Ben Johnson and the Chicago Bears are enjoying a comeback season, and on Sunday, December 14, they have a make-or-break game against the Cleveland Browns at Soldier Field. The Bears have a 9-4 record going into this matchup, and the Browns have a 3-10 record, so Chicago is an obvious favorite to win, but never say never in the NFL.
It’s worth noting that the weather is certainly a factor in Sunday’s game. Forecasters and meteorologist are expecting frigid temperatures potentially dropping below zero, according to the Chicago Bears’ official website. To help those at the game stay warm and safe throughout the event, Soldier Field will have warming Centers located at Loop Landing, behind Section 146, on the Service Level down the southwest tunnel near the Dr. Pepper Patio, northwest colonnade the south side of the colonnades.
Circling back to the game itself, the Cleveland Browns have one of the strongest defenses in the NFL and one of the league’s top defensive ends in Myles Garrett. So, they’re going to need all the help they can get on the field, but some bad news emerged right before the game that may make things more difficult for Chicago.
Last-Minute Announcement From the Chicago Bears
Just hours before kickoff, the Chicago Bears announced that backup quarterback Tyson Bagent has been added to the team’s injury report due to illness. “Chicago Bears QB Tyson Bagent (Illness) has been added to the Injury Report and is questionable for today’s game against the Cleveland Browns,” they stated.
Now, Caleb Williams is obviously the team’s franchise quarterback, and he’s starting for this game. But, if he goes down, it’s certainly concerning that Bagent may not be available.
Followers took to social media to express their concerns over the news. “Given the cold, potential for destructive sacks, I don’t like this,” one said. “We are so cooked,” another stated.
If Williams has to exit the game for any reason, quarterback No. 3, Case Keenum, will take over, according to the Chicago Bears’ depth chart.
More Rough News for the Bears
In more difficult news for the Bears, as mentioned earlier, this game is set to have record cold temperatures. According to the National Weather Service, the day should bring sunny but very cold weather with low wind chills during the Bears and Browns game.
Highs are expected to hover around 13 degrees and the temperature is expected to be around 9 degrees at kickoff. Winds will come out of the west northwest and be 12 to 13 miles per hour, with gusts reaching up to 22 miles per hour, making wind chills as low as -20 degrees.
The Chicago Bears’ website says that in an effort to keep attendees safe, battery-operated clothing is permitted for the game but may be subject to additional security screening. They also note that “cold-weather dehydration is possible” and that “fans are encouraged to drink water throughout the game.”
“Blankets are permitted for Chicago Bears games at Soldier Field,” the team added. “You may carry them in hand or in an approved clear bag that meets the stadium’s clear bag policy guidelines.” Also, attendees will be able to purchase hand warmers at any Bears Pro Shop location inside the stadium.
If the Bears pull off a win against the Browns in the cold, they’ll rise from having a 62% chance of making the playoffs to a 69% shot, according to research from the NFL. If they lose the game, that drops to 42%, so they’ll still be in contention.
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