The Chicago Bears have completed the easiest half of their schedule, reaching 6-3 after a 0-2 start. Now we're about to find out how real their progress is. The remaining eight games come against almost all teams with winning records. Four are against the NFC North. The other four are against Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Cleveland. Logic would say they probably need ten wins to have a reasonable shot at the playoffs. That means they must win four of those games—no easy task.
However, it seems their odds improved somewhat after Monday Night Football. Not only did the Green Bay Packers lose 10-7 at home against the Eagles, but the news was made much worse on the injury front. Elgton Jenkins, their two-time Pro Bowl guard/center, left the field on a cart. It has since been revealed that he suffered a fracture in his lower leg. While it's not yet clear if this will end his season, it guarantees he will miss significant time, including at least one of the games against the Bears in December.
This loss makes life easier for the Chicago Bears.
Keep in mind, Green Bay's offensive line was already struggling this season, even with Jenkins healthy. They are only 20th in rushing after being 5th last year. Jordan Love has also already been sacked 14 times. That may not sound like much until you remember he was sacked 14 times all of last season. Jenkins was by far their best interior blocker. Jordan Morgan, Aaron Banks, and Sean Rhyan have all struggled. Backup center Jacob Monk has just returned to practice after a stint on IR, leaving that position in flux.
Things don't get much easier for them from here. They face a strong defensive front next week in New York, followed by hosting the Vikings with their mad scientist defensive coordinator, Brian Flores. After that, it's a trip to Detroit before returning home against the Chicago Bears. Not having Jenkins for that stretch will be challenging. If they continue faltering, the Bears may have a chance to deliver a crippling blow.
