I didn't enjoy much of the NFC Championship game. I consider my self to be a pretty rabid Bears fan, but I found myself sitting mostly quiet for 90% of the game. Part disappointment, part disbelief, and maybe part shock. The final score didn't surprise me, but the ebb and flow of the game had such an odd feel to it.
The AFC Title game was just hard to enjoy because I wasn't in any mood to watch football after the 1st game. Pittsburgh looked like they were going to run away with it, but the Jets started to come back, and even then I just couldn't get into it. I don't think I've ever felt this way after a Bears loss. It's just a very odd feeling.
1) The Packers were the best team in the NFC all season long. They had their ups and downs, but I felt all season that they were the team to beat. They dealt with a lot of injuries and are the last NFC team standing for a reason.
2) The Super Bowl not only has the two best teams from the 2010 season playing, but also the two hottest teams. It should be an exciting game.
3) Offensively the Packers had the advantage over the Bears at every position on the field except TE and RB.
4) Staying with their offenses for a moment - If you were to rank all the wide receivers that played in the game how long til you get to a Chicago Player? Fourth? Fifth? Green Bay has a talented group of receivers. The Bears need 1 guy that they can trust to go get the ball.
5) Matt Forte played his tail off. I'm excited to see him play in 2011 with a better offensive line and with another year in the Mike Martz offense.
6) Brian Urlacher played his tail off. He may have lost a step, but he's a hell of a player.
7) As upsetting as the Bears loss was, I'm glad that their rivalry with Green Bay will mean something again. Both teams will be good again next year.
8) Maybe the Jets needed their coach to make it personal?
9) Mark Sanchez needs to improve his completion percentage, but he has all the intangibles to be a good QB in the future. To start off your career with back to back AFC Championship appearances is pretty good, even if he is just "managing" the game.
10) Pittsburgh will win the Super Bowl for a few reasons. They have the more experienced big game QB. They will be able to run the ball. And they have the better defense.