not playing very well as a whole, but we’re talented. I don’t think Detroit’s as bad as their winless record indicates, but I be-
Donald: We need to get back to the basics, because this year is not panning out the way we’d hoped. I believe we may even have to go with Andy Dalton, whether Fields gets hurt or not. Whatever the case, we’re gonna have to do it really quickly. Patrick: Agreed. I’m trying not to look to next year too soon. Every week, I believe in the Bears; I do. I have faith in a victory…but that voice is slowly weakening this season. And in realizing this, I, also, believe we should get Dalton
back in the game. Now, mind you, in the long run, I believe Justin Fields could be the man here. I, honestly, feel this. But, perhaps, the best way he’s going to see what it takes for him to be successful is for him to see a veteran working it out. John: Yeah, Andy’s no Tom Brady or anywhere near that level, but he does have more to show Fields than the opposite. Russ: The Bears need to run different plays—that’s it. With a better offensive line. Donald: We could have made some progress this season, fellas. Patrick: Maybe we have. Maybe, now, we know what we don’t want: a repeat season of this one. Any comments or suggestions? Email pedwards@streetwise.org
