Bears’ focus shifts from long-shot playoff run to picking themselves up when they host Cardinals
LAKE FOREST, Ill. – It’s no longer about a long-shot run to the playoffs for the Chicago Bears. Their hopes are just about dashed.
They’re simply looking to pick themselves up after yet another collapse and make something of the remainder of the season when they host the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday.
“How do we get an emotional edge?” cornerback Jaylon Johnson said. “I mean, if we don’t have an emotional edge by now, I feel like I don’t know what’s going to get us going. I feel like we have had too many opportunities that we’ve had in our hands that we’ve lost. But honestly, we just have to try and get this next win and take that taste out of our mouth, and that’s what we’re focused on.”
It would be understandable for the Bears (5-9) to pack it in with three games remaining.
They’re last in the NFC North following a demoralizing 20-17 loss at Cleveland last week just when it looked like they might be priming themselves for an unlikely run.
They were in position to win their third straight game, leading by 10 in the fourth quarter. But instead of matching their best streak since a three-game run in 2020, they allowed the Browns to rally.
It was the third time the Bears blew a double-digit, fourth-quarter lead and lost. They also did it against Denver in Week 4 and at Detroit in Week 11.
Arizona (3-11) comes in tied with New England for the second-worst record in the NFL, with Carolina (2-12) one game back. The Cardinals hung with San Francisco for a half last week before the 49ers pulled away for a 45-29 win.
FIELDS’ FUTURE
The Bears are approaching a critical point when it comes to Justin Fields and the quarterback position, particularly with the No. 1 overall draft pick possibly belonging to them thanks to their trade with Carolina for receiver DJ Moore.
They could be in position to reset with Caleb Williams or Drake Maye if they decide to move on from Fields.
Fields was asked this