The Chicago Bears have caught much of the NFL by surprise. While some believed the team would be improved under new head coach Ben Johnson, not a soul thought they would be 7-3 and leading the NFC North midway through November. Johnson and his staff have done an incredible job, especially after starting the season 0-2. The running game is back to life. Caleb Williams is transforming into a true professional. Even the defense, despite a litany of injuries, leads the league in takeaways. Lance Briggs has watched it all unfold, and the former Pro Bowler feels a sense of deja vu.
He explained on the post-game show for CHGO. Briggs believes this Bears team is showing similar traits to the one he played on in 2004, right before the team ascended to the top of the NFC.
Most people don't have fond memories of the '04 team. It's renowned for having arguably the worst offense in franchise history and was swamped with injuries everywhere. That said, Briggs is correct. There were signs of a team learning how to compete. Three of their five wins that season were against opponents who'd gone to the playoffs the previous year. The difference for these Bears is that they have a much better offense.
Lance Briggs can see what is coming.
While 2004 wasn't a strong season on the scoreboard, it set the tone for what followed. Lovie Smith's influence on the locker room was established by the start of 2005. Guys were tougher, smarter, and detail-oriented. As a result, the Bears went 11-5 and won the division. A year after that, they were in the Super Bowl. This team is on the same trajectory. They have young talent blossoming across the roster. Their new head coach has instilled discipline, resilience, and a sense of purpose in the locker room.
It feels like one more good offseason could push them directly into the NFC contention picture. Don't forget, the Bears added key pieces like Chris Harris, Fred Miller, and Muhsin Muhammad in the 2005 offseason. If they had flubbed their first two picks of the draft (Cedric Benson and Mark Bradley), things could've been even better.
This Bears team is in a far better spot. They have a superior quarterback. If Ryan Poles can find a quality pass rusher and even a left tackle next spring, Lance Briggs will be proven correct.
