The Chicago Bears’ unlikely playoff push effectively came to an abrupt end when the Bears lost to the San Francisco 49ers 26-20 in overtime. Although Chicago is still mathematically in contention for the last wild card spot, it is unlikely that the Bears will make the playoffs even if they win out.
These Bears never fail to surprise. Not many Bears fans expected the Bears to beat the Kansas City Chiefs, who are currently the fifth seed in the AFC playoff picture. Most had the Bears beating the then winless Detroit Lions, but Chicago lost in overtime. Nobody picked the Bears to beat the Packers in Green Bay on Thanksgiving, but they silenced the critics.
This was the week in which the Bears were supposed to solidify themselves as a legitimate threat to contend for the wild card in the NFC. Facing the lowly 49ers, whose record before the game was 3-8, the Bears should have won this game at home.
Nothing went right.
Jay Cutler threw his third pick-six of the season, Robbie Gould missed what are typically two chip-shots, and the defense gave up two big plays that led to the Bears’ demise. In sum, this was a terrible performance this late in the season, especially when the Bears were fighting for a playoff spot.
Chicago cannot afford to commit turnovers and miss makable field goals because it lacks the talent to compensate for lost points. Although the defense played well until the end of the game, it lacks the big playmakers that are required for a defense to overcome the mistakes of the offense and special teams. A come-from-behind victory seemed likely for San Francisco when Gould missed the potential game-winning field goal given that the momentum swung its way, and that is exactly what happened.
I hate to upset die hard Bears fans, but I am a realist: the Chicago Bears will not make the playoffs this season. Fans might as well face and accept the reality now rather than later. I do not doubt that the coaching staff will inspire the players to play as hard as they can with four games remaining, but I do doubt the players’ abilities to play consistently, whether it be good or bad. After watching this embarrassing loss, I would be surprised if the Bears were able to finish .500 by season’s end.