Looking Forward To Da BEARS Season

Don: Welcome to Street- Wise’s SportsWise, people! I’m here with my awesome crew: John Hagan, Russ Adams, and Patrick Edwards.

Russ: Hmmm…what can we talk about?

Don: You’re a funny man, Russ. Da Bears. Let’s talk about our hometown squad. John, what do you got for us?

John: Well, to begin with, the Chicago Bears’ exciting come-from-behind win over the Detroit Lions (27-23) on Opening Day could be a sign of things to come, especially for Mitch Trubisky, who in some aspects has been ostracized because he hasn’t quickly taken the next steps to NFL elite status the way a couple of the other quarterbacks in the same draft have done, e.g., Deshaun Watson (Houston Texans) and Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs).

Russ: You think that’s right?

John: I don’t. I think many don’t realize quarterbacking isn’t easy, especially in the pros. Look at John Elway and Troy Aikman. Their first two years in the league were tons worse than Trubisky’s, but they still go down in history as two of the very best; something that, if given a chance, is possible for Mitch.

Patrick: I can kinda agree with you, John. My thing with it is I gave our last QB, Jay Cutler, so many “He has the potential to be really, really good”…yet, every year, it was the same old thing. I always talk about the Bears’ simply being jinxed; that to go elsewhere is what those stars on the cusp—those with the potential—should do: just get out.

Don: But if that happens, then what’re we left with?

Patrick: Nah, you’re right. I can admit, it’s frustration on my part. I honestly believe the Bears should be in the Super Bowl every friggin’ year. Swear I do…and, somehow, it doesn’t happen.

Russ: So, what you’re admitting to, Patrick, is that you’re delusional?

Patrick: That’s what it’s looking like, ain’t it?

All: (Laughter)

Russ: But I will say this about this year’s Bears, and some of it hits on what John spoke about a second ago. The Bears are 2-0 as we discuss them and, though it’s no big deal yet, I really enjoyed both games. And, John, as to what you were saying about Trubisky being given a chance to be great, I’ve talked with my customers and many of them are with you. Now, some have also said “Bench him,” which I’m somewhat on the fence with. If Mitch and the Bears beat Green Bay, then I think we can feel positive that we’re on a pretty good path.

Don: I’m with you: Anything. Can. Happen. Upsets happen, and this proves that absolutely anything can go down on any given Sunday. I’m die-hard like the rest of y’all here, so I won’t give up on them too quickly…but because I am die-hard, I also don’t want to cheer on no bad-news Bears team neither!

Patrick: I’m with you, Don. Anytime I’m sitting there for longer than 10 minutes just shaking my head in silence—even as I’m rooting for them—that’s not good. I seriously can’t believe some of the things they do out there— including the coaches. Shoot, we’re way better than a lot of what they’ve shown us. To wrap it up, though: I’m with Mitch…but just for a lil’bit. He’ll have to work hard to get back his teammates’ confidence -- and mine -- but I’m willing to give him a chance. We have a shot.

John: And Nick Foles, in my opinion, isn’t that much better than Mitch—if at all—so I say we move forward with Trubisky.

Don: Well, there it is.

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