Bear Down Or Hibernate: How Far Will Chicago Bears Go In 2012 Playoffs?





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After starting the season 1-1, followed by a 6 game winning streak, the Chicago Bears have lost 3 of their last four games. They are no longer the NFC North division leader. According to the current NFC playoff picture, the Bears hold a wildcard spot along with the Seattle Seahawks. Chicago has already lost two of the biggest games on their schedule. As I mentioned in my article, these two teams that defeated them were the Houston Texans who were 7-1 along with the Bears at the time they met, and the San Francisco 49ers, which would have been a chance for the Bears to rebound and show the NFL world they can win the “test games.”

When they lost to the 49ers in Candlestick Park on MNF, November 19th, they were without starting quarterback, Jay Cutler, due to a concussion suffered the week before in a loss to the Texans in Chicago on Sunday Night Football. The 49ers were also without their starting quarterback, Alex Smith. Chicago only put 7 points on the board and allowed 32 in their loss to San Francisco, and they scored only two field goals in their loss to the Texans, and gave up 13.

Bears fans might argue that Jay Cutler missing the second half of the game was the difference in the loss to Houston Texans, but the 49ers Colin Kaepernick subbed in for Alex Smith when they met Chicago in week 11, and had no problem moving the offense. So what was the problem for the Chicago Bears? They were simply outplayed by the Houston Texans defense and the 49ers totally dominated and controlled the entire game.

Chicago followed up with a win (28-10) in week 12 versus their division against Minnesota Vikings. In week 13, they hosted Seattle Seahawks and lost 23-17 in overtime. The Seahawks are a team I did not overlook on the Bears schedule. This game was a game I figured the Bears can lose if they were not careful, especially after losing two of their last three games prior to meeting Seattle. The Seahawks are a team that was 4-2 prior to being an even .500 team at the half of the season with a 4-4 record. The Seahawks made their way into Chicago and went away with an overtime victory (23-17). This is where the Bears hopes for going far in the playoffs raise concerns.

Although the game is played at a higher level in the playoffs, the Bears haven’t proved in the regular season that they can win tough, test games. The teams they lost to, especially Houston and San Francisco, has a better look of going a long way in the postseason. Of the Bears remaining four games on their schedule, 3 of them are against their own division (MIN week 14, GB week 15, DET week 17). The Packers lead the NFC North, the Vikings are in the hunt for a playoff spot, and the Lions playoff hopes are over. Their division games with Green Bay and Minnesota are important. In week 16 they will travel to meet the Arizona Cardinals, who have lost 8 straight after starting their season 4-0.

Bears fans including myself would love to see Chicago make it to the Superbowl, but from my perspective as a sportswriter and analyzing the games, it appears that Chicago won’t make it to the Superbowl, UNLESS they make a huge impact and turnaround in the playoffs. Of all NFC teams that appear to be in the current playoff picture, the Bears are either outcoached or outplayed by these teams. The division leaders are Green Bay Packers (coaching advantage, Mike McCarthy), Atlanta Falcons (lead entire NFC), New York Giants (reigning champions with coach, Tom Coughlin) and San Francisco 49ers (outplayed Bears 32-7 with second string quarterback).

It’s not over. There are about five weeks until the NFL playoffs officially kick off. Earlier in the season, I made a “#bold prediction” (NFL Network) that the Superbowl will be a rematch of Superbowl XX, Bears vs Patriots, but I changed my mind since the Pats started slowing down, while the Bears were up. Now the Pats have turned their season around and are 9-3 while the Bears are falling.

Stay tuned for my article on playoff predictions.

Nate Gray
@nategrayzone
Facebook: NateGrayZone

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