Why are people already counting the Bears out in the playoffs?

Question

I really don't understand why people are so confident they'll be a one and done team. It's not like there's any team in the NFC that's particularly amazing. Which NFC team is THAT much better than the Bears that they wouldn't stand a chance against them?

The Bears have already played the Giants and lost 17-3, but that was back when they were still struggling to find the right offensive line combination, and their defense still kept the game close, only giving up 3 points in the first half, to the point where if Jay Cutler had played in the second half, they may have had a chance to win. I think they'd have a pretty decent shot at avenging their loss to the Giants if they played in the playoffs.

Then the Bears also beat the Eagles, who will likely win the NFC East. The Bears pretty much dominated this game from beginning to end and the final score makes the game seem a lot closer than it really was. The Bears were up 31-13 heading into the fourth quarter, before a late rally by the Eagles, including one miraculous touchdown pass by Michael Vick, made the final score 31-26. Their defense kept Michael Vick humble with 2 touchdown passes. But still, I see the Eagles being favorites to win the NFC behind the Falcons while the Bears aren't. I don't see why the Bears couldn't beat the Eagles in a rematch in the playoffs.

Then there's the Saints and Falcons. I do think that both teams are likely better than the Bears, but there's no way of knowing for sure until they play in the playoffs. Both teams are really good, but it's not like they're flawless. The Saints lost to the Cardinals and Browns and almost lost to the Bengals and Cowboys. The Falcons have been dominant lately, but they too have a relatively easy schedule, getting to play the Panthers twice and each of the lowly NFC West teams once, accounting for many of their wins.

My point is, I don't understand why everyone is so sure they'll be a one and done when they've already beaten the Eagles, who swept the Giants, and they've never played the Saints or Falcons yet. I'm not saying they will win the NFC or anything, but I think they have just as much of a chance as any of the other playoff contenders. What makes the Bears so much worse than the rest of the playoff contenders in the NFC? Anyone care to explain?

***Star if you actually read this.

Answer 1

I just don't think the Bears are that good. What you didn't mention in this question is how they got lucky twice against the Lions. One on a TD that was taken back, and one on a BS penalty call.



They did play very well against the Eagles, but I still don't think there that good.



They play either the Saints, Packers, or Giants in the first round, and I think all of those teams can beat them.



I think there worst than the other playoff contenders for a couple of reasons. First, Forte isn't that good. Against a good defense, he wouldn't be able to do anything. Jay Cutler is very overrated, he throws way too many picks. The only thing they really have working for them is their rush defense, and special teams.

Answer 2

I'll give you two reasons. The Eagles and the Falcons. The Bears are almost at the point they were when they were last in the super bowl in 2006. But it seems more fans are focusing on the Eagles and the Falcons. I either hear a super bowl berth for the Falcons, or a super bowl win for the Eagles. I don't think fans are necessarily wrong in assuming that either team can make it that far and possibly win, but to me the Bears are still a team to contend with. The major reasoning is the Bears defense. Right now the Bears rank higher in defense compared to the Eagles and Falcons. The Bears are actually ranked 8th in yards allowed per game, with the Eagles ranked 13th, and the Falcons ranked 15th. Point being the Bears have a better defense. Overall I think the Bears are in the underdog role because of the Eagles and Falcons being rated higher in terms of total performance. The mistake would be to give a team like the Bears the underdog role, and they end up winning in the playoffs surprising everyone. I am not a big fan of the Bears in terms of overall performance, but you have to give them credit they are winning the games they are supposed to and they have already locked the division, and could get the 1st round bye. Bottom line? The Bears are not a team to sleep on in terms of underestimating them. At this point as we have seen throughout the season, any team can win given the right circumstances.

Answer 3

It's because the fans haven't gotten used to the Bears being one of the best teams in the leaque and there still saying that the old good teams are good which they aren't it isn't fair they still talk about other teams in there divison that can barely win a game like the Viking no one cares about a 5-9 team that has no defense? And there still used to the fact that Jay Cutler used to turn the ball over but he has that problem fixed since they have a better o-line and matt forte is preforming way better than he was last year the defense has stepped up and have been geting at the Qb more especially with there new pass rusher Julious Peppers but I think they won't be underrated once they finish the season win the division and make it to the superbowl.

Answer 4

Look at their games this year.

They should have lost to a bad lions team

They beat a horrible Cowboys team

They beat a over rated packers team

Giants D-line ate Jay Cutler alive no excuses

Panthers team the worst in the NFL win

Seahawks still in the playoff hunt becuase the NFC west is that bad and they lost

Deadskins who now have Train Rex Grossman as they starter becuase they are that bad and they lost

Beating the bills by a FG doesnt say much

Vikings are bad win

Dolphins are a average team they beat

Eagles was a good win for the bears and gained some respetability for the team

once again squeaking by a bad lions team

Getting crushed by the pats you lost the respect you gained by beating the eagles

Beating a bad vikings team



Look at that list and the teams they have one good win and thats over the eagles. They are 2-2 VS team over .500. The packers might finish the season at .500 and they are on that list. Against teams looking for a playoff spot well they are 1-3 thats counting the horrible seahawks. That is more then likely why.

Answer 5

I think it has more to do with Jay Cutler not being a very "popular "QB.He has taken alot of hits in the media about his attitude.May sound crazy.Also Mike Martz defiantly is unpopular as a coordinator.Falcons have been down right lucky. They have two Quality wins , Ravens Saints.Saints kicker missed from 29yds in ot.Roddy White's push off against the Ravens was the most blatant Offensive pass interference since Drew Pearson in the '75 nfc divisional play off vs Vikings.My Saints tend to sleep walk after the 1st qt(dont get me started on Reggie Bush). The deal is there not worse just un popular not the media darlings.

Answer 6

Nobody likes the Bears' offensive line much and teams with below average offensive line play don't usually fare well in the playoffs historically. I think that's the main reason that so many people are down on the Bears as a playoff contender.

Answer 7

Well i don't get stars but the Bears should win a playoff game, especially now that they won their division and will have a home playoff game. As of right now it will either be the Saints, Giants, or the Packers, all interesting matchups. I can see the Bears beating and losing to all three of those teams, should be fun to watch

Answer 8

I honestly don't understand it myself. I think people look at stats WAY TOO MUCH. Yeah, Cutler has been sacked a lot this year. That's what happens when you have a new Offensive Coordinator in Mike Martz. Martz has been known to have a difficult scheme, but when the QB and him are on the same page, you see results.



As for the Bears being lucky, bullsh!t. Football is football. There will always be injuries to QB's.



I honestly think the Bears can compete with the Falcons and Saints. The Falcons don't impress me that much to begin with. It doesn't matter who the Bears play, they will be ready for anybody.







Edit: Jake is the biggest asshole on Yahoo. WE GET IT. EVERYTHING IN DETROIT SUCKS. STOP BEING SO BIASED. YOUR TEAMS WILL KEEP SUCKING FOR YEARS TO COME.

Answer 9

MY THOUGHTS EXACTLY! We are like 3rd in the NFC We ve proven our selves devin hester breaking a record pats got lucky we destroyed favre and the vikes rodgers and the packers and VICK AND THE EAGLES!!! We have yet to vs the falcons but once we get a shot at them we will come out the victor i predict superbowl being BEARS AND THE PATS BEARS WINNING

Answer 10

I know. the bears have the best return game with hester, one of the best arms in football. A up and coming running back with a cast of outcast misfit receivers that have break out games with a tight end that is beast and on the defensive side major wright and a 6 int safety with juiluis pepper rushing and a great linebacking group led by urlacher. So i think the bears are better thn their record.

Answer 11

Falcons can easiley crush the Bears and im not a falcons fan. But that team is just way better and if the Bears played at their dome they will not only get crushed but demolished! Sorry Bears arent going any where this year!!

Patriots-Falcons to the Superbowl!

Answer 12

*** The Bears are truly inconsistent. Much has to go right for them to win. They've been fortunate with the QB's they've faced. I do think they are one and done, especially if that one is the Giants or Packers. I definitely want them to win but am also realistic.

Answer 13

Two Words: Jay Cutler

Answer 14

Did you see the game against the patriots? enough said. bears are not ready to play with the big boys

Answer 15

The reason is that the Bears are awful. They have a weak schedule and are a fraud.

Answer 16

well i cant top the first 2 answers...so i'll make it short...idk why they do....but you and me will have a good laugh when we prove them wrong.

Answer 17

the will go to the superbowl