JEFF'S CHICAGO SPORTS BLOG - THE CHICAGO BEARS CONTINUE THEIR PURSUIT OF THE NFL PLAYOFFS!
THERE'S A CHANCE THEY'LL MAKE IT, BUT THEY MUST WIN ON SUNDAY!
The Chicago Bears will need help to enter postseason this year but they have made the last month rather interesting. They're not flashy, and sometimes they simply look inept, but the Bears have found a way this year to remain in contention.
Sure, they benefit from a weak NFC North Division but they Bears have a chance to win 10 games this year and quite frankly, that's a surprise to most Chicago fans and me.
I remember the radio and talk show hosts discussing the Bears in the pre-season with little optimism that the Bears could make a lot of noise this year with questions on defense and a change at Quarterback. Further, there was the accompanying uncertainty of the Bears running attack with the release of former running back, Cedric Benson amidst continued personal problems.
The Bears were going to start a new QB in Kyle Orton, although Orton has been a starter before and they were going to start a new rookie running back, Matt Forte. All of this transpired when the Bears also learned that their first round draft pick, Offensive Tackle, Chris Williams will have to undergo back surgery and will miss a good part of the season. Williams was drafted because he was the most "NFL-ready" tackle in the draft and the Bears wanted to plug what had been a problem spot for them in the 2007 season.
After these events, any Bears fan was surely in doubt as to what this team could really accomplish. Don't get me wrong, there was hope with the team just being two years removed from being the Super Bowl runner-up but realistically I really thought the Bears would win 5-6 games all year.
Having said that, you do have to give the team credit that they have battled to hopefully gain a playoff spot and although they need help with winning their division or entering as a wild card team they have shown that they have character in this very competitive league.
Win or lose tomorrow the Bears have some promise for next year although they're getting a little old in some key spots. It will certainly make for an interesting off-season and springtime draft.
Go BEARS!
JEFF ARDITO & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
