When they play the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, they just want to bounce back from yet another setback and salvage the rest of the season.
How can we gain a stronger emotional edge? Jaylon Johnson, a cornerback, said. If we don’t already have a strong emotional bond, I’m not sure what will motivate us to continue. I believe that we have lost far too many chances that were within our grasp. To be honest, though, that’s all we’re focused on—getting this next win and getting that taste out of our mouth.
With three games left, it would be reasonable for the Bears (5-9) to give up.
After a heartbreaking 20-17 loss to Cleveland last week, just when it appeared they might be setting themselves up for an unlikely run, they are currently last in the NFC North.
With a 10-point lead in the fourth quarter, they were poised to win their third game in a row. But they let the Browns rally, and instead of matching their best run since a three-game run in 2020.
It was the third time the Bears had lost after blowing a double-digit lead in the fourth quarter. They also performed it in Weeks 4 against Denver and 11 at Detroit.
With Carolina (2-12) one game behind, Arizona (3-11) is tied with New England for the second-worst record in the NFL. Last week, the 49ers pulled away from the Cardinals for a 45-29 victory after the former tied San Francisco for thirty minutes.
In terms of Justin Fields and the quarterback position, the Bears are getting close to a turning point, especially since they may have acquired the first overall draft pick in the process by trading receiver DJ Moore to Carolina.
If they choose to move on from Fields, they might be in a position to start over with Caleb Williams or Drake Maye.
This week, Fields was questioned about his performance thus far with the Bears.
“Achievement,” he declared. “They are aware. They are aware. Everyone in the building is aware of who I am. As I previously stated, there is only so much that I can control.
Fields struggled in last week’s match. Against the top-ranked defense in the NFL, he was 19 of 40 for 166 yards, a touchdown, two interceptions, and a 46.5 rating. Throughout his career, he has also had trouble passing late in games; his fourth-quarter passer rating is only 62.4. As opposed to the first, second, and third quarter ratings of 84.1, 84.4, and 99.7, compare that.
One of the Cardinals’ greatest successes this season has been the development of tight end Trey McBride. With three games remaining in the season, the Colorado State product, in his second year, has already surpassed the franchise record for receptions by a tight end.
Coach Jonathan Gannon stated that although McBride had 10 catches for 102 yards last week against the 49ers, he might have been most impressed by a block that allowed running back James Conner to break free for a significant gain.
He’s a full player, according to Gannon. He really is, but I believe that he would tell you this in order to advance to that position and become an entirely dominant player. I believe he wants that to be a little more consistent. He performs admirably there with that. gets better every week. He is harsh with himself.
Bears’ defenseIn terms of sacks, two teams are led by Montez Sweat.
After being traded to Chicago, he recorded 6 1/2 in eight games for Washington before going on to have six in six since then. Sweat increased his season total to a career-best 12 1/2 with a personal-best 2 1/2 against Cleveland.
With four sacks, Yannick Ngakoue is second on the Bears, but he will miss the remainder of the campaign due to an ankle break sustained during a Week 14 victory over Detroit. For the Commanders, Jonathan Allen has a 5 1/2 score.
Back-to-back weeks will see Arizona take on the NFL’s top rush defense.
With over 131 yards per game, the Cardinals rank seventh in the league in terms of rush yards. Against the 49ers, who had the best rush defense in the league going into the game, the Cardinals proved their mettle on the ground with 234 yards and two touchdowns.
That performance knocked the 49ers out of first place, and the Bears, who are allowing just 79.8 points per game, are now in first place.