raw

that would be sea-change compared to how often the Bears go downfield Maybe just with Mitch at QB. Looking at your pass charts, I’ve got Trubisky only completing 3 20+ yarders this season, including what looks to be a Hail Mary from last week. But Foles has 17 completions past that range. To be fair, like 14 of those 17 from Foles were against Atlanta in the 2nd half.

After I said i was sold on them on Christmas, they lost like 4 out of 5 and had a worst record than the Knicks. But yeah, they SHOULD be there at the end of the season. May not be the 1 seed, but they'll be the hardest out in the East if at all.

After reflecting on Sunday's game, I feel much better about that game and potentially the prospects of this game. The Bears offense was really very similar to the offense that put up 30+ the previous 4 weeks. Probably should have gone to more intermediate and deep passing plays while the game was still competitive, but if they converted better in short yardage in the redzone, it's a completely different game and an acceptable offensive outcome. The Bears scored 1 TD in 5 trips to the redzone, granted one of those was at the end of the game where they ran out of tie, but they had 6th trip ended on 4th and 1 from the 25. After the fumbled punt return, 3 and out from the 20. Was 3rd and 3 and they ran for 1 yard w/ Montgomery. Should have gone 4th and 2 from the 12. The drive before the half, they did run out of time, but I thought they had time for 1 more shot at the end zone. 9 seconds were left on the near INT. Sucks because that play GB rushed 3 and Leno allowed 1 of the team's only 2 pressures on the day. Trubisky couldn't step into the throw and I think ARob makes a play if the QB is able to throw that with a clean pocket. First drive in the 2nd half, they got the big Mooney play and then got conservative. Inside run to Montgomery, screen to Mooney, and that 3rd down play was just a mess. No Graham or Miller on the field. Wims was out there instead in trips. Mooney ran another 1/2 yard route, making him an easy cover for Amos. Robinson was doubled by the CB and safety. Wims was doubled by 2 LBs in the middle of the field. Only Robinson's route even took him in the endzone, and he was doubled. Kmet was the lone receiver on the other side. He was the primary read, but was covered by their best CB, Jaire Alexander because of the formation. Montgomery caught the checkdown out of the backfield and got to the 2....which the Bears should have gone for. I think on that 3rd down, you have to create a matchup advantage. Maybe Robinson in the slot vs the 2 LBs. Mooney running across the endzone. Graham outside 1-on-1 with a CB or LB. Just bad coaching in general. Should have gone 4th and goal from the 2. The drive at the end of the 3rd, wasn't quite in the redzone but obviously that 4th and 1 play didn't work. Even taking out the drive before the half, they were 2 yards, 3 yards, and 2 yards again from potential TDs. Instead of 21 points, they got 6. That puts the game at 35-31 (more likely 30 or 32, as they would have gone for 2 at some point), with the final drive ending with time running out at the 1. If they play the same vs. New Orleans, with albeit a better defense, and clean up the short yardage stuff....they can score enough points to win this game. I don't think NO scores 5 TDs. So, if the Bears can somehow get to 30 again, I think they win. Easier said than done obviously, but I dont feel like it's an impossible task like I did even a few hours ago.

I don't see how he's not elite. If you think Cam Newton was worthy of a #1 pick (MVP season says he was before injuries), then Fields is certainly worth a top 5. Similar style player, but I think a much better, more experienced passer coming into his draft. He's certainly got his warts, but those deep balls he was dropping into his WRs breadbasket 50 yards down field were special. Yeah, and i was more impressed with a few of his throws to the TEs. People were critical of him not throwing the ball between the hashes very much, but he threw a few tight window throws in the middle of the field which is typically the difference between a good and a great NFL QB.

I don't see how he's not elite. If you think Cam Newton was worthy of a #1 pick (MVP season says he was before injuries), then Fields is certainly worth a top 5. Similar style player, but I think a much better, more experienced passer coming into his draft.

While the game was competitive, the Bears called very few plays with routes beyond that 6-yard depth. It was pretty pathetic actually. The only ones I truly remember are the 3rd play of the game (really high to Mooney) and the deep ball to Mooney. Other than that, they didn't open up the field until the Bears were down 2 scores. Mitch threw the pick the first time they opened it up. Then kept checking it down. FWIW, the pass chart vs. Houston looks very similar. The Bears just had astronomical YAC numbers in that game.

My predictions: Atlanta- Eric Bienemy Jacksonville- Urban Meyer LA Chargers- Brian Daboll Detroit- Robert Saleh NY Jets- Joe Brady Houston- Arthur Smith

I think it's kind of a big deal if a team actively tried not to win a game that was winnable. On Hurts' last drive, the Eagles got the ball at the WFT 15. They got a 1st and had 1st and goal from the 5. Got 1 yard and then 3 incomplete passes by Hurts. Which means, they went on 4th down and passed up what was at that time, a game-tying FG late in the 3rd quarter. But yeah, Hurts wasn't exactly great in this game. You can't really prove the Eagles intentionally didn't try to win this game, but FWIW, several of the Eagles players believe they didn't try to win it. But the interesting thing to me is that Carson Wentz was made inactive before the game. He has been the #2 QB since he was benched. So, it seems like either Pedersen wanted to get Sudfeld some snaps (which doesn't make sense bc Sudfeld is a FA after the season and probably not in the 2021 plans) or Pedersen/Luria wanted to lose this game if the opportunity presented itself.

Doesn't look good for Mooney as in next week or worse? As in next week. Speculation is that it's not a good sign the Bears immediately ruled him out for the game when it happened. It's his ankle.

FYI, it sounds like Roquan Smith dislocated his elbow. Also, doesn't look good for Mooney.

They converted a previous 4th down with the same play (to Mooney). And Jimmy Graham screwed up the play as he was supposed to pick Robinson's man making that another easy completion. Robinson was the only option on the play. It was an OK play call, just didn't execute per usual. As for the rest of the gameplan, Trubisky only attempted 7 passes over 6 yards beyond the line of scrimmage. I've seen screenshots and there were very few plays other than those 7 where there were even routes run beyond 6 yards. I understand being conservative, but you cant let the defense sit at 6 yards all game and expect to convert when the field gets shorter. That being said, based on Trubisky's throws over 6 yards (2-7, INT), I can see why Nagy was afraid to let him do much more than that.

The defense is fine. The NFL is not catered to defenses carrying teams, and hasn't been for a while, hence why the Bears have made the playoffs like 5 times in 25 years. Every 5 years or so they find the needle in the haystack that is an offense carried to the playoffs by an elite defense. Roquan is great. Goldman is coming back. Johnson and Nichols are solid building blocks. Fuller is solid and should be extended for a lower cap hit. For next year, gotta hope for better health for guys like Mack and Quinn. And you gotta hope a change in scheme (new DC) brings back whatever has happened to Eddie Jackson. I'm sure they'll keep Hicks around since everyone else is coming back (I'd probably release him and get 10.5M in cap space), but then after 2021 you can get out the Hicks, Quinn, and Trevathan deals. Either way, they should be a top 12 unit in DVOA again next year. Maybe a new DC and health gets them back to rushing the passer and creating turnovers more consistently, and they get back to a top 5 unit. But even if not, they should be good enough to win games if they get a halfway decent offense. If they do make a change in the D, I just want to get out ahead and say it should be a broad search and it can be a 3-4 or 4-3 guy. I think a few guys like Mack and Quinn may actually be better in a 4-3 and most of their rotation guys are FA anyways even if they were scheme dependent. Yeah doesn't matter what scheme they run other than the fact they'd probably need more off the ball LBs than they currently have. But I will say I'd like them to give Jay Rodgers an interview at DC. He's spanned the Fox and Nagy regimes. He came over with Fox and has done a great job developing guys at his position (Hicks from average to stud, RRH a UDFA, Nichols a 5th rounder, Goldman; Edwards, Urban, and Nick Williams have had their best years with him). And the other Fangio assistant that became a DC has the #1 D in LA in his first season.

It's a very, very mediocre defense. It had two good games in the entire second half of the season, and one of those was Jacksonville so it doesn't count. Mack and Hicks have lost a step. Jackson is completely washed up. Smith is pretty good at what he does, but what he does is clean up plays and pad his tackle stats beyond his actual impact. Quinn was worthless this year, maybe he'll be more healthy next year or maybe not. Fuller and Johnson are ok (although Johnson's a bit overrated by Bears fans). Trevathan is the guy who makes a TFL on 2nd-and-8 then gets targeted for an easy first down on 3rd-and-9. Eddie Jackson is completely washed up and actively bad at his job. I honestly can't remember one thing some dude named Gipson who is apparently our other starting safety did all season. You've already invested way too much in the defense as it is, you can't possibly justify committing a bunch more to it. Montgomery, Mooney and Kmet are what you build the team around going forward. I don’t know about very very mediocre. They were ranked 7th in the league in defensive DVOA going into this week, maybe there are better stats out there to evaluate defense, feel free to suggest. But your remarks on the individual players are valid, so maybe as a collective unit they hold their own but their individual pieces are not at the level were at 2 years ago. Still think the secondary is a strong unit but are often burdened by a lack of pass rush. Jaylon Johnson has potential but for every big play he’s made, he’s countered with a glaring mistake. But he’s a rookie and I like what I’ve seen The defense is fine. The NFL is not catered to defenses carrying teams, and hasn't been for a while, hence why the Bears have made the playoffs like 5 times in 25 years. Every 5 years or so they find the needle in the haystack that is an offense carried to the playoffs by an elite defense. Roquan is great. Goldman is coming back. Johnson and Nichols are solid building blocks. Fuller is solid and should be extended for a lower cap hit. For next year, gotta hope for better health for guys like Mack and Quinn. And you gotta hope a change in scheme (new DC) brings back whatever has happened to Eddie Jackson. I'm sure they'll keep Hicks around since everyone else is coming back (I'd probably release him and get 10.5M in cap space), but then after 2021 you can get out the Hicks, Quinn, and Trevathan deals. Either way, they should be a top 12 unit in DVOA again next year. Maybe a new DC and health gets them back to rushing the passer and creating turnovers more consistently, and they get back to a top 5 unit. But even if not, they should be good enough to win games if they get a halfway decent offense.

Wasn't it just sitting Roethlisberger? I don't know their defensive players but the offensive skill players for Pittsburgh played. TJ Watt (possible defensive MVP) and Cam Heyward (pro bowl level player) didn't play on defense.

Eh. I'm happy to see them in a playoff game. They wouldn't be better off if they came up short. It's always been a good chance that Nagy/Pace will have a chance to select a QB in the 2021 draft, considering the timing of Nagy coming in after Mitch was already here. Unless Mitch takes them deep in the playoffs, they aren't going to need to give him a crazy deal. It will be something they can get out of in a year. If they show no progress in 2021 then they will be in a better position to clean house top to bottom and allow a new GM/Prez type to figure it out. I'm still not convinced they let Pace lame duck it. But a token one year extension or something seems pretty blatantly admitting he's on the hot seat as well. I think barring a collapse theyre committed to Pace and probably Nagy too. I wouldn't be shocked at a Pace multi year extension. Even if they hadn't raked out a playoff spot, I think 8-8 seasons could buy this duo quite a bit more time that the average fan would want. That is unless there is any truth to the rumor about a unannounced extension and Pace already has a deal running through 22 and not 21. Needless to say this offseason will be interesting though. I think we'll see a relatively big QB investment and a lot of cap deferring games so they can go for it again in 2021, even though they definitely shouldn't be doing the latter. I'm pretty confident they extended him quietly to have his contract end w/ Nagy's. It's just a rumor and I have no inside information or anything, but it seems pretty logical.

Gase firing is official. The really interesting coaching decision has become LA Chargers. They finished 7-9 on a 4-game win streak. Justin Herbert is the best rookie QB ever statistically, and the assumption is Lynn (an offensive coach) had some say in drafting and/or developing him. Lynn is clearly not a good game day coach, as his team has lost in miserable ways the last few years. But 7-9 with OT losses to KC and NO, a last play loss to Denver, and 7 total losses by 1 score is something to build on.

I like Leming, but I absolutely hate when people say stuff like this. He doesn't know Nagy, he has no idea about his "ego". He doesn't even know if he was actually calling the plays today. People said the same thing when he wouldn't give up playcalling. People said Pace had too much of an ego to admit his mistake and cut Shaheen or whatever the hell. Plus he's the head coach. The blame will fall on him either way. Why shouldn't he be willing to actually get the blame for something he's doing instead of getting blamed for something someone else did wrong?

Well, if you're one of those people that wanted the Bears to fail so a clean sweep was made in the organization...today was probably the best case scenario of your worst case scenario. Mitch didn't dominate or come close to beating the team this franchise needs to find a way to beat consistently. He didn't create a scenario where the Bears are forced to franchise tag him or sign him to a long-term contract and "run it back" with the same group. Whether you think Mitch was bad because of the playcalling or the playcalling was limited because of the QB, it's still pretty clear that Mitch isn't the ideal QB for Matt Nagy's offense. While Foles wasn't ideal either, calling into question if Nagy's offense even has any potential to be good, Nagy is going to be back next year. If he's back, there's probably at least a decent chance he doesn't want Mitch back if he has any say. And while they don't have the money or draft picks to do any better than Mitch, they can certainly do "different", which at least could yield different results. For better or worse 8-8 and a 1-and-done playoff berth isn't an ideal outcome.

That's just a new GM Well they don't have the balls to fire Pace so this is the next best thing.

That's just a new GM Well they don't have the balls to fire Pace so this is the next best thing.

Alvin Kamara can't play if the game is Saturday. Can if Sunday. Someone can correct me on this, but Kamara tested positive so NFL protocol dictates he’s out through Saturday, but the rest of the players who were out due to contact tracing can be active after two negatives, correct? Correct.

They're not firing Nagy, guys. No need to even continue talking about it. Who the hell cares? Bring them all back, hire a real president of football operations, have that person oversee and stop Pace from dumb decisions and Nagy from whatever the hell he's doing with playcalling.

Several: Tony Dungy - 2001 Marty Schottenheimer - 2006 (after going 14-2, lol) Mike Mularkey - 2017 Lovie Smith - 2012 Uh.....your bolded is wrong. 10-6, but no playoffs for 2012 Bears.

No matter who wins tonight, the AFC will have 5 teams in the playoffs who have lost 5 or fewer games. The NFC will have 2 teams that lost at least 5 straight games. The Giants actually started 0-5. LOL

Fangio is safe.