Chicago Bears: Preseason Panic Mode 2021 Schedule Edition

The Chicago Bears have been on a roller-coaster season after season. If ever there was a team that was constantly knocking on the door but never opening it, it’s the Bears. Can they get back to the playoffs or panic mode this season?

From Profootballtalk.com

Week 1: 9/12 at Rams, 8:20 PM, NBC
Week 2: 9/19 vs. Bengals, 1 PM, Fox
Week 3: 9/26 at Browns, 1 PM, Fox
Week 4: 10/3 vs. Lions, 1 PM, Fox
Week 5: 10/10 at Raiders, 4:05 PM, CBS
Week 6: 10/17 vs. Packers, 1 PM, Fox
Week 7: 10/24 at Buccaneers, 4:25 PM, CBS
Week 8: 10/31 vs. 49ers, 1 PM, Fox
Week 9: 11/8 at Steelers, 8:15 PM, ESPN
Week 10: BYE
Week 11: 11/21 vs. Ravens, 1 PM, CBS
Week 12: 11/25 at Lions, 12:30 PM, Fox
Week 13: 12/5 vs. Cardinals, 1 PM, Fox
Week 14: 12/12 at Packers, 8:20 PM, NBC
Week 15: 12/20 vs. Vikings, 8:15 PM, ESPN
Week 16: 12/26 at Seahawks, 4:05 PM, Fox
Week 17: 1/2 vs. Giants, 1 PM, CBS
Week 18: 1/9 at Vikings, 1 PM, Fox

Tough Close

While the start of the season might look rough, the end is even worse. Finishing out with division rival Packers and Vikings, Seahawks, and Vikings again is a tough go. Throw in the Ravens and Cardinals before that and their schedule after the bye is going to be an uphill battle.

More NFL: Vikings Preseason Panic Mode 2021 Edition

Quarterback Battle

The number one story this offseason will be who takes the lead under center. The veteran Andy Dalton or the rookie Justin Fields. Whoever it is, needs to have a clear-cut lead. They’ll need to have a firm grip on not only the quarterback battle, the offense, and executing it at a high level. It’s not just about putting up the stats and giving them a chance. Whoever is under center needs to have zero doubts they’ll win football games. If the back and forth is even remotely an issue, this train will be off the rails quick.

AFC Challenges

If the Chicago Bears want to stand a chance, it’ll be most likely at the hands of AFC opponents. They’ll more than likely need to sweep the Browns, Raiders, Bengals, and Ravens. While they don’t have to sweep, their schedule forces them to win more than losing against AFC opponents. They’re not at the level of 12+ wins but if they can get 9-10 by splitting within the division and sweeping the AFC, they can make a run.