The Chicago Bears are gearing up for a pivotal matchup at Soldier Field on Sunday, where temperatures will plummet to 5-14 degrees, with wind chill, making it one of the coldest games in team history.
In a testament to their bruising rushing attack, which has proven itself outdoors over the course of seven of their nine wins this season – including four victories at home – the Bears are confident they can harness its power on a frigid day. Coach Ben Johnson pointed out that building a strong running game was essential during the offseason, particularly when playing in cold temperatures like those found at Soldier Field.
The team's physical approach has been put to the test numerous times outdoors this season and has emerged as one of their calling cards, with the Bears averaging an impressive 5.2 yards per carry on the ground while no team averages more rushing yards outdoors than they do. It is this ability that gives them a crucial edge going into Sunday's contest against the Browns.
"We want the ability to run or throw it... whatever it takes to win," Johnson said, emphasizing his team's flexibility in their approach. However, with their running game firing on all cylinders – they average 152.6 rushing yards per game and have a robust 175 rushing yards per game over their last five games – Johnson is increasingly relying on Swift, Monangai, and the rebuilt offensive line to anchor their attack.
While the Browns' defense presents stiff competition with an average of just 3.8 yards per carry allowed, the Bears are taking heart from recent victories against tough opponents in cold weather conditions. When Tony Pollard broke through for two touchdowns against the Titans last week, it underscored that there is hope on the horizon – and provided a further confidence boost to Johnson's squad.
"We studied what they did... We have our own game plan, our own thoughts going into the game," running back Kyle Monangai noted. With their determination to push themselves physically evident in every practice, the Bears will aim to outmuscle their adversaries on Sunday, proving that their rugged rushing attack can conquer even the most inhospitable conditions.
In a testament to their bruising rushing attack, which has proven itself outdoors over the course of seven of their nine wins this season – including four victories at home – the Bears are confident they can harness its power on a frigid day. Coach Ben Johnson pointed out that building a strong running game was essential during the offseason, particularly when playing in cold temperatures like those found at Soldier Field.
The team's physical approach has been put to the test numerous times outdoors this season and has emerged as one of their calling cards, with the Bears averaging an impressive 5.2 yards per carry on the ground while no team averages more rushing yards outdoors than they do. It is this ability that gives them a crucial edge going into Sunday's contest against the Browns.
"We want the ability to run or throw it... whatever it takes to win," Johnson said, emphasizing his team's flexibility in their approach. However, with their running game firing on all cylinders – they average 152.6 rushing yards per game and have a robust 175 rushing yards per game over their last five games – Johnson is increasingly relying on Swift, Monangai, and the rebuilt offensive line to anchor their attack.
While the Browns' defense presents stiff competition with an average of just 3.8 yards per carry allowed, the Bears are taking heart from recent victories against tough opponents in cold weather conditions. When Tony Pollard broke through for two touchdowns against the Titans last week, it underscored that there is hope on the horizon – and provided a further confidence boost to Johnson's squad.
"We studied what they did... We have our own game plan, our own thoughts going into the game," running back Kyle Monangai noted. With their determination to push themselves physically evident in every practice, the Bears will aim to outmuscle their adversaries on Sunday, proving that their rugged rushing attack can conquer even the most inhospitable conditions.
dey hav been killin it outdoors all season w/ dat bruising running game & now its goin to be COLD! 
but like ben johnson said, buildin a strong runnin game is key & dey did tht. Swift, monangai & da offensive line r lookin good & i'm hopin they can take down da browns! 
gotta give props to the Bears for having such a solid running game they're like, totally built for this kinda weather 
i mean, 5.2 yards per carry is insane for outdoors games alone 
and coach Johnson's focus on building that physicality during the offseason really paid off 
Swift, Monangai, and that rebuilt O-line are gonna be a game-changer this Sunday 
hopefully we can learn from their strategy of having a strong running game and apply it to our own sports teams 
. I mean, they're already relying on their running game to carry them through, but what happens when it's this freakin' cold outside? They'll be lucky if they don't freeze their tail off out there 
. I'm gonna put my money on them winning 20-0 
. This is just another example of how everything always seems to go wrong for these teams in the end...
they got dis wicked bruising running game goin on & it's gonna be LIT at soldier field 2 days! i mean, who else can say dey're averaging 5.2 yards per carry outdoors? 
cuz dey're gonna come out swingin' like a bunch of bears in hibernation mode 
! I mean, it's like, isn't it winter or something? Like, can we just have one warm game for once? But anyway, back to the Bears, they're on a roll and their running game is looking strong 
! They just need to outmuscle those Browns 
. But man, 5-14 degrees? That's crazy 
! The energy at Soldier Field is gonna be electric 
️!
!
And can we talk about how underrated this team is? I mean, they've been crushing it outdoors and now they get to play the Browns, who are supposed to be tough. This could be a real matchup of wills... weather-wise, that is 
. They're basically saying they can just run over anyone in -20 degrees weather and suddenly become unstoppable... please 
. Newsflash: it's not that easy. The Browns' defense is solid and the wind chill is gonna be brutal. This is gonna be a whole different story when it comes to executing their game plan 
. It's just a bunch of guys wearing pads smashing into each other... I mean, what's so special about that? 
! Coach Johnson knows what he's doing, building a strong running game is everything for those crazy cold days 
! This game is gonna be EPIC 
, can't wait to see it live 
!
. This game could go either way, but with their momentum and determination, I think they've got a good shot at it 
like our star player's 3pt shots in basketball
. The Browns' defense is tough, but the Bears have got this 
. Bring on Sunday, I'm gonna be glued to my screen watching these guys go head-to-head in a war of attrition 
! The Hashtag Hero approves, Bears all the way #BearsNation #RushingAttack #ColdWeatherShowdown
. And Monangai's confidence is infectious... he's like the ultimate underdog story guy 
. I'm rooting for these guys to come out on top and prove that their style of play can conquer even the harshest conditions 
think about it, no team averages more rushing yards outdoors than the bears! that's some crazy stats right there