Frustrations over a 31-3 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, a 3-8 start, and a fifth consecutive non-winning season – among other things, I’m sure – have seemingly boiled over at the Chicago Bears’ practice facility.
Adam Hoge of WGN was one of the reporters in the Halas Hall media room who overheard a loud argument in a nearby hallway, though which players were involved and what the argument was about are unknown:
Things are tense today at Halas Hall. A loud argument between players just erupted in the hallway adjacent to the media room. Hard to tell exactly who was involved. #Bears
— Adam Hoge (@AdamHoge) November 27, 2017
Rich Campbell of the Chicago Tribune also heard the ruckus, but cautioned not to draw big conclusions without knowing the details:
The hallway uproar sounded like frustration commensurate with a team on a four-game losing streak that just got blown out, but caution always needed in trying to draw conclusions without all the info. #Bears https://t.co/O2dHQEGCZy
— Rich Campbell (@Rich_Campbell) November 27, 2017
Running back Benny Cunningham met with the media in the wake of the Bears’ 28-point loss and was asked about what happened in the hallway. Like the reporters in the room, Cunningham didn’t know specifics regarding what happened. However, he did offer up an anecdote fitting for the situation, noting that he could “feel the frustration” coming from the team:
#Bears RB Benny Cunningham said he didn’t know what happened in the hallway, but did say this: pic.twitter.com/TPGjETFYIy
— Adam Hoge (@AdamHoge) November 27, 2017
If frustration from Bears players is a direct result from losing, this could be a good thing for the big picture.
You’re frustrated. I’m frustrated. They’re frustrated. We’re all frustrated together. It would be more concerning if a sense of apathy set in and no one cared enough to argue. Besides, bottling up frustration and forcing it to remain internal is unhealthy, so it’s good that players let it out – as long as no one was physically harmed and unable to perform in Week 13 or beyond. The last thing this Bears team are self-inflicted wounds (in the most literal sense) serving as a setback.
The idea of frustration is natural considering the team is riding a four-game losing streak and is one loss from securing its fourth straight losing season. Ideally, the Bears can channel this energy and apply it toward the necessary preparations for a Week 13 contest against a San Francisco 49ers team on a rebuilding path similar to that of the Bears.
Meanwhile, some messages from the universe today:
There's a wretched stench throughout Halas Hall this afternoon. I mean, totally nasty. Apparently sushi was served here late last week & no one disposed of it properly over the holiday weekend. HC John Fox said he thinks the smell is, indeed, the sushi. Yuck.
— Rich Campbell (@Rich_Campbell) November 27, 2017
A trash fire at Soldier Field per CFD. #ChicagoScanner
— Eric Tendian (@EricTendian) November 27, 2017