Despite Mounting Losses, There Is Hope For 2024
There had never been a collapse as bad as Sunday’s epic failure in Detroit. No team had ever dominated a game, only to lose ultimately. Losing when you have a two-score lead, have a time of possession of 40 minutes, and win the turnover battle with a plus-3 in a regulation game had never happened in the 103-year history of the NFL.
The Bears DOMINATED the NFC North-leading Lions for almost 57 minutes and still lost the game.
Chicago has turned a corner talent-wise, but the coaching is miserable. There is truth to the phrase “learn how to win.” Sadly, this team has not learned that important lesson. Five games were winnable so far in 2023, and every time, the Bears have found a way to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory every time.
The losses to Denver and Detroit are easy to point at. The Bears 4th quarter collapse earlier in the season to the Broncos was heartbreaking. The most recent collapse to Detroit was even more gut-wrenching.
Imagine for a moment those five losses had turned out differently. The Bears would have an 8-3 record and hold the tie-breaker over Detroit. They would be in first place as they approach the last six games on their schedule.
Of course, all five games were lost, and at 3-8, fans are left to ponder what will happen next.
An old saying says a team needs to learn to win. That was never more evident this weekend. More importantly, coaches need to coach to win. Watching the last 4 minutes of Sunday’s game, it was clear this staff was coaching NOT TO LOSE.
This season is a lost cause. Chicago will once again finish the season with a losing record. It will be the 17th time since 2000 Chicago will have a record of .500 or worse. But there is light at the end of this 24 year-old tunnel.
There are several pieces to build around. The offensive line is a dominant center away from an elite OL. They also need an elite WR opposite DJ Moore. Both players are available in the 2024 draft.
The Bears must select Marvin Harrison, Jr with their first pick. There are 2 or 3 centers that can complete the OL.
Defensively, the line continues to improve. Acquiring Montez Sweat was a brilliant move by GM Ryan Poles. The young players in the defensive backfield are playing above expectations. Tyrique Stevenson has grown up before our eyes. Both Stevenson and Jaylon Johnson are a dominant pair.
The safety position should be addressed, as it is time to move on from Eddie Jackson. Jackson has never regained form after suffering the foot injury last year.
The Bears have only six games remaining on the schedule. In order to see growth, this coaching staff must coach to win. They have failed in that regard. Defensively, they have the talent to be more aggressive. Play some press-man so the opposing QB can’t get the ball out so quickly. There have been several instances recently where the DL could not get to the QB fast enough because he was able to hit a receiver in front of the Bears’ soft zone coverage.
Luke Getsy must throw caution to the wind and give Fields every opportunity to make plays.
News and Notes
November 20th marked the 46th anniversary of Walter Payton’s 275-yard rushing performance against the Minnesota Vikings. Payton battled flu symptoms and a 101 degree fever to set the record for rushing in a single game. His record stood for 22 years.