Saturday, Nov. 10, 2001

How early is 'too early'?

Sure it's only Week Nine, but why can't the Bears talk Super Bowl?

By Andy Hanacek, Associate editor

So right now, I'm going to tell you just how realistic it is for the Bears to make the Super Bowl this year. In the words of one of my sources, if I'm driving the bandwagon, it's easier for me to jump off at the first sign of trouble.

Indeed, it is Week Nine and the Bears have played seven games. They are 6-1 after two miracle wins over the 49ers and Browns. That right there is evidence of a potential Super Bowl season. They have the magic working in their favor right now. Quite frankly, the Bears didn't deserve to win either of those games after the way they played the first three quarters of each. They were pathetic showings, at best. So, the magical element is in place.

Another factor is that the Bears aren't as bad as they showed in those games. When Jim Miller is the quarterback, the offense seems much better, though Shane Matthews has shown he is capable most of the time. Rookie RB Anthony Thomas doesn't seem to be a flash in the pan either.

Now, let's look to the future. Of their final nine games, seven are against division rivals. The other two are very, very winnable games at Washington and at home against Jacksonville in January to close out the regular season. So there are two wins. 8-1. They play Green Bay twice, and the Packers are just as good. So we'll say they split. 9-2.

They play Detroit twice, both extremely winnable unless Mike McMahon turns into Superman. 11-2. They also play Tampa Bay twice. They most certainly will win at home, since it's in mid-December, and I'm going to say that the Bears' defense will outplay the Bucs' defense for the first time in years. Two more wins, putting them at 13-2. Throw in a game at Minnesota, which I think they'll manage to lose, putting them at 13-3.

Now, what about the Rams? Say the Bears keep pace with the Rams, who also finish 13-3. I'm not going to break it down; let's just speculate. I think that if the Rams get home-field advantage, the Bears will be in trouble, and probably this column goes out the window. But here's the kicker. If the Bears secure home-field advantage, I think the Rams' speedy offense will be completely neutralized up in Chicago in the tail end of January. The Bears, I think, win the game with the weather on their side.

So, Bears fans, don't be afraid to talk about this. Certainly there's half a season of injuries, mistakes and general problems to worry about, and things could change this weekend. But, while you're here, enjoy it.

As for a Bears Super Bowl prediction, well, I'm not going that far.

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