One Word Separates The Chicago Bears From Contention
By Erik Lambert
Sep 20, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears offensive tackle Kyle Long (75) outside linebacker Pernell McPhee (92) and linebacker Lamarr Houston (99) walk off the field after the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at Soldier Field. Cardinals won 48-23. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Understand that a year ago there is no question now that the Chicago Bears may have had the worst coaching staff in pro football. The absolute worst. Yet that didn’t stop them from somehow still managing to win five games. How does that happen? Most would say blind luck but in reality it is a simple case of talent overcoming other issues.
That’s right, despite what so many continue to say, this Bears team is not completely devoid of good players. In fact there are quite a few that continue to have a hand in them being competitive on Sundays. No, the reason they aren’t relevant in the NFL playoff picture for the fifth-straight season is so much a lack of talent. It’s from the missing word that must go in front of it.
“Elite” talent. Mike Mulligan of the Chicago Tribune explains.
"“Missing in the equation is not a lack of talent but rather a lack of elite talent. The Bears were repeatedly in position to beat the Vikings on Sunday but simply failed to deliver a deathblow.It appeared to happen with just under five minutes to play when Pernell McPhee — the lone elite talent on defense — sacked Teddy Bridgewater for a 7-yard loss that left the Vikings inside their 10. Somehow, Bridgewater broke outside to his left on the next play for a 19-yard gain and the Bears were done.”"
What constitutes elite talent? The best way to describe it is how many players does a team have on their roster that can be considered one of the five or 10 best at their position in the league. Take a look at other teams around the NFL who are clear contenders. See how many players on their roster can make a case for elite status.
Patriots (7-0)
- Tom Brady
- Rob Gronkowski
- Devin McCourty
- Dont’a Hightower
- Stephen Gostkowski
Broncos (7-0)
- Peyton Manning
- Demaryius Thomas
- Evan Mathis
- Von Miller
- DeMarcus Ware
- Chris Harris Jr.
Packers (6-1)
- Aaron Rodgers
- Josh Sitton
- Clay Matthews
- Mike Daniels
Panthers (7-0)
- Cam Newton
- Ryan Kalil
- Luke Kuechly
- Kawann Short
- Josh Norman
Bengals (7-0)
- A.J. Green
- Andrew Whitworth
- Tyler Eifert
- Geno Atkins
Based on the list at hand, usually the best teams must have a core of at least four players who can be considered “elite.” Are the Bears there right now? No. As it stands just two of their players are at or near such a level. Alshon Jeffery has dominated since returning from injury and Pernell McPhee has dominated period. Kyle Long has that kind of talent but is still transitioning to a new position. He was an elite guard but isn’t quite there yet as a tackle.
Thus this is where the team sits. One or two elite-level players, four or five good ones and the remainder being okay to bad. That is why they can hang around with pretty much every team they play but for one reason or another can’t finish games. Until they are able to fill that gap with two or three more core guys, this will be the trend for the immediate future.