The Chicago Bears made the 2020 NFL Playoffs by the skin of their teeth. Finishing the season with an 8-8 record, Chicago's Wild Card appearance was short lived after losing to the New Orleans Saints in the first round. The franchise has made some aggressive moves during the offseason and they hope to make it to the playoffs again.
It'll be a tough road for the Bears, as they're in a tough NFC North division. The Green Bay Packers are the clear-cut favorite, but with the uncertainty of Aaron Rodgers dangling in the air, it's created an opportunity for the other three teams in the division to strike. Additionally, the Minnesota Vikings are shaping up to be a solid team, while the Detroit Lions are likely out of the competition during their rebuild.
Chicago has built some momentum for themselves to be a legitimate playoff-contender for years to come, but many have their doubts about the franchise still. They just drafted Justin Fields as their new quarterback, but head coach Matt Nagy has already ruled Andy Dalton the starter. It's early in the training camp process, so a lot can change between now and the start of the season. The defense should also be able to improve, while the rest of the prospects on th roster could take a huge leap in production. With that said, here are three reasons why the Chicago Bears will make the 2021 NFL Playoffs.
A rookie sensation under center?
The reports coming out of Chicago right now is that Andy Dalton is the starting quarterback, per Daniel Greenberg. Even though the Bears head coach has made this claim, the question remains, how long will Dalton hold the starting role?
Chicago Bears HC Matt Nagy told @CollinsworthPFF that there is no possible scenario that Justin Fields is the starting quarterback Week 1.
Nagy: "Andy Dalton is our starter. Justin is our number 2 and we are going to stick with this plan. You just got to trust the plan."
— Daniel Greenberg (@ChiSportUpdates) June 15, 2021
Chicago traded up in the NFL draft to ensure they selected Justin Fields. The new rookie quarterback has also been making some noise during training camp, saying and doing all of the right things a young leader needs to do at the quarterback position. Dalton may start the season, but Bears have the potential to be a legitimate threat once Fields takes the field.
The defense should improve
The defense was right in the middle of the pack last year, as they allowed the 12th fewest yards through the air (3,705), and the 15th fewest yards on the ground (1,814). The biggest thing for Chicago is to remain healthy, because if they can do that, their defense stacks up with some of the best in the league.
Khalil Mack is still wrecking ball on the defensive line, and he has a great supporting cast consisting of Roquan Smith, Desmond Trufant, Eddie Jackson, Akiem Hicks, and Eddie Goldman. If Chicago elevate their defense into the top 10, they'll be able to compete with anyone in the league. Look for the Bears to get back to their usual ways on the defensive side of the ball, as that will give theme their best chances to succeed.
The young prospects should make a huge impact
The Bears are stacked with young talent, especially on the offense. Justin Fields has the potential to become a superstar quarterback, but it's the talent around him that could make this Bears offense really shine. Darnell Mooney is coming off of a year where he broke the Bears' franchise receiving record for a rookie. Additionally, there is a ton of hype surrounding Cole Kmet to emerge as a consistent tight end, while rookie left tackle Teven Jenkins has the tools to become consistent offensive lineman.
If the youngsters on the roster can develop into legitimate playmakers, it'll only make the Chicago Bears better. With the possibility of the prospects evolving, alongside some of the proven stars like Allen Robinson and David Montgomery, Chicago might just find themselves in the postseason once again.
Follow Us
Subscribe