The Chicago Bears’ Path To The Super Bowl Is Now Set In Stone — And Why It’s Not Impossible
Saturday night set the table for the Chicago Bears. Their path to a trip to Super Bowl LIX requires beating the Los Angeles Rams at Soldier Field this Sunday, and then taking a trip to the northwest for a showdown in Seattle against the Seahawks. That became official after they crushed the San Francisco 49ers in the divisional playoff 41-6. It isn’t unexpected. Seattle has probably been the best team in the NFC most of the year, boasting an elite defense and dominant ground attack.
There is no question that this is the toughest stretch the Bears have faced all year. Los Angeles has the NFL’s #1 offense. Seattle has the #1 defense. Somehow, Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams will have to overcome both to achieve their dream of a championship. It must certainly look daunting to most Bears fans, given this team’s flaws. Still, there are some reasons to believe Chicago can make something happen. As good as these opponents are, both have their own flaws.
The Chicago Bears must find ways to exploit both teams.
Los Angeles is driven by their well-balanced offense and a high-end pass rush. However, their pass defense is generally weaker than people think. They rank 19th overall against the pass, in large part due to an average secondary. Four of their last five opponents have put up at least 27 points on them. In other words, if the Bears can somehow protect Williams with some consistency, he should find plenty of opportunities through the air. Carolina put up 30 on them twice. There is no reason to think this team can’t.
As for Seattle, they don’t have many weaknesses, but one they do have is Sam Darnold. The quarterback has been great most of the year, but he still shows tendencies to commit turnovers in bunches when he feels unsettled. This was the case in each of their losses this season. All involved at least one Darnold turnover. The Chicago Bears have generated the most takeaways in the NFL this season. If they can swipe a few from Seattle’s quarterback, the game becomes a toss-up.
Difficult? Absolutely. Not impossible.