Windy City Gridiron picks Bears-Titans

Like many, the Bears have had quite the difficult start to November.

First there was a deflating 26-23 overtime loss to the New Orleans Saints where Chicago could never quite muster up enough team consistency to get over the hump, and where one player showcased his own personal lack of discipline. Then came the revelation of losing 60 percent of their now former starting offensive line, as well as a prominent backup, to injury and COVID-19 (Bobby Massie, Germain Ifedi, Cody Whitehair, Jason Spriggs).

And now, one of the worst offenses in the NFL, with an offensive line in tatters, must travel to Nashville and help the Bears prevent a three-game losing streak and general fall from grace. But other than that Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?

At 5-3 and only one game out of the lead for the NFC North, largely everything the Bears envision for themselves is still in play this season. Theoretically, they could win the North. They could be a top seed in the playoffs, or be fortunate and draw the winner of the NFC East. They could, yes, make a deep run in January. Of course, the key distinction there is that it’s all theoretical. Another crushing loss, in by far the most difficult stretch of the fall and right before earnest division play starts, would be disastrous. If the Bears fancy themselves a playoff team, let alone a contender, they’ll stop the bleeding and get up off the mat.

If not, well, what one aspect — any aspect — about this season is different for the Bears than most of the last 35 years? Unstable quarterback play, a great defense already being pushed to the absolute limit, and an overwhelmed head coach and offensive side.

Can anyone think of anything? One thing, anything at all?

Is everyone somehow not accustomed to this frivolous dynamic?

Bueller? Bueller? Bueller?

Eat at Arby’s.

Windy City Gridiron picks Bears-Titans this Sunday, along with every other NFL game this weekend.