The Bears, who can't seem to catch a break lately, will be short handed against the surprisingly good New York Jets. Both rookie defensive backs Kyler Gordon and Jaquan Brisker are listed as out with concussions. Jaquan Brisker has been nothing short of sensational all season for Chicago, grading out as PFF's highest rated rookie safety and leading all rookies in solo tackles. Kyler Gordon, however, has had a rocky start to his NFL career. Gordon has consistently struggled in man coverage and has been on the wrong end of a plethora of big plays so far.
Without their two rookies in the starting lineup, veterans Kindle Vildor and DeAndre Houston-Carson will step up for the depleted Bears defense. Both Vildor and Houston-Carson are seasoned veterans who should slide in relatively easily into increased playing time, but the Jets will not be an easy match up. With the benching of quarterback Zach Wilson New York has officially signaled their desire to win now, and their entire team has rallied around their new starting quarterback Mike White. White, who dazzled in limited playing time last season, will have star rookie wide receiver Garrett Wilson and a new and improved run game leading the way in Metlife stadium this Sunday.
The Jets are the 4.5 point favorite going into this week 12 matchup, with the underdog Bears coming off four straight losses and falling back into the 3rd overall pick in next years draft. With quarterback Justin Fields' injury also being weighed as a game time decision, many fans and media members alike have shifted focus towards next season and how the team can improve through the draft and free agency. With eight draft picks in 2023, five of which being in the first four rounds, the Bears have plenty of ammunition to help bolster a young and struggling team. It may be hard to see any positives in the midst of these losses and injuries, but Chicago has set themselves up for long term success with the hardest part of the rebuild is almost over. A mixture of league leading cap space and budding young talent should leave every Bears fan confident in the teams future beyond the Jets and beyond the 2022 season.
More must-reads: