A Hypothetical Playoff Fantasy and Other Bullets

PlayoffsMeme

I had my own recap up yesterday afternoon which covered a lot of my own thoughts on the crucial road win. The one thing I’ll tease you with as far as the Bears playoff hopes? By my admittedly amateurish calculations, if they beat Philadelphia next Sunday night, and then end up making the playoffs, they would be assured of the #3 seed in the NFC. They’d have the tiebreaker over both Philadelphia and Dallas, and as both teams lost yesterday (to the Vikings and Packers, respectively) neither team could finish ahead of Chicago at that point. To get way too far ahead of myself, I’ll note that the #3 seed likely means avoiding a trip to Seattle until at least the NFC Championship in this wonderful hypothetical fantasy land I’ve created for myself. It’s warm and cozy here. Feel free to join me.

  • Before the game started, reports from ESPN and FOX’s Jay Glazer (Glazer’s is video only, you can watch it here if you’d like) stated that some Bears players were not entirely on board with the decision to start the returning Jay Cutler. I don’t have a lot of patience for anonymous leaks, and I doubt the Bears coaching staff and management feel any differently. Furthermore, the idea that these defensive players have any room to criticize the performance of a teammate is the utmost in hypocrisy. Let’s remember when Jay Cutler is ripped for being a bad teammate that there were no offensive players talking to the press about how poorly the defense has played this season.
  • David Haugh of the Tribune checks in with a story on Cutler’s mental toughness in the face of both external and internal pressures. He also notes that after Cutler’s second interception, Jay finished the game 14/18 for 161 yards and 3 touchdowns. Impressive adjustment from the coaches and an impressive righting of the ship for Cutler. I’ve always liked Jay (if you want to know why, just check out the quarterback chart I posted yesterday) but early in his Chicago career it was fair to criticize his ability to overcome poor starts. Of course, when you consider what he had to work with (in the huddle and on the sideline) maybe that criticism really wasn’t so fair.
  • ESPN Chicago’s Jeff Dickerson brings us quotes from Brandon Marshall, who attributed Cutler’s early interceptions to rust. Which makes sense to me. He certainly seemed fine later in the game, and neither throw was a bad decision; the first was an attempt to throw it where only Marshall could get to it (unsuccessful) and the second was a throw that sailed over an open Marshall. Tough conditions, out for four weeks; I tend to give the guy a break on those. It’s the bad decisions that always bother me more. The last thing I worry about with Cutler is his ability to throw the ball.
  • With all the new offensive talent that Phil Emery has brought with him, it can be easy to lose sight of Earl Bennett. As Kevin Fishbain reminds us, that goes for opposing defenses as well. He caught 4 balls for 23 yards against Cleveland, including the go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter. I’ve always liked Earl; he has great hands, runs solid routes, and is another able blocker. It’s a luxury to have him as the Bears fifth option on offense, and it’s one I’m not sure they can afford to keep going forward, sadly. So let’s enjoy him while we can.
  • ESPN Chicago’s Michael C. Wright writes that the Bears defense finally bailed out the offense. They certainly did play better football, and it was very nice to see a defensive touchdown. We fans were so spoiled by their incredible run of touchdowns last year.
  • CBS Chicago’s Adam Hoge notes that Jeremiah Ratliff turned in a strong performance Sunday, recording a tackle for loss and three quarterback hurries. His presence has seemingly had a stabilizing effect; perhaps the potential return of Lance Briggs can help as well? Hoge also lets us know that the Bears once again avoided a major injury, which is refreshing. 2-INT man Zach Bowman left the game at one point in the second half, but he was able to return.
  • The Tribune’s Brad Biggs wrote a nice piece on Tim Jennings, and how he managed to keep Josh Gordon in check. The NFL’s leading receiver finished with just 3 catches for 67 yards, with most of those on a late touchdown courtesy of a poor play from Chris Conte. (So, just a normal play from Chris Conte then, I guess.) Jennings has been a great find for the Bears. Living in Indiana, I get a ton of Colts games on CBS, and when I watched him play in Indy I was never a big fan. When the Bears signed him I was a bit skeptical, but his development since the start of 2012 has been very impressive. With Tillman out, he’s been drawing #1 assignments, and with the Bears running more pressure schemes due to a lackluster defensive line, he’s played solid coverage without much help. (Just last week, Dez Bryant finished with just 2 catches for 12 yards.) Credit where it’s due: a great find by the previous regime.
  • Finally, Dan Durkin of CBS Chicago has a great breakdown of the Bears usage of the crack toss play. They’ve used it in previous games, but I think Sunday was the first time they’d sent Alshon Jeffery in motion pre-snap, threatening an #AlshonEndAround before running the toss to the opposite side. They ran it twice, including a big first down that set up the Michael Bush 40-yard touchdown late in the game. Durkin notes that Aaron Kromer brought that concept with him from New Orleans, and it really utilizes a lot of the Bears strengths; athletic tackles, tremendous blocking receivers, and a running back who can read and cut as well as anyone in the game. Jeffery himself had only one carry on an end-around, for a loss of three yards; defenses have obviously wised up to the fact that the Bears are going to run it. But by showing that commitment to the play, Trestman and Kromer are able to use it to catch defenses who are too eager to blow it up, leading to the effectiveness of the toss play. A great new wrinkle, and a perfect example of how this offensive coaching staff is able to creatively make adjustments to outsmart opponents. We have smart offensive coaches, everyone! I don’t know what to do with myself.
  • written by

    Brett Taylor is the Lead Cubs Writer at Bleacher Nation, and you can find him on Twitter at @BleacherNation and on LinkedIn here. Brett is also the founder of Bleacher Nation, which opened up shop in 2008 as an independent blog about the Chicago Cubs. Later growing to incorporate coverage of other Chicago sports, Bleacher Nation is now one of the largest regional sports blogs on the web.

    more bears news

    Dan Campbell is Happy To See Justin Fields Leave the NFC North

    There was no escaping the mixed emotions from Chicago Bears fans when the Justin Fields trade went down earlier this month. But there were none of that from Detroit Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell. Heck, I'd argue there was just...

    Another Pass Rusher Signs Elsewhere: Jadeveon Clowney Lands With the Panthers

    Another day. Another pass rusher signing. And another defensive lineman going to a team that isn't the Chicago Bears. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport was the first with the news of Jadeveon Clowney signing with the Carolina Panthers. Meanwhile, ESPN's...

    Malik Nabers Might’ve Run His Way Out of the Chicago Bears Draft Spot

    Today was LSU's Pro Day and Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles was scheduled to be in attendance, per The Athletic's Adam Jahns. Assuming Poles made his flight, he got a good look at the likes of quarterback Jayden Daniels, as...

    Goodell on Bears Stadium Deal, No to Hard Knocks? More Old Friends Go to Steelers, and Other Bears Bullets

    I keep forgetting that I have a Starbucks gift card from Christmas that has gone unused to this point. Maybe I'll remember it next time I go out for coffee. A big shout out to PFF Brad, who made the...

    Ryan Poles Was Pissed Off By RGIII’s Comments About Caleb Williams Situation

    When I saw them pop up, RGIII's comments suggesting Caleb Williams pull an Eli Manning and refuse to play for the Chicago Bears were met with an eye-roll, audible groan, and immediate dismissal before moving onto more pertinent topics. But...

    Bears Stadium Update: Kevin Warren Reiterates Plans to Build in Downtown Chicago

    It sure is starting to sound like Arlington Heights fumbled the bag when it comes to locking in Arlington Park as the future home of a Chicago Bears stadium. While meeting with the media at the NFL owners meetings in...

    The NFL is Playing a Christmas Day Doubleheader in 2024

    Christmastime is generally full of cheer. And in 2024, it will be full of cheering. In fact, we're talking double the cheer. ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reports the league will play not one, but *TWO* Christmas Day games. It's...

    2024 NFL Mock Draft: How High Can J.J. McCarthy’s Stock Rise?

    Hard to believe we're less than a month away from the 1st Round of the 2024 NFL Draft! With just weeks remaining until the NFL's most noteworthy offseason event, there are plenty of rumors floating. As we work through all...

    NFL Rules Shakeup, Tomlin on Fields, Trubisky’s Linsanity Run, and Other Bears Bullets

    The Bachelor's season-finale had a couple of jaw-dropping moments. Once the group chat catches up, it is going to be lit. What better way to start Bears Bullets than with breakfast anecdotes? I think I'm going to enjoy D'Andre Swift's...

    Around the NFL: New Kickoff Rules Explained, NFL Trade Deadline Extended, More

    NFL owners ratified a sweeping overhaul of the kickoff play on Tuesday, embracing a format inspired by the XFL following three days of deliberations at the league’s yearly gathering. Essentially, the new format relocates the bulk of both kicking and return teams...

    Latest News

    Los Angeles Chargers Offseason Preview: 2024 Free Agents and Team Needs

    The Los Angeles Chargers enter the offseason with a new era dawning. After a disappointing season, they landed a marquee hire in Jim Harbaugh, fresh off his national championship win with Michigan. Hailed as the top coaching prospect, Harbaugh brings a...

    Rangers vs. Cubs Probable Starting Pitchers – March 28

    The Texas Rangers (0-0) and the Chicago Cubs (0-0) square off on Thursday at Globe Life Field for Opening Day. First pitch is at 7:35 PM ET.The Rangers will call on Nathan Eovaldi against the Cubs and Justin Steele.Rangers vs....

    Best NBA Prop Bets Today – March 28, 2024

    The Boston Celtics and the Atlanta Hawks take the court for one of two exciting matchups on the NBA slate today.Looking for NBA player prop bets for today's games? This article includes NBA player props for every matchup, so take...

    UNC vs Alabama Predictions and Odds: March Madness Best Bets

    We have a great matchup in the Sweet 16 between (1) North Carolina and (4) Alabama. Let's break down the odds, ATS records, and more for UNC vs Alabama as March Madness continues. Read More: Today's schedule and upset picks...

    Seattle Seahawks Offseason Preview: 2024 Free Agents and Team Needs

    The Seattle Seahawks turn the page on a historic era as they enter the 2024 season without Pete Carroll at the helm for the first time since 2010. Carroll's impact on the franchise is undeniable, crafting a period of sustained...

    Who Is In The Sweet 16? Updated Bracket, Odds to Win, and More

    It has been a great March Madness so far and we have more great matchups in the Sweet 16. Check out what teams are in the Sweet 16, odds, and more as the college basketball season rolls on. Latest March...

    Today’s March Madness Schedule: Updated Bracket, TV Channels for Every Game

    The Sweet 16 is here as March Madness brings us some great matchups tonight! Check out today's March Madness schedule along with game times, TV channels, and more as the college basketball season's biggest games continue. The Sweet 16 Begins...

    2024 MLB Mock Draft: Opening Day Mock Draft Projections

    Happy Opening Day! As the new baseball season begins, and hope is present among most fanbases, why not take a look at a new 2024 MLB Mock Draft? Various mock drafts meticulously analyze potential picks, emphasizing the abundance of talent...

    WAKE UP, BASEBALL IS BACK

    The day has arrived. Opening Day. The most glorious day on the baseball calendar, save for the day of each Chicago Cubs World Series win, of course. See, I get to say things like that on Opening Day. Maybe the...

    Pac-12 Basketball Predictions, Computer Picks and Best Bets | March 28

    There is one game featuring a Pac-12 teams on the Thursday postseason college basketball schedule, the Clemson Tigers versus the Arizona Wildcats. Make sure you check out below for today's best bets!How to Bet on Pac-12 Games[lasso rel="draftkings-promo-1" id="299003"]Best Pac-12...

    more bears news