The Chicago Bears insist they plan to take the Jacksonville Jaguars seriously on Sunday. Yet based on their latest injury report, that could be up for debate. One has to wonder if players who might’ve played through nagging ailments for an opponent like Buffalo or New Orleans are being given the week off because a 1-13 team is on the docket.
Matt Nagy reiterated the coaching staff is keeping on the players about not overlooking the Jaguars. Then again it’s hard not to. They’re the worst team in the NFL with a bad offense and bad defense. They’re also a team motivated, whether they admit it or not, to keep losing in order to secure the rights to projected #1 overall pick Trevor Lawrence.
Combine that with the Packers looming on the horizon?
Yeah, one could understand why the Bears could get caught peeking ahead. They still remember what Green Bay did to them last month. Revenge has to be on their minds. It wouldn’t be a surprise if guys are already discussing that game behind closed doors. Meanwhile, the coaches might also be thinking about playing it cautious with some key players ahead of that game.
The final injury report before the game on Sunday was released. Three players are already expected to miss it. Starting cornerbacks Jaylon Johnson and Buster Skrine were declared out while tight end Demetrius Harris is doubtful. Joining them were Akiem Hicks (ankle), Khalil Mack (shoulder), and Allen Robinson (hamstring) who are all questionable.
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#Bears Friday injury report pic.twitter.com/TdB5nHLh0U
— Bears Communications (@BearsPR) December 25, 2020
Chicago Bears better tread carefully in this one
Now odds say Hicks and Mack will probably play. Robinson’s hamstring issue popped up this week. That’ll be something to watch. Either way, the Bears have to remember they’re still playing an actual football team on Sunday. One that has come close to some upset wins already this year. They narrowly lost 24-20 to the Packers in Green Bay, took Cleveland to the brink before falling 27-25, and lost in overtime to the Vikings.
Gardner Minshew may not be flashy all the time but he can put some drives together if you don’t pressure him enough. D.J. Chark is a legitimate weapon in the passing game. James Robinson is in the running for Rookie of the Year. If the Chicago Bears come out flat, which they’ve been prone to do all season long, Jacksonville is capable of catching them on the chin.
It happened just last week to the Rams against the winless Jets.
So yeah. The Bears have plenty of reasons to feel confident after two-straight wins. Jacksonville is really bad and has nothing but pride to play for at this point. If the team that rolled into Minnesota last week shows up down in Florida? This could end up being a blowout. Then again it can sometimes be natural for players to start feeling themselves after a little win streak. Especially against one of the worst teams in the NFL.
Here’s hoping the Bears take care of their business and don’t even let it be close. Then again we all know the track record of this team by now.