raw

Yes, because 12:00 Sunday starts are notoriously full of sober crowds.

That's my thinking as well. Ben has definitely tried to get the passing game going, so he's not going to go to the Justin Fields Bears gameplan. Even in a dominant running game last week, Caleb still threw it 36 times + had a few scrambles, granted they ran an insane 80+ plays! The threat of the run game SHOULD slow down Parsons/Gary and then there's playaction that keeps them at bay a bit (depending how aggresive they play it). Gotta stay out of true passing situations like 2nd and 3rd and long. Plus, call me crazy, but I'm putting a lot of stock into Caleb being a big play/big situation guy. He has proven his late game prowess and even put together a big "put away" drive on Friday. So maybe he treats Packers week as a game long big situation. He has 5 games over 70% completion and 2 of them were GB last year. Granted, the last game was a lot of dinking and dunking and they scored on short fields, but maybe there's something to that and Bears pull this one out. I'm fine with a split with GB, but damnit I want the 1 to be this one. LOL.

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.

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.

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.

YOUR CHICAGO BEARS NOW HAVE HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE IN THE NFC!

While I agree Ben taking more control of personnel is ideal, and I know Poles will never get credit, but I feel like everything he did led to this all being possible. He didn't HAVE to gut the roster and bottom out, but without that, we don't get the trade that led to Caleb. Half the (stupid) fanbase thought he should have traded again and kept Fields, he obviously should get credit for NOT doing that, even though it all seems like the biggest possible no-brainer at this point. I think at the very least, we gotta respect his ability as a salesman. He sold Warren/ownership in getting rid of Flus, mid season, for the first time in franchise history. He sold Ben on this being the best job out there. Ben obviously chose the Bears, but Poles could have easily gotten impatient waiting for a HC and I think it's pretty clear he identified Ben pretty early on as his guy. I tend to believe there's some truth to the theories that Poles was kinda forced into (though he didn't fight) the Flus hire. I tend to believe there's some truth to him wanting to get rid of Flus before 2024 and wasn't allowed to by ownership. And I could buy an argument that Ben knew the Poles/Bears' interest and turned down jobs last year waiting for the Bears job. Ben also could have demanded to bring in his own GM and didn't. Basically, there's nothing with the way things are right now that proves to me that this wasn't Poles' vision the whole time. Maybe Warren made the purses open. Maybe Warren is co-responsible for everything. Maybe Poles could've/should've gotten things to this point sooner and more efficiently, but you can't convince me that the end goal wasn't elite QB prospect/play + big time offensive HC, and that's what we potentially have, regardless of how it got here.

Fangio would not stop being Fangio. He played what he plays and didn't adjust. He's going to play his 6 guys in the box, 2 high safety look and dare you to run it. He's going to get his DEs wide and up the field, and Ben just ran underneath them all day or misdirectioned the LBs. Just proved to me how good Eddie Goldman and Hicks were upfront, and Roquan and Trevathan were much better LBs than the Eagles have.

It was early enough in the game that I don't think they would've gone for 2. Also, the home team, that also has momentum given that they just scored, probably doesn't go for the win even if it was a late game situation. Also, I trust my top 3 playcaller in the league to get 3 yards when the run game was able to get almost 7 a pop.

Just to add.... 1. I would pass on 2nd and short every time. The issue with the 2nd and 1 was it was a screen pass. It ended up not being a bad look for a screen, but usually you have guys at the LB and maybe even S level looking for a run, so a screen keeps them somewhat close to the LOS unless they bail hard when they read pass. Plus, a screen gives you a chance to lose yards (so does a sack, I guess), but I go shot play, or at least 10-15 yards on a 2nd and 1 pass call. But who am I to question Ben? LOL 2. I think going for 2 is the call for the Eagles there. I get making it a 1 score game, but if you get the 2 there, you can go for the win if you get another shot. Plus I like going for 2 after a long drive and a tired defense in general. My bigger issue is the Bears NOT going for 2 when they scored up 10-9. 16-9 with the TD. The way I see it, if you kick it go up 8, the other team goes for 2. If you go for 2, you can go up 2 scores or even if you miss it, the other team never goes for 2 anyway, so either way, you're tied worst case scenario when/if the other team scores.

Not one to toot my own horn, but BEEP BEEP MF'ers! I'm still so amped from yesterday.

If the Eagles really commit to the run, they are going to be tough to beat. Barkley and the QB run should do well today against the Bears D and the replacement LBs. If they pass, I think whoever is facing the Eagles backup RT can do some damage. Would love to see some interior pressure as well from DL or blitzing. I expect a lot of blitzing. Treat Hurts like you did Rattler. He has 1 INT this year, but is not the most accurate QB. On O, I dont feel like a team has truly "stopped" the Bears. Bears have just killed their own momentum at times, and taken more potential points off the board. Eagles LBs are super aggressive. They want to play downhill fast. Misdirection and counters will work against them. In the pass game, they are working in a new S and another who's not 100%. They've had issues on in-breakers and vs playaction (aggressive LBs) which the Bears love. And I think this could be a big Loveland game. Eagles played GB and Detroit right after they lost Kraft and LaPorta, respectively.

I'm pretty sure that was Caleb's longest time to throw play of the game. Wright held him off for over 3 seconds and then Caleb danced with him for another 2 before dropping the ball. Legitimately, the worst play of Caleb's career. Throwing it out of bounds for 2 points would have been a better option.

Root for GB to win on Thanksgiving. Then hopefully either the semi-hot Cowboys or the likely favored Rams can beat the Lions and put them at 6 losses, which at worst case likely puts the Lions/Bears Week 18 matchup as a win and in game. But also root for GB, because the Bears have 2 shots at them and only 1 vs Detroit.

It was his 2nd HC job (HC of the Raiders from 2012-14). It's going to take a while for that 3rd opportunity.

No, was Andrew Mukuba. He needs surgery for a fractured ankle and will be out for the (regular) season. Just announced a bit ago. Blankenship has a thigh/quad injury. Unsure of his status, but him not coming back in a division game that was slipping away from them doesn't bode well to play in 4 days.

Like I said in the other thread, the Eagles haven't been a big "come out firing on all cylinders to avenge a loss" team. The team has some issues and some malcontented players, which won't be any better coming off a division loss and blown lead on a short week. The Bears CAN win this game. I'm not going to say they will win this game, but it certainly wouldn't surprise me. I would put money on the Bears +7 if I was a betting man, as I think they keep it close at worst. That being said, the Eagles are a MUCH tougher matchup to face with no LBs. Barkley's obviously a better runner than either Pittsburgh guy. He's also a really good receiver, and Hurts is a really good runner....all will put pressure on a practice squad LB group, who don't really have a whole lot of time to prepare for what they will see from the Eagles. Of note, the Eagles safety position may look like the Bears LB position on Friday. They have 3 on the roster, both left midway thru yesterday, one left the stadium in a walking boot. They have a couple practice squad guys, and I'd imagine we may see at least 1 of them get a bunch of snaps this week. Also not likely to have Lane Johnson and are 13-26 all-time when he's been injured.

I agree with the Philly assessment. And I was looking at their history under Sirianni and they aren't really a "get right game" type of team. When they lose, they tend to spiral a little bit. 2025- back-to-back losses earlier this year. 2nd loss was on a short week @ NYG 2024- they lost 2 of 3 games early, that win in between was 15-12 and they were held scoreless until the 4th quarter. Lost 3 games this season. After the other, they beat the Cooper Rush Cowboys. 2023- famously lost 6 of their last 7 (including playoffs) to end the season, and completely fell apart. 2022- they lost back-to-back here as well. After their only other loss this year, they eked out a 17-16 win vs Jeff Saturday's Colts. I don't think Sirianni is a strong locker room guy. It's just not that big of a deal because they are the most talented team in the league. But this is the best time to be getting them. Short week, Lane Johnson is supposedly out 4-6 weeks (not put on IR though). And they are 13-26 all time without Lane, Their OL overall hasn't been as strong run blocking and going from best RT in the league to replacement level guy is a big deal.

If you look at the sideline angle of the last play, Nahshon jumps that route and probably has a pick 6 if Brisker doesn't tip that pass. I wish somebody (any one or all of) on the O-line would get a game ball. They've been so good the last 9 weeks.

I don't think he will start forcing throws. That's just not his game. He sees the field too well. The completion % will come up if he starts taking checkdowns more. But that's also not his game. If the comp % can get up 64%, he may be the best QB in the league with his mobility and propensity to make the big play. And he's not as far off as you may think. If you take into account the drops, he's already at 62.5%. Obviously, drops happen to all QBs but drops are not counted on play's like Rome's today where he got the ball knocked out on the sidelines or many of the contested catches he has NOT made this year. This offense is real close. Caleb is real close. Both are really good as is, but the next step is something we have never seen in this city, and it's on the cusp of happening.

He was excellent. https://x.com/ilannfl/status/1992708484128022531?s=20

Put the ball in harm's way a little today with some inaccuracies, but he now has 152 throw streak without throwing an INT, after 255 straight last year. I know there were concerns that he was holding onto the ball and being ultra-conservative, but I think this year has just proven that he just doesn't put the ball where it shouldn't be. The streak was 117 coming into today, and IDK the stats for today, but those 117 featured ZERO (0) interceptable passes. So he isn't even relying on luck and the ball hitting DBs in the hands....until today with a couple of his overthrows.

Theo Benedet is out. Ozzy Trapilo is your starting LT

I just gave statistical reasons of why 30 points isn't very doable, but I'll take your word over the 3x being against defenses worst than the Bears, and 1 of those time scoring nearly half of those points on D. But I think you overrate the LB position. Especially for this game. To exploit bad LBs, you either need to be able to run the ball well (the Steelers don't) or be able to exploit them in coverage with your RBs and TEs. The Steelers do carry 4 TEs and use 3 of them a ton, but 2 of those TEs (Friermuth, Jonnu) are glorified WRs. You aren't going to cover them with LBs anyway. The other is Darnell Washington who is a glorified offensive tackle. Not going to run free at the 2nd level. The RBs could give the Bears some trouble, but as long as they come up and tackle, they'll be fine in this particular game.

Steelers have scored 30 only 3x this season. Week 1 vs the Jets, and both times vs the disgusting Bengals defense, including last Sunday. But they needed 2 defensive TDs to get to 30 last week. Steelers have 4 games over 300 yards of total offense. Again, 2 vs the Bengals. Only 1 game all season above the 373 yards the Bears offense averages per game, and you guessed it, it was vs the Bengals. No other game has been within 30 yards of the Bears average output per game. Not that the Bears defense is good by any means, but the Steelers offense is pretty bad. They are 22nd in passing and 29th in rushing offense. They've been missing the CBs all year. Essentially the only losses this week are Edmunds and Sewell, the 5th lowest graded LB per PFF. This isn't the game to worry about the injuries. But going forward, no Edmunds will be a killer. The Bears offense is going to have to do what they do and win the game.