The First “Tank Bowl” of the Season: Moving Forward
Photo Credit: Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
It was only a matter of time until the first “Tank Bowl” of the season would happen. Entering Week Four, the clash between the winless Denver Broncos and Chicago Bears became the anticipated matchup that would harbor the iconic title. The game did not disappoint, with both offenses having an explosive day, combining for nearly 800 yards of offense and 59 points total. The Broncos came out victorious with some late-game heroics by the Denver defense to make a 21-point comeback for a final score of 31-28, improving their record to 1-3. While the Bears continue their winless streak and the Broncos snap theirs, some new questions and realizations have been opened up for discussion. With the result of this game, there are many new implications to consider for the present and future states of these organizations.
Bears set records, but at what cost?
Before the Bears’ eventual collapse to fall to 0-4, Justin Fields was able to set a franchise-quarterback record of sixteen consecutive passes without an incompletion. This series of completions consisted of 231 yards, three touchdowns and a perfect passer rating of 158.3, with Fields’ first incompletion coming off a Hail Mary attempt to end the first half. This was by far the best game of the third-year quarterback’s career, finishing the game with career-highs in yards (335) and touchdowns (4). The Bears offense wasn’t the only group having a record-setting day as the defense joined in on the conversation as well. Unfortunately, it’s not the type of record a team’s defense would want.
Coming into this game as one of the worst defenses in the NFL, allowing 407.3 yards and 35.3 points per game so far, the Bears’ case is only worsening after this game.
A league-wide question does begin to raise once more: What is the Bears’ problem? Justin Fields’ impressive performance marks a rare occasion for the young quarterback, but what if this is the potential that the Bears were hoping for all along? If Justin Fields could manage to replicate performances like these for multiple games a season, then he might be able to prove that the Bears’ decision to build around him was a right one. This may also silence those that are pinning the Bears’ failures on Fields, as opposed to the coaching staff and defense. However, this is merely one performance, and a loss nonetheless against a defense that let up 70 points the previous game. Fans and media should at least wait to see how Thursday Night’s game against the Commanders go before asserting their beliefs on why the Bears are struggling.
The broncos win, Now what?
On the opposite side of the ball, the Denver Broncos and Sean Payton finally have their first win of the season. However, this win isn’t without concern, as the Broncos were completely dominated in the first half. Aside from Russell Wilson showcasing a solid game, the offense has yet to be able to match what their defense has given up in points. Costly errors by Justin Fields in the second half eased the Broncos struggles. However, let’s not undermine the offense’s grit to comeback with 24 unanswered points. With the potential to turn the season around, or at least salvage it, the Broncos are likely glad to have the option, especially looking ahead at the team’s uncertain future. Despite a horrendous 2022 season and a disappointing 1-3 start, the Broncos can not escape Russell Wilson’s $245 million contract. It’s a sensitive contract that will continue to hold the Broncos by a leash, whether Wilson improves or not. So for the sake of the Broncos, more wins would help suffice the damage.
“I said this to the team just 15 minutes ago, I said, ‘Look, I’m encouraged. We fought back into that game. But man, let's not ... feel like we're content at all with how we played.” “There are too many things that still are disappointing or things that we have to clean up” (HC Sean Payton in his postgame-conference).
next up…
At the end of the day, the Broncos are in for a long season. If they can invoke confidence in their wins, their future may not look so grim by 2024. An upcoming coach grudge match against the Jets following Payton’s criticizing comments on OC Nathaniel Hackett (ESPN) presents a good opportunity for another Denver win. On the other hand, the Bears are still winless and continue to reaffirm their title as the worst NFL team in multiple categories. Despite it, their future isn’t completely written out yet. With a showdown against the Commanders this Thursday Night, Justin Fields and the Bears can dictate the near future of their franchise, hopefully uncovering a salvageable situation for all those involved.
