In today’s world of social media, immediate gratification is one of the most prominent things. I want it, and I want it now. Successful football teams do not fall out of a tree. It seldom happens. The rise of the Houston Texans currently fits that scenario. Aided by a rookie QB playing remarkably well, Houston sits in second place in a weak AFC South division.
A little digging reveals how their season could be much different. A 5-4 record that just as easily be 2-7.
Conversely, Detroit hired Dan Campbell in 2021. The Lions were 3-13-1 in his first season as head coach and Detroit was just 4-6 after ten games in year two. SInce then Detroit has posted a record of 12-4, and are considered by many as one of the favorites to win the NFC title this year.
When Ryan Poles took over as Chicago’s general manager prior to the 2022 season, he charted a course he felt was best for sustained growth, hoping to build a team that would compete for titles every year, rather than a quick fix.
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We were told it would be a 3-4 year process, but fans and media types refuse to listen.
2022 was, by all accounts, a disaster. 2023 started in similar fashion. A lopsided loss to arch rival Green Bay immediately derailed the season in the minds of most fans. Tough losses to Tampa and Denver helped push the Bears losing streak under Eberflus to 14.
Two coaches were, in effect, terminated due to suspicious behavior.
Through it all Matt Eberflus never lost the team. The Bears have now won three of their last six games, and are 2-2 without their starting QB.
Yet, everywhere one looks including this website, speculation abounds, suggesting the Bears will part ways with their head coach. Numerous candidates from Bill Belichick to current Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson have been ordained as the next head coach.
Justin Fields started slowly again. The combination of a game plan designed to keep him in the pocket and playing behind an offensive line that was performing terribly. Once Teven Jenkins returned to the lineup, the line play improved. Not coincidentally, Fields play improved exponentially. In the two games prior to injuring the thumb on his throwing hand, he threw for over 600 yards and 8 touchdowns.
The jury is still out on Fields and he needs to show he has stayed focused on what Tyson Bagent did in his absence. With improved line play, Tyson Bagent was only sacked five times in 4 1/2 games. Justin needs to finish his drops a little faster so he can begin reading his progressions sooner. He needs to improve throwing with anticipation.
The remaining schedule is not set up for a miraculous turn around, but has some winnable games. The defense will be tested often with upcoming games with divisional opponents Detroit and Minnesota. If the Bears can split those games, it bodes will for the future of both the head coach and Justin Fields.
News and Notes
The team had a brief workout Monday after their “mini-bye.” Fields was seen throwing the ball with ease. We will know more about his status on Wednesday.
Week ten saw SIX games end on game-winning field goals as time expired. The first time in NFL history that happened.
Sunday’s game in Detroit will be braodcast on FOX, and has a Noon kickoff.
Everyone seems to forget the this is year 2 of a total rebuild that we were told would take 3 to 4 years to complete. That said last year and this year are pretty much throw away years while assessing our players. I don’t believe either Eberflus or Fields are going anywhere after this season based on the afore mentioned.
I said it before and it still holds true. The Bears have to win 5 games to run it back in 2024. Win only 4 or 3, and the Chicago pressure cooker will force McCaskey to step in.
Here’s a wild scenario I wouldn’t mind the Bears trying in 2024. – Giants fire Dabol as HC (big if right off the bat here but the buzz in NY is he’s on the hot seat) – Bears keep Flus and Fields – Bears fire Getsy as OC – Bears hire Dabol as OC – Bears pick MHJ (they can trade back maybe a spot or two if they’re confident they won’t lose MHJ) – Bears trade back the no. 5 pick and get back the 2nd round pick they lost to get Sweat – Bears select Chop Robinson with… Read more »
As I have posted before, you can’t pass on Harrison. He is the #1 overall pick. If you are in the top 5 you pick Fashanu or Alt. Easy! You fortify the line, now your swing tackle is Jones (who is worlds better than Borom) but not as good as the two I mentioned above (obviously we don’t have NFL proof yet). You keep Fields for year 4, as the Giants did with Jones, and that is his prove-it year. Likely draft another QB in round 3-4. Coach is the toss-up. If you keep Fields you likely keep the coach.… Read more »
One thing you get out of Eberflus and Poles is the team plays hard week in and week out even as they keep losing. It doesn’t hurt they keep trying to improve the team like bringing in Sweat.
This is one thing that can’t be overlooked.