The Chicago Bears have unveiled a new identity. There is now a new sense of pride throughout not only the city of Chicago, but also throughout East.
The feeling of success has revived the fandom of many students at East. As the seventh seed in the NFC, the Bears are the best they have been in seven years. In years past, Bears fans have been filled with ups and downs, disappointments, and frustration with coaching. The addition of Head Coach Ben Johnson this year has sparked a revival in this team, with a 9-4 record, as a playoff-contending team.
Longtime Bears fan Frank Giannone has high hopes for this new and improved Bears team.
“The coaching this year is much improved, as it seems Coach Johnson has unlocked what we all knew Caleb Williams was capable of,” Giannone said.
Bears Quarterback Caleb Williams, in his second season as the former No. 1 overall draft pick, has shown tremendous growth not only as a player but as a leader. Coming to the NFL last year, there were a lot of humbling moments, which are a key reason for his attitude adjustments.
“You call it, I’ll make it work”, Williams said—in response to Ben Johnson’s playcalling. This dynamic duo is the centerpiece of the Bears’ success, and big things are in their future if they can continue their hot streak.
However, this increased competitiveness has fueled the rivalry between Bears and their rivals, the Green Bay Packers. Students at East are primarily rooting for their success; however, there is a significant number of Packers fans as well, who let the Bears fans hear it after their 28-21 win, which placed them over the Bears for first in the NFC North.
Packers fan Sebastian Monehan downplayed the Bears’ success, focusing on the historical dominance the Packers have had over the Bears.
Sophomore Sebastian Monehan said, “The Bears haven’t been able to compete with us, and they never will.”
The Bears look to face off against the Packers again at Soldier Field on Dec. 20 to split the series, as the Bears look to hold on to a spot in the playoff picture.
As the Bears continue this hot streak, there will be continued support for this team that has changed the narrative. No longer the pushover of the NFL, the Bears are the team that many should fear, and that the fans can finally publicly show their support for without getting bashed.
Written by seniors Noah Snow and David Garcia. Edited by staff writers for Oswego East’s online news magazine The Howl.