Introduction to the Bears’ Dilemma
SAN FRANCISCO — Several key players for the Bears have been in the Bay Area this week to play in the Pro Bowl or appear at Radio Row, and being in such proximity to Super Bowl LX illustrated perfectly how much higher their expectations should be next season.
Reflecting on the Season
All of them agree this season was a sensational accomplishment as the team won its first playoff game in 15 years, but none were content as the Seahawks and Patriots pressed on toward the real goal of winning a championship Sunday. “What we did this year is over with,” running back D’Andre Swift told the Sun-Times on Thursday. “We understand what it looks like to get to that point, but we need to take it up a notch to try to surpass that and ultimately not be talking to you right now and be at practice instead.”
The Pain of Being Close
Tight end Colston Loveland added, “It makes you sick. But we didn’t get it done. It hurts to know we could’ve been here.” Promoting Dairy Queen (Swift) and pitching Charmin toilet paper (Loveland) are decent side jobs, but they’d rather be fighting for the Lombardi Trophy.
The Path Forward
The Bears got closer than they’d been in a long time, losing to the Rams in overtime in the divisional round and missing out on a chance to face the Seahawks in the NFC Championship Game. That’s good, but it needs to be merely the first step. They’ll be going into Year 5 of general manager Ryan Poles’ tenure next season, and more importantly, the third season of quarterback Caleb Williams’ rookie contract. If Williams keeps improving and earns a pricey contract extension, it’ll get significantly more difficult to build around him.
The Clock is Ticking
The clock is ticking. And the standards are higher. Repeating this season’s success, which will be difficult in itself, won’t be celebrated again. “Guys already implicitly know it,” center Drew Dalman said. “I wouldn’t describe the mood of myself and some of the other guys as super celebratory. You want to win the whole thing. You have a little bit of satisfaction in that you took a step in the right direction and you’re building things the right way. You have evidence that the process works, so that’s encouraging. But results-wise, you’re not walking around super happy about having lost.”
Lessons Learned
The more experienced Bears also see clearly what coach Ben Johnson pointed out all season: The Bears’ resilience in high-pressure situations was a strength, but the seven victories they pulled out after trailing in the final two minutes didn’t establish a viable template going forward. The Bears had the third-worst point differential among playoff teams this season at plus-26, a razor-thin margin for an 11-6 team. They needed onsides kicks, blocked field goals and big kick returns just to have a chance for some of those late escapes.
Looking to the Future
“It’ll be very hard to duplicate a season like we had with all the comeback wins, which we should stay out of,” wide receiver DJ Moore said. “It’ll be a challenge to get back to where we were, let alone go farther.” Moore will be going into his ninth season, and this was the first time he played for a team with a winning record. Safety Kevin Byard, a pending free agent who hopes to return, is going into Year 11 looking for his first championship. Left guard Joe Thuney is the oldest starter on the roster at 33, and with four Super Bowl rings already, that’s the only thing that matters to him.
The Championship Window
Time is running short for all of them as they hope the Bears make a leap next season. “Guys always talk about this championship window,” Byard said. “We have it here.” Theoretically, that’s possible. But it’ll require a major step forward.
Conclusion
The Bears’ journey this season was significant, but the ultimate goal of winning the Lombardi Trophy remains elusive. As the team looks to the future, the players and management are aware that the clock is ticking, and the standards are higher. The challenge ahead will be to build on this season’s success and take a major step forward towards the championship.
FAQs
- Q: What was the Bears’ achievement this season?
A: The Bears won their first playoff game in 15 years. - Q: What is the challenge for the Bears going into next season?
A: The Bears need to take a major step forward to surpass this season’s success and aim for the championship. - Q: What do the players feel about being close to the Super Bowl but not participating?
A: The players feel it makes them "sick" to be so close yet so far from the Lombardi Trophy, and they are motivated to improve and reach the championship next season.
