Chicago Bears: Warning Signs That Full Purge May Be Imminent
By Erik Lambert
Calling the Chicago Bears the “Browns of the NFC” isn’t all that fair. This organization has actually been to the playoffs in the last decade for starters.
However, where the similarities start to creep in come from their recent inability to create a stable environment in their power structure between the general manager and head coach. Since George McCaskey took over in 2011 the Bears have had three different head coaches and three different GMs. He was around for the end of the Lovie Smith-Jerry Angelo era before ushering in the disastrous Marc Trestman-Phil Emery run.
It was hoped that the change to the John Fox-Ryan Pace regime might finally get the team pointed in the right direction. Instead its been three years of constant struggle that could result in the worst three-year stretch the franchise has ever had during the 16-game NFL era. Most believe that as things are there could be a slight shift in that policy with Pace being allowed to seek out a second head coach.
At the same time an undercurrent exists warning that McCaskey, known for his emotionally-driven leadership, might be swayed by what happens over the next two games. Particularly in regards to the looming contest against those terrible Browns.
Bears have to know how humiliating a Browns loss would be
Cleveland is a team fighting on pure desperation now. They are 0-14 on the season. They have just two chances remaining to avoid becoming the second team ever in NFL history to finish a season winless. Considering the Browns have the Steelers in the finale, this represents likely their best chance to do it and will come out with lots of urgency. David Haugh of the Chicago Tribune warns what such a loss could do to Pace.
"“Nobody really knows how McCaskey views the game against the Browns. He can build it up to be as big as a must-win for general manager Ryan Pace and justify hitting reset again if the Bears suffer the ultimate indignity with a loss to an awful 0-14 team. Or McCaskey can dig in and trust Pace no matter what happens against the Browns, proceeding as most of us expect by firing coach John Fox and enlisting the Bears GM to find his replacement. McCaskey can defend the choice to go in either direction Jan. 1 but, given the chairman’s track record, predicting the actions of an impatient, occasionally impulsive decision-maker is a fool’s errand.Put another way: History says nobody should assume the Bears will stop at changing head coaches if they lose to the Browns.”"
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It’s true. Pace is already on thin ice as it is. He promised a team turnaround when he took over. To date he’s failed to deliver with three-straight losing seasons. His selling point by now is the idea that a new coaching staff can unlock the potential of the Bears’ young roster. They do have some intriguing talents to be sure but remember that McCaskey isn’t a man who can endure humiliation. That’s exactly what a Browns loss would be.