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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2015 • CHICAGOFOOTBALL.COM

TRENDING UP Hub Arkush analyzes what the stats say about the Bears’ improvement 2

49ERS PREVIEW The Bears can get to .500 with a win over San Francisco

POSITIONAL NEEDS

‘The List’ looks ahead to the positions the Bears must target in the offseason 3

TAKE TWO

Should fans be thinking playoffs after Bears’ recent success?

15

4

FREE AGENT DILEMMA Tracy Porter is among the many Bears whose contract ends after the season 10

Bears defense’s best friend is their ‘O’ Having already matched their 2014 win total of five games through just 11 weeks of the season, and looming as at least a legitimate threat to make a playoff run, there’s no question the Bears are a dramatically improved team over last season.

The biggest leaps appear to have come on defense, where the Bears finished 30th in the NFL in total defense and 31st in points allowed last year, and currently stand 14th in yards allowed and 19th in points.

Their formula to get there, however, has been a bit murky.

In 2014, the Bears were the league’s 17th-ranked run defense and they were 22nd in average gain per rush. This year, they’ve fallen to 29th against the run and 30th in average gain per run.

Normally, that would be a recipe for disaster.

The Bears also have fallen from 16th in interception and sack percentage last year to 28th in interceptions and 19th in sacks this year.

They also are worse this year in defending third downs, having fallen from 21st last year to 26th this season.

FROM THE EDITOR

By HUB

ARKUSH

harkush@chicagofootball.com @Hub_Arkush

Most of the Bears’ improvement on defense this year is in their pass “D,” where they were 30th in yards allowed and 31st in average gain per pass play in 2014 but have improved this year to 2nd in the NFL in passing yards allowed and 10th in average gain per pass play.

Some of that is due to the fact they are so much worse against the run. Still, the leap from 31st to 10th in average gain per pass isn’t explained by the poorer run defense and is even more surprising when you realize interceptions and sacks

are down.

Clearly, Vic Fangio is doing a much better job of putting defenders in the right place to handle opponents’ passing attacks, confusing opposing offenses. And they are playing much better in the secondary while not as well in the front seven. At least, that’s what the statistics suggest.

But you can also find a significant assist being given to the ‘D’ by the Bears’ improvement on offense.

On the face of it, the Bears don’t look any better on offense than they were last year. They were 21st in total offense in 2014 and are 20th so far this year, and they were 23rd in scoring and this year rank 24th.

Dig a little deeper, though, and you will find the bigger areas of improvement this season.

Last year, the Bears were 27th in rushing and 19th in average gain per rush. This year, they are 16th in rushing while just 25th in average gain per run.

Not only are they running the ball a lot more, which will wear down the other team’s defense, they’ve improved from 24th in third down conversions last year to 13th

BY THE

this season. That’s allowed them to improve from 17th in the NFL in time of possession last year to eighth this season, giving the defense a lot more time to rest.

They’ve also improved on offense from 24th in interception percentage to eighth, and 18th in sack percentage to 10th, which has allowed the defense to play a lot less sudden-change “D” and improved field position.

Lastly, while there’s been a nice bump in the ground game, the passing game has only fallen off from 15th in the league last year under pass-happy Marc Trestman to 21st this year. And there’s been a huge improvement in average gain per pass from 28th a year ago to 13th so far this season.

Certainly, you’ve heard the expression that sometimes the best defense is a good offense.

By being far more physical in running the ball more, making more big plays in the passing game to swing momentum, protecting the football much better and controlling the clock, the Bears’ offense has suddenly become the defense’s best friend.

NUMB3RS

30-32-1

The Bears’ record vs. the 49ers dating back to 1950.

The Bears have won four of the last six meetings.

119.2

Jay Cutler’s passer rating in last year’s stunning 28-20 win over the 49ers, when he threw four touchdowns and zero interceptions.

18

The Bears have scored only 18 points in the third quarter this season, lowest in the league, and have no touchdowns in the quarter.

Chicago Football Weekly is produced by Shaw Media, the Daily Herald Media Group and the Chicago Sun-Times in partnership with other Illinois daily newspapers.

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ChicagoFootball.com • Thursday, December 3, 2015

| CHICAGO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

2

3. GUARD/TACKLE

Looking ahead to the Bears’ offseason positional needs By

HUB ARKUSH

harkush@chicagofootball.com @Hub_Arkush

As much as the Chicago Bears have over-achieved in 2015 to date – and by any measure they have dramatically over-achieved in relation to even the most optimistic preseason prognostications – they are still a team with significant needs before they are ready to be a championship contender.

Here are the Bears’ five most important needs to address during the offseason.

1. INSIDE LINEBACKER The Bears have one of the worst run defenses in the NFL and it is near impossible to win

in December and January or in the playoffs if you can’t stop the run. Shea McClellin and Christian Jones show up every once in a while, but they don’t make anywhere near enough plays around the line of scrimmage and you never see them in the opponents’ backfield. Jonathan Anderson is a nice undrafted rookie who will be a good special teamer and role player, but probably isn’t big or stout enough to excel inside against the run. For perspective, Vic Fangio’s inside ‘backers in San Francisco were Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman, two of the best in the league. If the Bears are going to play “D” like the 49ers did under Fangio, upgrades here are essential.

H. Rick Bamman - Shaw Media

2. 5-TECHNIQUE D-ENDS This is another essential fix for the run defense, but it also will help against the pass if the Bears can find a couple of true two-gappers who can occupy at least three blockers between them and clear paths for free-running blitzers both off the edge and inside. Will Sutton is a very good football player who needs to be inside as a three-technique in a 4-3 defense.

He is just not big or powerful enough to set the edge and seal off outside runs. Ego Ferguson showed promise before his knee injury and Jarvis Jenkins start-

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This really depends on how Charles Leno Jr. finishes the season. He’s been surprisingly adequate in pass protection but is not a great run blocker, and we don’t know enough about Patrick Omameh at guard.

The Bears will be fine building a line around Kyle Long and Matt Slauson. Hroniss Grasu shows promise at center, while Jermon Bushrod is likely to be a salary cap casualty after this season. With no depth behind them and uncertainty still surrounding Leno and Omameh, this should be a priority for the Bears in the draft.

4. SAFETY Adrian Amos has been a truly pleasant surprise, but Antrel Rolle has been less than advertised. Even prior to his injury problems, Rolle appeared to have lost a half a step and wasn’t making a lot of plays. Chris Prosinski

JJ’s

and Harold Jones-Quartey look like nice special teams options, but probably aren’t going to be big-time, in-the-box safeties, nor is either good enough in coverage. The Bears need to find a special athlete to pair with Amos who does have the skills to be the coverage specialist.

5. WIDE RECEIVER This is the toughest spot to gauge. The Bears have no idea what they have in Kevin White, how they are going to solve the free agency status of Alshon Jeffery, or whether Eddie Royal is going to be sturdy enough to fill the No. 3 slot. It was hoped coming into the season that all three would be what the Bears wanted and that the position would be a strength, but it’s clearly been a weakness due to injuries to this point in the season. Marquess Wilson might be OK as a No. 4, but as soon as he has to step up to two or one, you’re in trouble.

Josh Bellamy and Cameron Meredith are interesting, but neither has shown enough to count on.

Marc Mariani is your slot guy in a crunch at best. The Bears need to add more speed and size here.

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3 CHICAGO FOOTBALL WEEKLY | Thursday, December 3, 2015 • ChicagoFootball.com

ed hot, but neither is special.

If you can’t set an edge with a 30-front, it opens up the entire offense.

Antrel Rolle

GAME PREVIEW WK 13

ChicagoFootball.com • Thursday, December 3, 2015

| CHICAGO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

4

49ers

VS.

Bears

GAMEDAY: NOON, SUNDAY, DEC. 6 / SOLDIER FIELD, CHICAGO

By

KEVIN FISHBAIN

Jay Cutler

kfishbain@chicagofootball.com @kfishbain

BEARS RUSHING OFFENSE vs 49ERS RUN DEFENSE

The Bears are seventh in the league in rushing attempts, but 25th in yards per carry (3.79).

They are coming off two poor rushing performances – 3.3 yards per carry in Green Bay and 3.4 against Denver. In fact, they have only gone above 4.0 yards a pop twice this season.

However, we know the Bears will try to run it and we expect Matt Forte to be healthier coming off extra rest. The 49ers, led by NaVorro Bowman (105 tackles, four behind the line of scrimmage) aren’t the run ‘D’ they were during Vic Fangio’s time there, but they are allowing a respectable 4.1 yards a carry and held the Cardinals to 29 carries for 70 yards … one week after giving up 255 yards on the ground to Seattle … which came a week after they held the Falcons to a measly 17 yards. In sum, this run defense has been inconsistent. There are big bodies up front to help create tackling lanes for Bowman (Quinton Dial, Ian Williams). Can the run game of Forte and Jeremy Langford finally break through?

Which 49ers run defense shows up? This is a close matchup, but at home with Adam Gase calling the run plays, we’ll slightly move the meter in the Bears’ direction.

EDGE BEARS

BEARS PASSING OFFENSE vs 49ERS PASS DEFENSE

Jay Cutler has been a wizard in terms of avoiding pressure, improvising, making plays and protecting the football. He has thrown only six interceptions

AP photo

this season. The Bears have the screen game working well, should get Martellus Bennett back and, again, a healthier Forte to help the passing game.

The 49ers are not getting after the quarterback at nearly the rate they used to with only 19 sacks. Quarterbacks have a 100.5 rating against them (29th in the league) and are completing a staggering 69.1 percent of their passes (31st). Cornerback Tramaine Brock is the Niners’

top cover corner, and they have two first-rounders in the secondary in Eric Reid and former Northern Illinois DB Jimmie Ward – players Fangio knows well, so he may be spending time in Gase’s office this week.

San Francisco did limit Carson Palmer, one of the best QBs in the league this season, to a 60 percent completion rate in last week’s game, and that’s a high-octane air attack. The Niners’ defense is playing better of late, but the Bears’ offense is

due to light up the scoreboard considering it’s as healthy as it has been all season and brimming with confidence.

EDGE BEARS

49ERS RUSHING OFFENSE vs BEARS RUN DEFENSE

This is our weekly weakness vs. weakness battle in the trenches. San Francisco is rushing at 3.86 yards a carry, but they haven’t been nearly

as efficient since Carlos Hyde left the lineup. Shaun Draughn, who had a cup of coffee with the Bears last year, is the lead back now, rushing 3.4 yards every time he touches the ball. The Bears’ run defense is near the bottom of the league in rushing yards allowed (128.5) and yards a carry (4.79). Fangio’s unit is coming off its worst two performances, giving up 177 yards to the Packers and 170 to the Broncos. Eddie Lacy ran all over the Bears at times in Lambeau

THIS WEEK IN THE NFL

Blaine Gabbert

AP photo

PACKERS @ LIONS

CARDINALS @ RAMS

7:25 P.M. Thursday, CBS

Noon Sunday, FOX

Packers nearing desperation mode entering rare, back-to-back Thursday tilts for both clubs.

Can rookie David Johnson carry load for Arizona? Rams ‘D’ out of gas trying to carry quarterback-less offense.

TEXANS @ BILLS Noon Sunday, CBS AP photo

Field, and the Bears couldn’t set the edge against what was a struggling Broncos rushing attack. They’ll need better off-thesnap penetration from the defensive line to stop these rushes before they get going, but based on what we’ve seen the past two weeks, it’s hard to have a ton of confidence in the Bears’ run ‘D’, regardless of opponent.

EDGE 49ERS

49ERS PASSING OFFENSE vs BEARS PASS DEFENSE

Don’t laugh – Blaine Gabbert is actually playing OK! He looked poised running the offense last week against a very good Cardinals defense, moving the pocket and finding a connection with tight end Vance McDonald. The former first-round pick is completing 65.3 percent of his passes for four touchdowns, three picks and he’s been sacked only four times in three games, all good for a 91.0 quarterback rating.

Their numbers aren’t good, but the Niners do have a deep threat in Torrey Smith and veteran Anquan Boldin, an adept route runner who catches everything. They’ll be facing a Bears pass defense coming off its best performance against the league’s best passer, Aaron Rodgers. Opposing quarterbacks are completing 60.9 percent of their passes

against the Bears (11th-best in the NFL). Tracy Porter is playing at an extremely high level, and that’s making Kyle Fuller better. The pass rush is making timely plays in the backfield. They’ll have to cover McDonald better than they did against the Broncos’ tight ends two weeks ago. Back at home with some rest and a ton of swagger, the Bears’ secondary and pass rush gets the nod.

EDGE BEARS

SUNDAY’S OVERALL EDGE

This game could feature a lot of field goals. The 49ers have the league’s worst redzone offense, scoring touchdowns on only 39.3 percent of possessions inside the 20yard line. The Bears are 29th at finding paydirt when in the red area. However, the Bears have been extremely stout protecting the goal line, with the league’s seventh-best red-zone defense and fourthbest defense in goal-to-go situations. The 49ers are only 23rd holding opponents out of the end zone inside the 20.

San Francisco also has the league’s 30th-ranked thirddown offense. This is new territory for the Bears this season as the clear favorite. Let’s see how they handle it.

EDGE BEARS

Top players

Red-hot Texans ‘D’ has allowed 35 total points in 4-game win streak; Bills found Sammy Watkins but not a pass rush.

RAVENS @ DOLPHINS

FALCONS @ BUCCANEERS Noon Sunday, FOX Continuing Falcons’ fade began with overtime loss to Bucs; Lovie curiously abandoned his run game in Indy.

Noon Sunday, CBS

BRONCOS @ CHARGERS

OFFENSE / QB Blaine Gabbert, WRs Anquan Boldin and Torrey Smith, LT Joe Staley and LG Alex Boone DEFENSE / DT Quinton Dial, ILBs NaVorro Bowman and Michael Wilhoite, OLB Aaron Lynch and FS Eric Reid

Ravens overcame ghastly Schaub, ‘D’ with dramatic “kick-six”; Miami’s new OC vows to run ball after 13 yards last week.

Broncos have QB stability and a run game again; Chargers remind Jags they still have Rivers, Gates.

Schemes

BENGALS @ BROWNS

CHIEFS @ RAIDERS

OFFENSE / Gabbert’s improved from his Jacksonville days in coordinator Geep Chryst’s conservative, run-first offense.

Gabbert has taken more downfield shots off play-action, but this scheme revolves around journeyman RB Shaun Draughn, who has 20 touches in three consecutive starts. Boldin works all parts of the field, but Smith remains a one-trick, vertical specialist.

DEFENSE / Coordinator Eric Mangini and Jim Tomsula utilize a 3-4 similar to Vic Fangio’s, relying on disguised coverages and an active front seven.

Bowman is the heartbeat of the ‘D,’ and he seems to be improving steadily after missing 2014 with a knee injury.

Reid covers the slot and did a solid job on Larry Fitzgerald a week ago. Lynch is highly disruptive and lines up everywhere.

Noon Sunday, CBS Back on track, Cincy No. 1 in scoring ‘D,’ No. 4 in pts; Cleveland, embarrassed again, on the clock.

49ERS @ BEARS Noon Sunday, FOX Bears coordinators likely to have extra juice after being spurned by Niners this offseason.

JAGUARS @ TITANS Noon Sunday, CBS Mariota has halted Titans’ past 2 comeback attempts with turnovers; Bortles’ breakout campaign also marred by giveaways.

3:05 p.m. Sunday, CBS

3:05 p.m. Sunday, CBS Chiefs win on scoreboard and after seeing Justin Houston’s MRI results; Derek Carr, Seth Roberts keep Oakland alive.

PANTHERS @ SAINTS 3:25 p.m. Sunday, FOX Panthers’ path to perfection approaches potential trap game against Drew Brees’ lowly Saints.

EAGLES @ PATRIOTS 3:25 p.m. Sunday, FOX If Chip wasn’t already headed back to college, visit to Foxborough could change thinking.

COLTS @ STEELERS

Weaknesses

SEAHAWKS @ VIKINGS

They’re coming off a spirited effort but translating it to the road has been problematic: San Francisco surrenders over 35 points per game away from Levi’s Stadium compared to under 16 at home.

Wild-card preview pits run-first clubs with aggressive, athletic defenses.

How many starting QBs is Matt Hasselbeck, now 3-0, better than?

Steelers’ secondary holding back Pittsburgh.

JETS @ GIANTS

COWBOYS @ WASHINGTON

Last time they met 9/14/2014: Jay Cutler’s four TDs and Kyle Fuller’s interceptions on consecutive fourth-quarter drives helped the Bears erase a 17-point deficit for a 28-20 win.

Noon Sunday, FOX

Noon Sunday, CBS A battle of inner-state rivals, sure, but also clubs fighting for postseason lives.

7:30 p.m. Sunday, NBC

7:30 p.m. Monday, ESPN Can Cousins continue to dominate at home? Cowboys in free-fall.

CHICAGO FOOTBALL WEEKLY | Thursday, December 3, 2015 • ChicagoFootball.com

Aaron Rodgers

5

ChicagoFootball.com • Thursday, December 3, 2015

| CHICAGO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

6

BEARS

VS.

49ERS STAFF PREDICTIONS

Wednesday spread: Bears -7

Hub

Kevin

Arthur

Nate

Bob

ChicagoFootball.com

ChicagoFootball.com

ChicagoFootball.com

ChicagoFootball.com

Daily Herald

Bears 30 49ers 16

Bears 23 49ers 12 The Bears have the potential to blow out the Niners, but Gabbert and Co. keep it close for a

Bears 24 49ers 16 3-8, I know how Jim Tomsula feels. Unlike Fox vs. Denver, coordinators get revenge.

Bears 28 49ers 14 Jim Tomsula is no Vic Fangio, and the Bears will remind them of that.

Bears 20 49ers 13 This is a game the Bears should win easily if they consider themselves a legitimate playoff con-

Season Record: 4-7 Versus Spread: 6-4-1

Season Record: 4-7 Versus Spread: 6-4-1

Season Record: 3-8 Versus Spread: 5-4-2

Season Record: 5-6 Versus Spread: 8-2-1

Season Record: 6-5 Versus Spread: 9-1-1

Jon

Adam

Jay

Kyle

Wes

Northwest Herald

Chicago Sun-Times

Rockford Register-Star

Kankakee Daily Journal

Peoria Journal Star

Bears 31 49ers 21 The Bears are looking good, which makes me weary of picking them because they might ...

Bears 27 49ers 16

Bears 28 49ers20 The Bears are starting to talk about winning out, which won’t happen, but this win will.

Bears 31 49ers 14 After last offseason, Adam Gase and Vic Fangio will have trouble containing their smiles.

Bears 35 49ers 17 Bears better in all facets. After Green Bay win, this is a big springboard to a playoff push.

Season Record: 5-6 Versus Spread: 7-3-1

Season Record: 4-7 Versus Spread: 5-4-2

Season Record: 7-4 Versus Spread: 7-3-1

Season Record: 4-7 Versus Spread: 4-6-1

Season Record: 3-8 Versus Spread: 7-3-1

ARKUSH

The 49ers are struggling on both sides of ball; will be disappointing if this isn’t the Bears most complete game of the season.

STYF

FISHBAIN

ARKUSH

JAHNS

TAFT

49ers QB Blaine Gabbert will have some good moments, but Vic Fangio’s defense will have more against his previous team.

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ChicagoFootball.com • Thursday, December 3, 2015

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8

Bears gear up for meaningful December football

By ADAM

JAHNS

ajahns@suntimes.com @adamjahns

John Fox said it: Beating the Packers and winning every game left on the schedule is a must if the Bears want to make the playoffs their reality instead of a pipe dream.

“You only get 16 of these things, so obviously it was a big win [in Green Bay] – one on the road, against a division opponent, our first one,” the Bears coach said this week. “We kind of knew where we were. We fell behind where we wanted to be in win-loss record, so it was kind of a mustwin just like this week will be.”

The road ahead for the Bears is tougher than you think, and winning out still doesn’t guarantee a postseason berth. They currently have a 6.4 percent

chance to make the playoffs, according to numberFire. The Packers are 7-4 and the Seahawks are 6-5. They would be the current leaders for the NFC’s wild-card spots, and despite their struggles this season, it’s hard to foresee complete collapses coming from either team.

All of it makes the Bears’ close losses – or could-be-wins – against the Lions and Vikings look even worse for Fox and Co. Of course, the Raiders and Chiefs could make similar statements about the Bears’ dramatic come-frombehind victories.

But this isn’t about them. This is about the feel-good Bears, who just had a signature win over the archrivals to create a palpable buzz about them across the league.

At the very least, the Bears are playing meaningful football in December. After last year’s embarrassing debacles, it’s a good

THE WAY WE HEAR IT Ranking the coaches on the bubble

As we check in with sources around the league, the rampant mediocrity and worse around the NFL this year is creating rumblings of a possible record number of head-coaching openings, some of which will be driven by front-office house-cleanings as well as failures on the field.

Here are the current head coaches most likely to be dumped in order of the closest to the end of the line to those with a little bit of breathing room left.

1. Mike Mularkey – Tennessee: Most insiders agree it was a mistake to fire Ken Whisenhunt in-season, even if the Titans were destined for a change at the end of the year as Marcus Mariota’s development appears to have slowed a bit due to injuries and the stewardship of interim head coach Mularkey. There is no chance he survives Black Monday.

and probably try and run the ball down our throats.”

The Broncos and Packers have combined to rush for 347 yards the past two weeks. One more bad game and it’s definitely a bad trend. It’s not yet because the Bears did have success in slowing Todd Gurley.

Pernell McPhee

Monica Synett – Shaw Media

start for Fox even if the Bears fall short of making the playoffs. His process seems to be working.

Outside linebacker Pernell McPhee had a chance to pat the defense on its back for its recent success. Instead, he pointed out a glaring new weakness.

It’s just another reason why

he’s a voice the Bears need right now.

“We ain’t doing good in the run game right now, so hopefully we can tighten up the screws,” McPhee said. “Our secondary is doing a great job of covering.

They’ve done that all year. But we just got to get better in the run defense, and that’s what our focus [has] got to be in because San Fran [is] going to come in here

Lost in all the hubbub of the win over the Packers were two reminders of the Bears’ demands to be better.

Defensive lineman Will Sutton was a healthy scratch after being a starter in six of eight games played, and long snapper Thomas Gafford was replaced after struggling over the past three weeks.

The Bears are playing well – they are 3-2 since the bye week – but Fox and his staff still want more. It’s a great precedent to have.

BY HUB ARKUSH

2. Dan Campbell – Miami: There are few more dysfunctional front office/ownership groups in the league right now than Miami, so predictions here can be difficult. But it is clear interim boss Dan Campbell’s 3-4 record has done little more for owner Stephen Ross than Joe Philbin’s 1-3 start.

3. Mike Pettine – Cleveland: Sources around the league

Mike Mularkey

marvel at the dysfunction here.

It is near impossible to envision either GM Ray Farmer or Pettine surviving the mess they have on their hands right now. It isn’t clear how much of it is really owner Jim Haslam’s fault or if he basically jammed “Johnny Football” down their throats, but this is the worst mess in the league right now and Haslam isn’t going to fire himself.

4. Mike McCoy – San Diego: This doesn’t seem fair with all the injuries McCoy has had to battle, but the problem here is there has been very little if any player development since McCoy took over and the team appears to be running in place at best. The end for Philip Rivers is out there on the horizon now, and the Spanos family appears to favor a clean slate if it can secure a new home in Los Angeles.

5. Chip Kelly – Philadelphia: First of all, does Kelly even want to stay? There are a number of

nice college jobs open – USC already got away from him – and it’s pretty clear he’s not a great fit for the NFL. Even if he wants to be stubborn about it, what exactly is going to be owner Jeffery Lurie’s rationale for keeping him?

6. Jim Caldwell – Detroit: Sure, now they’re playing better, but this is almost certainly too little, too late for Caldwell with a new team president and general manager coming in who likely are going to want their own guy.

7. Jason Garrett – Dallas: Jerry Jones has a huge dilemma.

Does he try and lay his mess at Garrett’s feet and claim he was wrong about the coach, or does he take responsibility himself. I’m hearing 55 percent, Garrett takes the fall, 45 percent Jerry gives him a harsh warning and another year of pain.

8. Jim Tomsula – San Francisco: Nobody likes a one-and-done but Tomsula is clearly in over his head. Immature ownership looks

like it will work against him.

9. Jeff Fisher – St. Louis: Fisher has been the Teflon man in Tennessee and St. Louis, but if this franchise is headed for Los Angeles, there probably will be a fresh start at the top.

10. Chuck Pagano – Indianapolis: Stay tuned. Jim Irsay set the table for Pagano to take the fall, but he’s a very popular coach who may be saving his job right now.

11. Gus Bradley – Jacksonville: We’re hearing it’s 50-50 right now that Shad Khan could be losing patience with losses continuing to mount.

12. Tom Coughlin – New York Giants: He won’t be fired, but without a playoff trip he may be convinced it’s time to retire.

13. Sean Payton – New Orleans: He almost certainly won’t be fired either, but he and the Bensons may agree it’s time for a change. Payton would have his pick of several other openings.

In their past three games, the Bears have permitted just 43 points, and only three teams in the NFL – the Texans, Chiefs and Panthers – have given up fewer.

Despite a massive turnover on defense, the Bears have allowed more than 20 points just twice in the past eight games.

Against the Packers, the Bears’ defense started eight players who were not on the roster at the end of last season, including three rookies: nose tackle Eddie Goldman, linebacker Jonathan Anderson and safety Adrian Amos.

Their recent stinginess is even more impressive given that just two of this year’s defensive starters were starters at the same position in 2014: cornerback Kyle Fuller and inside linebacker Christian Jones.

“It’s amazing,” quarterback Jay Cutler said after the 17-13 Thanksgiving night victory over the Packers. “A lot of new faces over there. You look across at that side, and there’s not a lot of guys from last year. And for them to jell that quickly, learn a

OPINION

By BOB

LeGERE

rlegere@dailyherald.com @BobLeGere

new system, it speaks a lot about our coaches on how good of a job they’re doing.

“It speaks a lot about what kind of players we have on that side. You have to hand it to them.

A heck of an effort on the defensive side. You have to give them a lot of credit.”

Vic Fangio’s defense has been especially tough against the pass, allowing an average of just 214.5 yards per game, No. 2 in the league. Only the Broncos are better.

Last year, the Bears were third from the bottom in pass defense, allowing 264.4 yards per game.

The Bears demonstrated for a national TV audience just how much better they are against the quarterback who has been one of their worst tormentors in years past, Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers’ 62.4 passer rating was the lowest of his career at Lambeau Field.

Rodgers’ last three passer ratings against the Bears: 140.5, 145.8 and 151.2. In those three games, he threw 13 touchdown passes and zero interceptions.

The Bears’ second-half shutout of the Packers was just the fourth time in 10 years Green Bay has been blanked in the second half at home and the first since Oct. 16, 2011.

But the new-look defense is far from satisfied. The Bears are allowing 128.5 rushing yards per game, which ranks 29th.

The Bears’ marquee free-agent signing, Pernell McPhee, has five sacks and is tied for the team lead with Lamarr Houston. McPhee was asked if defense was something the team could take pride

Tracy Porter

AP photo

in.

“Not in the run game,” he blurted. “We ain’t doing good in the run game right now, so hopefully we can tighten up the screws. I think our secondary is doing a great job of covering – they did that all year.”

Another one of the new veterans, cornerback Tracy Porter, was a starter on the Saints’ Super Bowl championship team in 2010, and he has seen encouraging signs from the Bears’ defense.

“There are definitely ingredi-

ents here for a playoff team, for us to take it to that next level,” Porter said. “But, you can have the most talented team, and if you don’t have guys who believe in what the coaches are calling, if you don’t have guys who believe in one another, then talent only gets you so far.

“You have to go out there and execute, and you have to believe in one another that each guy on that field is going to do his job.

When you have that, then it can take you a long way.”

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9 CHICAGO FOOTBALL WEEKLY | Thursday, December 3, 2015 • ChicagoFootball.com

The Bears have made tremendous strides on defense

ChicagoFootball.com • Thursday, December 3, 2015

| CHICAGO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

10

Pressure on

Alshon Jeffery

PACE With Jeffery, Forte, Porter and many others free agents after the season, Bears GM has some tough decisions to make

By

KEVIN FISHBAIN

kfishbain@chicagofootball.com @kfishbain

W

e’re close to three months away from the start of the 2016 league year (March 9) and Ryan Pace’s second go-around in free agency.

Last spring, Pace had the luxury of focusing primarily on upgrading the roster from the outside, signing Pernell McPhee, Antrel Rolle, Eddie Royal, Jarvis Jenkins, Sam Acho and others. The only players Pace re-signed from the previous regime were Jimmy Clausen, Sherrick McManis, Zach Miller and Dante Rosario – and only McManis and Miller remain with the team.

No pressure this March, Ryan. All you have to do is decide if you want to re-sign Alshon Jeffery to what would

be one of the richest contracts in franchise history, and if the Bears will bring back Matt Forte, the second-best running back to don the blue and orange.

The final month of the season now has the Bears in position to make a playoff push in the last five games, but general managers have to be able to multitask. Pace will be evaluating the talent every game and practice, as he gets set to make a slew of big decisions.

Pace and the Bears should have plenty of cap space, and this roster will again look very different in 2016. There are only 10 veterans who are not on their rookie deal and are under contract for 2016.

Here’s our very early preview of the top Bears entering free agency in 2016, their chances to return and potential contracts they could seek (contract information via Spotrac):

Summary: The Bears should have seen Latavius Murray. Hardly household the best story this season. He’s been one of Reasons to re-sign: When healthy, Jef- enough from Jeffery this season to know hames, no massive contracts. Teams don’t the best corners in the league, shadowing

1. WR Alshon Jeffery

fery has proven he can be a No. 1 wide receiver, the big question about him after the Brandon Marshall trade. Jeffery changes the game for the offense with his ability to make big plays while also attracting opposing safeties in his direction.

Reasons to let him walk : Jeffery has missed five games this season for two injuries – hamstring and groin. A calf injury kept him out of the preseason. These are exactly the soft-issue injuries John Fox wanted to avoid. And, they have a potential No. 1 wideout in the wings in Kevin White.

Contracts to consider: Dez Bryant, Julio Jones and Demaryius Thomas got five-year contracts worth approximately $70 million. Jones led the group with $47 million guaranteed, top of the market at the position for recent contracts. The only other No. 1 wideout from Jeffery’s 2012 draft class, T.Y. Hilton, got a $65 million contract over five years with $28 million guaranteed.

the impact he can have on the offense.

There is no guarantee White is going to be a star, certainly not in his first season. To protect themselves, they could put incentives in Jeffery’s contract for being active, or keep the years and guaranteed money down. But when healthy, he deserves a long-term contract and the Bears should want that to be with them.

2. RB Matt Forte

Reasons to re-sign: This is where we’ll see how Pace handles nostalgia and how much someone like Forte means to the franchise. The Bears’ second-leading rusher of all-time, Forte has been in Chicago since being drafted in 2008. He’ll be 30, but takes very good care of his body and is one of the few three-down backs in the league.

Reasons to let him walk: After Adrian Peterson, the top rushers this season are Doug Martin, Jonathan Stewart, Chris Johnson, Todd Gurley, Chris Ivory and

need to shell out a ton of cash for backs, especially when they’re 30 years old and fourth-round rookie Jeremy Langford has shown promise in a feature role.

Contracts to consider: Frank Gore was 31 last offseason when he signed a threeyear, $12 million contract with Indianapolis with $6.5 million guaranteed.

Summary: Jeffery will be the toughest decision financially speaking, this one will have the biggest impact from an emotional standpoint. Forte certainly will test the market, and has the track record and resumé to go seek a multi-year contract with as much guaranteed money as he can get. Would the Bears offer a team-friendly, two- or three-year deal to keep Forte where he’s made his home for eight seasons, setting up a season with a top-flight running back tandem, or can he get more money to start elsewhere?

top receivers (Amari Cooper, Demaryius Thomas) and making big plays against Aaron Rodgers. Corner is such an important position – you can never have enough – and why shouldn’t Pace and John Fox keep a leader and highly skilled player in their secondary?

Reasons to let him walk: Porter played in three games in 2014 and six in 2012.

He has played a full 16-game season once in his career (2013). The Bears could target a corner in free agency and/or the draft who doesn’t have Porter’s injury history.

Contracts to consider: Last spring, a few cover men received contracts ranging from $5 million to $8 million in average per year and in the $7 million guaranteed range at a similar age as Porter – Cary Williams, Antonio Cromartie and Brandon Browner.

Summary : Pace and Fox trust Por3. CB Tracy Porter ter, that’s why they waited it out during Reasons to re-sign: Porter has the been his preseason injury when many other

the position and make more splash plays.

The Bears don’t really have a long-term answer at the position anyways and don’t need to give him a ton of money considering his history and the position, so a lowrisk deal could make sense.

4. ILB Shea McClellin

5. DE Jarvis Jenkins

Reasons to re-sign: Vic Fangio and in-

Reasons to re-sign : The most experienced member of the defensive line, Jenkins has played in 68.4 percent of snaps this season, tops for the D-line. There’s not a lot of depth there, with Eddie Goldman being the only surefire player to return at the position. Jenkins will be 28 in April with only four NFL seasons under his belt.

Reasons to let him walk: Following 3.5 sacks in the first three games, Jenkins has been relatively quiet. This is still a career year production-wise, but how high is his ceiling?

Contracts to consider : Most interior defensive linemen (or 3-4 ends) received 1-2-year deals last offseason with no more than $3 million guaranteed.

Summary: If Jenkins can get back to his September production down the stretch, he’ll attempt to leverage that to get a multi-year deal with some guaranteed money after signing a one-year deal in Chicago. The defensive line is thin, and Jenkins is a steady player who understands the defense.

side linebackers coach Glenn Pires have not been shy about praising McClellin in his first year as a 3-4 inside linebacker.

He is comfortable and confident in the position, knows the defense and knows how to communicate it. He’s still young – McClellin turns 27 in August – so if the Bears see potential there, they could keep him in Chicago.

Reasons to let him walk : Whether it’s been at defensive end, outside linebacker or inside linebacker, McClellin hasn’t made enough impact plays. He has 7.5 sacks, one pass defensed, no interceptions and one forced fumble in his four seasons – that’s not enough for a former first-round pick.

Contracts to consider: Only three inside linebackers received a contract for more than two years last offseason – Curtis Lofton, Bruce Carter and Nate Irving. The top contracts averaged in the $2 million to $4 million per year range.

Summary: December is crucial to McClellin, to see if he can keep growing into

6. OLB Sam Acho

block. Jay Cutler and Adam Gase love

3-4 outside linebacker since entering the NFL. In games on the active roster, Acho has been on the field for 48.4 percent of the snaps and is also a core special teams player. He’s only 27.

Reasons to let him walk: Acho has zero sacks, one pass defensed and one forced fumble this season. He hasn’t made the plays behind the line of scrimmage that we saw in the preseason. This could be a priority position to draft a speed edge-rusher.

Contracts to consider : Looking at the middle-tier outside linebackers last offseason, Jonathan Casillas got $8 million over three years ($2.975 guaranteed) and Akeem Ayers’ contract was $6 million for two years with $2.75 million guaranteed.

Summary: Like McClellin and Jenkins, Acho could use a big December, as Houston and Young are outplaying him. His special teams experience is helpful and he could always be a rotational player in the defense, but that role won’t garner a big contract.

only played in 44 NFL games.

Reasons to let him walk: It’s a tired narrative at this point, but Pace can’t ignore Miller’s injury history when considering re-signing him. However, Pace was willing to bring Miller back on a one-year deal based pretty much solely on preseason tape from last year. If Kevin White and Eddie Royal are healthy, how important would a No. 2 tight end be to the offense?

Contracts to consider: No. 2 tight end money could put Miller in a similar category to Scott Chandler (two years, $5.3 million with $2 million guaranteed) or Anthony Fasano, 31, who got $1.125 million guaranteed on his two-year deal in Kansas City.

Summary: Martellus Bennett’s future is also something to consider here, as it’s apparent he wants a new contract. Miller is beloved in the locker room and the Bears have given him a chance – twice.

He’d also want to stay in this offense.

Reasons to re-sign : Acho has played what Miller brings to the offense, and he’s

Best of the rest (in alphabetical order)

7. TE Zach Miller

CB Alan Ball, WR Josh Bellamy, OG

Reasons to re-sign : Finally healthy, Vladimir Ducasse, WR/KR Marc Mariani,

Miller is coming on strong in the offense with four touchdown catches, averaging 14.8 yards a catch. He has played 47.2 percent of snaps, showing an eagerness to

CB Sherrick McManis, C Will Montgomery, S Ryan Mundy, OG Patrick Omameh, S Chris Prosinski, RB Jacquizz Rodgers, DT Mitch Unrein.

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teams may have cut ties. He’s been a star player and only can help the development of Kyle Fuller going forward. The Bears would want to keep the money reasonable considering Porter’s injury history, but this seems like a no-brainer.

ChicagoFootball.com • Thursday, December 3, 2015

| CHICAGO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

12

NFC NORTH REPORT By

ARTHUR ARKUSH

aarkush@chicagofootball.com @ArthurArkush

PACKERS @ LIONS

Overview

The Lions, at least temporarily, turned their season around three weeks ago with an 18-16 win at Lambeau Field. Now it’s the Packers who’ve arrived at a crossroads, trailing the Vikings by a game in the division following their fourth loss in five contests, a span in which they’ve been held under 16 points three times. Detroit’s three-game surge comes courtesy of its resurgent defense and a more reliable Matthew Stafford, stacking consecutive turnover-free outings for only the third time in his career. Conversely, Aaron Rodgers is mired in the longest streak of sub-60 percent passing outputs (four) since he became the starter in 2008, marring strong efforts by coordinator Dom Capers’ ‘D’ (48 total points allowed over

security issues on Thanksgiving.

By the numbers

Detroit has taken three of the past five against the Packers at Ford Field, limiting them to 20 total points in those losses. …

Rodgers attempted 61 passes in the Week 10 meeting, a Packers record and 13 more than his previous career high.

past three games).

SEAHAWKS @ VIKINGS

Matchup to watch

The one semblance of consistency from Green Bay’s offense since Detroit’s Week 10 upset is Eddie Lacy who, after being surprisingly deactivated versus the Lions, has ripped off 205 rushing yards on 39 carries (5.3 yards per carry). Given Green Bay’s current state offensively, the Lions can make Mike McCarthy’s club one-dimensional by taking away Lacy and Starks. It’s a tall order, but also a telling statement regarding the Packers’ uncharacteristic offensive woes. The awakening of a healthier Haloti Ngata during Detroit’s recent ascent has the Lions resembling last season’s No. 1 run ‘D,’ having surrendered less than 56 rushing yards per game and one rushing score. Ngata played arguably his best game of the season in the first meeting and, along with an improving linebacking corps keyed by Tahir Whitehead, will be instrumental in slowing Lacy, a tackle-breaking machine with a chip on his shoulder after some ball

Overview

If the season ended today, the No. 3 seed Vikings and No. 6 Seahawks would collide in a wild-card round game in Minneapolis. The Vikings are the NFL’s No. 1 rushing offense – one spot ahead of Seattle – and also its most balanced, having attempted 331 rushes and 326 passes. Adrian Peterson leads the league in attempts (237), yards (1,164) and touchdowns (8), and has four 100-yard outputs in his past five games, including a dominant 29-158-2 to carry Minnesota past Atlanta last week. Seattle hasn’t allowed a 100-yard rusher in over a calendar year (Jamaal Charles, Nov. 16, 2014). With Harrison Smith (knee) inactive for the first time last week, stud second-year OLB Anthony Barr played perhaps his best professional game.

Matchup to watch

Obviously, Peterson against Seattle’s

stout run ‘D,’ led by speedy linebackers Bobby Wagner and K.J. Wright, and interior linemen Ahtyba Rubin and Brandon Mebane, will be appointment viewing. But over the past two games, Russell Wilson has scintillated with an 8:0 touchdown-to-interception ratio against Pittsburgh and San Francisco.

Like Seattle, Minnesota also has one of the game’s fastest linebackers, Barr, and along with second-round MLB Eric Kendricks, he’ll be responsible for ensuring Wilson remains in the pocket.

Wilson has played his best football of late, compensating for consistently poor protection with elusiveness and a concerted effort to get the ball out quicker.

Without Jimmy Graham (season-ending knee injury), the Seahawks will rely more on Doug Baldwin, coming off a monster game and likely to see Xavier Rhodes, who picked up his game a week ago to shut down Julio Jones. Everson Griffen will try to take advantage of struggling LT Russell Okung, and Minnesota’s dynamite interior tandem of Sharrif Floyd and Linval Joseph should pose issues for Seattle.

By the numbers

The Vikings are 4-1 at TCF Bank Stadium, where they’ve yielded an average of 17.6 points. After playing three consecutive home games, Seattle (2-3 on the road) travels for the first time since Week Eight.

CARS815.com

FOOTBALL More hot RB pickups on Week 13 waivers J.C. TALON

ry. Regardless, Langford will remain involved in the offense.

Must start: Alshon Jeffery* Not sure we’ve ever seen a seaSolid play: Jay Cutler, Forte, son that featured so many weeks Robbie Gould in which an injury – or injuries Worth a look: Langford, Martel– triggered a scramble to pick up lus Bennett*, Zach Miller (if no the new “hot” running back on Bennett) Bears D/ST the waiver wire. Karlos Williams, Last resort: Marquess Wilson Charcandrick West, Spencer Ware, DeAngelo Williams, Te- BENGALS (@ BROWNS) vin Coleman, Alfred Blue, James Noon Sunday Cincinnati’s No. 7 offense Starks, Jeremy Langford, Darren McFadden and Thomas Rawls all takes on the Browns and their th have been “must-adds” this sea- 30 -ranked defense. Cleveland is dead last against the run. Look son. Last week it was Buck Allen.

This week it will be David John- for a big day from the Bengals RB son, and in smaller leagues, C.J. tandem of Jeremy Hill (ankle) and Anderson. In most leagues, only Giovani Bernard.

Must start: Andy Dalton, Tyler the fantasy teams with losing records will have a shot at the “hot” Eifert, A.J. Green Solid play: Hill*, Bernard, Mike add. Like early Christmas shoppers, some owners were smart Nugent, Bengals D/ST Worth a look: None enough to avoid the rush by stashLast resort: Mohamed Sanu, ing one or more of these backup Marvin Jones RBs on their roster.

For owners with low waiver priority and who did not think PANTHERS (@ SAINTS) ahead, do not despair: From the Noon Sunday Although the Giants have leapprevious list only DeAngelo Williams and (perhaps) Rawls look to frogged the Saints as the worst debe difference makers in fantasy fense in the NFL, the Saints still are tremendous slouches. Their playoffs. On to Week 13 … pass defense ranks just one spot ahead of New York, and only MiMATCHUPS TO EXPLOIT ami and Cleveland give up more yards on the ground. The undeBEARS (vs. 49ERS) feated Panthers might get tripped Noon Sunday up at some point, but this would San Francisco has been better not seem to be the week. Cam defensively as of late. They have Newton & Co. are red hot and have not given up 30 points since Week scored at least 27 points for nine Five, and they’ve held two of their consecutive weeks. past three opponents under 20 Must start: Newton, Greg Olsen, points. The recent improvement Graham Gano th aside, the 49ers are ranked 29 in Solid play: Jonathan Stewart, overall defense, 25th against the Panthers D/ST th rush and 28 against the pass. The Worth a look: Ted Ginn*, Devin Bears have a middling offense (20th Funchess in total yards), but they should Last resort: Mike Tolbert, Jerfind reasonable success playing richo Cotchery an early game in cold weather BRONCOS (@ CHARGERS) against a West Coast team mired in last place. Matt Forte had 16 3:05 p.m. Sunday The Chargers proved last week touches against the Packers and Jeremy Langford had 13. The gap that they still have some fight left could widen as Forte distances in them. This might not be a blowhimself from his latest knee inju- out, but it is a favorable matchup

By

ChicagoFootball.com fantasy football writer

for Denver. C.J. Anderson looks better than Ronnie Hillman right now, and logic dictates his workload will increase. However, Gary Kubiak seems committed to giving both backs a chance each game and leaning more on the hotter RB. It would be hard to sit either back right now. We’re going out on a limb this week with Anderson. Brock Osweiler might very well keep the QB job even after Peyton Manning is ready to play. Osweiler has been effective, but we don’t see him as a fantasy difference maker.

Must start: Anderson Solid play: Hillman, DeMaryius Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders, Brandon McManus, Broncos D/ ST Worth a look: Osweiler, Owen Daniels Last resort: Vernon Davis

AP photo

Brown

Solid play: Martavis Bryant,

Worth a look: Tavon Austin Last resort: Kenny Britt, Jared

Markus Wheaton, Chris Boswell Worth a look: Heath Miller* Last resort: Steelers D/ST

Cook, Rams D/ST Stay away: Any Rams QB, Greg Zuerlein*, Zach Hocker

ALSO CONSIDER

SAINTS (vs. PANTHERS)

JETS (vs. GIANTS) Noon Sunday As mentioned, the Giants currently give up the most yards in the NFL. Jets QB Ryan Fitzpatrick has been surprisingly effective.

Brandon Marshall and Chris Ivory are must starts. Fitzpatrick and Eric Decker are solid plays.

PATRIOTS (vs. EAGLES)

3:25 p.m. Sunday The Eagles’ defense is reeling, and the Patriots are mad. Keep an eye on the health of Rob GronCHIEFS (@ RAIDERS) kowski and Danny Amendola. If 3:05 p.m. Sunday Kansas City has won five in a Gronk can’t go, Scott Chandler is row and scored at least 29 points a solid play. in the last four. The Chiefs face the NFL’s 27th-ranked defense, albeit MATCHUPS TO AVOID in a hostile environment. It’s very possible that KC will give Char- RAMS (vs. CARDINALS) candrick West another week to get Noon Sunday Overrated coach Jeff Fisher healthy, but if his hamstring has has reason to be testy; his overhealed, he is a must start. rated defense is no longer in the Must start: Travis Kelce Solid play: Spencer Ware, Jere- NFL’s top 10 in yards allowed. The Cardinals, on the other hand, are my Maclin, Cairo Santos Worth a look: Alex Smith, West*, ranked fifth. Things are worse for Fisher on the other side of the ball; Chiefs D/ST Last resort: De’Anthony Thom- only the 49ers produce fewer offensive yards than the Rams. St. Louas, Albert Wilson is has not produced 20 points since Week Eight against those 49ers.

STEELERS (vs. COLTS) The Cardinals played poorly in a 7:30 p.m. Sunday Pittsburgh’s production will trap game last week in San Fran. hinge on the availability of QB Expect them to be ready to play.

Ben Roethlisberger. As of press Todd Gurley is a rare athlete, but time, it was unknown whether he he can expect to see a lot of Cardiwould play. This analysis assumes nals at the line of scrimmage. The he will, but if Big Ben is out, this Rams have no answers at QB and matchup is not nearly as favor- their passing attack is dead last in able. Only six other teams (all the NFL. If the Rams are playing with losing records) give up more catch up – and are forced to the air – this could get ugly. yards than the Colts.

Must start: None Must start: Roethlisberger*, Solid play: Gurley DeAngelo Williams, Antonio

Noon Sunday Drew Brees always has a puncher’s chance, but the stats and current trends suggest this will be a difficult matchup for New Orleans. The Panthers boast the NFL’s second-ranked defense – fifth in passing yards and second in rushing yards allowed. Carolina has given up just 40 points combined in their last three games – many of those points coming in garbage time.

Must start: None Solid play: Drew Brees, Mark Ingram, Brandin Cooks Worth a look: Benjamin Watson Last resort: Willie Snead, Marques Colston Stay away: Kai Forbath, Saints D/ST

BILLS (vs.TEXANS) Noon Sunday Since being embarrassed in Miami in Week Seven, Houston has been on a tear. They’ve won four in a row and have held three of those opponents to exactly six points. (The Jets scored 17 in Week 11.) The Bills have talent on offense, but they have been ridiculously inconsistent. Buffalo has sputtered ever since winning Rex Ryan’s It’s-All-About-Me Bowl at the Jets in Week 10. Buffalo could surprise in this game, but until someone cools off the Houston defense, fantasy owners should exercise caution.

Must start: LeSean McCoy Solid play: Sammy Watkins Worth a look: Charles Clay, Dan Carpenter, Bills D/ST Last resort: Tyrod Taylor, Karlos Williams* Stay away: Robert Woods *Check injury status

13 CHICAGO FOOTBALL WEEKLY | Thursday, December 3, 2015 • ChicagoFootball.com

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Should Bears’ success initiate playoff talk?

Chicago’s win on Thanksgiving night over bitter rival Green Bay in Lambeau Field has stirred optimism among Bears fans. As a result, the Chicago SunTimes’ Patrick Finley and ChicagoFootball.com’s Arthur Arkush contemplate the “P” word.

FINLEY: In Marc Trestman’s tenure, he beat exactly one team that finished the season with more than eight wins: the Bengals, in his Bears coaching debut. John Fox likely bested him Thursday, topping a Packers team that, despite its flaws, figures to finish with a winning record. (The Chiefs, who the Bears beat earlier this season, are 6-5, too). My question for you, Arthur: can we legitimately start talking playoffs?

Or are we just not used to the Bears beating a competent team?

ARKUSH: With two more road wins,

Fox’s group will match Trestman’s six total victories away from Soldier Field.

But for Chicago to start discussing the postseason, they first must take care of business at home, where they’re 1-4 and welcome a pair of winless road teams over the next two weeks, including current NFC East leader Washington.

The problem is, assuming they can win both games in which they’ll be favored, that still leaves them at 3-5 in the conference – behind Atlanta, Tampa Bay and the New York Giants, all with four NFC wins. Does your head hurt yet, Pat? And you know who stands in their way if they do win the next two weeks, right?

FINLEY: LOVIEEEEEEEEEEE! Because they lose nearly every tiebreaker, the Bears have to run the table to have a legit chance at the playoffs. That would put them at 10-6 – and winners

ARKUSH: When I saw TCB, my mind wandered to soft serve yogurt. Let’s see if we can turn my ADD into something relevant to this conversation: Chicago’s run ‘D’ the past two weeks has been about as soft as TCBY’s offerings, and the run game needs significant toppings before it’s playoff caliber. The Niners and Washington are built around the ground game and stopping the run, so it’d be encouraging to see the Bears win the line of scrimmage and more closely resemble the tough, outdoor club Ryan Pace referenced in his first news conference.

Yes, the Bears’ commitment to get off the bus running would make Lovie proud, but how about running it down teams’ throats? Is that too much to ask?

Am I showing my age? Are the teams the Bears are chasing better equipped to

succeed for January football?

FINLEY: Congratulations on the first frozen yogurt football analogy in the history of the written language. I look forward to your dissertation on sprinkles vs. jimmies and the impact of regional colloquialisms on the froyo ordering process. You’re right in that the Bears’ competitors might be better built to TCB — take care of business. The Vikings have AP, the Packers Eddie Lacy. The Falcons play indoors, the Bucs in gentle warm breezes. The Giants always come to play in December. The Bears’ 31 carries for 101 yards Thursday was indeed disconcerting, but a Martellus Bennett return could shore up that run-blocking. Jeremy Langford outgained Matt Forte against the Packers; I’m curious to see if he’ll play more because of it. We’ll learn a lot these next few weeks, no?

ARKUSH:: Ha! Believe it or not, I have a TCBY-Bears connection from my childhood, but that story will have to be for another day.

You’re right in that Chicago’s hope of extending its playoff aspirations begins with the next two Sundays, when Shaun Draughn, Alfred Morris and the NFL’s No. 25 and 27 run defenses show up at Soldier Field. These Bears are full of surprises, but let’s see if they can do what’s expected.

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15 CHICAGO FOOTBALL WEEKLY | Thursday, December 3, 2015 • ChicagoFootball.com

TAKE TWO

of six-straight. But let’s slow down a bit. Until this week, the Bears haven’t been favored in a game all year; now we’re counting victories? They’ll have a chance to TCB the next two weeks, sure, but road games against the Vikings and Buccaneers might send them back to Underdogland. My question for you, Arthur: What do you need to see the next two weeks, besides victories, to convince you this playoff idea is anything more than a pipe dream?

| CHICAGO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

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