Chicago Bears’ Surprising Season Defies Odds
In a season that some might call charmed—or perhaps just plain lucky—the Chicago Bears have managed to sidestep the shadow of their perennial tormentor, Aaron Rodgers. The solution? Avoid him altogether. What was once a team seemingly cursed since 2018 is now not only playing competitive football but also enjoying a stroke of fortune. Under head coach Ben Johnson, the Bears have rejuvenated their roster and revitalized their team spirit.
Narrow Victory Over Steelers
This transformation was evident in Sunday’s thrilling matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. With Mason Rudolph stepping in for the injured Rodgers, the Bears secured a narrow 31-28 victory, clinching the win only after Jaquan Brisker deflected a crucial fourth-down pass with just 21 seconds left on the clock. While the game was tightly contested, it marked another step in what has been a bizarre yet successful season for the Bears.
Historical Context of Their Success
Remarkably, the Bears have become only the third team in NFL history to achieve at least eight wins while posting a negative point differential (-3) through their first 11 games. Achieving an 8-3 record and securing the No. 3 seed in the NFC is no small feat, and it’s clear that their success isn’t merely the result of luck. Caleb Williams and the Bears have demonstrated a knack for performing under pressure, but fortuitous circumstances have played a role as well.
Favorable Matchups Against Quarterbacks
Williams has been a constant presence, starting all 11 games and taking every significant snap. However, the Bears have benefited from facing a series of backup quarterbacks due to injuries on opposing teams. They avoided matchups against marquee quarterbacks such as Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow, and Rodgers. Instead, the Bears’ defense encountered a string of less experienced signal-callers, including Spencer Rattler, Tyler Huntley, Joe Flacco, Russell Wilson (filling in for the injured Jaxson Dart), J.J. McCarthy, and Rudolph. This favorable slate contributed to their impressive 5-1 record during this period.
Navigating a Soft Schedule
Throughout their 11-game stretch, the Bears have played just two teams with winning records: the Washington Commanders in Week 6 and the Steelers this past Sunday. They managed to go 2-0 against these stronger opponents, showcasing their ability to rise to the occasion.
Clutch Performances in Critical Moments
After squandering a double-digit lead in their season opener, the Bears have since mastered the art of finishing games. They’ve recorded six consecutive nail-biting victories, with highlights including:
Blocking a field goal attempt on the last play to edge past the Raiders.
Capitalizing on an unforced fumble by the Commanders’ quarterback Jayden Daniels to set up Jake Moody’s game-winning field goal.
Securing a dramatic win in Cincinnati thanks to Colston Loveland’s 58-yard touchdown catch-and-run with just 17 seconds remaining.
Rallying from behind to score 14 points in the final 3:56 to defeat the Giants, 24-20.
Following a 56-yard kickoff return from Devin Duvernay that set up Cairo Santos’ game-winning field goal against the Vikings.
Brisker’s late-game heroics against Rudolph, preventing a potential game-tying field goal.
In football, it’s often said that luck can be just as important as skill, and the Bears have exhibited a blend of both in their journey thus far.
Challenging Road Ahead
As they look to solidify their playoff positioning, the Bears face a significant challenge ahead. Next, they travel to face an Eagles team eager to bounce back after a recent loss. Following that, they head to Lambeau Field and have upcoming matchups against playoff-caliber teams such as the 49ers, Lions, and a rematch with the Packers.
The Bears have certainly earned the opportunity to compete in meaningful games as the season progresses. However, with tougher competition looming on the horizon, it remains to be seen whether their good fortune will continue.
