The Chicago Bears are focused on their own business and that’s the way it needs to be. Never mind winning seasons. They haven’t even won seven games since 2013. Fans have suffered for a long time. Some could argue this has been the darkest period in team history. They need every hand on deck to pull the team out of the mud. How close are they?
That’s an interesting question. Perhaps a good way to find out is through hearing the opinions of outsiders from other organizations. One man who could offer that benefit is none other than top NFL insider Ian Rapoport. As sources go, everybody knows he’s among the best. So it was interesting to hear what he had to offer on the subject.
He reached out to several people about their impressions of the Bears. He then appeared on the Under The Center podcast with JJ Stankevitz of NBC Sports and delivered his findings. It turns out the rest of the league has more respect for this team than people realize.
“I will say this. When other teams talk to me about the Bears, they say two things. One? That is a badass defense. Tough, physical, and badass. That’s one. The other thing is they’re fascinated by what Matt Nagy is going to do with Trubisky and this offensive group.”
Rapoport also said that the Bears are not a team that has any elite players. They are instead a team that is made up of several “very good” players. That means across the board, offensively and defensively. He does believe Roquan Smith could end up being their first truly elite guy in a few years if things pan out as expected, which is great news.
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All things considered, this news is encouraging. It’s a sign that the Bears have the attention of the rest of the NFL for the first time in years. That said, there is a ways to go before they can earn respect. To do that they must win. This is a young team that is still searching for an identity. The pieces are in place to make something interesting.
