Entering Week 15, the Chicago Bears are alive in the 2023 NFC playoff race.
It’s crazy to write that, think about that, speak it, and realize it.
Still, it’s true.
The Green Bay Packers were knocked back down to earth by the New York Giants, who notched a game-winning field goal in the final seconds of Week 14's Monday night game, sending the Packers to a 6-7 record.
And the Bears’ record? 5-8. One game back.
There’s still a little ground to make up, and the Bears need some help from the outside. But the fact is this: the Chicago Bears are one game away from the 7th seed in the NFC.
Given the mess that is the NFC South, the downward slope that the Vikings are on, and the Bears’ Week 18 matchup against Green Bay, anything can happen – and that includes a playoff berth.
In order to make that glimmer of hope more of a reality, the Bears will look to get their sixth win of the season on the road against the Cleveland Browns in Week 15. A win could come down to how Chicago's most important player on defense performs against Joe Flacco, Cleveland's 38-year-old starting quarterback.
Week 15 Matchup to Watch: Montez Sweat vs. Browns Offensive Line
If the Chicago Bears want to win on Sunday, Montez Sweat must continue his streak of stellar defensive play. Since he arrived in Chicago, the defense has shifted gears and is playing lights-out. Despite whatever role Coach Matt Eberflus has had in igniting a fire under his defense, there is no question about Sweat’s talent and his contributions to this team.
Say what you want (I’ve criticized him, too), but this is another thing Bears GM Ryan Poles has absolutely nailed. Sweat is making the Bears’ defense…scary. After their last few games, I have no doubts that many teams fear this defense – partly due to Sweat coming off the edge.
With 3.5 sacks in three games, Sweat is cooking. And he'll have Flaccor rattled early and often in Week 15. A rattled Flacco means an erratic Flacco, which means more turnover opportunities for the Bears' secondary.
Don’t get me wrong – Flacco has played great. With 5 TDs, 2 INTs, and nearly 600 passing yards in just two games, he does pose a threat to opposing defenses.
This is arguably the toughest post-bye matchup for the Bears. Still, given the team-win mentality and intense defensive play on Sunday against Detroit, I think Sweat can lead the pass rush to get enough pressure on Flacco to force some mistakes.
If Sweat can generate another sack and push Flacco into a couple of reckless throws, the Bears will win the turnover battle – which could very well be the deciding factor of a lower-scoring game.