Leesl: Cheers to the official start of the road to the Super Bowl! Welcome to the debut of The Post Season Pint, our brand-new series where we’ll be breaking down the biggest moments, heartbreaks, and heroics on the way to the Big Game. 🏈🏆🏟️

We’re kicking things off with a wild Wild Card weekend. Andy’s da Bears managed to survive an absolute thriller at Soldier Field, while I’m officially a “neutral observer” now that my Cowboys have wrapped up their season. In the spirit of our new postseason tradition, I’ll keep the intro tight by highlighting just two major differences we saw this week: the sheer resilience of home-field underdogs and the brutal reality of how playoff pressure can make even top-tier offenses stall out.

Here is the breakdown of the action:

Good, better, best! 🐻

Andy: The Wild Card weekend was exactly that for my Bears: wild. If you’ve seen the locker room celebrations lately, you know Coach Ben Johnson has the whole team living by one chant: “Good, better, best. Never let it rest. Until your good gets better and your better gets best.” It was a tale of two halves at Soldier Field, but we stuck to that mantra to survive and advance.

• GOOD: Despite a brutal start where the offense couldn’t find a rhythm and Jordan Love was carving us up for 7 yards per play, the team stayed disciplined. We only had 2 penalties all game. Staying out of our own way kept us within striking distance when we were down 21–3.
• BETTER: In the 3rd quarter, the “Better” kicked in. The defense made key adjustments and completely neutralized the Packers, holding them to just 19 yards on 11 plays. That defensive stand gave the offense the spark it needed to add a field goal and cut the lead to 15.
• BEST: The 4th quarter was our Best football of the season. We owned the final 15 minutes, outscoring them 25–6. We moved the ball at will, scoring on all four drives. We definitely caught a break with their missed PAT and field goal, but in the playoffs, you take every gift you’re given.

It’s a stressful way to live—falling behind and clawing back—but we are finding our Best at the perfect time. On to the next round!

🛋️ Leesl’s Living Room View

Being a Dallas fan in January usually means one of two things: high-stakes stress or, like this year, watching from the sidelines. But I have to say, there’s a certain “Zen” to being out of it. My blood pressure is stable, my snacks are better because I’m not pacing the floor, and I can actually enjoy a 21-point comeback without needing a paper bag to breathe into. I’m trading my jersey for a cozy blanket and scouting the competition—and honestly? The view from the couch is pretty good.

The Final Tap!

Every week, we’re pulling three specific stories from the weekend’s tap list. This is our breakdown of the good, the bad, and the ugly—from the most refreshing wins to the games that left a bitter taste in our mouths.

🍻 The Premium Pour: Buffalo Bills

Leesl: The Bills headed into Jacksonville looking to exorcise some serious demons—they hadn’t won a road playoff game since 1992! They faced a Jaguars team on an eight-game winning streak, but Josh Allen proved why he’s a superstar, accounting for 3 touchdowns. The Buffalo defense showed up when it mattered most, snagging two interceptions to silence the home crowd.

Andy’s Quick Sip: If Josh Allen keeps playing like a man possessed, Buffalo might finally have the perfect recipe for a deep February run.

🍺 The Flat Finish: LA Chargers Offense

Leesl: Talk about a disappearing act. The Chargers arrived in New England with a top-12 offense, but it didn’t translate to the postseason. They were held to 207 yards and went 1-for-10 on 3rd downs. Justin Herbert spent the day on his back—sacked 6 times and hit 11 more. Without a run game, it was a lackluster way to end a promising season.

Andy’s Quick Sip: Herbert spent more time on his back than a dropped keg. You simply can’t win in January when your star QB is under that much pressure.

🤢 The Bad Batch: Pittsburgh Offense

Leesl: If the Chargers were a disappointment, the Steelers were a disaster. Playing at home against Houston, the offense managed only 175 total yards. Aaron Rodgers was under siege, getting sacked 8 times. Houston’s offense tried to give the game away with their own issues, but the pitiful showing by Pittsburgh meant they couldn’t capitalize on a single gift.

Andy’s Quick Sip: That wasn’t just a loss; it was an infected batch from start to finish. You can’t even blame the defense when the offense produces that little.

Next Week’s Tab: 🧾

Andy: The drama is only getting started. Next weekend, the Bills head to Denver for a Saturday afternoon clash, but all eyes in Chicago will be on Soldier Field Sunday night. My Bears are hosting the Los Angeles Rams in a massive Divisional Round showdown.

Will the Bears find their “Best” again, or will the Rams leave them with a tab they can’t pay? We’ll see you next week for The Post Season Pint!