Two games do not make a season, so Chicago Bears’ fans should guard against getting too giddy about their team’s 2-0 start, even though both of its wins came against 2012 playoff participants in the Cincinnati Bengals and Minnesota Vikings.
Bears’ fans need to look no further than their own club’s history to see how easy it is to be seduced into a false sense of confidence by a quality start.
The 1989 Bears roared to a 4-0 record, only to lose future Hall of Fame DL Dan Hampton to a season-ending injury in their week four victory. They proceeded to lose 10 of their next 12 games, finish the season with a 6-10 record and watch their five-year reign as NFC Central champions come to an end.
Yet, through the first two weeks of the 2013 season, admittedly a small sample size, the Bears have shown marked improvement relative to last season in most statistical categories.
This season, Marshall’s production is comprising 31% of his team’s receptions; 41% of his team’s receiving yards; and 40% of its touchdown receptions. Yet, the Bears are averaging 262 passing yards this season against just 187 last year. Cutler’s QB rating was 81.3 last season, 95.4 this one. His completion and touchdown percentages would be career highs.
Several players have benefited from the enhanced balance on offense.