Well, the Bears (8-3) are sitting pretty atop the NFC North, a game ahead of Green Bay at 7-4.
One can safely say that this season, they are playoff contenders, not pretenders. The Bears don't have the prettiest of teams. They don't overwhelm you. They have found a winning combination in team defense, a good running game, great special teams, and some good passing from Jay Cutler. Cutler is finding his role. He is not going to carry this team. He is turning into a Jm McMahon type player. A guy who can make the big throws, a guy who is learning what it takes to win. McMahon would find a way to beat you. His inner fire and determination were big. If Cutler can increase his to match his throwing ability, watch out NFL!
If the Bears fininsh 10-6 and out of the playoffs, do they fire Lovie Smith? That is hard to read right now. The Bears have not had good Decembers in recent years, and if they collapse, there will be cries for the effigy. But a strong showing, the Bears finishing with 11-5 record, all but insures that the coach stays. It is about winning, and it is about how you finish.
The Bears need to learn that they got themselves into the position to be in the running. Now, the running starts.
