Chicago Bears: Are they pretenders or contenders?

Verdict: Pretenders (for now)

Look, the Bears have been very impressive in some areas, and not just defensively. Like I said, their commitment to the run game has been pleasing. But, overall, I’m not convinced just yet.

All of our fellow NFC North fans in other states are using tons of excuses for why the Bears aren’t legit. Most of them center around the fact that the Bears have beaten a Seahawks team which looks nothing like their Super Bowl team from a few years ago, followed by an ugly comeback win over one of the worst teams in football in Arizona.

Guess what? Those are legitimate excuses.

Like it or not, the Bears haven’t beaten anyone yet. A win is a win, and I am thrilled they are in first place. But, we’ve got 13 games to go — and there are some tough ones ahead. Chicago will face a Super Bowl favorite in the Los Angeles Rams later on, in addition to having to deal with Tom Brady at home.

These Bears have been fun, but they are also worrying. The defense can’t be forced to win every game for the Bears. It’s fun when it happens, but logic (and Week 1) tells us that it will not happen week in and week out.

This team has a lot of work to do offensively, and that’s the simple truth. Nagy needs to do a better job with his play-calling. Trubisky has to develop much better decision-making.

Could these things happen? Absolutely. It is a long, long season. The Bears are still a newly-assembled team with a first-time head coach and lots of fresh pieces in place. If anything, 2018 was supposed to be a learning experience for all involved. 2019 is when the rubber hits the road.

Let’s not overreact one way or another just yet. Enjoy the victory and understand this team still has a ways to go.