Who picked the Bears to win 11 games?

[LakeCtyNewt]

I'm not miserable, nor am I bitter, and neither am I sad. AS I SAID, I think it's great and I am happy for them.

But, I'm not going to bet the family nest egg that they make a deep playoff run. Feel free to do so if you are so positive about them.

I won’t. Instead if nit picking each aspect of the Bears season I’ve chosen to enjoy the ride.

They are not the perfect team. Big name me one team in this here post season that is?

As one of if not the youngest teams in the league, it’s hard not to be excited about what’s happening here.

Bottom line is they’re legit. I’ll choose to enjoy rather than lament as to what they are or are not.

 

[Wassup13_rivals219252]

I feel confident about the Bears winning a home playoff game but doubtful about a away game.

What are your thoughts?

 

[pjjp]

Instead if nit picking each aspect of the Bears season I’ve chosen to enjoy the ride.

One person's nit picking is another's analysis. I see intelligent fans expressing objective opinions in this thread. Doesn't make them any less loyal Bear fans, IMO.

 

[SiuCubFan8]

I feel confident about the Bears winning a home playoff game but doubtful about a away game.

What are your thoughts?

Bears have been great at home this year, so I agree on that.

D travels, while I’m not saying they’ll win a road playoff game I’m certainly not doubtful.

Bears are good, D is great and they certainly COULD get to NFC Championship game or dare I say it.....

 

[markmacaluso]

One person's nit picking is another's analysis. I see intelligent fans expressing objective opinions in this thread. Doesn't make them any less loyal Bear fans, IMO.

Thanks for actually getting the point. I guess to some, unless you’re screaming “Go Bears!!!” with every post, you’re a negative malcontent that doesn’t enjoy the team.

I really don’t give a rat’s behind if some folks are bothered by objective analysis of both the good and bad. I'm a die hard Bears fan and want them to win every game. But I’m not a blind kool-aid drinking dimwit that wants to turn a blind eye to the opportunities this team has to get even better.

 

[LTHSALUM76]

Kyle Long is coming back and his presence is a HUGE boost to the O line. When he was injured on October 28th the Bears were 3rd in the NFL in rushing yards per game, 10th in rushing average, 11th in offensive points scored and 10th in total yards. In the five games he missed that Trubisky played in all of those numbers suffered. Yes, one guy can make a big difference, hello Khalil Mack. So, I expect the running game to improve.

I am not sure which team I'd like to see the Bears play in the first round. To me, the Eagles are awfully dangerous now. But if they lose this week end they are out. On the other hand, I would like to see the Bears have a hand in eliminating another division opponent from the playoffs in the Vikings. There is an outside chance they could play Seattle, but I doubt that.

Honestly, the Saints look like the only team that will be very hard to beat in the NFC because of that damned dome. As far as I am concerned, everything else is wide open in the NFC and anyone can win it.

 

[ramblinman_rivals165935]

I won’t. Instead if nit picking each aspect of the Bears season I’ve chosen to enjoy the ride.

They are not the perfect team. Big name me one team in this here post season that is?

As one of if not the youngest teams in the league, it’s hard not to be excited about what’s happening here.

Bottom line is they’re legit. I’ll choose to enjoy rather than lament as to what they are or are not.

I AM enjoying and I'm not lamenting anything.

When you watch the Bears offense perform, are you marveling at their efficiency and effectiveness? If so, then get your head out of the sand. Their offense needs to be better. It's not lamenting or being miserable or bitter to acknowledge that the Bears offense is just average. Rather, it's just calling it like it is.

If their 14th ranked rushing offense is middle of the pack, as you called it, how would you describe their passing offense that is ranked 20th?

 

[ramblinman_rivals165935]

Kyle Long is coming back and his presence is a HUGE boost to the O line. When he was injured on October 28th the Bears were 3rd in the NFL in rushing yards per game, 10th in rushing average, 11th in offensive points scored and 10th in total yards. In the five games he missed that Trubisky played in all of those numbers suffered. Yes, one guy can make a big difference, hello Khalil Mack. So, I expect the running game to improve.

I hope you are right. Long suffered a serious injury in the eighth game of 2016 to the same ankle he injured this year. He needed major reconstructive surgery and didn't return until the third game of 2017. In September of this year, before his most recent ankle injury, he had already missed a practice because of ankle pain. I like the fact that he will be fresh in all other respects, but if he is hobbled at all by that ankle, then that's concerning, especially for an O lineman who depends on good foot work to maintain balance and leverage.

 

[LTHSALUM76]

I hope you are right. Long suffered a serious injury in the eighth game of 2016 to the same ankle he injured this year. He needed major reconstructive surgery and didn't return until the third game of 2017. In September of this year, before his most recent ankle injury, he had already missed a practice because of ankle pain. I like the fact that he will be fresh in all other respects, but if he is hobbled at all by that ankle, then that's concerning, especially for an O lineman who depends on good foot work to maintain balance and leverage.

Just reporting what I read from a few sources. My understanding is, they want to get Long on the field this week and see how it goes. If it goes well, they hope he can play a full game in the first round of the playoffs. His last injury was a foot injury.

 

[ramblinman_rivals165935]

Just reporting what I read from a few sources. My understanding is, they want to get Long on the field this week and see how it goes. If it goes well, they hope he can play a full game in the first round of the playoffs. His last injury was a foot injury.

True, they have been calling it a foot injury. My bad for labeling it as such. Initially, the thought was that he was out for the season. I'm glad he is attempting to return, but the concern is the same if he is unable to use his feet as well as he should to maintain balance and leverage.

 

[LakeCtyNewt]

I AM enjoying and I'm not lamenting anything.

When you watch the Bears offense perform, are you marveling at their efficiency and effectiveness? If so, then get your head out of the sand. Their offense needs to be better. It's not lamenting or being miserable or bitter to acknowledge that the Bears offense is just average. Rather, it's just calling it like it is.

If their 14th ranked rushing offense is middle of the pack, as you called it, how would you describe their passing offense that is ranked 20th?

Before the season what did you expect?

If they are only allowed to keep these players and not add to this group I’d be worried.

Sure it’s not a finished product but it’s far far better than what I expected.

Happy with what has happened to this point but not satisfied. I also see that you also have one of the youngest teams in the league. So I enjoy that too.

Bottom line is it’s good to be a Bears fan again. It’s not a perfect product but find me a team in this here post season that is.

 

[ramblinman_rivals165935]

Before the season what did you expect?

If they are only allowed to keep these players and not add to this group I’d be worried.

Sure it’s not a finished product but it’s far far better than what I expected.

Happy with what has happened to this point but not satisfied. I also see that you also have one of the youngest teams in the league. So I enjoy that too.

Bottom line is it’s good to be a Bears fan again. It’s not a perfect product but find me a team in this here post season that is.

Before the season, I expected 7-9 or 8-8, at best. Certainly no playofffs and certainly not NFC North champs. So I get that we are in bonus time here.

Your comment about being worried if they couldn't add to this group is exactly what I was alluding to in my first post in this thread when I talked about the Bears having only four picks in the 2019 draft and not having their first pick until late in round 3. Gonna be tough to find a starter with the 91st pick in the draft. Will they be a player in the free agent market?

 

[LakeCtyNewt]

Before the season, I expected 7-9 or 8-8, at best. Certainly no playofffs and certainly not NFC North champs. So I get that we are in bonus time here.

Your comment about being worried if they couldn't add to this group is exactly what I was alluding to in my first post in this thread when I talked about the Bears having only four picks in the 2019 draft and not having their first pick until late in round 3. Gonna be tough to find a starter with the 91st pick in the draft. Will they be a player in the free agent market?

I would think so but keep in mind this tidbit......

Current starters on this roster drafted after round one include:

Eddie Jackson
Adrian Amos
Jordan Howard
Taylor Gabriel (not taken by the Bears)
Trey Burton ditto
Charles Leno
Cody Whitehair
James Daniels
Robert Massie
Eddie Goldman
Tarik Cohen
Anthony Miller

I would say this team has faired far better in the later rounds and free agency than they have in higher picks.

Besides what they gave up for Mack is proving to be worth every penny.

They have a lot of guys locked up through next season which also helps and a little cal space as well. Not a great free agency year and a draft that’s been rated above average.

Still like where this team is at and better yet, where they’re headed.

 

[pjjp]

Gonna be tough to find a starter with the 91st pick in the draft. Will they be a player in the free agent market?

Jordan Howard does not seem like a great fit for Nagy's offense. They could make a big splash with a FA RB and trade Howard, which could immediately improve their run game. The Bears would be the type of team Le'Veon Bell may be interested in. Would Virginia McCaskey ever allow them to sign Kareem Hunt? Nagy knows him from his days in KC. I'm not sure they would be willing to take the PR hit, but the guy is an ascending player. And KC hasn't been the same offense since he was dismissed. Not saying the Bears would be interested, but it may be a possibility, since Nagy might vouch for him.

 

[ramblinman_rivals165935]

Jordan Howard does not seem like a great fit for Nagy's offense. They could make a big splash with a FA RB and trade Howard, which could immediately improve their run game. The Bears would be the type of team Le'Veon Bell may be interested in. Would Virginia McCaskey ever allow them to sign Kareem Hunt? Nagy knows him from his days in KC. I'm not sure they would be willing to take the PR hit, but the guy is an ascending player. And KC hasn't been the same offense since he was dismissed. Not saying the Bears would be interested, but it may be a possibility, since Nagy might vouch for him.

Can't imagine the Bears being interestesd in either of those two. But, it's fun imagining talent like that in a Bears uniform.

 

[RetiredReferee]

The last time a coach vouched for a player, George got pantsed by the media. Hunt is probably a pipe dream.

 

[HighSchooldad]

Bears will lose because rams will be up big at halftime and Nagy will pull top players....

 

[markmacaluso]

Bears will lose because rams will be up big at halftime and Nagy will pull top players....

As he should if there is nothing to gain.

 

[markmacaluso]

Jordan Howard does not seem like a great fit for Nagy's offense. They could make a big splash with a FA RB and trade Howard, which could immediately improve their run game. The Bears would be the type of team Le'Veon Bell may be interested in. Would Virginia McCaskey ever allow them to sign Kareem Hunt? Nagy knows him from his days in KC. I'm not sure they would be willing to take the PR hit, but the guy is an ascending player. And KC hasn't been the same offense since he was dismissed. Not saying the Bears would be interested, but it may be a possibility, since Nagy might vouch for him.

So thanks for making me ponder on this and I’ve heard and read similar comments but maybe I’m missing something. Howard has become much better at catching short passes this year and he’s still a very solid runner and his age isn’t an issue nor are injuries so I’m curious why he doesn’t fit Nagy’s offense. They already have Cohen as another weapon and “change of pace” RB. So, Why get rid of Howard?

 

[Gene K.]

The Bears should not and will not pick up either Hunt or Bell. Hunt got tossed off a team for kicking a girl and Bell abandoned his team as he was more interested in himself than his teammates. Can't see the Bears ownership going for these two regardless of their athletic ability. Neither would be a welcome addition to the Bears in my book!

 

[pjjp]

Howard has become much better at catching short passes this year and he’s still a very solid runner and his age isn’t an issue nor are injuries so I’m curious why he doesn’t fit Nagy’s offense. They already have Cohen as another weapon and “change of pace” RB. So, Why get rid of Howard?

He has improved his receiving skills. Just seems as if his production has gone down. Maybe it's the O-line that could be upgraded in FA. I'm guessing Nagy is going to want to do something to improve the run game. I suspect Howard might be where they will look to upgrade. Just a hunch.

 

[Corey90]

The Bears should not and will not pick up either Hunt or Bell. Hunt got tossed off a team for kicking a girl and Bell abandoned his team as he was more interested in himself than his teammates. Can't see the Bears ownership going for these two regardless of their athletic ability. Neither would be a welcome addition to the Bears in my book!

Gene
Totally agree. No woman beaters and Bell holds team for ransom. Neither are good fit for a team on the rise. Plenty others will be available.

 

[LTHSALUM76]

I would think so but keep in mind this tidbit......

Current starters on this roster drafted after round one include:

Eddie Jackson
Adrian Amos
Jordan Howard
Taylor Gabriel (not taken by the Bears)
Trey Burton ditto
Charles Leno
Cody Whitehair
James Daniels
Robert Massie
Eddie Goldman
Tarik Cohen
Anthony Miller

I would say this team has faired far better in the later rounds and free agency than they have in higher picks.

Besides what they gave up for Mack is proving to be worth every penny.

They have a lot of guys locked up through next season which also helps and a little cal space as well. Not a great free agency year and a draft that’s been rated above average.

Still like where this team is at and better yet, where they’re headed.

I agree Newt. The NFL HOF has a whole bunch of guys enshrined who were not first round picks. It's not so much how well a team does based on its first round picks, but rather, how the team does drafting after the first round that makes the difference.

 

[LakeCtyNewt]

I agree Newt. The NFL HOF has a whole bunch of guys enshrined who were not first round picks. It's not so much how well a team does based on its first round picks, but rather, how the team does drafting after the first round that makes the difference.

Agree big time. If you look at some of the teams that are all in the playoffs now, look at their top end players.

Drew Brees - Second Rd
Tyreke Hill - 5th Rd
Tom Brady - 7th rd

Those are a couple and sure many more have been first rounders. But you make your team by what you draft in rounds 2-7.

 

[mchsalumni]

Jordan Howard seems to have lost IT or has simply lost favor with Nagy...

Are they going to be active players in the free agent market?

On Howard: lol, wut?

ON FA: 100% will be chasing OL and WR.

 

[mchsalumni]

I'm not miserable, nor am I bitter, and neither am I sad. AS I SAID, I think it's great and I am happy for them.

But, I'm not going to bet the family nest egg that they make a deep playoff run. Feel free to do so if you are so positive about them.

I don't think anyone is saying bet the nest egg, but your attitude sucks, which is the sad thing. Be happy they are moving in the correct direction. This is a VERY young team with a ton of upside if they stay healthy and build on a great foundation.

No way they win or even get to the SB this year but the 84 Bears were a similar team. On the cusp of something great? Maybe.

 

[ramblinman_rivals165935]

On Howard: lol, wut?

Touches
2016 15 games: 281
2017 16 games: 299
2018 15 games: 248

Yards per carry
2016: 5.2
2017: 4.1
2018: 3.6

 

[mchsalumni]

The Bears should not and will not pick up either Hunt or Bell. Neither would be a welcome addition to the Bears in my book!

I'd take Bell in a second. Pass on Hunt.

 

[mchsalumni]

Maybe it's the O-line that could be upgraded in FA.

This is a must for 2019. WR and OL are the only focus needed in the offseason. Both tackles are average at best, start there. Work from there to a speedy WR and all will be good.

 

[mchsalumni]

Touches
2016 15 games: 281
2017 16 games: 299
2018 15 games: 248

Yards per carry
2016: 5.2
2017: 4.1
2018: 3.6

Long out and mediocre run blockers at tackle. Sometimes statistics do lie.

 

[MC63]

Bears have been great at home this year, so I agree on that.

D travels, while I’m not saying they’ll win a road playoff game I’m certainly not doubtful.

Bears are good, D is great and they certainly COULD get to NFC Championship game or dare I say it.....

As Sheriff Bart said, "Dare, dare!"

 

[ramblinman_rivals165935]

I don't think anyone is saying bet the nest egg, but your attitude sucks, which is the sad thing. Be happy they are moving in the correct direction. This is a VERY young team with a ton of upside if they stay healthy and build on a great foundation.

No way they win or even get to the SB this year but the 84 Bears were a similar team. On the cusp of something great? Maybe.

As I have said MULTIPLE times already in this thread, I am happy for the Bears, and I am enjoying the ride. Why should I be any happier than Pace and Nagy, who I am SURE realize that the offense needs to be better than average?

In another post in this thread, you refer to the OL and WR as positions needing to be addressed in FA. I am pretty much saying the same thing. Once they do that, then I promise to do cartwheels.

 

[ramblinman_rivals165935]

Long out and mediocre run blockers at tackle. Sometimes statistics do lie.

Mediocre run blockers at tackle? I think your attitude sucks.

The stats don't lie about the number of touches. Nagy is not using him as much as he was used in the previous two seasons in which Long was out as well.

 

[mchsalumni]

Mediocre run blockers at tackle? I think your attitude sucks.

Maybe it isn't your attitude. Could be the delivery? You come across as whiney in these posts which is out of character.

They will either have 6 or 7 more wins than last year which is trending in the proper direction. No one is calling this 2018s team of destiny. The foundation is there. Add a few above average players in FA and pick up some late round gems and this team will be contending for SBs for the next 5-7 years.

 

[SiuCubFan8]

Bears OL has given up the least QB pressures in league.

 

[ramblinman_rivals165935]

Bears OL has given up the least QB pressures in league.

Out of 32 teams, the Bears rank 24th in number of pass attempts, so that likely has something to do with the low number of pressures.

 

[LTHSALUM76]

No way they win or even get to the SB this year but the 84 Bears were a similar team. On the cusp of something great? Maybe.

I wouldn't say that at all. To me, the Saints look to be the only team that will be hard to beat in the dome. But that doesn't mean it's impossible. I think any of the teams that are in the NFC playoffs can win the conference and go on to the Super Bowl. I don't see a truly dominant team here.

I agree with the Bears being on the cusp. But this isn't quite like 1984. That year the Bears upset a very good Redskins team in the divisional playoffs on the road. But then got shutout the next week by the 49ers on the road. I didn't know anyone who thought the Bears had a chance in that game. SF was just too good and was midway in becoming the team of the decade. They were 15-1 coming into the playoffs. They scored 82 post season points while giving up just 26.

I don't see any team like that 1984 'Niners team this year which is why I say anyone can win it. Let's keep our fingers crossed.

 

[LTHSALUM76]

With all the agreeing and disagreeing here, we all have to admit one thing. It is a hell of a lot of fun talking about the Bears and post season! I have had so much fun watching this team in 2018.

I don't know if this is true with anyone else. But, although I am an NFL junkie, I find myself paying even closer attention to the rest of the league when the Bears are more competitive.

 

[SiuCubFan8]

Gurley ruled out, interesting.

 

[Corey90]

With all the agreeing and disagreeing here, we all have to admit one thing. It is a hell of a lot of fun talking about the Bears and post season! I have had so much fun watching this team in 2018.

I don't know if this is true with anyone else. But, although I am an NFL junkie, I find myself paying even closer attention to the rest of the league when the Bears are more competitive.

I get what your saying. It’s a lot more fun when your team is in the hunt. Let’s hope the Bears can give us a long ride in the playoffs!
Bear down Chicago!