Because it’s the NFL, a 12-month enterprise full of free company, a mix, a draft, minicamps, organized crew actions, coaching camp and likewise some soccer video games, I believed I’d discover a method to squeeze in a number of pressing ideas in regards to the Bears’ looming season. If you’re asking how a season that’s Four 1/2 months away will be thought of looming, you’re both naïve or a Bolshevik.
I’ve utilized all of my analytical powers, tapped into my 32-year affiliation with the league and huddled with my sources, and I’m right here to let you know that the Bears’ schedule is a beast.
There shall be more durable opponents in 2019 than there have been in 2018, when the crew went 12-Four and shocked the NFL. There shall be a world recreation, 5 night time video games and a Thanksgiving recreation. The Bears additionally shall be celebrating their 100th season, and why do I feel that’s going to be some form of cosmic drag on their efficiency?
If they arrive out of all of this 10-6, they need to be extraordinarily glad. A scary thought to contemplate for you die-hards: 9-7 isn’t out of the query.
Bears quarterback Mitch Trubisky passes as Eagles exterior linebacker Nigel Bradham pressures him throughout a playoff recreation final season. The groups play once more Nov. 3. [AP Photo/David Banks]
Here’s how they get to the kinder quantity:
Sept. 5 vs. Packers
Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers shall be extremely motivated after an offseason through which he was portrayed as a coach killer and a nasty man. The Bears signed former Green Bay security Ha Ha Clinton-Dix. Extra factors for any crew with a Ha Ha on the roster. Bears win. Record: 1-0.
Sept. 15 at Broncos
Just overlook about this recreation, OK? There’s no method the Bears can win. Vic Fangio, their former defensive coordinator, is the Broncos’ new coach. He’ll be to this point inside Mitch Trubisky’s head that the Bears quarterback should be reminded what a ahead cross is. Bears lose. Record: 1-1.
Sept. 23 at Redskins
A Monday night time recreation in opposition to a nasty crew will give Trubisky the chance to bounce again. The Redskins shall be with out quarterback Alex Smith, whose grotesque leg damage final season was a horror flick that went straight to video. As of now, both Colt McCoy or Case Keenum should face Bears brute Khalil Mack. Good luck with that, fellas. Bears win. Record: 2-1.
Sept. 29 vs. Vikings
The Vikings are going to rebound after a disappointing 2018. So is Kirk Cousins, their quarterback. However, there shall be no rebounding at Soldier Field. Bears win. Record: 3-1.
Oct. 6 at Raiders (in London)
It’s onerous to know the way a crew will react to a visit to England. Jet leg, unfamiliar meals, individuals saying “bathroom’’ once they imply “toilet’’ – it’s a nightmare ready to occur. The Raiders, nonetheless coping with their determination to commerce Mack to the Bears earlier than final season, will battle greater than their opponents at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Bears win. Record: 4-1.
Oct. 20 vs. Saints
The Bears obtained jobbed by their kicker within the playoffs final 12 months. The Saints obtained jobbed by The Man. So give New Orleans the benefit right here. Look for Drew Brees to negate the Bears’ cross rush with fast throws. Bears lose. Record: 4-2.
Oct. 27 vs. Chargers
A faithful Bears followers isn’t going to love the unpleasantness I envision within the three-game stretch that begins with the Saints recreation. The Chargers and Philip Rivers went 12-Four final season and are going to be formidable once more. Bears lose. Record: 4-3.
Nov. Three at Eagles
The Bears kicker, whoever he’s, shall be below excessive stress to do effectively in opposition to the crew the Bears misplaced to within the playoffs. The goalposts shall be whispering, the best way they did to Cody Parkey in opposition to the Eagles. Bears lose. Record: 4-4.
Nov. 10 vs. Lions
With panic establishing a foothold in Chicago, the Bears flip and face the kindly Lions, who make individuals in different uniforms really feel excellent about themselves. Bears win. Record: 5-4.
Nov. 17 at Rams
Yeah, I don’t suppose so. This isn’t Chicago and there received’t be brutal climate, the…