The Chicago Bears have had an unexpected turnaround this season, going from a 2-7 record to now having a shot at making the playoffs. With three wins in their last four games, including two consecutive wins, the Bears have reignited their long-shot playoff hopes.
Before their upcoming game against the Cleveland Browns, Brad Biggs, a well-known sports journalist, answers questions about the Bears’ playoff scenarios and other topics in his weekly mailbag. One of the hot topics is the potential trade of Justin Fields, the Bears’ young quarterback.
According to Biggs, if the Bears decide to trade Fields, it would likely happen in March or during the draft. The timing would depend on various factors, such as the interest from other teams and the availability of other veteran quarterbacks. While it’s uncertain what the return package for Fields would look like, it’s unlikely that the Bears would receive a first-round pick in exchange.
Despite the trade rumors surrounding Fields, the Bears’ playoff chances have sparked optimism among the team and its fans. Currently, they are tied with the New York Giants with a 5-8 record, right behind a group of five 6-7 teams competing for the final NFC playoff spot. With four games remaining, including matchups against the Browns, Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, and Green Bay Packers, the Bears have an opportunity to win all of their remaining games.
Although the Bears’ path to the playoffs is challenging, their recent performance has given them an 8% chance to reach the postseason, according to the New York Times’ interactive playoff simulator. A win against the Browns would boost their odds to 11%. If the Bears win all of their remaining games, their chances increase to 62%. However, tiebreakers and other game results will play a significant role in determining their final playoff fate.
As the Bears continue their playoff push, fans and analysts have raised concerns about the hits that Fields has taken during games. Defensive players have targeted Fields, especially when he slides after a run. While some fans expect the Bears’ defensive coordinator, Matt Eberflus, to complain about these late hits, he prefers to address the issue through other channels. Eberflus works closely with officials before games, highlighting specific concerns about hits on quarterbacks. He also contacts the league office to discuss missed calls and gain a better understanding of how plays are evaluated.
In addition to Fields, the Bears must also consider the future of other players, such as wide receiver Darnell Mooney and cornerback Jaylon Johnson. Mooney’s agents have yet to discuss a potential contract extension, and it’s likely that he will explore the free agency market. Johnson’s situation is also uncertain, as he may choose to play out the season and test the market as a free agent. The Bears could potentially use franchise or transition tags to retain Johnson, but negotiations will determine his future with the team.
The Bears’ improved performance and the possibility of Eberflus staying with the team have surprised many fans. In a what-have-you-done-for-me-lately world, opinions can change quickly based on a team’s performance. The Bears will make a decision on Eberflus’ future after two full seasons, considering the team’s overall improvement and recent success.
Finally, the Bears’ decision to receive the ball first when winning the coin toss has raised some eyebrows. Most teams defer their choice to the second half, aiming to score before halftime and gain momentum in the third quarter. However, the Bears have chosen to receive the ball, relying on their offense’s ability to produce early in the game. With five touchdowns on their opening possessions, the Bears have demonstrated the effectiveness of their scripted plays. This unconventional strategy has paid off in recent games.
Looking ahead, the Bears will need to maintain their quality play and continue to win games to secure a playoff spot. While their path is challenging, their recent success has given them a shot at making the playoffs and building towards a promising future in 2024.
