(1) 7-9. Is that just a number? To many, sure. But it would also be a fair representation of the progress this organization has made in just one season under their new regime. This has been a coin clip season and 7-9 would accurately reflect the fact that the 2015 Chicago Bears have been narrowly on the wrong side of the coin.
(2) The Completion of a Great Cutler Season. He’s completed more than 63% of his passes for 3,414 yards and thrown 19 touchdowns to only 8 interceptions. But his numbers tell little of the story. He’s been the Bears best player, snatching several improbable victories from the jaws of defeat and doing all of it with a decimated receiving corps and young offensive line. The most remarkable part of Cutler’s season has been his leadership. For the first time during his Bears tenure, this truly felt like the quarterback’s team.
Side note: Cutler needs a monster game to break Erik Kramer’s single season yardage record of 3,838.
(3) Matt Forte’s Farewell? On a personal note, I’m thrilled to be at Soldier Field Sunday with an opportunity to say goodbye to Forte, should this be his final game as a Bear. He’s been arguably the third best Bears running back of the modern era and one of their best ambassadors. A good player and even better man, nobody would complain if the Bears brought Forte back for a few more seasons. But with talented, young depth at the position that seems more and more unlikely.
(4) The Timu Revolution. John Timu has jumped off the screen the last two weeks at middle linebacker and his attacking style/aggression have been exactly what the Bears were missing all season long. A defense that has struggled against the run all season held the league’s two leading rushers in check these last two weeks. It’s no coincidence those were the first two starts of Timu’s career. If that continues against the Lions the Bears may not be looking for two ILB this offseason. They may be looking for Timu’s partner-in-crime.
Add your stakes to the comments section below. We’ll use a couple of the best ones in Friday’s game preview.
