Chicago Bears backing into playoffs with loss casts further doubt
Even with a loss, the Chicago Bears got help and backed into the NFL Playoffs.
After a 5-1 start, the Chicago Bears were among the league’s best records and had high aspirations to win the NFC North and host a playoff game. However, after a six-game losing streak, those dreams flew out of the window. Then, as the season came to a close, the Bears started to win and found themselves in a position to reach the playoffs. Then they lost to the rival Packers.
Normally that would have ended the season. However, it was later learned that the Los Angeles Rams defeated the Arizona Cardinals. By virtue of a tiebreaker, the Cardinals loss has allowed Chicago into the playoff field. In other words, the Chicago Bears will be the No. 7 seed and head to New Orleans on Wild Card Weekend of the 2021 NFL Playoffs.
It is without question a wild season and a stunning turn of events, given how this season has played out. There were good moments, and then there were bad moments. For the Bears, even when they lose, they win — and now they have a fresh slate heading into next week.
The Chicago Bears are in the playoffs but they have to change their gameplan.
What was seen against the Green Bay Packers will result in an easy exit from the postseason for the Chicago Bears. Reluctant playcalling, especially on the road, is no way to win in the postseason, even for the greatest teams. Nonetheless, the playoffs are a situation where everyone has the opportunity to start with a 0-0 record.
In fairness to the Bears, they do have players that they can rely upon. Running back David Montgomery has the ability to run within the tackles. Both Sam Mustipher and Alex Bars have been solid contributors upfront with helping Mitchell Trubisky. Defensively, it’ll be on the shoulders of Khalil Mack and Eddie Jackson in addition to Akiem Hicks
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Matt Nagy’s Chicago Bears live to fight another day. They will be, without question, an underdog against the New Orleans Saints. What they choose to do about it remains to be seen. One thing is certain, a replica performance of what occurred against Green Bay will make the postseason a revolving door in the Windy City.