Tap the Brakes

Win in Chicago and all is forgiven.  That’s a truth Bears’ general manager Ryan Pace certainly has discovered.

Forget hiring John Fox or drafting Kevin White or taking a flyer on Ray McDonald.  All is forgiven.  Forget avoiding the media during the regular season; it’s the media.  All that matters is that the Bears stand atop the NFC North.  At 8-3 and a 1-1/2 game lead over the Vikings, it’s their division to lose, and they don’t look to be in the mood.  But hold on, guys.

I know this is spitting in the wind.  Still, it needs to be said.  For openers, they haven’t won anything yet; remember how Marc Trestman let the playoffs slip away in 2013.  I doubt history repeats itself, but it’s good to be cautious, or superstitious, if you prefer.  And let’s say the Bears capture lightning in a bottle, all the way to the Super Bowl.  Again, I’d tread carefully.

Remember how they made it to Super Bowl XLI against the Colts in 2007, when Devin Hester ran the opening kickoff back for a touchdown?  That’s when we all learned Lovie Smith is not the guy you want coaching with your team behind late in the game.  And I’d also caution against Philadelphia whiplash.

The Eagles went 13-3 last year on their way to their first-ever Super Bowl win, over the Patriots.  Granted, that’s great, and it sure beats not going to the Super Bowl.  Only the team has been in a funk all this season, limping along at 5-6 in the NFC East; any bets on a repeat?  These Eagles look a little like the post-Super Bowl Bears of 1986, 1987….

All I’m saying, folks, is slow down, take it one game at a time.  Ryan Pace and company will get there when they get there, wherever that is.