The Chicago Bears got a solid dose of reality from the Arizona Cardinals last Sunday. Playing at cold and rainy Soldier Field, the team from the desert came out and intercepted Andy Dalton four times en route to a comfortable 33-22 victory.
The loss dropped the Bears to 4-8 and the “Dead End” sign just got a little more visible for the Matt Nagy era in Chicago.
With the Green Bay Packers up next at Lambeau Field on Sunday night, the Bears are just hoping to not get embarrassed by their “owner”, Aaron Rodgers. A humiliating loss to their nemesis in prime time could lead to change as soon as Monday.
With that, let’s reach into this week’s Bears Mailbag. Follow me on Twitter @DhruvKoul to continue the conversation.
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Bears Mailbag
Yes, a CEO-type of HC is very important. Someone who can build a staff, and get his team ready to play.
But in an offense-driven league, the best possible thing is for an offensive mind who calls plays to pair with a franchise QB.
That's the best, least-disruptive model.
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) December 9, 2021
To add some color to this, yes, there are examples of coaches who have staying power by *just* being CEOs: John Harbaugh, Mike Tomlin and Ron Rivera are very good examples. Mike Vrabel has transformed into that a good bit in the last year or so.
But in a league so driven by the quarterback and setting QBs up for success, when a hot OC candidate gets scooped up, it disrupts the QB and the offense as a whole (10 other starters who have to learn new stuff). And again, in a league so driven by QBs, this is key.
It’s not easy, as evidenced by turnover across the league. But finding a Sean Payton/Andy Reid/Kyle Shanahan/Matt LaFleur/Frank Reich/Sean McVay type is the best possible outcome.
Of course, it helps if you have a franchise QB. Payton-Brees was great. Reid-Mahomes took the league by storm. LaFleur-Rodgers is great. Reich-Wentz has borne fruit. You get the idea.
With Justin Fields likely needing to learn a new offense in Year 2 with Matt Nagy’s impending exit, this becomes even more paramount.
Good question.
CB is a more premier position than WR, without a doubt.
But the Bears need a WR1 and more playmakers (depth) for Justin Fields as they start to frame their identity towards their offense.
So for the Bears, I'd say WR is a bigger need.
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) December 9, 2021
One thing I've learned is former players can often be very poor scouts themselves.
But I'd be comfortable with George talking to Olin Kreutz.
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) December 9, 2021
I don't see Desai returning at this stage, but I think he's been dealt a tough hand.
He's managed it reasonably well, but having no answers late in the game in three straight games (vs. SF, @ PIT, vs. BAL) were alarming.
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) December 9, 2021
Jim Leonhard
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) December 9, 2021
Neither of them are falling out of Round 1, but if they do, the Bears should lock in on them.
They are excellent.
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) December 9, 2021
I wish I could, but at Lambeau in prime time has been gut-wrenching for the Bears.
I'm expecting something like 30-13.
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) December 9, 2021
Pretty strong likelihood. He costs the Bears a lot more being off the roster than on it.
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) December 9, 2021
At this point, I think the Bears will win two more games this season. So they finish with six wins.
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) December 9, 2021
Assuming the Bears lock up Roquan Smith, I'd say C. Interior protection will be critical for Justin Fields.
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) December 9, 2021
It depends on what the Bears have done in FA, but I'd say:
WR/CB (pick one)
C
DE— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) December 9, 2021
