The Chicago Bears hold the #2 overall pick in the 2023 draft. There is one problem. Even if they lose their remaining four games, there is still a chance they won’t keep that pick. A big reason is the strength of their schedule. With it being so tough, any team that finishes with the same record is likely to get the #2 pick because of a weaker schedule. The two teams to worry about going into this week were the Los Angeles Rams and Denver Broncos, both 3-9. Each has to win one more game if the Bears are to have a clear lane to the 2nd pick. Then Baker Mayfield came to the rescue.
The former #1 pick has endured a rough past year. He was kicked to the curb by the Cleveland Browns in favor of Deshaun Watson during the off-season and sent to the Carolina Panthers in a trade. He struggled there, having to endure the rough coaching of Matt Rhule. Many felt he was done as a starting quarterback. Carolina released him this week. The Los Angeles Rams, hobbled by injuries at the position, claimed him off waivers. Barely 24 hours later, he was active for Thursday Night Football against the Raiders.
Trailing 16-3, people didn’t expect much. Then Mayfield worked some magic. After a score to narrow the lead 16-10, the defense got a quick stop to give him a chance. However, a punt put L.A. at their own two-yard line. It didn’t matter. Mayfield made a series of incredible throws to get the Rams into the end zone and the win column. While personal vindication for him, it’s also a huge development for the Bears’ draft hopes.
Baker Mayfield did his part. Now comes Russell Wilson.
The Denver Broncos have been one of the biggest disappointments of the 2023 season. Not only do they have one of the best defenses in the league, but they also traded for Russell Wilson. You’d think with that setup, they’d be competing for the #1 seed in the AFC. Nope. They’ve been atrocious to watch, especially on offense. Wilson has only eight touchdown passes this year, and the Broncos are last in scoring. Still, their defense is good enough to give them an opportunity to win at least one more game. All they need is one solid performance from Wilson.
Subscribe to the BFR podcast and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
If it happens, all the Bears would have to do is lose their remaining four games. That isn’t hard to do. Their next two games are against Philadelphia and Buffalo. Those are definite losses. Then comes Detroit and Minnesota. The Lions already beat Chicago once, and this rematch will be in Detroit. As for the Vikings, it may come down to if they choose to rest their starters depending on their playoff positioning. Claiming the #2 pick would be a massive win for a franchise in the early stages of a rebuild.
Baker Mayfield has the ability. This has never been in question. Things never came together for him. Many thought going to Carolina would have been the ticket but it wasn’t. Good to see him have a good game and come thru to close out the W. Winning has never been the emphasis for this season. It’s about developing players for the future. Everyone is auditioning for next year. The first audition is over and now the 2nd audition is underway. Dudes like Leatherwood and Sanborn are being given their chance. All these guys have to do is leave it all… Read more »
A high draft position is desirable for any team. But players are playing hard and trying to win, they just need more talent. Remember the Bears are rebuilding this season and sorting out the future players and determining which ones can help them go forward. Obviously, Poles has found some good players to build around but another season or two will make them to Super Bowl contender they long to be.
Baker Mayfield and his brand-new (and mostly “no-name”) Rams teammates demonstrated what can be done when a QB is on-time, accurate and understands the concept of leverage (and places the ball where the WR has a marked advantage over his defender). Mayfield faced pressure, yet stood tall and delivered a last-second win with a team that he joined less than two days prior to the TNF game. The performance says a lot about the idea of needing time to develop “chemistry.” NFL games that are won in last-minute drives are won by teams whose QB plays the position from the… Read more »
It’s good that the Bears are likely to have a top 5 pick but this non sense the Bears are far away from competing is a David Kaplan narrative because he’s holding a Bears under wins ticket. This team could’ve easily been in the playoff picture if several of their close games were flipped…for instance look at the Vikings…they been in similar 1 score games but have been on the other side of fortune or one might say the other side of ref calls! The NFL or some outside force didn’t want the Bears anywhere near the playoffs and it’s… Read more »
@all poster. HIGH 5!! you guys are ON THE BALL. I was actually rooting for LA last night for this very reason. I have the Rams vs Denver circled on my calendar. If Denver wins that one we are a LOCK for #2 overall…and top of all rounds (except second) too. I have a sinking feeling though… if we beat the Eagles, would the betting world make a killin’??? soooooo don’t be too shocked when it happens. Keep in mind Fields and this time have been SOOOOOOO close in all but 1 of these game… I would not be surprised… Read more »