The Chicago Bears entered Week 16 with a matchup against the San Francisco 49ers needing a win in order to keep their chances at earning a bye in the playoffs alive, and while they’ll need some help next week, the Bears were able to keep those hopes alive after an ugly 14-9 victory.
Despite the low scoring game, Mitch Trubisky quietly had one of his best games of the year, going 25-of-29 for 246 yards and a touchdown. His completion percentage of 86 percent is the best of his career (in fact he did something no Bears QB has done since at least 1950) while his passer rating of 113.5 was the sixth time this season he has eclipsed a passer rating of 100.
It wasn’t a dominating game from Trubisky, but it was all fans could ask for in a game on the road. If he can play this consistent moving forward, the Bears will be in great shape against any team in the playoffs.
Outside of Trubisky, the only other offensive performance worth talking about would be Allen Robinson at receiver, as he caught six passes for 85 yards. Thankfully his fumble towards the end of the game wasn’t costly, as the Bears defense once again had a strong performance and held the 49ers out of the end zone all game long.
It wasn’t the unit’s best performance, as they were missing Eddie Jackson’s playmaking abilities and the offensive line of San Francisco was able to contain the Bears defensive front for the most part, as Roquan Smith was the lone defenseman to collect a sack.
Despite poor field conditions, a pro bowler missing the game because of an ankle injury and an offense that wasn’t very supportive, Vic Fangio’s unit was able to get the job done and lead this team to another victory; their 11th on the year.
This win may not have any playoff impact moving forward, but it proved this team can win on the road and overcome many different forms of adversity.
With the New Orleans Saints and Los Angeles Rams also winning on Sunday, the Bears will have to go on the road in order to make it to the Super Bowl. It’s not going to be easy to win in the playoffs, but the Bears showed they’re ready for whatever is thrown at them on the football field. In order to win in the postseason, they’re going to need lock-down defense and a mistake-free Trubisky.
Both happened on Sunday, which was nice to see after three consecutive “must-win” games. Hopefully, there will be numerous must-win games for the Bears as they prepare to make a deep playoff run.
Bears-49ers Postgame Podcast
If you’re looking for more coverage on the Bears’ 11th victory of the season, make sure to check out our in-depth postgame podcast.
Bears better play A game for first playoff, no high ball from Mitch, Def. a couple of turnovers. Have to get team feeling good about themselves, will go a long way.