The Chicago Bears undoubtedly have one of their most important off-seasons in franchise history ahead of them. For the first time in eight years it's a virtual lock they're aiming for a change at the quarterback position. Jay Cutler has run his course. They just finished 3-13, their worst record ever in a 16-game season. To top it off head coach John Fox enters the third year of his tenure in charge, having won just nine of 32 games.
There is no question about the sense of urgency this team feels to get back to winning. The Bears haven't made the playoffs since 2010, the Super Bowl since 2006 and won a championship since 1985. Fans have grown tired of watching other organizations without as much history continuing to celebrate at their expense.
This 2017 off-season can afford no mistakes and no distractions. The fewer the controversies, the better. Unfortunately that may be out of their control depending on what the NFL plans to do with one of its flagship programs.
The Emmy award-winning HBO series "Hard Knocks" has been a staple of professional football since 2001. It has spanned 12 seasons, 57 episodes and featured 11 different teams. Its allure centers around fans getting a behind-the-scenes glimpse at an NFL team during their training camp and preseason process.
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Great for entertainment purposes, but not overly popular among most franchises.
Many consider it an unwanted distraction for the players, coaches and executives who are trying to prepare for a long season ahead. It's worth mentioning that only three teams have managed to make the postseason the same year they appeared on "Hard Knocks." None of them won a single playoff game.
So it's bound to make Bears fans nervous when they learn what the future may hold for their team as Sporting News reported.
"A team could not be selected if they were in the playoffs in either of the last two seasons, if they have a first-year head coach and if they have been on the program at any point in the last 10 years. That leaves us with eight teams eligible as of now. Those teams are the Ravens, Bears, Browns, Titans, Colts, Buccaneers, Saints and Eagles. That list could change, as there were rumors of the Colts and Saints moving on from their respective coaches. But this at least provides an early look at the possible candidates to appear on "Hard Knocks." The Bears and Eagles would be decent draws considering their market, and the Browns would be an interesting choice for fans to watch how a team rebounds from a 1-15 season."The sad truth is despite their losing record the Bears would be an intriguing draw. Not just because of their large fan base, but also the subplots they'll bring. John Fox being on the hot seat. Jay Cutler likely on his way out and a replacement on his way in. Also try to imagine fiery personalities like Kyle Long and Pernell McPhee in front of the cameras. The entertainment factor would be extensive. At this point the best hope the Bears have is that another team willingly volunteers to do it. Otherwise the NFL will make the executive decision to force somebody, and no team from the NFC North has done the program yet. Not hard to see where things would go from there.
