NFL: Can Chicago Bears Turn Season Around?

Read Time:2 Minute, 36 Second

CHICAGO – The Bears snapped a 14-game losing streak against the Washington Commanders with a 40-20 win. Bears quarterback Justin Fields finally looked like the NFL quarterback that the Bears envisioned. It’s important to give credit where it’s due. Receiver D.J. Moore and tight end Cole Kmet both caught touchdowns. In fact, Fields showed he was on the same page with Moore the whole night. Moore had a career night as he caught eight passes for 230 yards and three touchdowns.

Where was this before? How did Fields suddenly have a breakout game? It’s important to give credit but at the same team, a perspective with balance is important. The Washington Commanders have the 32nd overall defense, the worst in the league. Also, Fields, like most quarterbacks, can’t develop overnight. The old expression paints a clear picture “Rome was not built in a day”. Former Ohio State quarterbacks tend to struggle in the NFL as the stats of multiple former Buckeyes prove.

In Fields’ third season, he needs to progress in terms of reading defenses. The five interceptions thrown are a huge concern. The 1-4 record is a concern. However, with this big win, it’s time for the front office to get a little creative and help Fields out.

The Bears have the seventh most cap space in the NFL with $10,976,308. That might be enough for one big-time receiver to go with Moore. The team doesn’t even have to trade in order to accomplish this task. There are multiple interesting veteran-free agents the Bears can talk to right now and probably sign to “discount” deals. Can Julio Jones make a comeback to the NFL? Jones is often an injury concern but could be an option anyway. What about Robby Anderson and Kenny Golladay? Can the Bears sign both and see what happens? This may not be as exciting as making a big trade for a big name. It would be a lot easier to do and it wouldn’t use up as much cap space. Jarvis Landry is also available. Breshad Perriman could be an interesting choice. Former Bears receiver Anthony Miller is on the free agent market too. Although Miller is probably not the likely choice, he could be a decent free agent option but he played on three NFL teams already and was on the San Francisco 49ers practice squad. These are just a few remaining free agents to consider.

Will the Bears turn their attention to the free agent market for a solid second receiver for a discount contract? This would be the best course of action to get it done relatively easily and without the need to give up draft picks. The Bears can also still have enough cap space to address a defensive need as the defense ranks number 31 in the NFL.

Top NFL Games to Watch for Week 5:

Atlanta Falcons 2-2 vs Houston Texans 2-2

Las Angeles Rams 2-2 vs Philadelphia Eagles 4-0

San Francisco 49ers 4-0 vs Dallas Cowboys 3-1

Pittsburgh Steelers 2-2 vs Baltimore Ravens 3-1