Vendors Russ Adams, John Hagan and Donald Morris chat about the world of sports with Executive Assistant Patrick Edwards.
The NFL Hits Its Midseason Stride
SPORTSWISE
Don: Welcome to another edition of SportsWise, people! This week, we’re going to speak on the state of the NFL at this near-midway point of the season. Things are shaping up—but not yet set in cement—so let’s see what the team thinks. Get to it, fellas. Patrick: First off, I am very disappointed in our Chicago Bears. I mean, I realize my Super Bowl spouts are a reach—just slightly—but every time I utter them, I mean them. It’s faith I utilize when I feel/express this belief; unfortunately, the Bears have sent me hurtling back to the dirt. On the other hand, there is some good football being played here at midseason: we have the Kansas City Chiefs continuing to do their thing. Pat Mahomes is no joke, and I see dynasty for quite a bit of time. The Green Bay Packers could be something, but there’s something about them that lends caution to the equation. Of course, there’s the New Orleans Saints, but with Drew Brees’ injury, there’s no telling where they’ll end up in seeding. So, there’s still a chance with the Bears, but I’m definitely watching these other teams.
Russ: Well, Patrick, I’m still rocking hard with our Bears. A good run here and there and we’re in the running. Following our bye week, we need to get to kicking some booty as time’s running out. I’m in a pool, so despite the Bears’ situation, I’m still invested in the season. The Pack kept me in the pool this past week, so kudos to them for that—even though it added a bit of separation within our division. While fun to participate in the pool, it can be stressful trying to figure out “do I root for my teams on paper…or the team in my heart?”—I want it all, to be honest! Patrick: I feel you, Russ! Friggin’ hilarious. So, John, what do you have for us? John: Thanks, Patrick. Simply put, the Bears have been mediocre so far. As for the rest of the season? I
don’t believe they’ll catch the Packers in the division. The Packers are, indeed, the class of our division. Now, should anything happen to Aaron Rodgers, all bets are off. Don: Well, I’ve said all year I feel the Packers and the Bears are two of the teams to beat in the NFC; currently, it feels as if we can whittle that down to just the Packers. The Packers are good and, like John said, they are the class of the North this year. I haven’t completely given up on our squad, but I’m not feeling good about the Bears moving forward. Not giving up, but… John: Donald, I wouldn’t give up just yet. For the three remaining NFC Playoff spots, considering how bad the NFC East division is, the Bears have fewer teams to compete with. Of course, there are some tough teams within that competition,
e.g., Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Seattle Seahawks, Arizona Cardinals, among others, that could prevent a Bears playoff run, but I believe a .500 run and the Bears could be in there. Patrick: Y’all are giving me food for thought here. I’ll stay with my Bears as best I can, but I need them to get it going. Also, a quick shout-out to Dustin Johnson, the topranked golfer in the world, who set a Masters’ course record (-20; besting Tiger’s record by 2 shots) in winning his second major. Don: This has been Donald Morris, John Hagan, Russ Adams, and Patrick Edwards, for SportsWise. Thank you and— All: Happy Holidays! Any comments or suggestions? Email pedwards@streetwise.org
