Bears vs. Chiefs Prediction: Can the Bears do the unthinkable? |
As if starting the season 0-2 and losing 12 straight games wasn't bad enough for the Bears, things have gotten even more challenging this week at Halas Hall. After not coaching in last week's game, Chicago's Defensive Coordinator- now the former defensive coordinator- resigned earlier in the week, stating he needs to work on himself and his family.
Not even 24 hours later, you had the weird press conference with Justin Fields where he appeared to say that coaching could be why he is struggling so much this season, only to try and walk those comments back later in the day. To say there is turmoil in Chicago right now would be an understatement, and with the Kansas City Chiefs on the horizon, this could spiral out of control in a hurry. Chicago needs a win in the worst way to get some confidence back, but with the Chiefs ready for week three, this has all the makings of a massive blowout, which would send the Bears to 0-3 this season. Stranger things have happened, and the Bears could find a way to pull off an upset, but there are only a few fans thinking that right now. Here are some things to look for:
That is the mindset for many Bears fans this weekend, as they must live with the fact that the organization passed on Patrick Mahomes seven years ago. Granted, they are not the only ones who passed on him, but when you traded up to get Mitch Trubisky knowing both Mahomes and Deshaun Watson were still on the board, it does hurt. Had the Bears taken Mahomes, they wouldn't have the QB problems they have now, as Mahomes has demonstrated he is not only a franchise QB but could be the best QB in the league. Granted, he has a much better supporting cast in KC and may not have been as good in Chicago as he is with Andy Reid, but it was still a risk worth taking, and the Bears didn't take the risk. Now they get to sit back and watch what might have been as Mahomes continues to do Mahomes things every season.
When the Bears hired Matt Nagy six years ago, there were hopes he could bring the Andy Reid scheme to Chicago and turn them into a fluid offensive team. That never materialized, and Nagy saw his tenure end in just four seasons, but did manage to take the Bears to the playoffs twice. After the Bears chose to release him, fans jumped for joy as Matt Eberflus stepped in. Be careful what you wish for is all I can say, as Nagy may not have been as bad of a coach as some might think. Back in the mix with KC, Nagy is reunited with his former boss, Reid, but most importantly, he is reunited with Mahomes, whom he was the QB coach for in 2017. Mahomes didn't play much that season, but the Chiefs expect to put up big numbers again with Nagy as the offensive coordinator. That hasn't been the case through two games, and there are clearly some frustrations over that in KC. However, this is the Bears defense they are about to play, and if there was ever a get-right type of game, this is it. Nagy may not be a head coach right now, but he could use this as a revenge game should his offense come out and do what they are capable of doing.
Losing 12 straight games is one thing, but to have that happen, plus all the drama inside the organization this week and things are not looking good. This has a chance to put this team in a downward spiral too great to climb out of, as things in Chicago are tough. It will be interesting to see how the Bears respond to all of this, knowing they are 13-point underdogs. While most expect them to come out flat and be overmatched on the field, sometimes, these types of situations force a team to come together as they use the adversity to fuel their fire as a group. That is what Chicago hopes will come from this, as they know they are a better team than they have shown this season. How much better is an entirely different question, but a win here could alter the route this season takes the rest of the way.
As optimistic as many want to be, the Bears are 13-point underdogs in this game for a reason. Not only are they facing the defending Superbowl champs, but they are doing so in their house while also sporting one of the worst teams in the NFL. All that put together makes for a recipe for disaster, as this could be a long day for Chicago. Offensively, the Bears have been lackluster at best, but you could also say the same about the Chiefs, who have scored three more points than Chicago this season. The most significant difference has been the improved defense of the Chiefs while the Bears defense continues to struggle. Having a struggling defense isn't something you want against this team, and because of that, look for the Chiefs to dominate from start to finish and pick up a 38-13 win. 1. Can we have a do-over?
2. The Matt Nagy revenge game
3. How will the Bears respond?
Prediction: Bears lose 38-13
