On Monday, Bears fans get their first real glimpse at new coach John Fox when the team holds a press conference. Everyone who watches (probably) will hear his plans for the team, how he feels about the Packers, how he likes his pizza, etc.
Fox probably watched football Sunday, too-it would be weird if he didn't considering it was they day the conference champs were determined. Here's why what he saw in the Seattle-Green Bay and New England-Indianapolis games should encourage him heading into next season.
.
Interceptions aren't a deal breaker
Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson threw four interceptions Sunday. FOUR. All while trying to hit the same target, Jermaine Kearse. And his team still won. Cutler, you might recall, once was intercepted four times in one game by DeAngelo Hall. The lesson: Deliver when it counts and all is forgiven.
Old can be young again
Julius Peppers, a 35-year-old former Bears defensive lineman, had 1.5 sacks for the Packers against the Seahawks to go with the one he had against Dallas the previous week. He also had seven in the regular season. If Peppers can find new life with a new team in the NFC North, so can the almost-33-year-old Jared Allen.
Linemen can score, too
First, Seattle offensive lineman Garry Gilliam jump-started the Seahawks' comeback by catching a touchdown pass on a fake field goal. Then the Patriots' Nate Solder caught a TD pass on a tricky play. See, the Bears were on to something with William "The Refrigerator" Perry in 1985. Kyle Long played at Oregon, a team known for high-flying offense. Maybe call his number once in a while?
Risk is good
Seattle running back Marshawn Lynch reportedly almost wore gold shoes against Green Bay. The Bears' Brandon Marshall, on the other hand, followed through with his plans to wear orange footwear twice and green shoes another time. Which means charity wins-Marshall is known for donating the amount of his fines to the less fortunate.
Running the ball works
Three of the four teams that played Sunday-including the two that advanced to the Super Bowl-rushed for more than 100 yards. Fox can call plays for Matt Forte, arguably the Bears' best offensive player. You can breathe now, Coach.
