Washington's playoff win adds more misery for Bears fans

NFL's Wild Card Weekend kicked off last Sunday, and much to the delight of many Chicago Bears fans, the Green Bay Packers lost to the Philadelphia Eagles 22-10 as Jordan Love threw three interceptions.

But when the Washington Commanders beat the Tampa Bay Bucs, it felt like a gut-punch to many Bears fans. They won on a last-second field goal attempt that hit the right upright and yet somehow still crossed the bar.

Many Bears fans probably had a flashback of a certain playoff game five years ago featuring Cody Parkey's "double-doink" against the Philadelphia Eagles. The Bears did not even get a favorable bounce whereas the Commanders got it. That had to sting for many Bears fans.

The Chicago Bears will forever be linked with the Washington Commanders after the 2024 season

It all started when both teams drafted Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels first and second overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, respectively. While both players put up similar numbers in their rookie season, Daniels took his team to the playoffs. And you can bet the media won't stop talking about it unless Williams does the same in 2025.

Another thing that links the two franchises is Dan Quinn, who was a finalist for the Bears head coaching job that went to Matt Eberflus in 2022. Quinn became the Washington head coach in 2024 and went 12-5 in his first year while Eberflus was fired the day after Thanksgiving following the loss to the Detroit Lions after displaying lack of awareness and accountability his entire tenure.

But every Bears fan will forever remember the Week 8 game in Washington this pas season, where the Bears lost the game on a Hail Mary (or "fail" Mary depending on who you ask). The entire 2024 season went into a complete tailspin thanks to Tyrique Stevenson. That game is sure to be shown every time both teams face each other moving forward.

What separates theses two organizations is the ownership. After two decades of incompetency and controversy under Dan Snyder, their new ownership group is lead by Josh Harris, who is also a managing partner of the NBA Philadelphia 76ers and the NHL New Jersey Devils. The group also includes Magic Johnson, who needs no explanation. The Bears are stuck with George and Virginia McCaskey, whom fans are hoping somehow sell the team eventually.

This past year was suppose to be the year the Bears take a major step. They were 4-2 at one point before the Washington debacle. General manager Ryan Poles was retained despite a 15-36 record in his three years on the job. There are no more excuses for Poles this offseason. He must be aggressive to fix the offensive line, which requires three new starters at center and two new guards.

Adding another edge rusher and a three-technique defensive tackle to bolster the defense that was hampered by injuries to both Montez Sweat and Andrew Billings should be high on the list. Poles might not like the idea of overpaying free agents. But when his draft record has been spotty, he has no choice but to be aggressive. Outside of quarterback, wide receiver and cornerback, every position needs to be evaluated.

But ultimately, Poles will be judged on who he hires as the next head coach. After botching the Matt Eberflus hiring, fans' confidence in this franchise is at an all-time low. He must do his due diligence thoroughly and hire the right candidate that will elevate Williams even if it means waiting all the way until after the Super Bowl.

Washington's success this past season and their wildcard victory last Sunday proves the turnaround is possible with the right coach and players. It also puts more pressure on the Bears to do the same in 2025.