These are the 3 biggest issues the Bears are facing
In just two games, we can sometimes gauge the trajectory of an NFL team's season.
Historically speaking, in the past three decades, a mere 11.5% of NFL teams that started 0-2 reached the playoffs. While some may highlight the Bengals overcoming a 0-2 start last season to make the playoffs, it's an exception, not the norm. When a team consistently starts 0-2 and still struggles to reach the playoffs, it's a concern. A recent poll by Fox Sports revealed that 62% of Bears fans anticipate a meager 1-4 wins this season after their latest loss.
This is the challenge for the Bears. And anyone bringing up playoffs after witnessing their performance might be met with Jim Mora's famous "Playoffs?" exclamation.
The Bears, in the midst of their rebuilding phase, aim for improvement. This sentiment echoed after both their defeats. But Coach Matt Eberflus's optimism post-Sunday's game was met with skepticism. Across two games, three notable challenges have emerged for the Bears:
1. **Depth Assessment**: Was it overestimated? - Depth is a precious asset in the NFL, and wise investment can ensure it. Questions arise regarding GM Ryan Poles' approach. For instance, their seventh-round pick, Kendall Williamson, didn't make an immediate impact. On the flip side, missing out on experienced DB DeAndre Houston-Carson hurt them, especially when facing threats like Chris Godwin and Mike Evans. - Proactiveness in addressing offensive line depth is another area that could've been improved. They face issues with inexperienced tackles, leading to several penalties and vulnerabilities.
2. **Injury Updates for Eddie Jackson and Darnell Mooney**: - Both suffered injuries in the previous season. The Bears' lack of immediate updates post-game is concerning. Whereas other teams promptly update their fans on injuries, the Bears remain tight-lipped.
3. **Commitment to Running**: - Despite claims of being a run/play-action team, their game strategy doesn't seem to align. They're ranked 24th in rushing attempts, and their reliance on running backs is inconsistent. A notable example: despite being only 10 points behind in the third quarter of a recent game, the Bears sidelined their run strategy. With such an approach, it's no surprise players like D'onta Foreman see limited action.
The Bears' journey forward seems challenging, but identifying these areas of concern is the first step to remediation.
| POLL | ||
18 SEPTEMBRE | 55 ANSWERS These are the 3 biggest issues the Bears are facing Will the Bears make the playoffs this year? | ||
| Yes | 7 | 12.7 % |
| No | 48 | 87.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
