They Aren't Who We Think They Are: Myths of the 2006-2007 Chicago Bears

First off, we've safely made it to Melbourne, Australia. Paul, Amber, Truman, MasterJ, and I are staying in a condo in a section of the city called NewQuay on the harbour. It's ridiculously awesome, as is everything about this city (more on this in another blog in a few days). Paul plays today in flight 1 and Master and I play tomorrow (Monday here, 18 hrs behind MST). I'll be writing more about the Bahamas and Melbourne later this week, unless I make a huge run in the tournament and don't have enough time for blogging.

Now on to some business. I made an agreement with my friend Dave to write contrasting blog regarding our opinions on the Chicago Bears. I'm going to half-ass mine rather badly since I'm tired and the internet I'm using is shoddy. I wanted to get it up there before they demolish the Seahawks. I'm sure Dave's account is much more eloquent; I'll just try to jot down a few key facts and numbers resting on the keystone that the Bears compiled a record of 13-3, second best in the NFL. They were 13-2 before a completely meaningless finale against the Packers.

Bears Myth 1: They have a bad offense.
The Bears finished the season 15th out of 32 NFL teams in total offense (their defense was 5th in yardage allowed). One team they had more yards than was the Baltimore Ravens.

Bears Myth 2: They have a bad passing game.
The Bears finished 14th in passing yardage, ahead of the San Diego Chargers.

Bears Myth 3: They don't score enough points to win.
The Bears finished the season tied with Indianapolis for second in the NFL in points scored. Only San Diego scored more points. The Bears also led the NFL in return TDs and field goals.

Bears Myth 4: Turnovers are a problem.
The Bears tied for 4th in the NFL in turnover differential. They led the NFL in takeaways by a wide margin. They were first in forced fumbles and second in interceptions.

Bears Myth 5: They can't compete with top teams.
The four toughest opponents the Bears faced this season and the final scores of those games:
40-7 vs Buffalo
38-20 @ New York Giants
10-0 @ New York Jets
13-17 @ New England

Bears Myth 6: They have faded down the stretch.
The Bears won four straight games before the meaningless finale against Green Bay. They won 6 of 7 games before playing the Packers, with the only loss a close one at the Patriots.

Bears Myth 7: You can't win a Super Bowl without a premium quarterback
Trent Dilfer. Brad Johnson. Both have rings.

The Bears play Seattle (quite possibly the worst team to ever win a playoff game) at home before getting a late-January visit from a Dome Team. That's all it takes to get to the Super Bowl. After that they'll be playing either
a) the Colts (lol)
b) a Marty Schottenheimer led Chargers team
c) the Patriots, who they already outplayed on the road this season

Could be the easiest route to the championship in NFL history. By the way the Bears went 13-2 in games that mattered this season, and most of those wins were blowouts. 13-2.