The postgame press conference began the same way so many have at Soldier Field, with a tight-lipped Smith approaching the podium, devoid of emotion.
“Lovie is our coach,” he said, employing the same line of defense he typically reserves for struggling players. “Despite my best efforts to blow the game, I didn’t get it done. I’m a bad football coach. I just wasn’t bad enough today. But rest assured, I will be worse next week.”
Smith was referring to his 4th down decision to go for it, despite needing only a chip shot field goal to take the lead with less than 10 minutes to play against the offensively-challenged Lions.
“One gigantic mental mistake wasn’t enough this afternoon,” said Smith. “I should have punted on third down … or maybe just forced Jay [Cutler] to take a knee instead of hurling a game-winning touchdown.”
When told he should be happy, as victory is the ultimate goal in the NFL, Smith shrugged.
“I’m not going to change my philosophy for anybody,” he said. “If I’m not supposed to make it nearly impossible for my own team to win, then what the heck have I been doing these last three years? No, I make gaffes. The Bears lose. I didn’t keep my job by helping the team win, that’s for sure.”
By George Ellis
