1ST DOWN
The Bears will host their first playoff game the weekend of Jan. 14-15. It should be plenty cold. Is there any truth to the term “Bear weather”?
The Bears have a winning record at home during December and January over the last 15 years. But the 28-3 NFC championship loss to San Francisco on Jan. 8, 1989, at frigid Soldier Field is a somber reminder that the cold home field is not an automatic reason for success.
2ND DOWN
Robbie Gould kicked a 52-yard field goal that was wiped out because of a holding penalty. On a subsequent drive, the Bears stalled at the Vikings’ 31. Instead of trying a 48-yard field goal, Lovie Smith decided to go for it, and they failed on a fourth-and-1. Why?
Probably not much to quibble about here. Gould has proved he has plenty of leg, especially kicking indoors. There very well could be times in the playoffs when Gould will have to prove himself with longer field goals.
3RD DOWN
Do you think the offense will lose its sharpness after so many starters sat out Sunday?
Resting Rex Grossman was the right thing because getting him more game reps was not worth the risk of injury. He proved in his regular-season play that he has a firm grasp of the offense.
