(670 The Score) Late in the game Sunday in Jacksonville, the Bears benched starting quarterback Mitchell Trubisky for Nick Foles.
This time, there was no drama behind the decision -- just as there was no suspense in the second half. The Bears pummeled the lowly Jaguars, 41-17, letting Foles and the backups finish out the game in victory formation.
The Bears (8-7) did what they had to in beating up a bad 1-14 team, which set the stage for a high-stakes game next Sunday. A win by Chicago against the rival Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field will secure a playoff berth. While the Bears can also still reach the postseason with a loss if the Cardinals drop their regular-season finale against the Rams, Chicago coach Matt Nagy has his team focused on controlling its own destiny.
"We know that we're guaranteed one more game," Nagy said. "Nothing else. If we do well in that one game, then we'll have an opportunity for more."
After the Bears suffered an inexplicable loss to the Lions on Dec. 6 by blowing a 10-point lead in the final minutes, it seemed they were headed for an organizational overhaul. At the time, Chicago appeared destined for a losing season and Nagy looked likely to be fired. In winning three straight games since, the Bears have changed the narrative.
The Bears are suddenly one win from reaching the playoffs for the second time in three seasons. Nagy now seems nearly certain to be back, and Trubisky may be retained too.
It's because Nagy, Trubisky and the Bears have made the necessary adjustments to save their season -- like they did at halftime Sunday. Chicago went into the break leading just 13-10 shortly after Trubisky made a reckless decision in throwing an interception into a a crowded end zone. The Bears reconvened from there, posting 21 points in the third quarter to take control.
"Next-play mentality," Nagy said. "That's it. That's literally what we talked about. Forget it. Next play. Are you upset or angry about it? Yeah. We all are. But we learn from it, move on, don't even think about it. We go into halftime and figure out what the hell we're going to do on offense and we score points and keep this mojo going. That's exactly what he did."
Added Trubisky: "It was just everyone being locked in and playing the way we’re capable of."
The Bears were simply having fun in the second half. Top receiver Allen Robinson recorded his 100th catch of the season, and running back David Montgomery surpassed the 1,000-yard rushing mark. Undrafted rookie running back Artavis Pierce walked into the end zone for his first career score. And the Bears hit the 30-point mark in their fourth consecutive game for the first time since 1965.
It was the type of turnaround that seemed unfathomable for an offense that ranked second-to-last in the NFL in most major categories just one month ago, but in this weird, wild 2020 season, the Bears have given themselves a chance.
It all comes down to the one last Sunday that they're guaranteed.
"This team knows what's on the line," Robinson said. "We know what's at stake. So, everybody's been locked in. Everybody's going to continue to be locked in. I'm looking forward to it."
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.
