Too little too late? Bears playoff chances still fading.

Give the Bears credit, since the 34-14 disaster up in Minnesota three weeks ago their backs have been against the wall and they’ve come up with two must have wins. Two strong defensive performances as well as the arrival of Devin Hester as a receiver have them half way to the 10-6 record they need to have a chance.

Unfortunately in the mean time the Bears have not gotten much help from anyone else. The Vikings consecutive wins of the Lions and Cardinals leaves the Bears two games back with two to go. Also with 4 teams ahead of them fighting for only two spots the chances for a wild card birth appear even slimmer.

The concern was always there, looming in the hangover after each close loss, and it looks like the early blown opportunities against the Panthers, Buccaneers and Falcons have come back to bite the Bears. From Greg Olsen’s fumbles to Charles Tillman personal foul to Robbie Gould’s disastrous squib kick this has been a year close but not close enough. So instead of competing for the best record in the NFC or even just even with the Vikings for the division the Bears can only wait and hope for help.

This week none of that matters with the rival Packers coming in for Monday Night Football. Even without any playoff implications the 37-3 beating the Pack put on the Bears five weeks ago should be more than enough motivation for this game. And maybe with a little help from the Atlanta Falcons – who play the Vikings this Sunday – the finale in Houston will mean something to.

Unfortunately wins in their final two games could still be just too little too late.