Chicago Bears: Opportunity knocking in NFC North?

The Chicago Bears may have the opportunity of a lifetime as it is starting to feel like the NFC North may be wide open starting as early as next season. Of course, the team still has to find a way to get its own house in order, which is a long shot in and of itself. But if they can, they are sitting on a unique opportunity to take control of the division in a way they haven’t in a long time.

Let’s first discuss why this opportunity may exist in the first place.

Over the weekend, we learned that Detroit Lions Matthew Stafford approached the team and requested a trade. As of now, we cannot confirm it had anything to do with his new head coach talking about eating kneecaps during his introductory press conference, but it likely did not help.

In reality, it is probably more the inevitable feeling that a total rebuild is coming, and with few prime years left, he wants to have an opportunity to play in the postseason and make a run for a Super Bowl. He recognizes the Lions are not close to getting to that point, and if they lose Stafford a legitimate franchise quarterback, they almost assuredly lock up last place for the next few years.

Now to the perennial NFC North champs over the last couple of decades — the Green Bay Packers. Since the arrival of Brett Favre, the Packers have mostly dominated the division. It helps to have two consecutive hall of fame quarterbacks in that span, but after some curious comments after yesterday’s NFC Championship game loss, that run may be coming to an end. Aaron Rodgers was very non-committal about his future in Green Bay. In fact, his comments could have even been interpreted as him hinting he is leaving.

If Rodgers, for some reason, did not return, the Packers would have to turn to second-year quarterback Jordan Love who underwhelmed this preseason according to reports. For years, Aaron Rodgers carried an offense that lacked star power. It’s safe to say Love will not be able to do the same.

The Chicago Bears could have a unique opportunity

So with Rodgers and Stafford potentially gone next year, the Bears have an opportunity to seize control of the division. The only problem is (and it’s a big one) they need to find a quarterback themselves.

The good news is they have a solid defense and some other pieces in place, so if they can find a stopgap for next year while they draft and groom their future franchise quarterback, they could find themselves competing with the Minnesota Vikings for the division over the next few years.

Of course there is no guarantee any of these things happen, but for now, it’s at least fun to think about as we get ready for a long offseason.