Wednesday is traditionally when I turn my attention from last week’s opponent to who’s next.
But this Wednesday feels different.
It feels bigger. And it’s not necessarily because of what is at stake in the upcoming game between the Bears and Vikings as far as the won-loss columns are concerned. It’s something elsewhere. Elusive. Far beyond what is directly in front of us.
Sure, Sunday’s Bears-Vikings game is one between bitter rivals chasing a postseason dream. HOWEVER … I can’t shake the feeling that this game could very well shape the long-term future of the Bears organization.
People around the league are reportedly watching the Bears for potential openings. That’s noteworthy, to say the least. But that’s just the beginning.
NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport hears the futures of GM Ryan Pace and Head Coach Matt Nagy are uncertain. There’s obviously a head coach-GM connection. But for how much longer appears to be in question.
The concept of moving on from Pace and President Ted Phillips, while giving Nagy another shot is a subject that’s been broached nationally. That’s unsurprising. After all, wholesale changes should start at the top.
Albert Breer of SI.com took on a rapid-fire question-answering session on Periscope Live on Monday in which he suggested a number of scenarios were on the table regarding Pace and Nagy’s future. Breer said there’s “potential” Pace gets the heave-ho, but also suggested an organizational house-cleaning is a possibility. He also threw out the possibility that Pace is canned, but Nagy stays. And one in which Nagy gets pushed aside while Pace stays. In other words, something could happen. Or maybe it won’t.
Ultimately, we’re looking at a franchise looking at potentially restructuring the front office. Its coaching staff trying to piecemeal a successful offensive game-plan. A quarterback situation that’s further from finding a resolution than it was when the season started. And a star-studded defense seemingly holding it all together. This is where things get interesting because these Bears are at a crossroads.
The next three games could dictate so much for so many. And it all starts today as the Bears turn to prepare for the Vikings. Buckle up and Bear Down.