The whole Chicago Bears franchise has an opportunity to deliver a significant message this coming Sunday.
When Kevin Warren assesses his options next month to determine who he should entrust with leading the Chicago Bears' rebuilding efforts, two names will be under scrutiny: Matt Eberflus and Ryan Poles.
In this evaluation process, nothing may carry more weight than what unfolds on the field in Cleveland this Sunday. The previous regime's dismissal, despite being only a year into developing rookie quarterback Fields, garnered unanimous approval due to certain unforgivable coaching decisions and team performances that signaled the need for change, despite positive developmental signs later in the year.
One of the most significant moments came in week 3 of the 2021 season when rookie quarterback Justin Fields made his first career start in Cleveland. The Browns dominated, winning 26-6, as the Chicago Bears managed just 47 total offensive yards, with a single net passing yard. Fields endured 9 sacks, with Myles Garrett responsible for 4.5 of them.
The performance was so abysmal and the coaching so inept that Dan Orlovsky called for Matt Nagy's immediate firing on national TV the following morning. The last time the Bears played in Cleveland, it resulted in an embarrassing departure for the team and sealed the fate of the previous regime. Could history repeat itself this Sunday?
This game from two years ago sealed one regime's fate, and if history repeats, it may determine another's destiny. The current front office and coaching regime of the Bears was brought in with a single purpose: to develop a quarterback. While their allegiance to Justin Fields has been in question from the start, it is crucial for their job security to prove their ability to develop a quarterback and earn trust for the development of the next rookie.
The Chicago Bears currently hold a 5-8 record. With the last two NFC wildcard spots wide open for any of the eight teams in contention, the Bears have a chance to achieve what few thought possible back in September and early October.
However, achieving this goal will require overcoming lingering doubts that have haunted not only the quarterback but also an organization that has struggled to develop a franchise quarterback in the modern era. The stakes are high this weekend as the Chicago Bears head to Cleveland. It's a moment of reflection and potential redemption for the organization. A victory, coupled with a strong performance by the quarterback, could save jobs and quell draft speculation. But a loss, reminiscent of their previous outing in Cleveland, might lead Kevin Warren to conclude that not much has changed in two years after all.
| POLL | ||
12 DECEMBRE | 29 ANSWERS The whole Chicago Bears franchise has an opportunity to deliver a significant message this coming Sunday. Should the Bears "tank" or continue trying their best to win? | ||
| yes | 13 | 44.8 % |
| No | 16 | 55.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
