CHICAGO (WLS) — Football Sundays are finally back!
“This is my first tailgate, and they’re going very much out,” said Chicago Bears fan Ashley Merchant. “The weather is so good. Glad it’s not football weather yet. It’s not snowing or raining yet.”
Bears fans packed into Soldier Field to take on their long-standing rival, the Green Bay Packers. The weather was just perfect, and spirits were high for a win.
“We’ve been waiting for this game for a long time, and always just means a little something extra when the season starts, when factors bear, so it’s been a long time coming in. We’re really excited,” said Bears fan John Eifler.
The Packers worked to rebuild after Aaron Rodger’s trade to the New York Jets.
“Hopefully, you know, the Rodger curse is over with. So, we got a brand new tradition without Rodgers,” said Bears fan Jack Cammack.
Bears fans have been hopeful for a strong season.
“Gonna put it up there as far as the board, gets the touchdown zone and go do it,” said Bears fan Brian Edmond. “I can’t wait for that again. This is the beginning of the year for me.”
Unfortunately for the fans, the Bears fell to the Packers 38-20 on Sunday.
“Same year, same Bears. I’m upset. I’m not happy,” said Bears fan Joe Vazi.
For season ticket holder Casey Scalise, it was a rough start to the season.
“I’ve got a Bears tattoo on my leg. I grew up, loving the bears. Bears are all I care about,” Scalise said. “It’s tough. It’s tough.”
The Bears have been looking for big improvements in year two under coach Matt Eberflus, and quarterbacks Jordan Love and Justin Fields both had something to prove on Sunday.
“Give ’em his time, cause he’s gonna do what he’s gotta do. You run. You play the ball. You do what you do, but don’t be afraid. Go at it. You gotta do what you gotta do. You gotta run it. There’s no guys there. Gotta take the time to make it happen. And, that’s what we love about Fields. He’s awesome,” said Bears fan Robert Quiroz said of Fields.
In Fields’ third season, the former Ohio State star needs to show that he can become the passer the Bears need him to be.
“Gotta throw more passes than running. Fields can run as much as he wants, but I’d rather the same person passes, receiving, which would be great,” Cammack added.
After Sunday’s loss, some fans are still hopeful Fields will shine this season.
“I think that Justin Fields has not lived up to his expectations, and this is his year. He has to perform. He’s not a running back. We need a running back that can actually run,” said Bears fans Steve and Debbie Cole.
Sunday marked the ninth game in a row where the Packers beat the Bears.
“You know, I’m still hanging on. Bears-Packers game is always one for the books. And, I was hoping without Aaron Rodgers saying he owned us, that we would own them today,” said Bears fan Anjee Glorioso.
“I thought it’d be a mediocre team. I still think the Bears got beat up by a mediocre team, which is too bad,” said Packers fan Coy DePratt.