Year in and year out, the NFL always seems to have a team rise from the ashes. A team that finished last year is the division winner the following season. The worst to first roller coaster has occurred in four of the previous five seasons. In 2021, the Cincinnati Bengals not only went from worst to first, but they also advanced all the way to the Super Bowl.
In 2017, the Chicago Bears were last in the NFC North and won the division in 2018. So this team is no stranger to the task.
As we await the 2023 season, let's look at some bold predictions for the Chicago Bears.
A Record-Breaking Season For Justin Fields
Justin Fields will be the first QB in franchise history to throw for 30 TDs and 4,000 yards. In his second season with this offensive scheme, Fields looks the part. His confidence is at a career-high, and with good reason. His OL is much improved, and Ryan Poles has surrounded him with the necessary weapons to get the job done.
The Bears Will Have 2 Players Rush For 1,000 Yards
With an improved OL and improved personnel at TE and WR, opposing defenses will have big decisions to make. It will open up running lanes if they decide to take away the deep ball threat. The Bears have three players in the backfield, NOT named Justin Fields, that have the ability to rush for 1,000 yards.
One Receiver Will Have Double-Digit TD Receptions
Fans have not seen a Bears receiver score 10 or more TDs in a single season in nine years. Alshon Jeffery, with 10 TDs in 2014, is the last Bears receiver to accomplish the feat. Only two receivers in franchise history have caught more than 12 TD passes in a single season. Can you name them?*
The Improved Offensive Line Will Give Up Far Fewer Sacks
Chicago QBs were sacked at an alarming rate in 2022. Defenses racked up 58 sacks last year. With Fields having a better understanding of Luke Getsy's playbook, improved mechanics, and a revamped line in front of the 3rd year starter, we will see that number cut in half.
The Edge Rusher Is Already On The Roster
Whether it's Sewell, Gipson, Robinson, or someone else, Ryan Poles thinks his edge rusher is on the roster. If true. It would explain why Poles hasn't pulled the trigger on upgrading the edge on defense.
Rookie Phenoms
Matt Eberflus is not afraid to let rookies play, and it will be exciting to watch Tyler Scott on offense and Tyrique Stevenson when the defense is on the field. If the Bears become contenders in the up-for-grabs NFC North, it shouldn't surprise anyone if one or both garner attention for Rookie of the Year honors.
Bears Win The NFC North
Green Bay is ready to relinquish their 30 plus year stranglehold of this division. Detroit and Chicago are much improved. Minnesota won 10 one-score games last year. The time is right.
Answer To Trivia Question
Two Bears receivers have caught 13 TDs in a single season. Dick Gordon hauled in 13 TDs in 1970. Ken Kavanaugh was the first to do it, all the way back in 1947.
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