Kevin Byard issues a rallying call to Chicago Bears fans as the season’s defining home stretch begins in Week 15 against the Browns
The Bears will need a strong home field advantage down the stretch.
The Chicago Bears return to Soldier Field on Sunday for the first time in what seems like a long time after playing back-to-back games on the road. The last game the Bears played in front of the home crowd was in Week 12 and the home field has been protected well this season going into Week 15.
The Bears are 4-1 at Soldier Field and have won four consecutive home games. The only loss at Soldier Field in 2025 came during the regular season opener against the Minnesota Vikings and the Bears get a favorable stretch to end the season with three home games in the final four weeks.
“Having our crowd in our home stadium, who’ve been electric this year, using that to our advantage, especially on defense,” Bears safety Kevin Byard said. “Obviously the offense having to communicate a little bit more and just kind of using that momentum as far as the crowd to go out there and play well. We’re excited to be home for three out of the last four games.”
On Sunday, the Bears will be hosting the three-win Cleveland Browns but Byard and head coach Ben Johnson made sure to send the right message early in the week that no one is overlooking this team coming to town. And in this matchup specifically, the home crowd can play a major role for the defense when rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders is on the field in his second career road start against the leading takeaway defense in the NFL.
“Having a young quarterback and having to communicate in a very loud, hostile, environment, I think can be huge for us on defense,” Byard said. “Being able to just have that home field advantage is always good, especially late in this year when we’re playing playoff games already. So, I think it’s going to be huge for our crowd to really make a lot of noise and be excited.”
As good has the home crowd has been throughout this season, Sunday’s weather forecast could play a role with -10-20 wind chill expected in Chicago, but that’s not something the players and the real die-hard fans should be worried about.
Bears players aren’t worried about the upcoming weather forecast at Soldier Field
“For me, I don’t really think about the cold weather during the game, it’s more about before the game starts,” Byard explained. “The whole lead-up, the warm-ups, kinda just standing around. That’s kinda the annoying part of it, and the TV timeouts… When you’re in the game, you’re thinking about the game. You’re thinking about what the offense is doing and stuff like that.”
Usually that’s the kind of mindset you expect from a defensive player. Once those guys start flying around, things tend to warm up. As for the offense, the weather plays into the unit’s favor being an offense that relies heavily on the run game and having a physical mindset. Even in the passing game, quarterback Caleb Williams made sure to note the “Iceman” is comfortable in these conditions.
“I’ve played in some cold games already here, and I’ve played in cold games before,” Williams explained. “The weather and elements don’t bother me. Just being able to get warm, get my body warm and then go out there and deliver good balls to my guys and let them go make plays.”
The people the weather mainly sucks for is the fans in the crowd having to huddle together and stand on the freezing concrete, even for the die-hards that are experienced to this kind of weather. But, having a strong support from the fan base in this kind of game goes a long way for the players.
“I almost feel bad for the fans that are out there,” Byard added. “So, if the fans are out there screaming and having a good time, I feel like we can too.”
You heard the man, so if you’re going out to the game this weekend, be loud and stay warm. Bring the extra layers and blankets if you got it and give the team the kind of home field advantage they deserve. Not only on Sunday, but the other two remaining home games as well, to help get this team into the playoffs and maybe even host more postseason games at Soldier Field.
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The elements will play a big role in Sunday’s game for the Chicago Bears.
