Although the Bears did not play, there was plenty of excitement to absorb this past weekend. there were some incredible games in the NFL this weekend. It was championship week in College Football. FSU was snubbed despite a perfect record and will not compete for the National Championship. Finally, disgraceful officiating helped to ruin what could have been an incredible finish on Sunday Night Football.
NFL Officials Continue To Be An Embarrassment To The League
The nation's biggest stage on Sunday is the Sunday Night Game. This week, the game featured the Kansas City Chiefs visiting Green Bay to face an improved Packers team. Kansas City has struggled at times this season, despite a record of 8-3. Green Bay has now started to find some success. After starting the season 2-5, the Packers have now won 4 of 5 and have moved into playoff contention with a record of 6-6.
The end of last night's game was marred by absolutely terrible officiating. Patrick Mahomes has hit near the sideline, but was clearly in the field of play, when he was tackled by Packers' Safety Jonathan Owens. Owens was flagged for a late hit.
On the next play, Mahomes lofted a perfect ball to WR Marquez Valdez-Scandling. Packer DB Carrington Valentine jumps on the back of MVS well before the ball arrives. An OBVIOUS penalty, but the zebras refused to call the blatant foul.
Bears Chances Of Landing The Number One Pick In The 2024 Draft
With Carolina losing and a surprising win by Arizona over the Pittsburgh Steelers yesterday, the Bears chances of securing the top pick in the 2024 draft courtesy of the Carolina pick received a boost. The Panthers still have just one win on the season. Their remaining schedule includes road games to New Orleans and Jacksonville. They host Green Bay, Atlanta, and Tampa.
Will NIL Change The Landscape of the 2024 Draft?
According to various reports that have surfaced over the last several days, two of the most sought after players in the upcoming draft are thinking about returning to college. USC quarterback Caleb Williams and Marvin Harrison Jr. are apparently mulling over their options. Both Players are a lock to be top-5 picks in April.
With incomes approximated at more than $2 million in NIL fees, they won't be hurting for cash. The downside for both would be the chance of suffering a major injury in 2024 playing at the collegiate level. This story needs to be watched closely moving forward.
The Expanded College Football Championship Format Arrives One Year Too Late
The selection committee named Alabama to the four-team playoffs for the National Championship. Snubbing UNDEFEATED Florida State. FSU joins Geogia and Ohio State as outsiders looking in. Alabama doesn't belong, but feel free to comment below.
Bears In The Mix For Post Season Play?
The results of week 13 boosted the Bears chances of a post season appearance as unlikely as that may seem. The 4th quarter collapses against Denver, New Orleans, and Detroit are now more painful. If the Bears have any hopes of seeing action after the second Sunday of January, they can't afford to lose another game.
Detroit has to be a game everyone has circled. They dominated the Lions for 56 minutes, yet found a way to surrender 17 points in the final three minutes to lose that game. After Detroit, the travel to Cleveland to face a Browns team that has been forced to play four different QBs this year and may be without Myles Garrett.
Home games against Arizona and Atlanta, two indoor teams coming to a cold Soldier Field could alson be winnable games.
Imagine the possibility of the 8-8 Bears heading to Lambeau Field to face the 8-8 Packers with a post-season berth on the line?
News and Notes
The Bears last three home games are against 3 dome teams. While "Bear weather" hasn't been any advantage recently, Chicago has played inspired football over their last 8 games. The games against Atlanta and Arizona won't mean much if the Bears don't take care of business with their games against Detroit and Cleveland.
Sunday, December 3rd marked the 38th anniversary of the 1985 Bears filming the "Super Bowl Shuffle."
