Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy runs the ball during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Houston Texans, Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Matt Krohn) AP

BEING A CHICAGO BEARS FAN means seldom getting to say that you're satisfied.

The energy of yet another extended NFL opening weekend can't mask that condition.

It's a plague as predictable as holiday-crush gate waits on the tarmac at O'Hare.

Sure there have been exceptions to the gruel — Mike Ditka's VHS-age Super Bowl champs, Lovie Smith's three-year run up to SB 41, even Matt Nagy's stunning 12-4 debut season a mere seven years ago, which proved to be a Museum Campus mirage.

BUT MONDAY NIGHT, when Ben Johnson's first call card is poised to baffle the nation vs. the visiting Vikin

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