NFL: Pressure mounts on Bears

By TOM MUSICK Shaw Media

Created: Monday, December 10, 2012 11:57 p.m. CDT

Caution: Coaching seat may be hot.

A late-season slump by the Bears has increased pressure on everyone at Halas Hall, including Lovie Smith. The Bears (8-5) are clinging to the No. 6 playoff spot in the NFC and will need a strong finish to fend off contenders such as the Washington Redskins, Dallas Cowboys and Minnesota Vikings, each of which has seven wins.

Last season, Smith guided the Bears to a 7-3 start only to lose five of the final six games. This season, the Bears were 7-1 at the halfway point of the regular season but have lost four of five games.

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