Now that we’ve had some time to cool off after that heart-breaking loss, let’s take a trip down memory lane. To start the season, the majority of the media and Chicago Bears fans were only expecting three to six wins for the 2015 campaign.

When the Bears lost three straight to start the year, Robbie was our most consistent point scorer and everyone praised him for doing his job. He was practically the only one putting up points for the whole team.

Fast forward to Sunday, the Bears are 5-6 and in the playoff hunt. Going into the game Robbie had only missed three field goals. He misses two game-changing field goals throughout the game, and all of a sudden everyone is pointing out that the Bears can save $2.9 million if they cut him.

Harsh.

Especially when the fan base didn’t think this team would be in the hunt of the playoffs to start the year.

I forgive Robbie, and I hope he stays with the team next year. He’s done way too much for this organization to just be cut.

Remaining Optimistic

I know it’s tough to do after a gut-wrenching loss, but there’s more to play for than the playoffs. Do you want to watch this Bears team roll over and finish with the same record that they did last year? I know for a fact that this team is better than last year’s team, and I don’t want to compare Fox’s first year with Trestman’s last.

Here’s a short list to show why Bears fans should still be optimistic.

Playoffs

This is the obvious one. There’s still four weeks of football to play. We don’t know what other teams will do between now and then. Heck, we fans don’t know what the Bears are going to do between now and then. Fox likes to take things one game at a time and I imagine that won’t change going forward. The Bears just need to win one game at a time and do what is in their control. As of now, there’s a small chance the Bears get in, but that doesn’t mean other teams will close the door on the Bears just yet.

Respecting Themselves As An Organization

This team doesn’t feel like they are 5-7. It has definitely been a roller coaster of a season to say the least.

In order to bring in top notch free agents, a team has to be respectable. If the Bears can’t obtain a couple more wins, then Chicago doesn’t look like an inviting destination for anyone in the market.

What is Ryan Pace’s selling point if the Bears don’t win any more games?

Yes, he has John Fox by his side as well as Adam Gase (who is locked in for a couple more years), and Vic Fangio. All three coaches are highly respected, so that’s one selling point.

What’s after the coaching staff? If the Bears fail to win another game, there is not a whole lot that looks attractive.

That is why winning in December becomes much more important.

December Record

Speaking of such a topic.

Will talked about this last week, that the Bears record in December has not been good since Trestman arrived in town. Getting over that December drop off could help lift a mental block that the team has or could help carry some momentum going into next season. Ending the season on a high note is important as the morale is high in the locker room, and they know they did all they could do for a final playoff push.

Weird things can happen, that’s why they play the game.

Looking Ahead

The Washington Redskins are coming to town.

Washington is tied for first in the NFC East. You bet that this team is hungry for a win because they need it. I believe for the reasons listed above, the Bears should be just as hungry to get a win.

Washington in its last six games is 3-3. Kirk Cousins led a potential comeback drive against Dallas in the final minutes of the game on Monday night. In the end, Dan Bailey from Dallas hits a 54-yard field goal to win the game, handing Washington the loss.

Some guys that the Bears need to highlight on the Redskins scouting report are DeSean Jackson, their deep threat wide out, running back Matt Jones and Kirk Cousins.

On defense, I’m going to keep my eye on Ryan Kerrigan. The man knows how to silently create havoc in the backfield. I’m also going to be watching a guy that both Will and I thought the Bears should have kept at middle linebacker, Mason Foster. Lastly, DeAngelo Hall one of their talented cornerbacks is someone to keep an eye on.

Final Prediction

The Bears will edge out another close one, the final at Soldier Field will be 20-18.