Chicago Bears Can Win NFC
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Although it is yet early to determine who will be the
conference contenders in the postseason, the Chicago Bears can win the NFC.
After defeating the Detroit Lions on October 22, 2012 in a Monday Night
Football showcase, the Bears moved up to number 5 in the power rankings.
If everyone stays healthy, they can win the NFC. Their 2011
season was doomed by injuries. Their season was looking promising as they were
on a five game winning streak until quarterback Jay Cutler was injured (broken
thumb) in a week 11 win versus San Diego Chargers. They went on a five game
losing streak since the injury of Cutler. More player injuries occurred since
then, including wide receiver, Johnny Knox. Chicago finished the 2011 season 3rd
in NFC North at 8-8. In the 2010 season, they were conference title contenders,
but lost to Green Bay Packers. Four years prior, Chicago lost to Indianapolis
Colts in the Super Bowl.
Their biggest threat of the current 2012 season will be in
week 11 at the San Francisco 49ers. I mentioned in my blog, that the Bears
biggest test of the season will come in weeks ten through twelve (vs MIN 5-2,
@SF 5-2, vs HOU 6-1). As for the playoff picture, considering the Atlanta
Falcons are flying high, remaining the only unbeaten team as of standings after
week 7, they may be the only threat in the postseason, along with New York
Giants, the reigning Super Bowl champions.
Season Flashback
versus Atlanta Falcons: In the 2009 season, the Bears were off to a great
start at 3-1 prior to their bye week. After returning, they faced the Atlanta
Falcons in the Georgia Dome in week 6 and lost 21-14. The season went downhill
for Chicago after that. They finished at 7-9. Chicago faced the Falcons again
in week 1 of the 2011 season and dominated, 30-12.
Season Flashback
versus San Francisco 49ers: The last time the Bears and 49ers met were in
2009 in San Francisco. Chicago lost the meeting, 10-6. Both teams were totally
different then, and are much more improved today. The 49ers were under coach,
Mike Singletary, finished the season 8-8 in the NFC West, and also failed to
make the playoffs.
New York Giants/Bears
Flashback: Chicago’s last two
meetings with the Giants came in 2007 week 13 (L 21-16 in CHI), and 2010 week 4 (L 17-3 at NYG). In the
Giants last two Super Bowl seasons, they were known for a slow start and
finishing with a 10-6 record both seasons.
They were underdogs especially in 2007. They were, first,
not expected to beat Green Bay in the NFC Championship, and surely not expected
to spoil the Patriots perfect season in the Super Bowl. Now, Eli Manning has
been declared by some players and coaches, the best late-game quarterback in the league, as NFL Network’s Kimberly
Jones covers in her blog.
It will be interesting to see how Eli squares off against
the Bears if they meet in the playoffs, providing that both teams remain at the
level of play they are now.
Chicago Bears currently lead the league in takeaways and are
ranked number 3 overall in defense yards per game; 1796 total (299.3 YRD/G) ,and
are only allowing 13 points per game (best among NFL). San Francisco is right
behind Chicago in PTS/G, (14.3).
The Bears are on a four game win streak and haven’t lost
since week 2 versus Green Bay Packers. They will host Cam Newton and the
Carolina Panthers (1-5) week 8 in Chicago.
Nate Gray
@nategrayzone
Facebook: NateGrayZone
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