Dec 27, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) and Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) talk at the end of the game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
God we needed that. As fans of a team that showed so much promise a month ago, the Chicago Bears had lost three straight and had worked their way out of playoff contention. Beating the old coach, Lovie Smith, on his own turf was needed for anybody that may have doubts about his firing three years ago. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are definitely rising, and should make some noise in the NFC South for years to come, but like our Beloved, they are just not there yet.
So after a wonderful Christmas weekend of Santa Claus and toys sponsored by Star Wars for our very happy 4-year-old named Robbie, I was able to relax on Sunday and watch the Chicago Bears finally win another game. A perfect end to a busy 4 days. We hosted the big family dinner this year and the food was amazing. Everyone got along and it was a joyous affair.
Food wise, one thing that really stood out to my palate was the turkey. It was so juicy I even ate the white meat, while I prefer dark………without gravy. White meat usually dries up once it hits oxygen, so I don’t typically mess with it. This wasn’t the case on Christmas. My wife, Beth, used a special recipe that called for her to soak the bird in some brine for a day, and then stuffed it with some potpourri looking items, that were more like what ancient Egyptians put in mummies, than what you would put in a turkey. Regardless, her recipe is a keeper.
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So back to the game. The final score was 26-21, but would have been 26-14 had a late hail mary not been caught by the Bucs for a garbage time touchdown. This has to be the year of the Hail Mary. Fortunately, this did not lose the game for us as it did for the Lions against the Packers. Turnovers were key in this game, which I’m sure Lovie can respect, even though he was on the receiving end. It was one thing the Chicago Bears did well during his tenure here. Jay Cutler played very well and was careful with the football, a pick got overturned by a penalty, which makes his season total just 8. Aaron Rodgers has 7.
The Chicago Bears by no means dominated this game, but played like a team that wants to compete and win. Players seem like they want to be resigned and play for the Bears next year. I don’t imagine they will want to tank next week against the Lions for a better draft pick, neither do I support it. Ending the season on a high note is more important than the difference between 6 wins and 7 wins, and GM Ryan Pace and head coach John Fox have already proven they can be effective in a draft/free agency period.
Most important, I am REALLY looking forward to next season.
Have a Happy New Year Chicago Bears fans, and may the force be with you.
P.S. Remember when you could put batteries in a toy without a screwdriver?