A month ago, having lost six in a row, Bears coaches stressed what the players could control. They were promised four more games — and had a chance for the playoffs if they could find a way to win them.
The last time the Bears hosted the Packers, Matt Nagy walked into Soldier Field wearing George Halas’ fedora on his head and the weight of the football world on his shoulders. The rivalry game opened the NFL’s 100th season in place of the reigning champion’s home opener. The Bears were considered a Super Bowl contender. And then they lost 10-3, crushed under the weight of the moment and by an underperforming offense that would only grow more spurious as the year went on. Three months later, the Packers eliminated them from playoff contention. The Bears finished their most anticipated season in a generation 8-8 and seemed destined for a worse fate this season. The last time Nagy walked into Soldier Field, his team had lost six straight. His job status — and that of general manager Ryan Pace — was in peril. Now, one three-game winning streak later, the 8-7 Bears can reach the playoffs with a victory against the Packers on Sunday afternoon at Soldier Field. They can sneak into the postseason as the No.7 seed even if they lose — provided the Rams beat the Cardinals in a game that kicks off at the same time.
