Additional Washington Insights, Goff versus Fields, Admiring Lamar, Pizza Conversations, and Miscellaneous Bears Bullets.
Skipped morning meditation today, so if Washington Insights Bears Bullets seems a bit off-kilter, the previous sentence explains why.It’s Conference Championship Sunday, but unfortunately, the Chicago Bears aren’t in the mix. Still, that won’t deter us from tuning in. Who’s your pick?
Washington Insights
When we set biases aside, all four teams playing today offer an enjoyable narrative. Whether it’s the defending champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, building their dynasty or the Baltimore Ravens on Lamar Jackson’s revenge tour, each team brings a unique story. The San Francisco 49ers, led by Brock Purdy, deserve some love for eliminating the Green Bay Packers, and the Detroit Lions, long-time underdogs, present an inspiring tale. There’s a rooting interest for everyone.
As a Travis Kelce fantasy owner and a Patrick Mahomes truther since the 2017 NFL Draft, my AFC rooting interests are clear. Yet, I’m also drawn to Baltimore’s vibe and Lamar Jackson’s exciting quarterback evolution. I envy how the Ravens set up their quarterback development compared to the Bears with Justin Fields.
Regarding the Niners-Lions game, it’s a tough call. Memories of Lions fans mocking the Bears after the Double Doink linger, but their Cinderella story is inspirational. Despite lingering doubts about the Ford Family ownership, the Lions have defied the odds to build a potentially sustainable winner, a cool story though unfortunate for the Bears.
In the pizza department, Detroit takes the edge, especially with an authentic Detroit-style pizza recipe from my friend Jim, which I can personally vouch for.
Reflecting on the NFC Championship Game, it’s intriguing that Dan Campbell and Jared Goff were opponents the last time each reached this stage. Jared Goff’s potential big payday this offseason, as suggested by NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, adds another layer to the story. Meanwhile, considering the NFC North ramifications, I’ll share a video from Adam Schefter about Jared Goff possibly securing another significant contract this offseason.
If you need me, I’ll be quietly contemplating how Justin Fields outplayed Jared Goff twice this year, yet the Bears only have one win to show for it due to an epic fourth-quarter collapse.
Do you think other teams were reaching out to Bears Head Coach Matt Eberflus, asking how his team managed to contain Goff? Goff’s stat line against Chicago this year was 43/70 (61.4%), 397 yards (5.7 Y/A), 3 TD, 5 INT, and a 61.4 passer rating.
Former Bears offensive lineman Olin Kreutz provides an Eric Washington testimonial, and I plan to delve into it later. With the Bears’ stadium project still uncertain, a teaser from The Wall Street Journal suggests it might be relevant.
Over at BN Cubs, Brett dissects an unusual-looking extension between the Detroit Tigers and infield prospect Colt Keith.
We could delve into another Blackhawks loss, but I’ve opted to share something cooler. Care to guess which one I chose?
