The Chicago Bears have made the playoffs twice in the past 12 years. They finished with the worst record in the NFL last season. One can understand if people have low expectations for them going into 2023. If fans were to pick anybody that would jump at that opportunity, it would be Gregg Rosenthal. The longtime NFL Network reporter has been an outspoken critic of the Bears for years. He takes digs at them every chance he gets. Hearing his opinions on them going into 2023 feels like a waste of time.
That is why it was a considerable shock when he revealed his pick for which NFL team goes worst-to-first this season on NFL Gameday View.
It’s apparent Rosenthal is a big fan of what GM Ryan Poles has done this off-season. He improved the Bears’ presence in the trenches and added more offensive weapons. Everybody knows Justin Fields is already an electric runner. If this upgraded supporting cast does what it’s capable of, the young Bears quarterback can take a big leap as a passer. That is before anybody discusses the defense. While their lack of edge rushers remains a concern, their interior defensive line is much deeper and more athletic. They significantly bolstered their linebacking corps while adding two exciting cornerbacks to an already talented secondary.
The Chicago Bears have a schedule working to their advantage too.
Their first two games are against opponents with question marks at quarterback in Jordan Love and Baker Mayfield. There is a real possibility they can start the season 6-1, with the visit to Kansas City being the only game that feels unwinnable for obvious reasons. If they could then survive a rough stretch of four road games in five weeks between October 29th and November 27th, they will have a favorable stretch to end the season. What Rosenthal says is true. There is a believable scenario in which this team can win the division.
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Minnesota should take a step back. Green Bay no longer has Aaron Rodgers. The wild card is Detroit. They now have the best roster in the NFC North and were red-hot by the end of last season. Everybody thinks it’s their time to claim the crown. If they falter for whatever reason, it should open the door for the Chicago Bears to seize the opportunity. Everything depends on how much better Fields performs and if the defense can get more stops. Both feel like strong possibilities.
Everyone thought it was not possible for the Bears to win against the 49’s , but the Bears did the impossible. So what if lightning strikes again and the Bears are 8-0 . To start the year. This is not a Ryan Pace team. This is Ryan Poles team
I’ll be happy if they win 8, 9 or 10 games but certainly won’t be disappointed if they win the North. Although it’s possible it’s probably best to not have that lofty of expectations but then again anything is possible.
One thing that can hurt a young team are mistakes and penalties. Nobody is factoring officiating in some of these games. Mistakes, penalties and bad officiating/calls can be the difference in winning or losing. If last season is any indication the officiating should be very interesting to say the least in the 23′ season.
10-7 could win the division this year. Bears have a shot.
Go Bears
NFC NORTH CHAMPS…Da BEARS!