Just wait till next year

Today it is likely that a sizable portion of the IU population will be sporting Indianapolis Colts jerseys as they celebrate a well-deserved win. \nI, on the other hand, will be one of the very few who will show up to class wearing my Bears jersey.\nJust as many in the media predicted, Rex Grossman didn't show up to play. Instead his evil twin, Bad Rex, showed up in Miami.\nThe Bears played horrible and unmotivated -- like a team that was playing to not blow it, instead of playing for the win. Pretty much Sunday, the Bears were who Dennis Green thought they were. \nThe game even started well. Devin Hester's 92-yard touchdown in the opening seconds of the game, seemed to be the perfect omen that this was the Bears game to win. However, those opening 14 seconds were the high-mark in a game that was dominated in the second half by the Colts. \nDespite the Bears' sub-par display, there remain some optimism and hope that is keeping me from hitting rock bottom.\nRegardless of what some critics might say, Chicago's season still should be seen as a success. Despite some rough moments during their 15-4 overall mark throughout the year, the team was dominant, exciting and, most importantly, driven. In games such as the opening shutout win against the Packers, or the 41-10 shellacking of the 49ers in October, the Bears seemed to be an unstoppable force. When all healthy, facing their defense was a nightmare for any opposing quarterback. \nThis is all in addition to the fact that, despite the loss, the Bears made it to Super Bowl XLI. It was a feat very few expected going in to the season. \nEven more encouraging, the Bears are in a strong position to return to the big game next year. Grossman, undoubtedly, will be able to use this season to learn and grow, especially considering this was his first full year in as a starter. The Bears still have the solid duo of Thomas Jones and Cedric Benson at running back. Nearly all the starters on defense are under contract to return, save for Lance Briggs, who might test the free-agency waters. And the team will benefit from the return of standouts Mike Brown and Tommy Harris (both missed substantial time due to injuries).\nIt is because of this potential and for the pride I have in what the Bears have done that I will don my navy blue, orange and white No. 30 jersey, despite the puzzled looks or taunting I am likely to receive from victorious Colts fans.\nAs a lifelong Bears and Cubs fan, I am well-accustomed to the awful stench of defeat -- especially when the prospect of drinking from the cup of victory is so near.\nBut there is a popular phrase spoken annually on the North Side of Chicago -- one that will help me grieve through this defeat and provide the comeback to any mocking I might receive, one that shows the resolve, the hope and the passion of the Chicago fan:\nJust wait till next year.