I don’t get sick of hearing, talking or writing about the biggest Bears game of the year on an almost weekly basis. It means something is at stake.
Hyperbole, while tedious, usually is the product of something that’s important. In this case, it means the Bears matter and the teams they’re playing are relevant.
This is a new exercise in recent Decembers.
It is correct to suggest Sunday’s date with the Patriots could define the year. A Chicago win — whether with style points or sloppier than last weekend in Detroit — would be the most meaningful of 2010.
A sixth straight win would be a statement of grand proportion, much larger than delivering the knockout punch to the Vikings’ season or cooling off Michael Vick two weeks ago.
New England is hot. Many regard Bill Belichick’s 10-2 Pats as the best in the NFL. They made a mockery out of a supposed-to-be-close divisional clash with the Jets on Monday night.
Tom Brady (27 TDs, 4 INTs) is the league’s MVP and has taken his skills as a leader to unprecedented levels. Brady has barked loudly on the New England sideline and deftly directed an orchestra of new musicians on the field.
Yes, that’s the same Danny Woodhead you giggled at on HBO’s “Hard Knocks” in August.
Here, however, we remain denizens of Defense City. If the Bears are going to win the NFC North and stack victories in January too, it will mean a formidable defense is the club’s calling card.
This is a Julius Peppers game. The Bears have to have a great pass rush Sunday.
Even in crummy weather, the Patriots will sling it. Brady is tough and can run. He’s won huge games in horrible conditions before. He is unflappable.
And New England has kept Brady vertical. He’s been sacked just 18 times .
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Peppers time. If he treats Brady’s helmet as a seat cushion, that’s the type of stuff that gets you a statue in this town.
Jerry Angelo’s biggest free agent signee in 10 years already has proved the rap on him as a coaster was myth. With national eyes on Peppers Sunday, he can put his name in the conversation for Defensive Player of the Year with a game-changing performance.
Peppers was among many Bears caught napping against the Lions. He lost contain several times and was completely caved in on Drew Stanton’s touchdown run.
No room for such nonsense against New England. The Bears have to get in Brady’s face. They have to adjust to the mismatches the Patriots work so well. They have to tackle better.
If they do those things, coupled with a now typically-balanced offensive attack employed by sane scientist Mike Martz, the Bears will be 10-3 and finally considered a viable Super Bowl team.
This a big game. We like those. They’re worth all of the gum flapping.
Dan McNeil hosts the “Danny Mac Show” weekdays between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. on WSCR-AM 670.