While there was a lot of excitement about the Chicago Bears’ Week 6 matchup against Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field, the only thing we learned about them was that Aaron Rodgers owns them.
And then again, did we really “learn” that? We already knew that, didn’t we.
Thread: Some thoughts after Packers-Bears.
1. The Bears missed a chance to make a big statement.
But the way this season is turning out, 3-3 after six games isn't bad.
They're competing while developing a rookie QB on the fly. There are signs they *could* become good later.
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) October 18, 2021
The Bears missed a chance to take control of the NFC North, instead letting the Packers take a two-game lead in the division. They fell to 3-3 and raised similar questions that have haunted them forever. And now they get set to head to Tampa to take on the Super Bowl champion Buccaneers.
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With that, let’s reach into this week’s Bears Mailbag. Thanks to all who submitted questions. Follow me on Twitter @DhruvKoul to continue the conversation.
Bears Mailbag
I don't think he will be fired mid-season. But it will likely set the stage for his firing at the end of the year (think Trestman finishing the year after the Patriots/Packers debacles).
At that point, especially if Fields continues to look subpar, I would say yes.
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) October 20, 2021
To expand on this, while the Bears are pretty much where most folks (including me) thought they might be at this point in the year, the way they’ve gotten here seems to be the same-old, same-old: Relying on the defense, running the ball (with purpose since this is clearly their identity), and protecting the QB from having to take over a game.
That formula worked against Cincinnati, Detroit, and Las Vegas, but failed against Green Bay. It always fails against Green Bay because they have Rodgers.
And they need it to change if they’re going to beat Tampa (whom they likely won’t beat anyway with Tom Brady playing his best football — ever? — which is a scary thought). They’ll need it to change against a tough San Francisco team. And they’ll need it to change to beat Pittsburgh on the road.
Can Justin Fields take that leap in the next few games?
If so, even if the Bears lose, if the offense looks stronger, that may work in Matt Nagy’s favor.
If he doesn’t, and they look bad on offense (not to mention lose), it’s the beginning of the end.
While it’s on the coaches to figure out how to help these WRs separate so Fields can deliver them the ball, Fields has to correct his mistakes from the GB game, too.
It’ll be a fascinating month coming up.
The Bears' next few games are: @ TB, vs. SF, @ PIT, vs. BAL.
Quite a handful for a team like the Bears.
If the Bears go into the bye 3-6, I would imagine some trades follow.
If they go into the bye 4-5 or better, they'll ride it out.
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) October 20, 2021
Kellen Moore is extremely interesting. A clearly outstanding play caller and play designer who is getting the most out of Dak Prescott and the Cowboys' skill players.
The question is, can he lead and command a locker room?
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) October 20, 2021
It's too late to overhaul the *offense*, but it's not too late to keep reaching into other areas of the playbook.
I disagree about suiting the players, I think the changes they made after Cleveland suit the Bears pretty well.
The passing game remains broken, though.
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) October 20, 2021
No, and Bears fans really need to end this conspiracy theory.
Just because a play didn't work or the offense looked worse, doesn't mean Nagy called the play.
They can't do what they did against Detroit forever without adding new elements that may even look "Nagyish."
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) October 20, 2021
At the end of the game, that 3rd and 15 should've been a "get some quick yards and kick a FG" call. Bad call from the coaches.
The running game is excelling, but the passing game is broke — a combination of route combinations, WRs lacking separation, and Fields himself.
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) October 20, 2021
It depends on if they like Justin Fields.
If they like Fields, it's attractive enough.
If they don't, it's a bit of a shipwreck.
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) October 20, 2021
He would certainly be an option. His players love him, respect him, and are playing hard for him. He's creative and maximizes his talent.
He will probably get HC looks around the league this year regardless of if the Bears are interested.
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) October 20, 2021
There are signs the offense has figured out the running game — that's about 40% of the battle.
They really need to figure out the pass, and the hope is Fields grows enough to perform at a level where it thrives.
Right now, separation is a problem for these WRs.
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) October 20, 2021
A Shanahan or Roman-type scheme would probably fit Fields best. I'd even be interested to see him in Bruce Arians' offense.
He's not a rhythm or "quick game" type of passer. He wants to go vertical, and that should be the emphasis.
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) October 20, 2021
They go into the bye after MNF in Pittsburgh, so three games left.
I'd say best case scenario is 5-4 (lose in Tampa, beat SF and PIT).
Worst case is certainly 3-6 — they could easily lose all three games (which would be a disaster). At that point, 2021 is over.
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) October 20, 2021
It operated and moved quite well with Dalton, yep. There was rhythm and solid execution. They needed to score more, but there was evidence they were getting there.
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) October 20, 2021
