The Chicago Bears are 5-1. Let that sink in.
Five wins in six games is exceptional by any standard, but the Bears haven’t earned many style points in their victories. Three of their wins required improbable comebacks, so naturally, they still have their doubters.
Just don’t tell that to quarterback Nick Foles, who gave an impassioned answer to reporters Sunday after the team’s 23-16 win over the Panthers.
The Score’s Chris Emma shared a transcript of Foles’ comments. Check it out:
"I like where we’re at. I know we’re going to improve. I believe in our staff, I believe in our players and I’m really grateful to be a part of this organization."
Nick Foles spoke with passion about the Bears' 5-1 start, their uneven play and why he's excited about this team. pic.twitter.com/Mkb559ROtv
— Chris Emma (@CEmma670) October 18, 2020
Foles’ words are refreshing. They’re very different from the scripted and often empty answers Bears fans became used to hearing from Mitch Trubisky. It’s also proof of the kind of leader Foles is. A quarterback who preaches a mantra like the one Foles did after a win is often the type of quarterback that players are willing to follow.
Foles, like the rest of the offense, needs to play better than he did on Sunday if the Bears are going to become a serious contender in the NFC. Throwing for 198 yards, one touchdown, and one interception isn’t the kind of box score that high-power offenses produce.
But as Foles said, the Bears are still in the ‘getting to know you’ phase of their offense. COVID-19 caused a truncated training camp and wiped out the preseason. Foles didn’t take any live reps with the first team until the second half of Week 3.
The impressive box scores will come. But it’s going to take time, which the Bears continue to buy with their victories.
Again: The Bears are 5-1. Foles, and his approach to the game, is a huge reason why.
