Despite Struggles, Bears Control Own Destiny

After beginning the season with a 3-0 record, the Chicago Bears appeared to be legitimate contenders to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl. However, things would gradually change over the course of the next nine weeks with the Bears dropping six of nine games to fall back to .500.

During that time, the Bears suffered numerous injuries to key players such as Jay Cutler, Lance Briggs, and Charles Tillman to name a few. Given how poorly the defense was playing prior to Briggs and Tillman going down, the Bears’ future looked bleak with arguably their two best defensive players sideline for several weeks. Couple that with the loss of starting quarterback Jay Cutler, and many Bears fans thought the season was virtually over. Fortunately, the defense has played better at times and the offense was just as good without Cutler. Backup quarterback Josh McCown stepped in and performed exceptionally well while Cutler was out, so well that some people believed McCown should remain the starter. I certainly had my doubts about whether or not McCown could lead this offense, but he proved that he is more than capable. Thankfully, McCown was able to help save this season and give the Bears a shot at the playoffs with Cutler now back under center.

In addition to the injuries, many Bears fans became frustrated with head coach Marc Trestman after questionable decisions helped cost the Bears a victory in a few games. Most notably, Trestman’s choice to have Robbie Gould attempt a 47-yard field goal on 2-and-7 in overtime had many Bears fans wondering whether or not Trestman is the right man for the job. Although I didn’t agree with Trestman’s decision, I think it is clear that he is the right man for the job. During his first fourteen games, Marc Trestman has proved that he certainly knows how to run an offense. The Bears’ offense is one of the most efficient and explosive unit is the league, something that I have never been able to say as a Bears fan.

But, despite their struggles, the Bears still control their own destiny with just two games remaining. Forget about what Detroit and Green Bay have to do, all the Bears have to do is win out. Regardless of what happens, if the Bears beat the Philadelphia Eagles and the Packers, then Chicago will win the NFC North at 10-6.

Just a few weeks ago, that didn’t seem like a likely scenario.

-Eric Tichelbaut

Follow me on Twitter @etichel07