While nobody really confused the two Ryan Brauns, I’m sure the lesser (the Royals pitcher) did get a few of the more famous Braun’s cards in the mail. The two played different positions and their careers merely overlapped, but otherwise had little in common. During that same era, there were two Josh Fields, one a mediocre pitcher and the other a middling infielder for the White Sox. In the world of fiction, both would be described as nondescript.

After Sunday’s lackluster performance against the Bucs, I’ve heard several Bears fans and media pundits suggest that maybe the Bears got the wrong Justin Fields. As I’ve pointed out several times, the problem with football is that everyone lives and dies on that one day of the week and that everyone has too much time between games to overthink everything.

After the first two weeks, nine teams have gone (0-2). I know in Chicago far too many people took the Bears loss to Tampa Bay far too seriously. People were moping about as if their dog had died. I didn’t waste any time yesterday listening to the ravings on madmen and women, but I can guess (based on years of history) what the tone was like. Some fans have already given the season up for dead.

While I kind of like and root for Joe Burrow and the Bengals, I don’t give their 0-2 start much thought. However, Cincinnatians have far more faith in the team and QB than they do the Reds. But, the Reds are still fighting for a wildcard spot. Chicago and Arizona are in the same boat, but with maybe better prospects than the Reds.

For once, the Cubs should be grateful to the Bears for crashing just when the Cubs go on an unexpected five-game-losing streak. Unfortunately, not all Bears fans root for the Cubs. Those that cheer on the Sox have little solace during the Bears crappy start.

Far smarter and more involved people can run through the history of NFL teams that start a season 0-2 and figure out the likelihood of reaching the playoffs and winning records. I also don’t know how much overlap there is between sports fandom in Los Angeles, Houston and Minneapolis, but those three cities have successful, division-clinching teams.

Both the Dodgers and Astros are heavy favorites to face off in the World Series (again) so maybe their successes will dull the pain of disappointing football teams. The Twins and the NL Central winners are obvious first round losers. The smart money will take the #6 seed in that first wild card game. Minnesota hasn’t won in the postseason since Bush was president. The sexiest pick in the NL will be whomever plays the Brewers in the NL after Philadelphia’s surprising run.

Yesterday, The Chicago Sun Times devoted 8 pages + a back page picture to the Chicago Bears. While I didn’t read a word, I suspect readers consumed every syllable. Luckily, the Cubs have another soft spot in their schedule and should make up ground in the wildcard race. So yes Virginia, there is a strong possibility that the Cubs can temporarily save the day for some Chicago sports fans.