We’re less than 6 hours from kickoff between the Bears and the Rams and Bears fans are behaving like the leads from a teen drama from the 90’s. It seems fans can’t handle if everyone in Bearsland isn’t 100% behind the team, their fandom is fraudulent.

It used to be that doubt was reasonable if not prudent especially for those laying down big money on the game. I remember when the Hawks were in the midst of their 3 Stanley Cups of the 2010’s. Many of the diehards welcomed the thousands of bandwagon jumpers while others wanted blood and ink from the newcomers. Over the years, I’ve learned that it’s better and healthier to allow fans to fan the way they want. I feel that taking others’ fandom personally is a Chicago thing and extends to all of the teams in town.

The vibe surrounding the team is both all-consuming and surprising given how lousy the team has been the past two years. People who are otherwise not football fans, are discussing the players, the dramatic victories and new coach and maybe the free hotdogs. Currently, both the Cubs and Hawks are honoring their somewhat recent championship teams, and members from both organizations have recognized what is happening with this Bears team.

While I know individual Rams fans are eating all of this up, I’m not sure how much this resonates with Los Angeles as a whole. Given how successful the Dodgers have been, and that the Rams have won recently and more often when you consider their success in STL, what is it about this team that would catch their attention?

Win or lose, it’s been a great diversion, and it has brought people together.