Tuesday, April 30, 2024

Why NFL Opening Night Brought More Chicago Bears Optimism

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The Chicago Bears have yet to play a game in 2022. Their trial begins on Sunday afternoon. However, it appears good news is already coming their way. Star tight end George Kittle tweaked his groin this past week. His status for the opener is in doubt. Now NFL fans were treated to another revelation on opening night. They watched the defending champion Los Angeles Rams get pummeled by the Buffalo Bills.

It was an ugly night all around. Matthew Stafford threw three bad interceptions and got sacked seven times. They also barely cracked 50 yards rushing. Defensively wasn’t any better. Josh Allen did pretty much whatever he wanted, throwing three touchdowns and running for another. The 31-10 score was a sobering wakeup call for a team that seemed so confident they were ready to “run it back.”

So what does this have to do with the Bears? It is more evidence of how weak the NFC actually is. If its supposed best team looks that bad, then Chicago’s chances of making some noise aren’t so crazy.

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The Chicago Bears have no reason to fear the NFC.

Los Angeles will probably still be good enough to compete for the playoffs, but they aren’t the same team as last year. Tampa Bay got Tom Brady back, but his interest in playing appears to have sagged (and he’s 45). Philadelphia is talented with an iffy quarterback. The same goes for the Bears’ first opponent, the San Francisco 49ers. Green Bay has Aaron Rodgers but not Davante Adams. Nothing about the conference appears impossible.

This is not to say the Chicago Bears can make a surprise Super Bowl run. It is more about believing this team is maybe two or three unexpected wins from a wild card spot. Right now, most experts would agree they’re going to hover around six wins. If the NFC is as mediocre as it’s looking, it isn’t crazy to think they can steal three tight games against some of those “good” teams. In an expanded playoff bracket, a 9-8 record should be enough to get in.

Don’t write this team off too early.

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David
Reply to  Erik Lambert
Sep 10, 2022 11:04 am

Are you OK? You seem to be having a mental breakdown.

Erik Lambert
Erik Lambert
Sep 10, 2022 9:40 am

Hey Guys! Erik here! My leap of faith of why I delete comments, is because I’m insecure about my ability to provide accurate information and let’s be honest. I steal all my shit. I haven’t done an honest days worth of journalism since Bush was in office. Ironically that’s the last time my pecker worked too. So I don’t know. You figure it out. I’m just a sad bald man. My best friend is Jill Palmer.

John
John
Sep 9, 2022 7:36 pm

DA Bears will take the nfc…..piece of cake!

Buffone
Buffone
Sep 9, 2022 5:57 pm

“Don’t write this team off too early.”
Damn straight. Cue up Chris Berman …”That’s why they play the games.”

David
Reply to  Erik Lambert
Sep 9, 2022 10:04 am

Erik. Why did you delete my comment regarding you blocking people on Twitter? Just curious?

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