Ben Johnson Transforms Bears into Playoff Contenders
A year removed from a dismal nine-game losing streak and searching for a head coach, the Chicago Bears have undergone a remarkable transformation under the leadership of Ben Johnson. As the holiday season approaches, instead of dwelling on the past, Bears fans are eagerly discussing playoff scenarios that could lead their team deep into the postseason.
A Historic Turnaround
With a thrilling comeback victory against the Green Bay Packers last weekend, coupled with the Detroit Lions’ unexpected loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Bears have secured their first playoff berth since 2020. This marks a significant milestone for a franchise that has long been searching for success. Now, the focus shifts from merely making the playoffs to claiming the NFC North title, a feat they haven’t achieved since 2018, and potentially earning the coveted No. 1 seed in the NFC Playoffs for the first time since 2006.
Setting Ambitious Goals
Ben Johnson, in his first year as head coach, has made it clear that securing a playoff spot is merely the beginning. He emphasized the need for continued improvement and ambition. “That was Step 1,” Johnson stated regarding their playoff qualification. “Step 2 is we want to win this division, we want to have at least one home playoff game. And then Step 3 would be clinching the No. 1 seed. So, there’s a lot of things still out there to play for.”
Path to the NFC North Title
As the NFL unveiled the Week 17 playoff scenarios, the Bears found themselves in a strong position heading into a critical matchup against the San Francisco 49ers this Sunday night. The road to the NFC North title is clear:
Win Against the 49ers: A victory would secure the division title if the Packers falter against the Ravens on Saturday night at Lambeau Field.
Tiebreaker Scenarios: Interestingly, even a tie between the Bears and Packers would clinch the division for Chicago.
Aiming for the Top Seed
The Bears’ aspirations extend beyond just the division crown. They have a chance to claim the top seed in the NFC playoffs, provided they win their remaining two games and the Seattle Seahawks suffer a loss in one of theirs.
Defensive Resurgence and Future Outlook
As the postseason approaches, the Bears are also seeing their defense gradually regain its strength, with key players expected to return just in time for the playoffs. Johnson has also highlighted areas for improvement, notably in a controversial play involving quarterback Jordan Love’s concussion.
The Bears’ resurgence under Johnson offers a glimpse of hope and excitement for a fanbase that has endured its share of struggles. With a playoff berth secured and ambitious goals set, the team is ready to embrace the challenges ahead, aiming not just for participation but for glory in the postseason.
