10
Loading video...
By Matthew Couden
Contributing Writer
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
On Thursday, the Chicago Bears made a significant trade with the Tennessee Titans to add All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons to their roster. According to ESPN, the Bears sent Tennessee 2027 and 2028 first-round picks and a 2027 fourth-round pick for Simmons and a 2028 fifth-round pick.
Some will contend that it is a lot to give up for Simmons, who also has a pricey contract for the Bears to contend with. However, according to ESPN's Stephen A. Smith, the move showed exactly what Chicago's focus is this season.
"For Simmons, the Chicago Bears gave up two first-round picks, two first-round picks. That's a lot in the NFL for a 29-year-old defensive tackle, but he's worth it; we all know what he brings to the table," Smith said on ESPN's "First Take."
Read More on NFL
"This message is the Chicago Bears saying, 'We're going all in. We're trying to win a championship now. The NFC is wide open; we believe it's ours for the taking, and we're going for it right now,'" Smith said.
More news: Panthers RB Chubba Hubbard Sends Blunt Message to Team on ‘TNF’ Loss to Packers
...
Smith described the Bears as a "very complete" team and suggested the Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers, and the Los Angeles Rams are the only NFC teams that might defeat them in the playoffs. However, he also made a bold prediction regarding Chicago's potential postseason run.
"But here's the deal, I don't think anyone wants to go to Chicago in January. I know I sure as hell don't, not in that weather," Smith said.
"And to have to go to those conditions in Chicago, with Chicago having a defense to go along with the spectacular talent that is Caleb Williams ... They have enough where if they're winning games during the regular season and they end up making sure you gotta come through Chicago, I think Chicago is going to the Super Bowl," he suggested.
That was the case last postseason, as the Bears reached the No. 2 seed in the NFC after winning the NFC North in what was a memorable and magical season under first-year head coach Ben Johnson.
They defeated the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field in the Wild Card Round and then hosted a more experienced Los Angeles Rams team led by NFL MVP Matthew Stafford. Chicago took that game to overtime, but the Rams ultimately prevailed in a nail-biting 20-17 win.
One has to wonder how a potential playoff rematch with the Rams might unfold if Chicago earns home-field advantage again this postseason.
With Williams in his third season, dangerous running backs, emerging star receivers, and a vastly improved defense, Ben Johnson may have an even stronger chance of guiding the Bears to a Super Bowl in his second year.
However, the 5-2 Bears still have 10 games left in their season, beginning with a matchup against the defending Super Bowl champions, the Seahawks, in "Monday Night Football" on Monday, Nov. 2.
More news: Christian Watson Addresses Painful Injury He Suffered in Packers’ ‘TNF’ Win
For more about the Chicago Bears and the NFL, head over to Newsweek Sports.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines