With playoff spot clinched, Bears turn attention to 'bigger things' than just getting into 'the dance'

The Bears clinched a playoff spot over the weekend by stunning the Packers in overtime and getting help from the Lions losing to the Steelers. It’ll be their first time in the postseason since backing into a spot at 8-8 in 2020, but this team is completely different and has bigger aspirations that merely getting there.

At 11-4 with a game Sunday at the 49ers and next weekend at home against the Lions, the Bears have a golden opportunity to clinch the NFC North and secure a home playoff game. They’ve also still got an outside shot at the No. 1 seed and a first-round bye.

Wherever they end up, they’ve elevated their goal to making a deep run, and linebacker Tremaine Edmunds even mentioned the Super Bowl on Monday.

“We play this game to just have a chance,” Edmunds said. “Everybody talks about Super Bowl, but you have to get into the dance first to even have Super Bowl talks. Being able to punch our ticket to even have a chance to bring that trophy home is something that is very important to us.

“Don't get me wrong, it's a great accomplishment, but you have two important games coming up that will shape up how that will even go in general. Our main focus is on this week and then taking it one week at a time because these are some important games. Even though we already clinched, it's bigger things that we are trying to do as far as placement and seeding.”

Incidentally, the Bears will be playing at the Super Bowl site on Sunday as Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. is the host venue this season.