The Chicago Bears are coming off their biggest win of the season, defeating the Green Bay Packers in a memorable fashion. Chicago already had one of the league’s best records entering the game, but Saturday’s win against the Packers seemed like a statement to the NFL. Now, the Bears are 11-4, with their playoff spot secured, and they have to be viewed as a serious contender.
Not everyone sees it that way, though. NFL.com columnist Jeffri Chadiha recently did a piece arguing whether to buy or sell on teams in the playoff hunt. Chadiha decided to sell on the idea of Chicago as a contender, and the reason is that he believes the team’s clutch theatrics are unsustainable heading into the postseason.
NFL analyst doubts Bears’ ability to pull out close wins in the playoffs
There’s no denying that Chicago has made a living winning close games this year. The Bears are 7-2 in one-score games, and many of those games have been comeback wins. With a defense that can take the ball away, and a young quarterback who was seemingly born for clutch moments, it makes sense that Chicago has found success winning games in this fashion.
While Chadiha‘s argument is understandable, it’s a bit unfair. For starters, most NFL games are close; teams have to know how to win competitive matchups. Additionally, if the Bears were winning comfortably every week, they would be criticized for not being battle-tested.
Also, this argument makes more sense when speaking on a year-to-year basis. It’s fair to question if the Bears can survive long-term as the comeback kids, but Chicago could keep this season’s magic rolling into the postseason.
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Ultimately, the Bears are an unproven team that just experienced a rapid turnover. Teams with that story will always be doubted until they prove themselves in the postseason. Fortunately, Chicago will have that opportunity. There’s no need to cry about others doubting you when you can go out and take the respect you want. The Bears will have the chance to do that in the playoffs.