In today’s world of social media, immediate gratification is one of the most prominent things. I want it, and I want it now. Successful football teams do not fall out of a tree. It seldom happens. The rise of the Houston Texans currently fits that scenario. Aided by a rookie QB playing remarkably well, Houston sits in second place in a weak AFC South division.
A little digging reveals how their season could be much different. A 5-4 record that just as easily be 2-7.
Conversely, Detroit hired Dan Campbell in 2021. The Lions were 3-13-1 in his first season as head coach and Detroit was just 4-6 after ten games in year two. SInce then Detroit has posted a record of 12-4, and are considered by many as one of the favorites to win the NFC title this year.
When Ryan Poles took over as Chicago’s general manager prior to the 2022 season, he charted a course he felt was best for sustained growth, hoping to build a team that would compete for titles every year, rather than a quick fix.
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We were told it would be a 3-4 year process, but fans and media types refuse to listen.
2022 was, by all accounts, a disaster. 2023 started in similar fashion. A lopsided loss to arch rival Green Bay immediately derailed the season in the minds of most fans. Tough losses to Tampa and Denver helped push the Bears losing streak under Eberflus to 14.
Two coaches were, in effect, terminated due to suspicious behavior.
Through it all Matt Eberflus never lost the team. The Bears have now won three of their last six games, and are 2-2 without their starting QB.
Yet, everywhere one looks including this website, speculation abounds, suggesting the Bears will part ways with their head coach. Numerous candidates from Bill Belichick to current Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson have been ordained as the next head coach.
Justin Fields started slowly again. The combination of a game plan designed to keep him in the pocket and playing behind an offensive line that was performing terribly. Once Teven Jenkins returned to the lineup, the line play improved. Not coincidentally, Fields play improved exponentially. In the two games prior to injuring the thumb on his throwing hand, he threw for over 600 yards and 8 touchdowns.
The jury is still out on Fields and he needs to show he has stayed focused on what Tyson Bagent did in his absence. With improved line play, Tyson Bagent was only sacked five times in 4 1/2 games. Justin needs to finish his drops a little faster so he can begin reading his progressions sooner. He needs to improve throwing with anticipation.
The remaining schedule is not set up for a miraculous turn around, but has some winnable games. The defense will be tested often with upcoming games with divisional opponents Detroit and Minnesota. If the Bears can split those games, it bodes will for the future of both the head coach and Justin Fields.
News and Notes
The team had a brief workout Monday after their “mini-bye.” Fields was seen throwing the ball with ease. We will know more about his status on Wednesday.
Week ten saw SIX games end on game-winning field goals as time expired. The first time in NFL history that happened.
Sunday’s game in Detroit will be braodcast on FOX, and has a Noon kickoff.
