Bears-Saints Wildcard Post Game: Oof.

I hate to say it, but I think we all saw this one coming. Even though, it was still painful to watch. Patti’s off this week for work, so you’re stuck with me. Fair warning, my liver didn’t take this game very well, so you’re going to have to deal with a bit of snark. I’m sorry, and/or you’re welcome, depending on your mood. Let’s get to it, shall we?

At the start, it wasn’t bad... until it was.

To start the game, we saw some really nice play designs. It gave me hope. And as we all know, it’s the hope that kills you. After a really nice throw to Wims down the sideline, we got a REALLY nice play design and ANOTHER really nice throw to Wims in the end zone... which he proceeded to drop. Because of course.

For much of the game, The Bears basically REFUSED to cover anything underneath. Against Drew Brees. That said, they did have some really nice defensive plays along the way.

The Refs were... I’m trying to think of a better way to say “absolute trash”.

After overturning an interception by Duke Shelley (it was close, but called an INT on the field), they proceeded to flag Cole Kmet for Unsportsmanlike Conduct... for flipping the ball to the official. That’s basically how this game went officiating wise.

End of the Half, 2 minute drill, and the Bears run it 3 times.

And on 3rd and 2, they take out David Montgomery, and replace him with Ryan Nall. On top of that, this REALLY should have been a keeper. Baffling personnel decision, and situational play-calling. IE: The Matt Nagy Special.

Half-Time adjustments FTW!

The Bears came out of half-time just slinging it to Allen Robinson, after essentially ignoring him in the first half. I approve.

But, it was not to last.

Once again, Chauncey Gardner-Johnson baited a Bears receiver into throwing a punch. Only this time, it was Anthony Miller. And strangely, the Nick broadcast had the best take on it.

And then, Eddie Jackson (who played, um, poorly) was drawn off-sides.

Roquan, Roquan. Where for art thou Roquan.

Look. Manti Te’o didn’t look bad (also, what does it say about Josh Woods and Joel Iyiegbuniwe that Te’o got the start after being signed off the street). But this defense REALLY missed Roquan Smith. There were a bunch of throws over the middle that you have to think would have at least been contested if Quan was in the game. Really tough beat not only for the Bears, but for him as a young player to miss a play-off game after such a fantastic year.

Garbage time. Where the Bears shine.

If I hear anyone pointing to this drive as a reason why Trubisky (who, to be fair, isn’t really to blame for this game, but still), or Nagy or whoever deserves to be brought back... well, this is the internet, so I’m not really going to do anything other than think less of your opinion. We all knew they would put up yards and probably points in garbage time. It’s what they’ve done all year when facing decent teams. We just need to let go.

This is the end. Or at least, it should be.

This, was a rough game, and yet, somehow a fitting end to this season. There were some really nice plays to start it off, and the defense played fairly well for the 1st half, despite Pagano’s maddening conservative streak. But, be honest. After Wims dropped that ball in the end zone, did the Bears ever REALLY feel like they were in this one? I mean, it was 7-3 early, and I felt HORRIBLE about the game. And it only got worse from there.

I’m not exactly a reactionary person, even 6 beers deep. But if this team doesn’t make DRASTIC changes this off-season, I don’t really know what to say? This team never really felt in this game even when the score was close and New Orleans was playing poorly, they called terrible games on both sides of the ball, and made mental mistake after mental mistake IN A PLAY-OFF GAME. Something needs to change, and an assistant coach falling on the sword isn’t going to do it. Feel free to discuss what exactly that change needs to be in the comments. Me personally, I’m going to try and take my mind off things, and polish off the rest of this pizza while re-watching the Mandalorian. This is the way.

Good night Bears Fans. Be safe, Bear Down, and take care of one another. We’ll see ya out there, and here’s to a better 2021. Cheers.

---

Click on our names to follow us on Twitter: Jeff Berckes; Patti Curl; Eric Christopher Duerrwaechter; Kev H; Sam Householder; Jacob Infante; Aaron Lemming; Ken Mitchell; Jack R Salo; Steven Schweickert; Jack Silverstein; EJ Snyder; Lester Wiltfong, Jr.; Will Robinson II; Robert Schmitz; Robert Zeglinski; Bill Zimmerman; Like us on Facebook.