The Chicago Bears had much to celebrate as they closed out the year 2023. Their final game at Soldier Field ended with a convincing 37-17 victory over the Atlanta Falcons, marking their seventh win of the season and fifth consecutive win at home. This impressive turnaround came after a rough start to the season, where the Bears went 2-7. However, they have managed to win four of their last five games, providing a glimmer of hope for the team and its fans.
The excitement did not end with the win over the Falcons. The Bears’ fortunes were further enhanced by the Carolina Panthers’ loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Arizona Cardinals’ victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. This combination of results guaranteed that the Panthers would finish the season with the worst record in the NFL, securing the Bears’ position as the holders of the coveted No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming 2024 draft.
This will be the second consecutive year that the Bears enter the offseason with the No. 1 selection. In the previous year, they acquired the top pick but opted to trade it to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for valuable draft picks and wide receiver DJ Moore. Moore has proven to be a valuable addition to the Bears’ roster, posting impressive numbers with 92 catches, 1,300 yards, and 8 touchdowns. The trade also yielded two rookie starters in right tackle Darnell Wright and cornerback Tyrique Stevenson. Despite being drafted 24th overall by Carolina in 2018, Moore expressed his satisfaction with the Bears, stating, “To come here, I feel like the No. 1 overall pick.”
Meanwhile, the Carolina Panthers have had a difficult season. They lost their first six games of the year and made the decision to fire their first-year coach, Frank Reich, following a 1-10 start. Despite these challenges, the Panthers had previously held a remarkable record of scoring in 342 straight regular-season games since 2012, making them the second-longest active streak in the NFL, behind only the Baltimore Ravens’ impressive 352 games.
As the Bears prepare for the upcoming draft, head coach Matt Eberflus remains focused on the present. When asked about the team’s possession of the No. 1 pick and the possibility of his return for the 2024 season, Eberflus emphasized the need to concentrate on the corrections and improvements from the last game. He emphasized, “I really don’t pay attention to that… My focus is on the men in that locker room and the coaches and the development of the Chicago Bears.”
The Bears’ possession of the No. 1 overall pick opens up a world of possibilities, particularly regarding the quarterback position. With Justin Fields’ improved performance since returning from a thumb injury in Week 11, the team faces a decision. They must weigh the potential of trading the top pick to acquire more draft capital and build around Fields, or using the No. 1 pick to select a rookie quarterback. This quandary places the Bears at a critical crossroads in their future.
The significance of the Bears’ possession of the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 draft is not lost on the team. Unlike previous years where the top pick came as a result of their own record, this year feels different. It was not earned through their performance but rather through the struggles of another team. Safety Jaquan Brisker summarized the team’s perspective, stating, “Obviously in this case, it is good for us, but we’re not celebrating that. We’re celebrating a victory at home, five, six straight in a row.”
The Chicago Bears’ triumph over the Atlanta Falcons not only capped off an impressive end to the 2023 season but also secured them the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 draft. This victory, coupled with the valuable additions acquired through previous trades, provides a glimmer of hope for the Bears as they navigate their quarterback situation and plan for a brighter future. While there is reason to celebrate, the team remains focused on the task at hand and the development of their players. The Bears look forward to utilizing their No. 1 pick to continue building a formidable roster and push towards future success.