(670 The Score) For all the Bears' quarterback problems over these many years, what if Chicago had Tom Brady leading it forward now?
The possibility of Brady joining the Bears presented itself this past offseason, one in which Brady was a free agent after 20 years in New England and Chicago set course on finding a veteran quarterback.
The Bears not only had interest in signing Brady but were the runner-up in the sweepstakes behind the Buccaneers, national radio host Dan Patrick said on his show in September. Chicago made an offer to Brady, but he favored the warm weather in Tampa Bay, Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reported.
Bears coach Matt Nagy was mum when asked in September about the team's interest in signing Brady.
"One of the biggest strengths that we have is we look at all options," Nagy said. "We do. We look at all options at every position. And that's important to do.
"That was a position that we were looking at, and we look at every option with different people. So, I'll leave it at that."
Brady signed a two-year deal worth $50 million guaranteed with the Buccaneers. Rather than signing a quarterback with such credentials as Brady or Philip Rivers, the Bears traded a fourth-round pick to the Jaguars for veteran Nick Foles, which created a position battle with incumbent starter Mitchell Trubisky.
Brady's excursion into free agency featured priorities beyond just money. He was a 20-year NFL veteran seeking professional and personal fit too.
"Really, (I) didn't worry about it," Buccaneers coach Bruce Arians said of the Bears' interest. "I just talked to him about us. He and his agent, they had other teams obviously. So it was just a matter of how he fit here. And everything worked out."
The Bears' interest in signing Brady serves as proof that they were ready to move on from Trubisky even in March, as bringing in a future first-ballot Hall of Famer in Brady to lead the way wouldn't have been followed by a quarterback competition. It also makes one wonder what this 2020 season would've been like with Brady at the helm in Chicago.
Now 43, Brady is leading a Buccaneers offense that's averaging 30 points over four games heading into a matchup against the Bears at Soldier Field on Thursday evening. A Tampa Bay team that was 7-9 in 2019 sits alone in first place in the NFC South at 3-1 and is a legitimate Super Bowl contender.
Meanwhile, the Bears benched Trubisky for Foles three games into the season, then saw Foles struggle in a loss to the Colts on Sunday in his first start in Chicago. The Bears have suffered from inconsistent quarterback play through four games and have an offense that still lacks an identity.
Brady could've quelled both concerns and solidified the Bears as a favorite in the NFC. It wasn't meant to be.
Instead, Brady is in control leading the Buccaneers, and the Bears are wondering what if once again.
"He's one of the best if not the best to play the game at that position," Nagy said this week. "I think Tampa is certainly feeling that right now and understanding how great of a player and person that he is."
Open field: Appreciation of Akiem
The best player on the Bears' roster through four games is defensive lineman Akiem Hicks, and there's no doubt about it.
Hicks has 3.5 sacks and five tackles for a loss and has also brought much more to the defense. Just ask the man whose team needs to keep Hicks out of the backfield Thursday night.
"He's a load," Arians said. "He's always been very disruptive, a big powerful man. We'll have our hands full blocking him."
What makes the play of Hicks even more impressive is how he has done it. The Bears are playing without nose tackle Eddie Goldman, who opted out of this season. Without Goldman, opposing offensive lines can turn their focus to double-teaming Hicks more often.
Hicks has also been listed on the Bears' injury report with hand, ankle and shoulder ailments, but he keeps practicing, playing and producing.
"That guy is a special player," star pass rusher Khalil Mack said. "He's a great leader. He goes out and shows it with his action. Yeah, I can say a whole lot about Akiem. But the way he's playing right now, I expect it. I expect it from a guy like that."
The Bears felt Hicks' absence last season, when he played just five games while dealing with multiple injuries. Their defense was less disruptive without him. His leadership with the group was also sorely missed.
Hicks is making his presence felt now, and quarterbacks must take notice.
4-down territory
1.) Beaten-up Bucs
In their three wins, the Bears have missed facing star players in Lions receiver Kenny Golladay, Giants running back Saquon Barkley (who left with a torn ACL after one quarter in that matchup) and Falcons receiver Julio Jones.
The Bears could get another break Thursday, as Brady may be without up to six of his top weapons. Receiver Chris Godwin (hamstring), receiver Justin Watson (hamstring) and running back LeSean McCoy (ankle) have all been ruled out. Running back Leonard Fournette (ankle) is doubtful to play, while receiver Mike Evans (ankle) and receiver Scotty Miller (hip/groin) are questionable
Adding to it, tight end Rob Gronkowski (shoulder) was limited in practice Tuesday, the same day tight end O.J. Howard was placed on injured reserve due to a torn Achilles.
While Brady can never be counted out -- no matter who's on his side -- the Bears could catch a major break with the Buccaneers' offense missing key options.
2.) Take some shots
The move from Trubisky to Foles was supposed to open up the Bears' downfield passing attack and provide some explosiveness in Nagy's offense. It took far too long into last a loss to the Colts last Sunday for that to happen.
Bears top receiver Allen Robinson hauled in five receptions for 75 yards and a touchdown on Chicago's lone touchdown drive, which came late. It reminded Nagy and the Bears what they can do with their downfield attack. Robinson produced four of the Bears' five longest plays of the game.
"He's got a huge radius to catch the ball," Foles said. "You just got to throw it in his general area and he makes plays."
3.) Miller time?
The Bears took advantage of a change to the practice squad eligibility by signing veteran running back Lamar Miller to the group this week.
Miller, 29, was a Pro Bowl selection in 2018 and has averaged 4.3 yards per carry during his seven-year NFL career. He missed last season while recovering from a torn ACL, which he suffered in the preseason.
Miller made enough of an impression on the Bears during a workout last week to get signed. With the Bears' depth at running back thin after Tarik Cohen's torn ACL, it seems as if it's only a matter of time before Miller is promoted to the active roster.
Miller would provide the Bears with some veteran stability in a backfield that's already in question through four games.
4.) Throwback Thursday
The Bears last played the Buccaneers on Sept. 30, 2018. It marked the fourth game of Nagy's tenure in Chicago. The Bears won 48-10, with Trubisky going 19-of-26 for 354 yards and six touchdowns.
That feels like a long time ago.
Quote to note
"We feel like we haven't come even close to play a complete game yet, and we're 3-1." -- Nagy
Injury report
OLB Khalil Mack (knee) -- Mack on Wednesday was listed as a full practice participant for the first time this season. While it was an estimation of work (the Bears held a walk-through), it was a positive sign he's getting healthy. He also wasn't listed with a game designation for the first time this season.
S Deon Bush (hamstring) -- The Bears' depth at safety will be tested without Bush, who exited early last Sunday.
S Sherrick McManis (hamstring) -- It seems the Bears' special teams struggle whenever McManis is out with an injury.
Prediction (3-1): Buccaneers 24, Bears 20
After the Bears suffered a revealing loss last Sunday, it's hard to see them picking up the pieces on a short week. Brady will improve to 6-0 in his career against the Bears, while Foles falls to 0-2 as Chicago's starter.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago's sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.
