Would you really be that surprised if we made the playoffs this year?

[didshereallysaythat]

I can give several examples of good coaches that came into shit storms and the team either made the playoffs or had a winning record in year one. Caldwell, Arians, Pagano are all recent examples. So why not us? We have a well respected head coach and arguably the best defensive coordinator. Normally, teams surprise. They go from bad one year to good the next.

If you doubt what I am saying, think back. Look for examples of teams that methodically improved slightly each year. You will not find many examples. The league is not linear like that. NFL teams are not an Algebra equation.

If we went 5-11 or 6-10 next year but "improved" and "were in every game", I guarantee you wouldn't feel some sense of accomplishment or have a good feeling going into 2016. You would gloom on the negatives and what caused us to lose the close games.

I think a lot of people here secretly have the expectations and hope that we will compete but they don't to put their foot in their mouth or get their hopes up. That's fine I guess.

I am predicting 9-7. With our coaching changes we will be better. We have proven players that are winners in their prime at key positions. We have a decent QB (not great) that has been competitive in the past. Unless we have some bad luck with injuries, I think we will have a competitive record. The NFC could be tough again like last year and if it is, it could be tough to get in at 9-7. We will see.

Troll away if you like, but this is my opinion.

 

[BringBackDitka54]

The major change that could push us into the playoff hunt is our coaching staff. We literally went from the worst DC in the league to one of the best, if not the best.

 

[Omeletpants]

Does 5-11 qualify for the playoffs?

 

[CRM 114]

Does 5-11 qualify for the playoffs?

Only in the NFC South.

 

[Desperado34]

Who is... We?

I hope the Bears make the playoffs, but I'm not playing the field so I hope they can rock it out this season.

 

[stats guy]

It's not impossible for us to make the playoffs, or even win the superbowl next year. But the odds are against us. The problem is, we have a bunch of mediocre/bad players with big contracts, which handicapped us this year in free agency. As a result, we have more holes and less depth than most other teams. Add to that switching from a 4-3 to a 3-4, and as far as personnel, we are near the bottom of the distribution. That's not to say we can't turn this around next year, when said players can be released with minimal cap penalties.

If we do make the playoffs, that will be a testament to our coaching staff. And I think we have a good one. But maybe temper your expectations. Next year we will be more likely to succeed.

 

[Omeletpants]

It's not impossible for us to make the playoffs, or even win the superbowl next year. But the odds are against us. The problem is, we have a bunch of mediocre/bad players with big contracts, which handicapped us this year in free agency. As a result, we have more holes and less depth than most other teams. Add to that switching from a 4-3 to a 3-4, and as far as personnel, we are near the bottom of the distribution. That's not to say we can't turn this around next year, when said players can be released with minimal cap penalties.

If we do make the playoffs, that will be a testament to our coaching staff. And I think we have a good one. But maybe temper your expectations. Next year we will be more likely to succeed.

Win the super bowl? WTF is wrong with you?

 

[Scoot26]

Win the super bowl? WTF is wrong with you?

He's the stats guy.

 

[Mitchapalooza]

my reaction if we made the playoffs

 

[Omeletpants]

He's the stats guy.

Scoot, please create a beginner's forum where guys like him, PeteMichaels and Tribar can go and practice posting. When they become competent posters they can then post with the rest of us. Make that happen

 

[CRM 114]

Scoot, please create a beginner's forum where guys like him, PeteMichaels and Tribar can go and practice posting. When they become competent posters they can then post with the rest of us. Make that happen

I should not be put into the same category as Pete McMichaels. Besides, I have almost 3,000 posts. I think I've figured it out.

 

[1ke]

I fully expect the Bears to make the playoffs. Thats not a joke.

 

[Omeletpants]

I should not be put into the same category as Pete McMichaels. Besides, I have almost 3,000 posts. I think I've figured it out.

Quantity does not make quality. I just PM'd Scoot and he is putting you in the Practice Forum.

 

[Space Invader]

Said it in another thread. Bears are winning the Super Bowl. Don't know why we're still fucking with this.

 

[CRM 114]

Quantity does not make quality. I just PM'd Scoot and he is putting you in the Practice Forum.

Whatever you say.

 

[TL1961]

Would I be stunned? No.

Surprised, yeah - more surprised if we make the playoffs than if we don't.

Super Bowl? I'd be less surprised to see Bigfoot ride in on a unicorn.

 

[TL1961]

I should not be put into the same category as Pete McMichaels. Besides, I have almost 3,000 posts. I think I've figured it out.

We'll be the judges of that.

 

[Bearshomer]

I expect a fast turnaround, but the schedule will probably prevent it.

 

[DaaBears]

12 out of 32 teams make the playoffs, so basically if you are in the top half, you have a shot, depending on how your division and conference do that year. I think that it is possible to be in the top half. However Emery has done a quite deal of damage to this franchise, so it may take longer to turn it around.

 

[didshereallysaythat]

A coordinator can really help one side of the ball. You actually saw it in Trestman's first year. We were top 5 in offense immediately after being bottom third every year with Lovie. The problem with Trestman is the league caught on to him and he couldn't adjust... like every other stop he was coach or coordinator.