The Chicago Bears are the enigma of the 2025 playoffs. Nobody expected them to be here. Experts felt they wouldn't do better than 8-9 thanks to the mess new head coach Ben Johnson would have to clean up. It'd take at least a year for him to get the house in order. So imagine their surprise when the Bears rode a wave of wild late-game comebacks to reach 11-6, winning the NFC North. Nobody can argue that the team has earned its way to this spot, but it also comes with a common opinion. They don't belong here. Not really. Kevin Byard has heard it before.
The Bears' star safety understands the rare opportunity in front of his team. He's been in that spot where everybody doubts you. Your entry to the postseason was a fluke. He discussed it in his recent press conference.
“I understand how special these opportunities are. They don’t come around too often. I know even that 2019 (Titans) team, people were saying even back then we were too early. We had snuck into the playoffs. ‘Aw, they’re not going to do anything.’ Stuff like that. We didn’t have all the pieces. Then we went on a run and were obviously a game short of the Super Bowl.
“I’ve been hearing the same noise about this team this year. So … it’s just understanding how special this group is and going out there and playing for each other. You know what I mean? It’s do or die at this point.”
Byard saw the formula that Titans team used in 2019. They played tough, physical football, created takeaways, and controlled the clock. They stunned the Patriots in Foxborough and crushed the Ravens in Baltimore. Only Patrick Mahomes and the ascending Kansas City Chiefs dynasty stopped them from reaching the Super Bowl.
Kevin Byard knows this Bears team can follow that formula.
After all, the two teams share a lot in common. Tennessee's defense wasn't dominant, but they could force turnovers and were stout in the red zone. Chicago is much the same way. Derrick Henry led the #3 rushing attack in the league. The same is true for D'Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai on this team. Lastly, the Titans had a quarterback who did a great job protecting the football. Ryan Tannehill only threw six interceptions that season. Caleb Williams has seven this year. If this plan worked before, it can again.
The trick is executing it. This is why Kevin Byard gives the Bears such a big advantage. His experience in Tennessee provides them with a blueprint on exactly what to do. The defense only has to follow his lead while the offense leans into what they do best. If the Bears can get past Green Bay on Saturday night, this might be a team nobody wants to face for the rest of the postseason.
