Bring on the champs

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View In Browser December 31, 2018 chicagotribune.com Inside Slant ADVERTISEMENT How you like them now? Monday, Dec 31 From 5-11 and last place to 12-4 and the No. 3 seed in the NFC playoffs. Not a bad turnaround for the Monsters of the Midway. They're roaring into the postseason after they bounced the Vikings from the playoffs with a 24-10 win Sunday in Minnesota — the Bears' fourth straight win overall. Four more victories will make them Super Bowl champs, and that journey begins Sunday against the defending champion Eagles. The Bears did all they could to prepare by playing Sunday's game like it meant something, Brad Biggs writes. That goes double for Taylor Gabriel, who stole the spotlight with a leaping 40-yard grab that gave the Bears a needed boost. Speaking of Biggs, his 10 thoughts will help you pass the time until your New Year's Eve party. Be safe out there, Bears fans. Read More » One down, one up The bad news: Receiver Anthony Miller left Sunday's game with a shoulder injury — the same shoulder he dislocated earlier this season. The good news: Kyle Long is back, and nothing's slowing him down. Read More » ADVERTISEMENT On offense If the question is, "Can the Bears offense do enough to win the Super Bowl?" then Mitch Trubisky, Taylor Gabriel and Jordan Howard answered with an emphatic "yes," Rich Campbell writes. Read More » On defense Anyone who thought this defense might come out flat does not know this team, Dan Wiederer writes. Akiem Hicks and Co. pummeled the Vikings all day with hit after vicious hit, and they used an expletive or two in celebration. Read More » ADVERTISEMENT Once more, with feeling Sunday was your kind of day if you're into bruising rushing touchdowns. And black-and-blue plays in general. Colleen Kane has the recap and highlights while our photographers have the best images, per usual. Enjoy at your leisure. Read More » It's all about you Round of applause for you, dear readers, who brought the heat for the latest edition of three-word reviews. And don't forget to visit our fan page. What else would you rather do on a Monday, anyway? Read More » advertisement Unsubscribe   |   Newsletters   |   Privacy Policy   |   Terms of Service Copyright © 2018 | Chicago Tribune | 160 N. Stetson Ave., Third Floor, Chicago, IL 60601 ABOUT THIS EMAIL You received this email because you are following the Inside Slant newsletter.