Yahoo Sports’ Jason Fitz and NFL writer Charles McDonald debate whether the Bears are ready to take the NFC North title away from the Lions this season. Listen to the full conversation on the “Zero Blitz” podcast — and subscribe at Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen.
Video transcript
And Caleb Williams and the Bears challenge the Lions in the NFC North.
I think they can, based on the fact that they gave the Lions some tough games last season.
I look at this Bears team from last year, the defense was really, really good, especially after they stopped the Monte Sweat trade.
They were arguably the best defensive football for the final, nine or ten weeks into the season.
Um And then, you know, Justin Fields wasn’t the most consistent quarterback, but he at least showed, hey, if DJ Moore has someone who’s willing to throw the ball downfield, you can make big plays downfield.
DJ Moore had the best season of his career.
And now, if you move on to this year, you have Cale Williams, you have Keenan Allen, you have Ramo Dunes, you have Deandre Swift.
The often divine is in a better place than it has been in a long time.
If I was a Bears fan, I’d look at this and say, why not us?
Why can’t we spoil the Lions?
I know it’s going to be difficult, but this is where I think they can catch them.
I think the Lions defense is very accessible.
They kind of revamped things with Carlton Davis and Tyrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw at cornerback.
But bears, they were once the best wrestler, Steve is a trio in the league and if Romo Dunes is even better than they project for year one, this could be a truly formidable group.
For me, it comes down to how ready Caleb Williams is if he’s ready to come in and make that leap and immediately be a top 15 quarterback.
I kind of think the Bears might be spoilers in the division.
These won’t be the Bears.
We’re used to thinking they’re not going to sit here and win ugly football games.
They’re going to get, you know, 20-plus points a game and really put pressure on people to try to match it game for game.
II, I think the Bears have a chance to be very good.
I don’t, I don’t share your passion, but I’ll say it this way, I don’t share your passion for the Packers either.
I’m adapting to the Lions.
One Bears, two Packers, three Vikings, four.
