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Bears-Rams Was a Complete Disaster and Proves How Much NFL Can Change in One Year
A lot can happen in a year, as two NFC powerhouses last season like the Los Angeles Rams and Chicago Bears have diminished greatly in that span.
www.12up.com
By Scott Rogust | Nov 18 2019
When NBC acquired the broadcasting rights to the Chicago Bears vs. the Los Angeles Rams in Week 11 this offseason, they were hoping for a battle between two heavyweight challengers in the NFC.
Oh, how things can change in one year.
The Rams went on to defeat the Bears 17-7 in an all-around dreadful game that even had commentators Al Michaels and Cris Collinsworth cracking jokes about the boredom millions were enduring.
Before we write this game off as just another dreary somnambulent affair, however, it's important to realign ourselves: this game would've been AWESOME in January. What happened?
Prior to last season, the Bears hired former Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy to be their head coach and groom quarterback Mitchell Trubisky. In 2018, Trubisky looked like a quality quarterback who could play just well enough to support Chicago's stifling defense, as well as make a few impressive plays on his own with his quick-twitch legs.
One year later, Trubisky has regressed to the point where he's holding back the Bears, a team many expected to be the conference representatives in Super Bowl LIV. Those hopes are dead and gone, as Trubisky completed 23-of-43 passes for 190 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in yet another feckless outing.
While he was pulled from the game by Nagy due to a "hip injury," it will remain to be seen if Trubisky will be back on the field as their starter for the remainder of the year. He hasn't played like he deserves the honor, that's for sure. Again, this team was the most dominant in the NFC nine months ago.
And while we're opining how much can change swiftly, let's not forget the Bears took Trubisky over Patrick Mahomes and Deshaun Watson. Woof.
And then there are the Rams. Remember when they powered their way to the Super Bowl last year, before being outclassed by the New England Patriots? Well, it seems like the Rams are still reliving that performance like a recurring nightmare.
Head coach Sean McVay no longer has the coaching staff from last season, as they were purged by other clubs who were looking for the "next McVay." This has hindered the third-year coach, as teams have figured him out quickly.
Then there are the dreadful contracts handed out by the Rams. Wide receiver Brandin Cooks signed to a five-year, $81 million contract, but suffered four concussions in the past calendar year and remains sidelined.
Todd Gurley was given a four-year, $60 million deal, and his play has diminished to the point where he's a non-factor in McVay's offense.
But no contract was worse than Jared Goff. $110 million guaranteed, and he's simply not living up to his end of the "bargain." Against Chicago on Sunday, Goff completed 11 passes out of 18 attempts...but for a meager 173 yards and an interception.
Since gaining that lucrative quarterback contract, Goff has thrown for 2,783 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. Los Angeles should be kicking themselves for giving him the contract, one which doesn't kick in until next year. In fact, they should be destroying the entire infrastructure after deciding to pay five people, never pick in the first round, and attempt to maintain a dynasty. Nope.
Nine months ago, McVay had changed football. Next Belichick. How was that 2019?!
Last year, we were in Year 1 of greatness. Now, it seems the current iterations of the Rams and Bears are more likely to join the '15 Panthers, Peyton Hillis, and Tommy Maddox. Sustained success isn't for everyone.
A lot can happen in a year, and that includes two great NFC teams falling down the proverbial cliff. Sunday night proved that poor decisions can catch up to an NFL team in a hurry.
