That’s four wins in a row for our Chicago Bears, and four wins in games that had moments where previous Bears teams would have likely crumbled. Let’s examine all the times past teams would have found a way
to Bear it up.
Week 3: Chicago was up 14 to 3 after the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys, but Dallas quickly tied it up midway through the second with a field goal, a touchdown, and a two-point conversion. The Cowboys had the momentum, and there was a groan from Soldier Field with a collective ‘here we go again.’
But the Bears regained the momentum and went on to win 31-14.
Week 4: The Bears fought back in the second half and took the lead, 25 to 24, against the Las Vegas Raiders. But did they score too quickly? Would the Raiders get into position for a field goal?
Yes and yes. We’ve seen this story before.
But not this time, because Josh Blackwell flew off the edge and blocked the kick.
Week 6: A rematch with the Washington Commanders at the scene of the crime on Monday Night Football. The Bears were down eight in the fourth quarter before a 55-yard catch and run by D’Andre Swift cut the lead to two, but the two-point conversion failed because of course it did. The teams traded punts, and Washington was in position to run out the clock.
But Commander QB Jayden Daniels fumbled, and the Bears had a chance.
All they had to do was get practice squad kicker Jake Moody, who just had a field goal blocked, in position for a game-winner. Eight plays and 36 yards later, Moody lined up for the kick.
There’s no way the Bears will get a Cinderella story with a Moody walkoff, is there?
But they did.
Week 7: The Bears had to work really hard for their 20 to 0 lead, but then in minutes, the New Orleans Saints cut the lead to seven with a TD before the half and another to start the third.
Momentum squarely on the Saints’ side. All the good vibes from the winning streak seemed about to die because ‘here we go again, same old Bears.’
But not this time. The running game and defense stepped up. The practice squad kicker hit two more field goals, and the Bears closed out a 26 to 14 win.
Ben Johnson has this team playing winning football, despite some inconsistent play. There’s plenty to clean up, this still isn’t a championship contender, but I believe Johnson is the right man to get them there.
It’s year one of the regime with what appears to be a fantastic coaching staff, the culture has been noticeably different and refreshing, so I think it’s okay to relax on those tempered expectations.
This is no longer the same old Bears.
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