31 December 2023
The 6-9 Chicago Bears will play the 7-8 Atlanta Falcons at Soldier Field in a Week 17 matchup. Here’s what you need to know before kickoff (noon, CBS).
‘People put a timeline on whether they can judge guys, but I’m really just at the start’
By most accounts, Justin Fields has made steps toward becoming the type of quarterback the Bears can win with.
Interceptions and sacks are down since he came back from the thumb injury Nov. 19. He has closed out some wins. He has had flashes of improvement in his movement within the pocket and his willingness to pass downfield rather than always tuck and run when the pocket breaks down. And he has continued to show his unique ability — unlike few others in the NFL — to extend plays with his legs.
But is that enough to convince the Bears to bet on him again? Read more here.
5 things to watch in the Bears-Falcons game at Soldier Field — plus our Week 17 predictions
Bears Q&A: Will coach Matt Eberflus be back in 2024?
How have the Bears fared on New Year’s Eve games?
Fans at Soldier Field on Dec. 31, 1988, settled in to watch a divisional playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles in unexpected comfort.
There was bright sunshine, little wind and temperatures heading for the 40s. Until, a sudden slap in the face.
“A fog that rolled in from the lake late in the first half left the spectators to stare into a gray shroud from which the players would emerge with maddening infrequency,” Tribune reporter Phil Hersh wrote at the time.
Few of the 65,534 spectators were able to see the final moments of the Bears’ 20-12 victory due to the thick haze.
The “Fog Bowl” — which marked the first time the Bears ever played on New Year’s Eve — is now one of the franchise’s most memorable games. Read more here.
Defensive numbers don’t lie
There is a link between the 2023 Bears and past teams, including the division champions in 2018 and 2001 and even the Super Bowl XX champions of 1985.
The run defense this season is every bit as good as it was for the dominant defenses of those successful teams. In fact, with two games remaining, Matt Eberflus’ team has a shot at being the best run defense in Bears history, a remarkable possibility when considering last year’s team ranked 31st in the NFL allowing 157.3 yards per game, the organization’s second-worst season in the Super Bowl era (161.4 yards per game in 2013). Read more here.
Catch up on all our coverage before kickoff
‘I can still play ball’: Closing in on 40, Bears tight end Marcedes Lewis is making his presence felt
True or false: Bears have a ton to build on as the year ends — including an impressive Soldier Field winning streak
How far off are the Bears in the NFC North? Brad Biggs’ 10 thoughts after the Week 16 win on Christmas Eve.
Devin Hester, Julius Peppers and Jared Allen join Steve McMichael as finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame
Bears safety Eddie Jackson is recognized as the 2023 Jeff Dickerson Good Guy Award winner
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