The NFL power rankings heading into Week 3 have been released from throughout the industry. After a surprising first couple of weeks, these entire rankings are extremely interesting to look at. Where do the Chicago Bears stand in these rankings? Read on to find out. I am going to warn you though, it is not pretty.
Elliot Harrison of NFL.com: 32
"Well, through two games, we know the defense is not up to par. The Bears have allowed 79 points — 13 more than the next closest team. And now Jay Cutler is hurt, too. So let’s throw some positive energy out there. The famous 1985 Chicago outfit gave up 28 in Week 1 and 24 in Week 3, and that squad turned it around. Just saying. Of course, that linebacking corps was much better than this one (as was the rest of the defense)"
Frank Schwab of Yahoo Sports: 32
Schwab opens his entire opening talking about the Bears, and his ranking them as the worst team in the NFL. A depressing read for Bears’ fans, but one worth taking a look at. A lot of good stuff there from Schwab talking about how we are where we are with this organization.
"Simple question for Bears fans: What about this team gives you any hope moving forward to 2016 and beyond?"
"After dropping a tough one to the division rival Green Bay Packers in Week 1, things didn’t get much better for the Bears in Week 2 and they may just continue to get worse. While it appeared against the Packers they at least put up somewhat of a fight, they looked lifeless at home against the Arizona Cardinals as they got obliterated, 48-23. It was one of the worst losses in history for this team at Soldier Field, and they really have some soul-searching to do under John Fox on both sides of the ball. Of course, the story coming out of this week is the injury to Jay Cutler. For as much as everyone likes to poke fun at him, they do need him on that field to even have a chance at being remotely successful."
Sean Tomlinson of Bleacher Report: 31
"Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler suffered a hamstring injury during his team’s latest thumping, this time with the Arizona Cardinals throwing the knockout punches. After the 48-23 loss, Cutler’s teammates were talking as though Jimmy Clausen will start Week 3 against the Seattle Seahawks. Tight end Martellus Bennett told CSN Chicago’s Scott Krinch he’s looking forward to working with the backup quarterback throughout the week of practice.Cutler has been generally woeful, though he’s shown flashes of hope in Adam Gase’s offense. Clausen is worse, and was retained this offseason mostly because of his familiarity with head coach John Fox’s approach.But truthfully and sadly, it won’t matter who’s under center in Week 3. A Bears defense that’s already allowed 79 points through two weeks will keep making the offense irrelevant."
Justin Rogers of MLive.com: 31
"The Bears were already struggling and will now be without quarterback Jay Cutler for at least a couple of weeks."
Mark Maske of The Washington Post: 32
"QB Jay Cutler’s hamstring strain reportedly will keep him out for at least two weeks. Is that a bad thing for the Bears?"
So, essentially everybody has the Bears ranked as either the worst team in the NFL, or the second-worst team. Obviously, the national media does not have a lot of confidence in the Bears going forward this season.
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I personally think these rankings are fair. While I see more promise than most of these rankers, there is obviously some serious talent deficiencies throughout this roster. I know the we are not always his biggest fan, but can this team even win without Cutler?
I never want to give up on a team so early in the season, but I simply do not see this Bears’ team making a run. It’s sad to say this early on, but we are about to the point where the Bears need to see what they have in all of their young players. They simply are not going anywhere this season, and the power ranking clearly back that up.
Next: Five Observations from Bears' Week 2 Matchup