The Bears traded two first-round draft picks for outside linebacker end Khalil Mack of the Raiders, and then signed him to a six-year contract making him the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history.
This tells us that the Bears believe he can turn their good defense (9th in points allowed, 10th in yards allowed) into a dominant one. And with that, a big leap to play-off contention is possible.
Consider that four of the top 5 scoring defenses last year were in the Conference Championship games. Consider also that three of the starting quarterbacks in those games were named Foles, Keenum, and Bortles.
It's reasonable for the Bears to believe they can seize the moment even with Mitchell Trubisky at quarterback. While Bears fans may hope he takes a big leap forward under new coach Matt Nagy, it's possible the Bears could have huge success even if Trubisky's merely serviceable; Bortles, after all, was a quarter away from reaching the Super Bowl.
Trubisky has 3 years left on his rookie contract. If he develops as #2 overall picks are expected to, he'll have a very pricey next contract, making it difficult for the Bears to keep both him and Mack while paying other good players.
That means a 3-year window. If the Bears win a Super Bowl during that time, the trade for Mack will be more than worth it.
In contrast, there are the Giants. Their off-season - drafting a running back #2 overall, upgrading their offensive line, and paying Odell Beckham Jr. - also reflects a "win now" mentality. They, too, have about a three-year window, but in this case it is on faith that Eli Manning can still be good at the back end of his career with the right personnel around him.
These are bold moves for a 3-13 team. The Giants, like the 5-win Bears, believe they can turn it around quickly. And I applaud their efforts. When the pieces are in place and/or the contract situations are favorable, it is the responsibility of teams to their fan bases to get after the Super Bowl this year. Even if last year was bad. Even if you mortgage the future, knowing that the salaries you pay or will soon have to pay aren't sustainable.
Because even you "build for the future" one injury or one malcontent can derail the plan. Let tomorrow worry about itself. Win now.
This tells us that the Bears believe he can turn their good defense (9th in points allowed, 10th in yards allowed) into a dominant one. And with that, a big leap to play-off contention is possible.
Consider that four of the top 5 scoring defenses last year were in the Conference Championship games. Consider also that three of the starting quarterbacks in those games were named Foles, Keenum, and Bortles.
It's reasonable for the Bears to believe they can seize the moment even with Mitchell Trubisky at quarterback. While Bears fans may hope he takes a big leap forward under new coach Matt Nagy, it's possible the Bears could have huge success even if Trubisky's merely serviceable; Bortles, after all, was a quarter away from reaching the Super Bowl.
Trubisky has 3 years left on his rookie contract. If he develops as #2 overall picks are expected to, he'll have a very pricey next contract, making it difficult for the Bears to keep both him and Mack while paying other good players.
That means a 3-year window. If the Bears win a Super Bowl during that time, the trade for Mack will be more than worth it.
In contrast, there are the Giants. Their off-season - drafting a running back #2 overall, upgrading their offensive line, and paying Odell Beckham Jr. - also reflects a "win now" mentality. They, too, have about a three-year window, but in this case it is on faith that Eli Manning can still be good at the back end of his career with the right personnel around him.
These are bold moves for a 3-13 team. The Giants, like the 5-win Bears, believe they can turn it around quickly. And I applaud their efforts. When the pieces are in place and/or the contract situations are favorable, it is the responsibility of teams to their fan bases to get after the Super Bowl this year. Even if last year was bad. Even if you mortgage the future, knowing that the salaries you pay or will soon have to pay aren't sustainable.
Because even you "build for the future" one injury or one malcontent can derail the plan. Let tomorrow worry about itself. Win now.
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