Bears Face Tough Remaining Schedule Amidst Winning Streak

The Chicago Bears are currently riding high with a 7-3 record under rookie head coach Ben Johnson, which has sparked excitement among fans and evoked memories of past glory days in the franchise's history.

However, this winning streak comes with a stark reality check as they face a daunting remaining schedule. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, all seven of the Bears' victories have come against teams with losing records, raising concerns about the legitimacy of their success.

The Bears' strength of victory stands at just .285, the lowest among the 17 NFL teams with five or more wins, making their upcoming challenges even more significant. The remaining schedule features six opponents with a combined record of 39-20-2, including playoff-bound teams like the Eagles, Packers, 49ers, and Lions.

The only team on the slate with a losing record is the Browns, who have one of the top defenses in the league. This situation mirrors the 2012 Bears, who similarly started strong against weaker competition but faltered against tougher opponents.

In that season, the Bears went from 7-1 to missing the playoffs with a final record of 10-6, which echoes the fears for the current Bears team. However, unlike the 2012 squad, this year’s team is seen as having a brighter future.

The culture change under Johnson, who has instilled a more aggressive and resilient mindset, could be pivotal for the team's performance. The Bears have shown a new offensive identity, with players like Rome Odunze stepping up and contributing significantly.

The continuity in the offensive line has also been a positive, with only minor injuries reported recently. Still, key veterans like DJ Moore and Cole Kmet have seen their personal statistics dip as the team continues to find its identity.

This has raised questions about the trade-offs of individual performance versus team success. In terms of playoff chances, the Bears currently sit at 58 percent, which is the lowest among the top eight teams in the NFC playoff picture.

However, with games against the Packers, Eagles, and Lions remaining, there is potential for both success and failure. As the Bears approach the final stretch of the season, maintaining their winning momentum against formidable opponents will be crucial for securing a playoff spot.

The upcoming games will define whether this Bears team can withstand the pressure and overcome the tough road ahead. Fans are left to wonder if their team, despite the challenges, can truly prove they know how to win under pressure and rise to the occasion.