News broke on Saturday evening that the Bears had agreed to trade quarterback Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a conditional 6th round pick in 2025. The move essentially paves the way for the Bears to draft a new QB in the upcoming NFL draft. The pick can become a 4th round selection if Justin ends up playing 51% of the snaps in 2024.
I have mixed emotions on the move. I feel they never put Justin in a great situation. From Nagy being the head coach and playcaller on his way out to bringing in Luke Getsy to all the WRs they brought in. Ironically, the Bears brought back Dante Pettis who was one of the many targets Fields had to throw to over his short career with the Bears.
There was little surprise given that the Bears were ‘shopping’ Fields over the last few days. My surprise, and disappointment is that it’s not even a pick for 2024, and potentially a 6th round pick- which if we are being honest is not great. I think they might have gotten more with a compensatory pick if they lost him to free agency.
With the hiring of new Offensive Coordinator, Shane Waldron, I thought they might try and rejuvenate Fields as Waldron did with Seahawks QB Geno Smith. The new QB will have a revamped offense with the additions of former Chargers WR Keenan Allen, running back D’Andre Swift, and tight end Gerald Everett in recent days.
One thing is for sure, the offense will be more exciting whomever the Bears tab as their next starting QB.
Last night the entire 2023 NFL schedule was released. Now the fun begins- we get to go over it and make predictions based on how we feel about our teams. Grab your favorite drink and let’s get to work!
Week 1: Packers- The Green Bay Packers come to Chicago to open the season for the first time without a QB named Brett Favre or Aaron Rodgers. The Jordan Love era begins on Sunday September 10th, on the lakefront in Chicago. It’s a total coin flip- but I will give the Bears a slight edge. W
Week 2: @ Buccaneers- Brady retired and the Bucs now rely on Baker Mayfield to lead them. This is probably another flip of the coin and I will once again give a slight edge to the Bears. W
Week 3: @ Chiefs- This is where the team comes back to reality. I will be happy if they keep the score close for the first quarter. L
Week 4: Broncos- The Denver Broncos come to town with a new coach in Sean Payton- the longtime Saints coach. The Broncos have a very capable QB in Russell Wilson, and they will be hoping Payton can resurrect his dying career. L
Week 5: @ Commanders- The Bears storm into the nations capital on a short week as they play on Thursday Night Football. W
Week 6: Vikings- The Bears will have some extra rest to get ready for this home game vs Minnesota. Not sure it will matter. L
Week 7: Raiders- This will be the first time the Bears have back to back home games. I give the Bears a very slight edge for that. W
Week 8: @ Chargers- Not much of a contest here. Herbert is a top QB, and the Bears defense is a long way from being capable of stopping a QB like him. L
Week 9: @ Saints- New Orleans picked up veteran QB David Carr from the Raiders. Not sure it will have much of a factor. Sean Payton leaving for Denver will be a factor. I give the Saints a slight edge for being the home team. L
Week 10: Panthers- The Bears can help themselves out with a win vs Carolina as they own their 1st round pick in 2024 from their trading the #1 overall pick earlier this year. The Panthers come in with a rookie QB and minus DJ Moore. W
Week 11: @ Lions- Lions are still a bit ahead of the Bears on talent, but this contest should be close. I give the edge to Detroit for being the home team- but the Bears might be able to steal one in the Motor City. L
Week 12: @ Vikings- Minnesota is the better team and should take care of business at home. L
Week 13: BYE
Week 14: Lions- Coming off the BYE- the Bears might have a slight advantage. The Lions might be headed for a playoff spot, but the Bears have the extra time off. This game is probably a flip of a coin. I like the Bears taking this one. W
Week 15: @ Browns- The more things change, the more- well, the Browns are the Browns. Justin Fields should be pumped up for this, sort of homecoming match in Cleveland. W
Week 16: Cardinals- The redbirds have an edge at QB and probably will be playing for a playoff spot. Soldier Field will be a challenging place to play for this Christmas Eve tilt. L
Week 17: Falcons- Atlanta will be at a clear disadvantage in the frigid Chicago climate on New Year’s Eve- and football may be the last thing on their minds. W
Week 18: @ Packers- The Bears will most likely be in ‘shut down’ mode. Jordan Love will have a lot more games behind him at this point. That could be the difference. Chicago doesn’t have a great track record on the frozen tundra- and it should be pretty cold in early January. L
So it looks like I have the Bears finishing the season at 8 wins and 9 losses. I think it’s pretty likely and will will be a heck of a step forward from their 3 win season last year. What do you think? Feel free to comment down below!
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