Chicago Bears head coach Matt Nagy deserves credit. He easily could've just let the team fold its tent after falling to 4-6 on the season. The playoffs were all but out of the question. Green Bay and Minnesota were far ahead in the standings. Was there really any point in fighting on? Yes, there was and he made sure to get his team focused on the reality of football. It's not over until it's over. That means they continue to play hard, win and get themselves back into the chase.
This they have done after three-straight victories over the Giants, Lions, and Cowboys. Suddenly they're 7-6 and still have a chance for a late run if they can find a way to win out. It won't be easy with the Packers, Chiefs, and Vikings remaining on the schedule. Then again Nagy isn't afraid of a challenge and he made sure to keep issuing one to his team throughout their big performance against Dallas.
However, the best part was unquestionably his interactions with the refs. Let's just say the black and white stripes didn't have themselves a good night. They missed a number of obvious penalty calls on Dallas that should've gone in the Bears' favor. The biggest being a one where they not only missed a clear facemask of wide receiver Anthony Miller but also called Javon Wims for a phantom block in the back.
Nagy made sure to let them hear about it.
Matt Nagy had every right to gripe about it
In the end though, it didn't matter. The Bears racked up 31 points and held on to win despite a couple of garbage time scores from Dallas. It was the most complete performance by his team all year. This against an opponent with playoff aspirations. Still, Nagy should make sure to stay in the refs' ears moving forward especially with Green Bay coming up. The Packers are always known for getting fortunate calls. The only way the Bears can at least keep it honest is if they're on the refs before and during the game.
Barring that, Nagy will just have to continue calling great games in spite of them.
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