Now That The Magical Ride Is Over, Let’s All Take A Moment To Appreciate The Chicago Bears

I know I've been the conductor of the Bears hate train all season. I know I've concocted the Haterade I've been drinking every week, with my stubbornness of admitting this team was good growing with every circus win they enjoyed. I know I picked against them every week, incessantly doubting them enough to potentially damage friendships with some Chicago-based friends.

But regardless of their season being over, regardless of me finally being correct, I can sit here with blustering confidence and say that this Chicago Bears team was the most entertaining team I've watched in a long time. They brought joy and happiness to people well beyond the city limits of Chicago, and should be remembered, at least within the city limits, forever.

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It starts with the coach. The second Ben Johnson walked through the doors of Halas Hall things felt different. And that in itself was different.

There's certain guys that make you feel something when they speak. They speak with such command, such fervor, that what they say feels impossible not to believe. I feel the same way about Mike Vrabel.

Many of the compliments I've showered Vrabel with can be said about Ben. For the first time in a long time, with Ben Johnson at the helm the Bears felt like they had stability and direction. They felt like they had a guy who knew what he was doing, knew where he wanted to go, and knew how he wanted to get there. This was a guy that notoriously turned down head coaching jobs until he found the one he wanted. And that was Chicago.

He's a no nonsense guy, you hear it when he talks. Whether it's spicy halftime interviews with reporters or seemingly never being satisfied with the on-field product, there's a maniacal-ness about him that allows you to comprehend how he's had so much success in this game.

But as hard-nose as he is on the outside, to the media, like many great coaches he loves his guys. Caleb Williams said he's changed his life. Jonah Jackson said following Ben to Chicago was a no brainer. And you see it with his once corny turned incredible "Good Better Best" chant as he's ripping his shirt off in the locker room.

It’s not coincidence that the Bears started winning games they habitually lose once he took over. Tough love still wins in this world.

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Ok, I'm done dick-sucking Ben Johnson. On to the Cardiac Bears.

We may never see a season like the Bears just had again. Some stats on their year to prove out that statement:

They were a statistical anomaly all year. They pulled more rabbits out of hats than John Henry Anderson, and were the best bad team to maybe ever exist (or worst good team, depending how you spin it).

They had the 29th ranked defense in the league. They had a negative point differential until week 13 despite being 8-3, and didn't stay positive for good until week 15. Their +26 season point differential ranked 15th in the league, with 8-win Indianapolis and 6-win Kansas City finishing better. They had as many wins by one point as they had by double digits (2).

Yet they finished 11-6, champions of the third division to ever have all four teams finish over .500, renewed a dormant rivalry with their arch-nemesis, won their first playoff game in 15 years, and provided some of the greatest finishes we'll ever see.

So regardless of your feelings, regardless of how fraudulent they may or may not have been, we watched. And we were entertained. And for that, we thank you. Bear down.

P.S. If anyone has watched the last few Bears home games and still thinks they should build a dome in the boonies of Arlington Heights, take a hike. Soldier Field is the best, and that's where the Bears belong.