Will the Bears Find Any Success in the 2022 Season?

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Zach Zalewski

After upsetting the 49ers week 1, expectations for the Bears season have drastically changed within the media and fanbase. The 49ers, being Super Bowl hopefuls, looked to start their season with a cakewalk that could get their X-factor second year QB, Trey Lance, up and running. Even with key pieces of the defense leaving this past offseason, the Bears defense looked disciplined and experienced for such an inexperienced squad. Rookies showed out in week 1 for the Bears with Jaquan Brisker (2nd round CB) recovering a fumble on his very first series and Dominique Robinson (5th round DE) recording a big 3rd down sack to halt a 49ers drive. Seeing rookies feel in place is always a nice sight to see, but at the same time, rookie mistakes have to be expected. Large credit to the lack of mistakes has to be given to new Bears Head Coach, Matt Eberflus. Discipline played a huge role in the Bears win, only being penalized 3 times for a total of 24 yards. The disorderly play of the 49ers contributed to the success of the Bears offense, which proposes the question, “is the way the Bears played versus the 49ers a sustainable way to consistently win games in the NFL?” Bears superfan, Greg Zalewski, admitted a sense of disappointment after a very lackluster first half of the game; however, he was ecstatic with the way the new crew performed in their debut highlighting “making adjustments on the fly.” In the second half the Bears outscored the 49ers 19-3 after being down 10 at half. “Fields was getting pressured every play in the first half it felt like and just staying in the pocket taking sacks. When they came out in the second half seeing the change to having Fields use his feet and play outside of the pocket, it really showed the ability to adjust and play to the 49ers’ weaknesses,” Zalewski states. Bears were quintessential in taking advantage of those weaknesses on both sides of the ball. Now, the Bears can’t count on the other team to always make key mistakes that practically pave the way for a win. Being a team that capitalizes on blunders of their opponent is particularly better though. In 2021, the Bears had the 3rd worst red zone offense in the league scoring touchdowns in only 47.92% of their red zone opportunities and put up only 18.3 points per game. I’d like to strongly emphasize THE BEARS ARE NOT CONTENDERS YET…but seeing progress this season will be considered a success. Zalewski says, “This season is really all about getting Fields to be a leader as QB and getting some younger players experience. I don’t expect the Bears to win the Super Bowl this year, but with them having the highest cap space for free agency in 2023, I expect them to surround Fields with some weapons and really make a push next year.” Bears fans, don’t get too high or low on this season, focus on things that show positives for the future. From just a short glimpse at this new era of Bears football, the future looks bright.