Week 13: Bears at Eagles Friday 2pm on Prime

[Banedon]

2 minutes ago, jersey cubs fan said:

Disagree there. This is a mid tier roster with plenty of holes and/or room for improvement. 

Yeah the coaching and generating turnovers has definitely covered for a lot of areas.  

[BigbadB]

52 minutes ago, raw said:

So, I've thought about this offseason a lot. LOL. The Bears are in an interesting place. This season will either end with a playoff berth, or worst case, the best team to miss the playoffs. I think reasonable improvements from the offense in general, and Caleb specifically, in Year 2 of Ben, combined with better injury luck on D could make this team a legit SB contender as soon as 2026.

I think in this situation, you kind of have to "run it back" with as many players as possible. Re-work the guys that are going to be here long-ish term (Jaylon, Montez, Dalman, maybe Kmet). Don't mess with contracts for guys like Dayo and Grady. I'd probably lean to cut Swift still, but no way do I let go for Edmunds. That can give you up to 30M in additional cap space, which is enough for a really good DL while also bringing back a couple safeties. I'd let Nahshon walk and hope he gets you a comp pick (though unlikely if you sign say, a Trey Hendrickson). 

The tough one is DJ Moore. Part of me would love to trade DJ. He's a big source of cap savings, while also being one of the few players on the roster you can get something of decent significance for, that you can afford to give away (Burden to take his place). But he's not putting up numbers and the 2nd round pick you may have been able to get before the year, is probably a 3rd or 4th and 6th at best. So, I'd probably keep him on his contract.

Personally, I'm going for it this offseason. I'm calling Vegas and Cleveland to see if they will trade away their DEs. I try to talk them out of Crosby/Garrett right up to the tampering period. I'm giving up two 1s (+ for Garrett) especially if this year's 1 is in the mid-to-late 20s. That doesn't work, then pivot to Hendrickson or other trades (trading for a pass rushing DT is also on the board here). This is like 2018, but with already knowing you have your QB/offense and not just hoping it works out on that side. 

Are you saying bring Edmunds back? With the increase in salaries to so many players, I see Edmunds as the most likely casualty. I'm all for bringing back as many guys as possible, but a lot of contracts need to be reworked to make everyone fit for next year. Edmunds frees up close to 15m. Edwards, Sewell with Hippolyte and D'Marco Jackson or Ogbongbemiga might be all you need at LB if you spruce up the DL. Jaylon Jones and Terrel Smith potentially back next year saves some dollars. Billings probably won't be back. Brisker should get extended.

[BigbadB]

44 minutes ago, jersey cubs fan said:

I had no idea that Dayo was due such a huge raise. Oof. What a terrible signing. Hope they can get some sort of injury settlement relief to get out of that one but assume there will be a big dead cap hit. 

Dreadful contract. 1 sack and one other tackle on the season coupled with 2 QB hits for 8m this year, and 20m each of the next two years. Jarrett and Jaylon are each getting 12m raises for next year, also. That's 36m in increased payroll for 3 guys. You got another 6m going to the two QB's in raises. DJ is getting a 3.5m raise. Jonah is getting a 3.5m raise. Thuney is getting a 13m raise. and Kyler is getting about 8.5m in raises. Then lots of 1m raises for your youngsters and roster fodder. 

Bates, Braxton, Swift, Byard, Billings are places you can cut some salary, but Edmonds is the only one with any significance. Poles is going to need to do some serious contract restructuring. Or let's hope the NFL increases the cap by 50m. LOL

People are always saying there are ways to work around the cap. Well, Poles is going to have to do exactly that this coming year.

[Wilson A2000]

38 minutes ago, jersey cubs fan said:

Disagree there. This is a mid tier roster with plenty of holes and/or room for improvement. 

Sorry, you aren’t leading the NFC with a mid tier roster. I know you don’t want to go back on your criticism of Poles, and some of it was warranted, but this is a better team than you think. Good coaching brings out the talent.

[jersey cubs fan]

2 minutes ago, Wilson A2000 said:

Sorry, you aren’t leading the NFC with a mid tier roster. I know you don’t want to go back on your criticism of Poles, and some of it was warranted, but this is a better team than you think. Good coaching brings out the talent.

They are leading the nfc by default. You aren’t effectively an even point differential team if your roster has no holes. The defensive line is terrible. The defense is getting by on smoke and mirrors and coaching. But the talent is severely lacking. 
 

There are no real holes on offense, if none of the old guys on the line get hurt this month. I think they need to move on from swift but they don’t need to spend big there. 
 

But the defense needs investment 

[BigSlick]

I’m not sure where the holes are on offense at all. Left Tackle is the only spot you could really argue is struggling, and I don’t think they’re going to go after anybody over their 2nd round pick. Will probably get someone over Swift (draft most likely?) because I don’t think Monangai is a feature back. 
 

On defense, you have holes, but they’re mostly concentrated on the D-line. you have a very good defensive backfield, health permitting, good linebackers (which we’ll need to make moves on in ‘26), health permitting, and 1 good D-linemen. 

No, I think raw is absolutely right. This is comparable to the 2022/2023 Lions or the 2015 Cubs. We definitely can/should put the chips in for the next couple years. Can’t believe Odeyingbo was so expensive, what a bust of a move there lol. 

 

 

[Wilson A2000]

26 minutes ago, BigbadB said:

Dreadful contract. 1 sack and one other tackle on the season coupled with 2 QB hits for 8m this year, and 20m each of the next two years. Jarrett and Jaylon are each getting 12m raises for next year, also. That's 36m in increased payroll for 3 guys. You got another 6m going to the two QB's in raises. DJ is getting a 3.5m raise. Jonah is getting a 3.5m raise. Thuney is getting a 13m raise. and Kyler is getting about 8.5m in raises. Then lots of 1m raises for your youngsters and roster fodder. 

Bates, Braxton, Swift, Byard, Billings are places you can cut some salary, but Edmonds is the only one with any significance. Poles is going to need to do some serious contract restructuring. Or let's hope the NFL increases the cap by 50m. LOL

People are always saying there are ways to work around the cap. Well, Poles is going to have to do exactly that this coming year.

What’s incredible is that this year isn’t even a down year for Dayo. This is basically what he is.

[Wilson A2000]

2 minutes ago, jersey cubs fan said:

They are leading the nfc by default. You aren’t effectively an even point differential team if your roster has no holes. The defensive line is terrible. The defense is getting by on smoke and mirrors and coaching. But the talent is severely lacking. 
 

There are no real holes on offense, if none of the old guys on the line get hurt this month. I think they need to move on from swift but they don’t need to spend big there. 
 

But the defense needs investment 

You don’t lead the NFC by default. Yes, the d line is not good, but no one has a perfect roster, even conference leaders. 

[Old Style]

We pretty much need to spend all of our draft picks of the defensive front 7 now that the LT has seemingly been solidified, unless an absolute stud drops to whatever pick we have but I think that’s highly unlikely. 

[Wilson A2000]

If the Bears don’t want to invest in Byard at his age, I wonder if Wright could become a free safety. They definitely can’t afford Wright and Byard.

[BigSlick]

They’re 9-3 and just utterly dominated the defending Super Bowl champs on the road. They’re a good team! 
 

 

[jersey cubs fan]

29 minutes ago, Wilson A2000 said:

You don’t lead the NFC by default. Yes, the d line is not good, but no one has a perfect roster, even conference leaders. 

If they end the season leading the league then will amend the statement. But so far this year they are leading the conference because of a bunch of escape jobs against bad teams and what is now two good victories. Better teams have faced tougher competition and because of that Chicago is the current leader of the pack. That’s great. I love it. They took advantage of the comparatively easy first half schedule, and stepped up in their first big game of the second half. Let’s see where they are after facing GB twice, Detroit again and the niners. If they somehow go 4-1 in this stretch they are sitting pretty, 3-2 would be tremendous, but probably not good enough to stay at the top. But 1-4 is still very much of the table based on how they have played this season. 

[Brian707]

1 minute ago, jersey cubs fan said:

 If they somehow go 4-1 in this stretch they are sitting pretty, 3-2 would be tremendous, but probably not good enough to stay at the top. But 1-4 is still very much of the table based on how they have played this season. 

Watch they go 4-1 with the lone loss at home vs Cleveland

[jersey cubs fan]

Just now, Brian707 said:

Watch they go 4-1 with the lone loss at home vs Cleveland

I very much thought that as I looked at the schedule and it would be hilarious. Wouldn’t be upset at 4 NFC wins vs one AFC loss. 

[Soul]

They'll almost surely drop some games coming up.  Win 2 and we're in.  I agree with Jersey completely, it's still a mid-tier roster with holes.  What an amazing job by BJ & crew getting the team where it is given those holes.  There's so much opportunity to improve.  It's got to be scary to the rest of the league how good this team can be with a friggin' pass rush.  And with the coaching staff, we are now able to do what I've rarely seen with a Bears team:  find diamonds in the rough and develop them into players who make real contributions.

[We Got The Whole 9]

Wright should have 7 or 8 picks or even more. He really mirrors receivers well and is often in perfect position but a perfect throw or amazing catch by the receiver was completed regardless. The Higgins catch, one to Brown on Friday, and there was another back shoulder 30 yard td at the front pylon that beat him earlier this season, I forget which game. His length is such an asset. I think hes gonna be a really good player moving forward, wish we could retain him.

[raw]

4 hours ago, BigbadB said:

Are you saying bring Edmunds back? With the increase in salaries to so many players, I see Edmunds as the most likely casualty. I'm all for bringing back as many guys as possible, but a lot of contracts need to be reworked to make everyone fit for next year. Edmunds frees up close to 15m. Edwards, Sewell with Hippolyte and D'Marco Jackson or Ogbongbemiga might be all you need at LB if you spruce up the DL. Jaylon Jones and Terrel Smith potentially back next year saves some dollars. Billings probably won't be back. Brisker should get extended.

Yes, Edmunds is under contract and I think I'd keep him. I'd potentially re-sign him long-term and get out of Edwards' contract after next year.  He's a potential casualty, but he's also been the best player on the defense this year.

[raw]

3 hours ago, jersey cubs fan said:

They are leading the nfc by default. You aren’t effectively an even point differential team if your roster has no holes. The defensive line is terrible. The defense is getting by on smoke and mirrors and coaching. But the talent is severely lacking. 
 

There are no real holes on offense, if none of the old guys on the line get hurt this month. I think they need to move on from swift but they don’t need to spend big there. 
 

But the defense needs investment 

The funny thing is....this is one of the most expensive defenses in the NFL. LOL. You have 2 highly paid CBs, 2 high paid LBs, 2 high paid DEs and Grady Jarrett making a decent bit at DT. 

The defense has the investment. Haven't used any 1st round picks on D, but have used multiple picks on Day 2. They probably get a little boost with CB health next year, But they need a real game-changer on the DL. Sweat is a solid player. Probably even good enough to be a low end #1 pass rusher, but you really need a guy across from him. Booker has had flashes, but you feel much better with him as a good DE3 vs. counting on him for starter snaps. And as said before, Dayo is a straight bum.

I think DT is probably an even bigger issue than DE. Dexter is what he is at this point. He's mid-tier. Grady is probably more Billings going forward than what he was in Atlanta prior to 2024. I'd really love a stud 3-tech, but those guys aren't readily available (and for some reason Edges are sometimes). There aren't any worthwhile FAs after this year. IDK that any are even remotely up for trade either. Maybe 1-2 are cap casualties, but then you have to worry if you aren't getting another Grady Jarrett, who's on the wrong side of the hill.  

That's why I'm all in on Garrett/Crosby/Hendrickson. They need to move the needle fast and in a big way. DT probably looks much better if you are collapsing the edges and getting single blocks inside with Sweat and 1 of those guys.

[BigSlick]

50 minutes ago, raw said:

The funny thing is....this is one of the most expensive defenses in the NFL. LOL. You have 2 highly paid CBs, 2 high paid LBs, 2 high paid DEs and Grady Jarrett making a decent bit at DT. 

The defense has the investment. Haven't used any 1st round picks on D, but have used multiple picks on Day 2. They probably get a little boost with CB health next year, But they need a real game-changer on the DL. Sweat is a solid player. Probably even good enough to be a low end #1 pass rusher, but you really need a guy across from him. Booker has had flashes, but you feel much better with him as a good DE3 vs. counting on him for starter snaps. And as said before, Dayo is a straight bum.

I think DT is probably an even bigger issue than DE. Dexter is what he is at this point. He's mid-tier. Grady is probably more Billings going forward than what he was in Atlanta prior to 2024. I'd really love a stud 3-tech, but those guys aren't readily available (and for some reason Edges are sometimes). There aren't any worthwhile FAs after this year. IDK that any are even remotely up for trade either. Maybe 1-2 are cap casualties, but then you have to worry if you aren't getting another Grady Jarrett, who's on the wrong side of the hill.  

That's why I'm all in on Garrett/Crosby/Hendrickson. They need to move the needle fast and in a big way. DT probably looks much better if you are collapsing the edges and getting single blocks inside with Sweat and 1 of those guys.

100%. I wish Montez was a guy who elevated the guys around him, but he's simply a Very Very Good D-End, but not an elite guy. He's good for a sack a game, a game-changing play every few games, but he isn't a monster that can totally take over a game like Garrett or Crosby can do on occasion.

They gotta get another difference maker on the D-Line, and I'm right there with you: Depending on the cost, I'm not opposed to making a big move for a guy like Maxx Crosby next year. That can elevate this team to championship potential, assuming even modest improvement from Caleb and the offense. 

I wish there were more D-Tackles out there that can really impact the pass rush, but there's a reason why guys like Aaron Donald aren't routinely available. Real unicorn type dudes. Not a lot of them around the league. 

Edited December 1, 2025 by BigSlick

[Banedon]

Some of the stats in this PFF clip about the Bears are impressive.  For example, that was the best rushing grade as a team in the 20 year history of PFF.
 

 

[Wilson A2000]

1 hour ago, Banedon said:

Some of the stats in this PFF clip about the Bears are impressive.  For example, that was the best rushing grade as a team in the 20 year history of PFF.
 

 

And against the reigning Super Bowl champion Eagles who are in first place on the road led by Fangio. Impressive. 

Edited December 1, 2025 by Wilson A2000

[Geographyhater8888]

11 hours ago, Wilson A2000 said:

And against the reigning Super Bowl champion Eagles who are in first place on the road led by Fangio. Impressive. 

PFF as of last week had Dalman ranked 3rd, Wright 4th, Jackson 5th and Thuney 6th as the highest graded lineman for their position groups. .

Edited December 2, 2025 by Geographyhater8888

[Geographyhater8888]

Other noticeable seasons this century after the 12 game mark: 

2001: 9-3 234-172 +62 (8.1-3.9) Pythagorean record

2005: 9-3 201-127 +74 (9-3) Pythagorean record

2006: 10-2 318-150 +168 (10.3-2.7) Pythagorean record

2010: 9-3 246-192 +54 (7.7-4.3) Pythagorean record

2012: 8-4: 294-198 +96 (8.6-3.4) Pythagorean record

2018: 8-4 344-241 +103 (8.4-3.6) Pythagorean record

2025: 9-3 313-307 +6 (6.1-5.9) Pythagorean record

Edited December 2, 2025 by Geographyhater8888

[Geographyhater8888]

11 hours ago, Banedon said:

Some of the stats in this PFF clip about the Bears are impressive.  For example, that was the best rushing grade as a team in the 20 year history of PFF.
 

 

How do they only have a pedestrian 69 grade on run blocking? 

[The_Achiever]

I'm surprised everyone seems eager/ok with moving on from Swift.  IIRC he has 1/$8 million left on his contract after this season; that seems pretty reasonable for a guy playing as well as he has.  He and Monangai seem to complement each other pretty well too.

I'd keep him for one more year if possible.  The cap situation shouldn't be so dire with a QB on a rookie contract.  I will be very mad if they cheap out.