Chicago Bears Edged Out by Detroit Lions: A Mostly Unbiased View
Dec 21, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears free safety Brock Vereen (45) intercepts a pass in the end zone intended for Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (not pictured) during the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Christian Jones is ascending. I’ve mentioned Jones showing some sparks of real talent in previous posts, but he’s really started to put it together the past couple of weeks. He hasn’t been perfect, but I think he’s been the best linebacker on the team for the last two weeks. That’s saying something for a rookie undrafted free agent playing next to former 1st and 2nd round draft picks in Shea McClellin and Jon Bostic, respectively. Phil Emery has caught a lot of flak this season, but he has been able to find a couple of gems in his tenure as the Chicago Bears’ general manager and Christian Jones is definitely among them. Combine Jones with other young talents like defensive tackle Ego Ferguson and cornerback Kyle Fuller, and I wouldn’t be surprised at all if the defense becomes the strength of the team in a couple of seasons. Especially with time running out for aging offensive stars like Matt Forte and Brandon Marshall.
The Chicago Bears continue to climb the draft order. This loss moved the Chicago Bears up two spots in the upcoming NFL Draft, from 9th to 7th. If they can lose to the Minnesota Vikings this week and the Washington Redskins can somehow manage to pull off an upset of the Dallas Cowboys, the Bears could even find themselves pushing into the 6th spot. I’m not as worried about the Chicago Bears moving up one more spot as I am about them winning this week and sliding who knows how far. The Vikings have been playing better recently, but they are still a beatable team. And wouldn’t it be a classic Jay Cutler move to come out and absolutely dominate in this one, simultaneously screwing the Bears over in draft position and causing doubt as to whether or not getting rid of him is the right move this offseason?
There you have it. It’s not much, but at least it’s something. The Minnesota game can’t change the outcome of the Chicago Bears’ season, but it can change the outcome of their offseason. So get all of your pouting out of the way this week, because in 6 more we’re all undefeated and there will be plenty to cheer for come May. Happy Holidays and Bear Down, but keep it balanced.