What the Chiefs, Eagles, and NFL Playoff Teams Can Teach the Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears are one of the most storied franchises in NFL history. However, over the last several decades, they’ve struggled to find sustained success. Since their last Super Bowl appearance in 2006, the Bears have failed to reach the playoffs in a consistent manner, and their rebuilding efforts have been erratic at best. But the landscape of the NFL is always changing, and there is plenty that the Bears can learn from the recent playoff teams, particularly the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles. These two teams, along with other playoff contenders, have demonstrated strategies that have led to success. By studying these organizations, the Bears can accelerate their rebuild and position themselves for long-term success.

1. The Importance of Elite Quarterback Play

One of the most obvious lessons the Chicago Bears can learn from both the Chiefs and the Eagles is the importance of having an elite quarterback. The Chiefs, led by Patrick Mahomes, and the Eagles, under Jalen Hurts, have shown that a franchise quarterback can elevate a team from playoff contender to Super Bowl champion.

Kansas City Chiefs: Patrick Mahomes

The Chiefs’ success starts and ends with Mahomes. He’s been the MVP of the league, a Super Bowl MVP, and consistently among the best quarterbacks in the NFL. What makes Mahomes so special is not just his arm strength or ability to make flashy plays but his leadership and poise under pressure. His ability to extend plays and make clutch throws in key moments has made the Chiefs one of the most dangerous teams in the NFL.

For the Bears, who have had a revolving door at quarterback in recent years, finding their version of Patrick Mahomes should be a priority. While it may not be realistic to expect a quarterback of Mahomes’ caliber to fall into their lap, the Bears can take cues from how the Chiefs built around Mahomes.

First, the Chiefs surrounded Mahomes with talent, starting with a top-tier offensive line and playmakers such as Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce. The Bears must find their own dynamic playmaker and develop a solid offensive line to protect their quarterback.

Philadelphia Eagles: Jalen Hurts

Jalen Hurts is a testament to the importance of patience and development. Hurts entered the NFL with questions about his ability as a passer, but through hard work, the Eagles have turned him into one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the league. Hurts has a combination of leadership, athleticism, and growth as a passer that has made him a legitimate MVP candidate.

For the Bears, Hurts’ development arc offers hope. They have Justin Fields, who has shown flashes of brilliance in his young career. Fields possesses a unique skill set with his running ability and arm strength, but the key for the Bears is developing him as a passer and giving him the tools to succeed. The Eagles’ commitment to surrounding Hurts with playmakers such as A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Dallas Goedert provides a blueprint for what the Bears should do for Fields. They need to give him reliable receivers and ensure he has a solid offensive line.

2. Building a Strong Offensive Line

No quarterback, no matter how talented, can succeed without a strong offensive line. The Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles have both excelled in this area, and their offensive lines are crucial to their success.

Kansas City Chiefs: Offensive Line Strength

The Chiefs’ offensive line has been a key part of their ability to consistently contend for championships. Even in 2020, when Mahomes faced pressure in the Super Bowl, the Chiefs quickly made adjustments and rebuilt their offensive line. Their efforts in securing top-tier linemen like Joe Thuney, Creed Humphrey, and Orlando Brown have paid off. This move has allowed Mahomes more time to make plays, and the Chiefs’ offense has been among the league’s most potent as a result.

For the Bears, the offensive line has been one of their weakest points in recent years. Fields often faces pressure that hinders his development. The Bears should take a page out of the Chiefs’ playbook and prioritize the offensive line in their rebuild. By investing in high-quality free agents and drafting top-tier talent, the Bears can provide Fields with more time to develop as a passer and make plays. A solid offensive line is the foundation of any successful offense.

Philadelphia Eagles: Dominance in the Trenches

The Eagles have one of the best offensive lines in football, and they consistently rank at the top in run-blocking and pass protection. Their offensive line, led by veterans like Jason Kelce and Lane Johnson, has helped make the Eagles’ offense one of the most well-balanced in the league. The Eagles’ offensive line provides a clear blueprint for the Bears: dominate in the trenches.

One lesson the Bears can learn from the Eagles is how to combine elite pass protection with a strong run game. The Eagles feature a dual-threat quarterback in Hurts, but their offensive line also excels in opening lanes for running backs like Miles Sanders. The Bears need to prioritize building an offensive line that can both protect their quarterback and create holes for their running game, which has the potential to be dynamic with Fields at the helm.

3. Creating a Versatile and Balanced Offense

Both the Chiefs and Eagles have built offenses that are not one-dimensional. Their ability to adapt and attack in various ways is a big part of what makes them so difficult to defend.

Kansas City Chiefs: Creative and Explosive Offense

Andy Reid is one of the most innovative offensive minds in football, and he has built an offense that utilizes the strengths of Mahomes and his playmakers. The Chiefs’ offense is dynamic, incorporating everything from deep bombs to quick screens and creative motion. Reid’s ability to adjust his playcalling and create mismatches has been a key part of Kansas City’s success.

For the Bears, they need to focus on creating a similar type of versatility in their offense. Fields, like Mahomes, is a playmaker capable of executing both designed runs and explosive throws down the field. The Bears need to embrace creativity in their offensive playcalling, mixing up the run and pass game in innovative ways.

Philadelphia Eagles: A Balanced Attack

The Eagles are one of the most balanced teams in the NFL, and their ability to run the ball effectively with Hurts, Sanders, and Boston Scott has complemented their passing game. By blending these two aspects, the Eagles keep defenses off balance. Hurts’ ability to run the ball makes the Eagles’ offense even more difficult to stop, as defenders must account for him on every play.

The Bears can learn from the Eagles’ approach to building a balanced offense. They don’t have to rely solely on Fields’ arm or legs. By mixing in an effective running game with a strategic passing attack, the Bears can keep defenses guessing. This approach will also help take pressure off Fields as he continues to develop.

4. Building a Dominant Defense

Both the Chiefs and Eagles have also built strong defensive units that complement their high-powered offenses. A dominant defense is a key factor in playoff success, and the Bears have the opportunity to follow in these teams’ footsteps.

Kansas City Chiefs: Defensive Turnaround

While the Chiefs were initially known for their high-flying offense, they have also made strides defensively in recent years. Under defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, the Chiefs have become a more balanced team. Players like Chris Jones and Frank Clark have been key to their success, and the Chiefs’ defense has made timely plays in big moments.

For the Bears, their defense has historically been a strong suit, but it has suffered from inconsistency in recent years. The Bears can look to the Chiefs for a lesson in rebuilding a defense that can make game-changing plays. By adding playmakers on all levels of the defense, the Bears can return to being a top-tier defensive unit.

Philadelphia Eagles: Dominant Defensive Line

The Eagles have one of the most terrifying defensive lines in the league. Led by Fletcher Cox, Brandon Graham, and Haason Reddick, the Eagles consistently apply pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Their ability to disrupt the passing game while also defending the run has made them one of the most balanced defenses in the NFL.

For the Bears, this emphasis on the defensive line is critical. By drafting or signing talented defensive linemen, the Bears can create a defensive front that pressures quarterbacks and stifles the run game. The Bears’ defense has always had potential, and the Eagles’ defensive success is a reminder of the importance of dominating the line of scrimmage.

5. Smart Front Office Decisions

Finally, the Bears can learn a lot from the front offices of the Chiefs and Eagles. Both organizations have made smart, strategic moves in free agency and the draft to build winning rosters.

Kansas City Chiefs: Drafting and Development

The Chiefs have consistently drafted well, focusing on securing top-tier talent on both sides of the ball. They’ve been able to build around Mahomes with pieces like Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce, and a strong defense. Additionally, they’ve been shrewd in free agency, bringing in veterans who fit their system and culture.

For the Bears, it’s crucial that their front office consistently makes smart decisions. This includes not only drafting the right players but also understanding when to be active in free agency. The Bears must focus on building through the draft but also know when to make key signings to fill gaps.

Philadelphia Eagles: Building Through the Draft and Trade

The Eagles have been able to stockpile talent through the draft, particularly on the offensive and defensive lines. They’ve also been aggressive in making trades, like acquiring A.J. Brown to give Hurts a true No. 1 receiver. Their front office has shown a willingness to make bold moves to improve their roster.

For the Bears, learning from the Eagles means focusing on building a strong foundation with their draft picks while also making strategic trades to fill key roles. They don’t need to be active in every trade, but when opportunities arise, they should be willing to make a move to improve the roster.

Conclusion

As the Chicago Bears continue their rebuild, they have much to learn from the NFL’s top teams, particularly the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles. These teams have shown that elite quarterback play, strong offensive and defensive lines, versatility on offense, and smart front office decisions are the pillars of sustained success. By following these principles, the Bears can accelerate their rebuild and position themselves for future success in the NFC North and beyond.