Well, what's there to say about a trade deadline that left Chicago Bears fans wanting more on the day of, but goes down as a rousing success altogether?
Several days before the deadline, the Bears went out and landed Jeffery Simmons in a deal with the Tennessee Titans. After seeing the defense play together, with Simmons, for a couple of games, there was just one more thing this team needed to do.
Unfortunately, general manager Ryan Poles didn't do it. The Bears did not go out and make a move for another cornerback.
So, what does all of this say about the Bears and their outlook for the rest of the season?
Jaylon Johnson's performance against the Bucs might have saved his job
As the clock struck 3pm CT on Tuesday afternoon, and the Bears still hadn't made a trade for a cornerback, one of my first thoughts was that Jaylon Johnson's game against the Bucs had to have had an influence in Poles' decision.
Johnson didn't exactly play lights-out in coverage, but he found himself in the right place at the right time to pick off a Baker Mayfield pass and take it back for a touchdown.
Now, believe it or not, Johnson was targeted five times in coverage that game and allowed just one reception for six yards. There were still some blatant cracks in his game, whether it be his play speed or the poor tackling.
But, Johnson showed signs of life, whether we want to admit it or not. And, whether or not we want to believe it, Johnson just might finally getting back to being a starting-caliber cornerback.
The Bears could have more faith in Clark Phillips III than we originally thought
Another potential takeaway, here, is that the Bears also have some faith in Clark Phillips III, who has found himself playing on defense a little more regularly after starting the season only on special teams.
The guy Chicago brought back in a trade with the Atlanta Falcons, along with a draft pick, for Gervon Dexter Sr., has shown some things. He played his most coverage snaps of the season, against Tampa Bay, with 16. Phillips was targeted twice but did not give up a reception.
Look, at this point, there's no other way to spin it. The Bears have to have some faith in the guys they have on the roster, whether fans like it or not. And, Phillips' play has at least shown potential.
On the season, he's been targeted three times, giving up one catch for 15 yards. He also has three quarterback pressures, two quarterback hits and a hurry. So, his versatility has been on display.
Ryan Poles is depending on Dennis Allen to do what he does best
The Bears are left with no choice other than to depend on defensive coordinator Dennis Allen to do what he's done best, over the course of his career in the NFL, and that's to get the very best out of his defensive backs. That's what he's known to do.
Last year, we somehow saw the likes of Nahshon Wright and Kevin Byard lead the Bears to an interception-palooza. Now, it hasn't quite hit that level yet in 2026. But, there's still time.
Do I have faith that Allen can get the most out of Jaylon Johnson, Tyrique Stevenson and company? Absolutely.
Now, do I think their "best" is going to be good enough? That's another story entirely.
But, we have no choice but to have faith in Allen after the Bears didn't get any help for their secondary at the deadline.
Jeffery Simmons is the catalyst for a Bears Super Bowl
We've seen it on display for the first couple of games with Simmons. The Bears thought he was their missing piece, so they went all in.
I cannot speak highly enough about Simmons and the impact he's had over just a couple of outings. His talent, energy, physicality... it's all infectious. He's not just a player on the field, but also somewhat a coach. He is able to bring the best out of everybody in that front seven.
Because the Bears' defensive line is now able to wreak havoc, it changes everything. It changes how guys like Montez Sweat, Austin Booker, Grady Jarrett, among others, are able to do their jobs at a higher level. It changes how opposing offenses plan for the Bears as a whole.
Simmons is not just a one-man wrecking ball. His impact spreads to not just all 10 fellow defenders on the field, but to the offense as well. This was the type of move that has several ripple effects, and those ripples are what will eventually propel the Bears to a Super Bowl.
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