Post by shark86 on May 14, 2024 18:35:25 GMT -6
The Chicago Bears have been the center of a significant deal of hype this offseason, and for good reason, but some around the NFL are already beginning to pump the brakes on expectations.
Among them is David Kenyon of Bleacher Report, who dubbed the Bears the 3rd most-overrated team in the NFL coming into the 2024 campaign based on their NFC Title odds of +1400, which represent the seventh-highest mark in the conference. Kenyon’s argument circled around Chicago’s strength of schedule, particularly within the conference, as well as the expectations arriving a season too soon.
Among them is David Kenyon of Bleacher Report, who dubbed the Bears the 3rd most-overrated team in the NFL coming into the 2024 campaign based on their NFC Title odds of +1400, which represent the seventh-highest mark in the conference. Kenyon’s argument circled around Chicago’s strength of schedule, particularly within the conference, as well as the expectations arriving a season too soon.
But then the article just meanders around and doesn't say anything special. Heavy on Bears seems like a lightweight news source. So I went to look at David Kenyon of Bleacher Reprot. Almost his entire reasoning was quoted in the above story, but here's the whole thing:
Chicago Bears
3 of 5
NFC Title Odds: +1400 (seventh in NFC)
Ryan Poles has executed a smart plan since taking over as the Chicago Bears' general manager. He cleared out the cap sheet, then reshaped the franchise's future in a 2023 trade with the Carolina Panthers.
Still, it feels like the hype is coming one year early.
Chicago dealt Justin Fields to clear the path for rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, brought in veteran wideout Keenan Allen and drafted Rome Odunze. The offense, with no hesitation, is better on paper. Combine that with the defense's encouraging finish to the 2023 campaign, and the rising expectations are rationale.
The problem is Chicago must navigate a division with the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers. Taking on the NFC West likely won't help the Bears in wild-card tiebreakers, and last year's defensive surge coincided with playing four of the NFL's worst offenses.
Chicago is trending the right direction, but bracing for a fourth straight year outside of the postseason would be wise.
3 of 5
NFC Title Odds: +1400 (seventh in NFC)
Ryan Poles has executed a smart plan since taking over as the Chicago Bears' general manager. He cleared out the cap sheet, then reshaped the franchise's future in a 2023 trade with the Carolina Panthers.
Still, it feels like the hype is coming one year early.
Chicago dealt Justin Fields to clear the path for rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, brought in veteran wideout Keenan Allen and drafted Rome Odunze. The offense, with no hesitation, is better on paper. Combine that with the defense's encouraging finish to the 2023 campaign, and the rising expectations are rationale.
The problem is Chicago must navigate a division with the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers. Taking on the NFC West likely won't help the Bears in wild-card tiebreakers, and last year's defensive surge coincided with playing four of the NFL's worst offenses.
Chicago is trending the right direction, but bracing for a fourth straight year outside of the postseason would be wise.
So, again, nothing about being overrated other than some Joe Schmoe says it.
