With the Chicago Bears set to face the Carolina Panthers at home this Sunday, they have a chance to extend an unexpected streak. Following a recent victory against the Los Angeles Rams, the Bears have won seven consecutive games at Soldier Field—the longest active home winning streak in the NFL. With many fans initially thinking of Lambeau Field as the toughest stadium to play in, few would expect the Bears of all teams to have a seven-game win streak at home. The streak started last season with a win over the Las Vegas Raiders, followed by victories over the Panthers, Detroit Lions, Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, Tennessee Titans, and Rams. Head coach Dave Canales seems to understand what has fueled the Bears’ home-field success this season, and he credits an unlikely aspect of the team.
Panthers Dave Canales Offers Insight on Bears’ Recent Home-Field Success
Ball Don’t Lie
During the press conference, Canales was asked for his thoughts on the Bears, and he shared his perspective:
“Honestly it just comes down to the ball. So if you look at the games they’ve won, Caleb Williams did a great job with the ball when they happen to be at home. You got a great chance when you take care of the ball or take it away. You’re probability of winning goes up. So they did a great job at home.”
It’s true. Williams has yet to commit a turnover at Soldier Field despite throwing multiple interceptions and fumbling in road games against the Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts. Despite the offensive struggles, the Bears’ defense has stepped up, ranking eighth in scoring defense (18.8 points allowed per game) and 10th in total defense (295.5 yards allowed per game) this season. The Bears’ defense is on a mission this season to prove they are one of the best in the NFL. While Williams playing safe football is a major factor attributing to the Bears winning at home, credit the defense for the success both this season and last.
Dave Canales Labels Bears as a ‘Team on the Rise’
Canales was also asked during the press conference what his thoughts were on the Bears, and here’s what he had to say:
“They have good scheme, and this is a team on the rise. Another great challenge for us as we continue to become us. We need these challenges. We need the teams that are starting to find their identity and personality and the Bears certainly are. Defensively they’ve been playing well and offensively they keep getting better every week and so just another great challenge for us to be on our stuff.”
With high praise from the first-year head coach, the Bears want to keep building on that identity, as Canales noted. While the offense has struggled this season—producing only 12 explosive plays and ranking in the bottom ten for pressure percentage allowed on true dropback passes at 38.7%—Sunday’s matchup against the Panthers will be a pivotal test to see if the Bears can find their rhythm offensively.
#Panthers HC Dave Canales is asked about the #Bears at today's press conference… pic.twitter.com/ZuTl4Zf1ED
— Barroom Network | Aldo Gandia (@BarroomNetwork) October 4, 2024
Read More: Bears vs Panthers: A Testament to the Infamous Trade
Main Image: Kirby Lee – USA Today Sports
