The Chicago Bears and the Super Bowl have not been discussed together in a long time. However, when you are 9-4, and there are just four weeks left, it is bound to happen.
Brad Gagnon of Bleacher Report went through every playoff contender and explained why each could be a Super Bowl contender. For the Bears, his reasoning may not be what some would expect. He chose the defense and Caleb Williams.
" The Chicago D has generated a league-high 27 takeaways, 26 of which have come during a 9-2 stretch following an 0-2 start. If that unit can keep taking over games and their young franchise quarterback can find a groove, you never know."Brad Gagnon
What can cause the Chicago Bears to go on a Super Bowl run?
It is fair that the reason you win playoff games will typically come down to these two factors. The Chicago Bears have also been excellent at turning the football over, which gives them a great chance on that side of the football.
Still, the Bears rank 9th in Expected Points Added per Play offense, and 20th in EPA/play on defense. More than that, they are 12th in EPA/play when it comes to their passing attack and fourth when it comes to their rushing attack.
The truth is that if the Bears are going to make a run this season, it will likely be because they can control the clock, wear teams down, and outsmart them situationally.
If you are looking for two factors that will cause a Super Bowl run, the honest answer is the running game and the coaching staff. The defense has some talent, and with Jaylon Johnson back, it looks better. Still, many of the turnovers can be attributed to Dennis Allen having an undermanned unit.
Beyond that, we know that Ben Johnson has changed the entire dynamic in Chicago, on both sides of the ball, but particularly offensively. The Bears signed three interior lineman, and all of them are finding their strides. They have a right tackle who is starting to come into his own after being drafted so high.
The big names are on the coaching staff and the offensive line. That is how the team has won so far this season, and if they are going to make a run in the playoffs, you can bet the offensive line and a few key decisions by Johnson will be what makes it happen.
Read more: Ryan Poles' $48 million mistake gets fixed in Bears' mock draft with SEC star
It is easy to say defense and quarterback will make the run, but the Bears are not quite built that way yet. Can they win with a smart coach, ball control, and an overpowering rushing attack?