The NFL Playoffs are a time when the intensity and drama of the game are on full display, but for many Chicago Bears fans, the weekend carried an additional sting: their team wasn’t part of the action. The Bears, who once again found themselves on the outside looking in during the postseason, had a front-row seat to a playoff race they couldn’t participate in. As the NFL playoffs unfolded without the familiar blue and orange jerseys in the mix, Bears fans found themselves reflecting not just on the state of the team but on what it means to watch the postseason from the sidelines. Here’s what we learned from a playoff weekend without Bears football.
### 1. **The Playoffs Highlight How Far the Bears Are From Contender Status**
Perhaps the most sobering takeaway from a playoff weekend without Bears football was the reminder of just how far the team has fallen from true contender status. Watching teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, Philadelphia Eagles, and San Francisco 49ers battle for supremacy highlighted the gap between these top-tier franchises and the Bears.
For years, the Bears have struggled to put together a balanced, competitive roster, and it’s clear that the gap between them and the elite teams of the NFL is wide. While Chicago has flashes of talent—most notably in Justin Fields, a dynamic quarterback with a rare blend of mobility and arm strength—there are numerous other areas of concern. The defense, which was once the heart and soul of the franchise, is no longer the dominant force it once was. The offensive line is still a work in progress, and the lack of playmakers at key positions remains evident.
Watching teams like the Eagles and 49ers, who have built deep, versatile rosters capable of weathering injuries and adapting to different game situations, showed just how much work is still ahead for the Bears. The road to being a Super Bowl contender is long, and this year’s playoff field was a stark reminder of the distance between where Chicago is and where it needs to be.
### 2. **The Importance of Consistent Quarterback Play**
A major theme of the 2024 playoffs was the continued dominance of teams with elite, consistent quarterback play. Whether it was Patrick Mahomes continuing his legacy with the Chiefs, Jalen Hurts leading the Eagles with his dual-threat capability, or Brock Purdy’s steady performance with the 49ers, the role of a reliable, top-tier quarterback became even clearer.
For Bears fans, the situation with Justin Fields has been a roller coaster. While his talent and potential are undeniable, his ability to deliver on a consistent basis in critical moments remains in question. Fields showed considerable improvement in 2024, especially with his ability to make plays outside of the pocket, but the inconsistency of his passing game—particularly his struggles with accuracy and decision-making—remains a point of concern.
Looking at teams like the Eagles and Chiefs, which have their quarterbacks playing at an MVP level, it’s clear that the Bears need to make significant strides in developing Fields or, if necessary, exploring other options to address the quarterback position long-term. This playoff weekend underscored that in the NFL, a great quarterback is often the difference between just making the playoffs and advancing deep into January.
### 3. **Depth is Key to Sustaining Success**
Watching the NFL’s most successful teams in the playoffs also underscored an essential aspect of roster construction: depth. Take the 49ers, for example. Despite losing starting quarterback Trey Lance early in the season and dealing with multiple injuries, the 49ers continued to perform at an elite level due to their depth at nearly every position. From their offensive line to their pass rush to their secondary, they had capable backups and role players who could step in seamlessly.
For the Bears, depth is an area that has been sorely lacking for years. While there are stars on the roster—like Fields and linebacker Roquan Smith (before his trade)—there’s been a noticeable drop-off when those players have missed time, and the supporting cast has often failed to elevate the team. The Bears have made strides in building depth, particularly in 2024, but the playoff weekend served as a reminder of just how important it is to not only have top-end talent but also a roster that can withstand the injuries and roster turnover inevitable in the course of an NFL season.
Building depth is crucial, especially in a league where injuries are inevitable. The Bears need to continue to develop their roster, finding contributors not only in the first and second rounds of the draft but also in later-round picks and free-agent acquisitions. The playoffs showcased just how deep the league’s best teams are—and how important it is for Chicago to follow suit.
### 4. **The Coaching Advantage is Real**
Another lesson from a playoff weekend without the Bears was how vital the role of coaching is in getting the most out of a team, especially in the postseason. Teams like the Chiefs with Andy Reid, the Eagles with Nick Sirianni, and the 49ers with Kyle Shanahan all had the advantage of highly respected head coaches who excel in adjusting to opponents, developing players, and making the right calls in crucial situations.
The Bears, meanwhile, are in a much different situation with their coaching staff. Matt Eberflus is still in the process of building his identity as a head coach, and while there have been some promising aspects of his tenure, there are also clear areas for growth. Whether it’s in-game decision-making, defensive scheming, or overall team culture, the Bears have yet to demonstrate the level of consistency and excellence that the league’s top coaches bring to the table.
This playoff weekend was a reminder that elite coaching can make all the difference in January. Great coaching can elevate average talent, get the most out of young players, and make the tough calls in close games. For the Bears, the future of Eberflus and his staff remains a critical question, as they continue to evaluate whether he can be the one to lead this franchise back to relevance.
### 5. **The Playoffs Make the Need for a True No. 1 Wide Receiver Clear**
One of the biggest issues for the Bears this season—and one that became even clearer over the course of the playoff weekend—is the team’s lack of a true No. 1 wide receiver. While Darnell Mooney and rookie Tyler Scott have flashed at times, neither has truly emerged as the type of explosive, consistent playmaker who can tilt games in Chicago’s favor.
Watching teams like the Chiefs (with Travis Kelce and others) and the Eagles (with A.J. Brown and Devonta Smith), it became evident that having multiple playmakers at the skill positions is a must in today’s NFL. The Bears need to invest heavily in their receiving corps, either through the draft or free agency, to give Fields the weapons he needs to succeed. The postseason is a stark reminder that the Bears cannot continue to rely on an average group of wideouts if they hope to compete in the league’s upper echelons.
### Conclusion: The Path Forward for the Bears
While the absence of Bears football in the playoffs was disappointing, it was also illuminating. Watching the NFL’s best teams in action underscored the many areas in which the Bears need to improve—from quarterback development and roster depth to coaching and offensive firepower. The 2024 season was another step in the right direction, but the path to the playoffs is still a long one. For Bears fans, the key takeaway is that the team needs to continue building strategically in the coming offseason—because if there’s one thing we learned from this playoff weekend, it’s that greatness is built over time. The Bears still have work to do, but there is hope on the horizon.