Heading into 2019, expectations were high for what the Chicago Bears could accomplish following a breakout season, which was ended far too early on a missed double-doink heard ’round Chicago.
But it’s hard to be optimistic eight weeks into the season, as the Bears sit at the bottom of the NFC North at 3-4 and the NFC is a conference stacked with talented teams vying for six playoff spots.
Not to mention, the Bears appear to be a quarterback — and offense — away from being a contender.
While it’s highly unlikely that the Bears are going to run the table in the final nine games of the season, there are some reasons to be optimistic about what this team can still accomplish moving forward in 2019.
1. The defense is still one of the best in the league
Lost in the fact that the Bears dropped their third straight game — and finished the month of October 0-3 — is that Chicago still has one of the NFL’s best defenses.
After a rough two outings against the Raiders and Saints, the Bears defense returned in dominant fashion holding the Chargers to just 36 yards on 12 carries. They also held Los Angeles to just 17 points, which should be enough to win. Unfortunately for them, they have an offense that can’t seem to surpass the 20-point mark.
But if the Bears defense can continue to impose its will against opponents — and get some help from their offense — then we’ve seen what this defense can do for this football team. It’s carried them on their backs before, and it’ll likely do it again.
2. The Bears finally got the run game going
The Bears finally addressed the glaring need in the run game with their best outing of the season. After running the ball just seven times against the Saints, Matt Nagy came out determined to commit to the run, which he did with 38 rushes.
But it wasn’t just the commitment, it was the results that followed. Chicago ran for a season-high 162 yards, led by rookie running back David Montgomery, who had 27 carries for 135 yards. With the success of the run game, Nagy has learned that, even against his own wishes, he has to run the ball for this offense to be successful.
Now, if the Bears can answer their redzone offense concerns the same way they did the run game, this offense might finally be in business.
3. There are still 9 games remaining
While a lot would have to happen for the Bears to make a playoff run — including a handful of NFC teams to stumble in the final two quarters, the Bears still have nine games left to turn things around.
Ultimately, the Bears are in control of their own destiny. Last season, the Bears started 3-3 before going on a 9-1 run to end the season. While it doesn’t look like this team, without a consistent offense, is capable of replicating such a feat, anything is still possible. Until it isn’t.
