The NFL, more than any other sport, is a game of championship windows. When it opens, there is a mad scramble to climb through because it can close with frightening speed. A team that was a contender one year can quickly become an afterthought the next. That’s why the goal for every team is to find ways to keep that window open as long as possible. Something the Chicago Bears have struggled with in the past.
It appears though that confidence is high on this team for some around the league. For the first time in years, it feels like the Bears are going to be an annual problem for teams in the NFC. Something that Chicago fans will love to hear, not to mention those in the league office who want the third-largest media market in the postseason.
So just how big is their window to get that elusive championship? Adam Schein of NFL.com has high hopes for them as he placed them third on the overall rankings of teams with the biggest Super Bowl windows.
Chicago Bears defense and rising Mitch Trubisky fuel optimism
Much of his belief in the Bears rests on them having the best defense in the NFL. One that finished as the best in both points allowed and takeaways. They have a star-studded core headlined by Khalil Mack, Akiem Hicks, Kyle Fuller, and Eddie Jackson. Not to mention the rising excellence of Roquan Smith.
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However, Schein also admitted that he’s grown impressed with the most vital cog of the Bears’ ascent to the cream of the conference: quarterback Mitch Trubisky.
“As for the offense, I thought Mitch Trubisky made major progress in Year 2 (and, not coincidentally, Year 1 under Matt Nagy), finishing with a 66.6 percent completion rate, 3,223 yards, a 24:12 TD-to-INT ratio and a 95.4 passer rating. Trubisky is primed for stardom. Nagy, the 2018 Coach of the Year, is so good at coaching this team up.”
Trubisky is maturing at a rapid rate. He’s the first Bears quarterback to reach a Pro Bowl since 1985 and is firmly established as a team leader. His mastery of the Nagy offense should continue to grow with another offseason of work in the system. If the defense maintains its place as one of the best in the league, and it should with Pagano in charge, then this team will be a difficult one to stop from reaching Miami next February.
