For as many problems as the Bears have with Solider Field, none are as concerning on a weekly basis as the turf itself.
Sunday provided the latest example as heavy rain in Chicago turned the lakefront sod into a kiddie pool. It was pathetic, in oh so many ways, but when life gives you a child’s toy, you better take advantage.
The Bears sure did. In the closing moments of an astounding upset over the San Francisco 49ers (-6.5) to open the season, quarterback Justin Fields broke the huddle, took a knee to run out the clock and promptly led his offense on a slip-n-slide celebration that actually looked pretty dang fun.
SLIDING TO VICTORY! @ChicagoBears pic.twitter.com/mruoqtVrkC
— NFL (@NFL) September 11, 2022
It’s likely Bears bettors were out in the rain doing the same, seeing as there weren’t too many of them. At Tipico Sportsbook, 75% bets on the spread had the 49ers, including 59% of money. The moneyline saw the Niners grab 90% of bets with 65% of money.
Fields’ teammates couldn’t wait to join in the fun.