Chicago Bears: Moving forward, nothing is guaranteed
The North will be coming for them
The Chicago Bears couldn’t possibly be ‘one and done’ in the NFC North, right? Right? RIGHT?
Perhaps I’m reaching on this one here, but bear with me. While this team is still in prime position to repeat their success from 2018, repeating as division champs are something they haven’t done since they rattled off five straight from 1984 to 1988. Back when the NFC Central was a thing.
Needless to say, it’s been a moment since they’ve achieved that.
light. Related Story. Why Parkey could return in 2019
While the Detroit Lions have re-assumed their position at the bottom of the division totem pole, there has been some noteworthy news with the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings. Interim offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski has been promoted to full-time duties. No doubt Kirk Cousins looked better the final weeks of the regular season under Stefanski’s revised offensive game plan. But given how the Bears pantsed them twice this year, they don’t concern me in the slightest.
It’s the Packers that raised everyone’s eyebrows. They moved quickly earlier this week to secure the services of former Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Matt LaFleur. As far as I know, there wasn’t any competition for his services. Smart money would suggest the front office wasn’t interested in letting him take any other interviews so they made their move.
New #Packers HC Matt LaFleur did not lead the NFL's most potent offense as OC of the #Titans in 2018 pic.twitter.com/C9PaNtUT44
— Kevin Boilard (@KevinBoilard) January 8, 2019
It’s an important note because if LaFleur can prove last season’s offensive struggles in Tennessee were more of the lack of offensive firepower and Marcus Mariota’s inconsistencies, perhaps he can maximize the back end of Aaron Rodger’s career. It’s possible that LaFleur absorbed some of Kyle Shanahan’s genius and football acumen over the years dating back to the Robert Griffin III era in Washington.
Certainly, the Packers are still behind the Bears talent-wise and coaching-wise, but what if LaFleur is a hitter? No doubt the Bears will need to be ready to face off with a stronger Packers squad next season. Since their schedule is easier given they finished third in the division, Chicago must take care of business on their schedule.
I’m merely pointing out that between the Pack and possible (but not likely) improved play from Cousins, Chicago won’t necessarily waltz through the division like they did last year.