It’s December and There Is Still Plenty For Bears Fans to Be Optimistic About and Other Bullets

The college football playoff system is like a bizarro world version of Fight Club, where the first rule of the college football system is to make sure everyone is talking about the college football playoff system. We’re going to get quality games that will determine which school takes home the coveted national championship, it’s just that a deserving contender (or two … or three) is going to be left on the outside looking in.

  • Let’s deal in some optimism, shall we? Bears starting QB Mitch Trubisky did some light throwing prior to to today’s game. And while Chase Daniel is still expected to start, knowing that Trubisky was able to put in another throwing session is reason enough to feel better about his immediate future … after today’s game, of course.
  • But hey, I get it. A throwing session on game day is going to spark some thought in the back of your mind that No. 10 could return to his role as QB1 immediately. But it’s still not something I see happening today, even if I was at my most optimistic:
  • https://twitter.com/StaceyDales/status/1069242720160555008

  • Speaking of optimistic perspectives, NFL Network insider Mike Garafolo tries to predict the future and his crystal ball sees something special for the Bears once the postseason picture shakes out:
  • https://twitter.com/BN_Bears/status/1069238990908338176

  • The odds of the Bears playing themselves into a first-round bye aren’t as slim as you might believe.
  • Matt Nagy was already a hot candidate for the NFL’s Coach of the Year honors leading into the team’s Week 13 matchup against the Giants. But if the Bears were to snag the No. 2 seed in the NFC and the first-round bye that comes with it, that makes him a virtual lock, right? OK, so there is still a ton of time that will decide who earns that prestigious award and I’m looking forward to it being decided by some of the most exciting teams going. But as Connor Orr of SI.com points out, it’s a loaded field of candidates.
  • So if the Bears were to finish the season with the second best record in the NFC behind the coaching prowess of the league’s Coach of the Year winner, that means GM Ryan Pace should get his share of love for the NFL’s Executive of the Year award. NFL.com writer Chris Wesseling believes Pace leads a strong group of front office head honchos in the Executive of the Year race. To this point, it looks like Pace hired the right coach, made the correct moves on draft weekend, and added the ideal mix of free agents to turn a team that had finished in the NFC North’s basement for the last four years. Even Pace’s toughest critics have to give credit where it’s due. Because even if you acknowledge the short-comings early in his stint as Bears GM, that things have turned around this season should be viewed as a sign that he has learned from past mistakes.
  • This has me hyped:
  • As would the idea of starting Tarik Cohen on my fantasy team this week:
  • https://twitter.com/ChicagoBears/status/1069248574024704000

  • I don’t have Cohen in any fantasy leagues because Bears fans were really buying into him before I could draft him in a reasonable spot. Still, the Yahoo! league I’m in notes that the Giants have allowed the 11th most fantasy points to the running back position this season. New York allowed three receiving touchdowns to running backs in the first five games and has allowed at least two touchdowns to backs three times. It would be nice for both of the Bears’ top backs to break out, especially on a day when QB2 is getting the call again.
  • Keep in mind that the elements could play a factor in Sunday’s game:
  • Ryan Wooden of BetChicago.com re-visits the skepticism that came with the Bears signing Chase Daniel, a move that looks quite savvy with Trubisky sidelined. Because even though the Bears offense wasn’t as explosive as it had been in previous games, Daniel’s veteran leadership and knowledge of the offense proved to be valuable enough to lead the Bears to a road win against a division opponent. You know how many road wins against divisional foes Aaron Rodgers has at this point of the year? Zero. Take that for data.
  • The #MyCauseMyCleats movement is at the intersection of creativity, awesome fashion, and a greater awareness for charitable causes. This Taylor Gabriel profile will get you right in the feels:
  • More positive vibes? Yes, please:
  • I wouldn’t mind seeing history repeat itself:
  • written by

    Luis C. Medina, who you can find on Twitter at lcm1986, has been covering the Chicago Bears at Bleacher Nation since 2017. Since then, he has written about 3 head coaches, 5 play-callers, and 11 starting quarterbacks. Previously, Luis wrote about the Cubs and MLB at BN (2015-16) and worked in the Chicago Tribune sports department (2011-16). He also co-hosted a Cubs postgame show, Outside the Ivy, in 2019.

    more bears news

    Rome Odunze Has a Visit With the Bears Coming Soon

    If you aren't already familiar with Rome Odunze's name or game, your time will come. The University of Washington wide receiver is one of the top prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. At this point of the year, I've officially...

    Matt Eberflus Opens a Window to the Chicago Bears Draft Plans

    NFL coaches are notoriously tight-lipped. And in his first two seasons as Bears head coach, Matt Eberflus has been no different. But every once in a while you'll catch Eberflus peel back the curtain and provide some insight regarding the...

    What Does a Chicago Bears NFL Draft Trade Down Look Like?

    You'd think we'd be well-versed in trade-back options after months of wondering what kind of haul it would take for the Bears to move off taking quarterback Caleb Williams with the first pick of the 2024 NFL Draft. But trading...

    D-Line Thoughts, Caleb, GM Seth Rollins, Pack Votes No, and Other Bears Bullets

    Cubs and White Sox opening day is today today. March Madness resumes with the Fighting Illini playing in the Sweet 16 later tonight. SIU, my alma mater, is reportedly hiring a "Coach Nagy" to lead its basketball team. And what...

    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...

    Latest News

    MVC Basketball Predictions, Computer Picks and Best Bets | April 2

    There is one game on the postseason college basketball schedule on Tuesday that feature MVC squads, and we have best bets recomendations. That matchup is the Utah Utes versus the Indiana State Sycamores.How to Bet on MVC Games[lasso rel="draftkings-promo-1" id="299003"]Best...

    Pac-12 Basketball Predictions, Computer Picks and Best Bets | April 2

    There is one game featuring a Pac-12 teams on the Tuesday postseason college basketball schedule, the Utah Utes versus the Indiana State Sycamores. 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...

    Marlins vs. Pirates: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

    In their season opener on Friday, Andrew Jacob Puk will take the mound for the Miami Marlins against Martin Perez and the Pittsburgh Pirates, with first pitch scheduled for 7:10 PM ET at LoanDepot park.See how to watch the Miami-Pittsburgh...

    Warriors vs. Hornets Predictions, Best Bets and Odds – Friday, March 29, 2024

    The Golden State Warriors (38-34) hit the court against the Charlotte Hornets (18-54) as double-digit, 11.5-point favorites on Friday, March 29, 2024 at 7:00 PM ET on NBCS. The matchup has an over/under of 218 points.Dig into the best bets...

    Pacers vs. Lakers Predictions, Best Bets and Odds – Friday, March 29, 2024

    The Los Angeles Lakers (41-32) are 2.5-point underdogs as they look to extend a five-game win streak when they visit the Indiana Pacers (41-33) on Friday, March 29, 2024 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The game airs at 7:00 PM ET on...

    Clippers vs. Magic Predictions, Best Bets and Odds – Friday, March 29, 2024

    The Los Angeles Clippers (45-27) are slightly favored (by 1 point) to continue a three-game road win streak when they visit the Orlando Magic (42-30) on Friday, March 29, 2024 at 7:00 PM ET. The point total in the matchup...

    Wizards vs. Pistons Predictions, Best Bets and Odds – Friday, March 29, 2024

    The Detroit Pistons (12-61) are slight underdogs (by 2.5 points) to stop a five-game road losing streak when they visit the Washington Wizards (14-59) on Friday, March 29, 2024 at 7:00 PM ET. The over/under is 229 in the matchup.Check...

    Rome Odunze Has a Visit With the Bears Coming Soon

    If you aren't already familiar with Rome Odunze's name or game, your time will come. The University of Washington wide receiver is one of the top prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. At this point of the year, I've officially...

    Matt Eberflus Opens a Window to the Chicago Bears Draft Plans

    NFL coaches are notoriously tight-lipped. And in his first two seasons as Bears head coach, Matt Eberflus has been no different. But every once in a while you'll catch Eberflus peel back the curtain and provide some insight regarding the...

    How to Watch Braves vs. Phillies: Live Stream or on TV

    Spencer Strider will take the mound for the Atlanta Braves when they square off against starter Zack Wheeler and the Philadelphia Phillies in their season opener on Friday, with first pitch at 3:05 PM ET.The article below will provide you...

    more bears news