December 14, 2018 – Leader of the Pack Sports

Written by: Conner Pack

Since the year 2000 the Chicago Bears have had five winning seasons (2001, 2005, 2006, 2010, and 2012), four playoff appearances (2001, 2005, 2006, and 2010), one Super Bowl appearance (2006), six seasons with 5 or fewer wins (2000, 2002, 2004, 2014, 2016, and 2017), and are on their fifth head coach, that’s a pretty interesting eighteen years to say the least. With the exception of the Bears back-to-back playoff seasons in 2005 and 2006 they’ve virtually been a middle of road (at best) to a very mediocre team for almost twenty years. A lot of that had to do with the teams in their division getting better as well as just bad luck drafting players and having coaches that simply couldn’t get the job done.

With that said, the 2018 Chicago Bears, led by first year head coach Matt Nagy, have taken the NFL by storm as they have a 9-4 record (best in the NFC north), and on the verge of clinching a playoff spot for the first time since 2010. The off-season moves to acquire quality to elite talent has been a major part in the turnaround this team has made in 2018. Defensively the addition of Khalil Mack has made a world of difference as their defense ranks among the best in the NFL. Offensively they’ve had their struggles at times, but Nagy’s creativity has really helped Trubisky. And finally, it’s as if Nagy has brought new life to a fan base and organization that was dead in the water.

– Monsters of the Midway

Dating back to the early 40’s and once again in 80’s with the 1985 Bears, the Chicago Bears franchise has always been known for having dominating defenses. It’s just a reputation they’ve earned over the years given the number of great players they’ve had on the defensive side of the ball. However, its been quite a few years since the Bears defense was dominant, let alone actually good, but this season there have been shades of the ’85 Bears defense. Through thirteen games, the Bears lead the league in forced turnover with 34; they’re third in scoring defense allowing just 19.0 points per game; they’re third in third down percentage at 34.4 percent; and finally they’re second in rush defense allowing just 83.2-yards per game. All of which are relatively major improvements from last season.

The trade for linebacker Khalil Mack has completely transformed what was an ok defense and made it an elite defense. His ability to consistently pressure the quarterback and disrupt plays makes him the primary objective for offensive blockers. With Mack drawing the majority of the attention other defensive players then have better opportunities to make plays. Also, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has had a great season dialing up plays for this extremely talented unit.

– Nagy’s Offensive Creativity

First year head coach Matt Nagy is cut from the Andy Reid tree. Before becoming the Bears head coach he had spent 10 seasons under head coach Andy Reid. As many know coach Reid has been very innovative when its come to his offensive approach over the years. From his scheming, play calling, and player development, he just seems to have a great feel for that side of the ball. So far in his young head-coaching career Nagy has shown he has the same feel and innovative-ness in his style of coaching.

For example, in 2017 the Bears offense averaged 287.4-yards per game, which was 30^th best in the NFL and just 16.5 points per game, which was 29^th best in the NFL. Their offense was old school, predictable, and players weren’t being used in way that maximized their capabilities. Fast forward to this season and there has been a complete reconstruction of the offense, their yards per game is up to 347.2 (22^nd) as well as points per game 27.6 (7^th). Obviously the additions of Allen Robinson, Taylor Gabriel, and Trey Burton were nice, but a big part of their success has been that guys like Tarik Cohen are finally being used in a way that utilizes their skill set and are being put in a position to be successful.

Also, quarterback Mitch Trubisky has benefited big time by having an offensive minded head coach that can adjust and scheme up plays that fit his skill set. Trubisky is still very much a work in progress, but simplifying the offense and allowing him to use his athleticism has worked to his advantage. Just by comparing last year’s stats to this years shows he’s taken some steps in the development of his game.

2017: 4-8 record, 59.4 completion percentage, 7 TD’s to 7 INT’s

2018: 8-3 record, 64.4 completion percentage, 21 TD’s to 12 INT’s

– New Life and Energy In The Windy City

It’s been quite some time since Bears fans have had much to cheer for, but over the course of this season there has been a revival of what is an iconic franchise. The Bears home field advantage has been something serious this season as they are 6-1 at Solider Field. They’ve also out scored their opponents by 78 points at home, which is very impressive. The overall atmosphere in that stadium, from what I’ve seen on TV, is something special. Given the history of the Bears, they will always have a dedicated and loyal fan base, but once a team begins to show they’re capable of competing for a championship more and more people will begin to buy in as the passion and enthusiasm sky rockets.

– Final Thoughts

To tie this all together, are the Bears good? Yes, I think they’re very good and capable of winning a game or two in the playoffs. However, as a team they still have some kinks to workout, especially on the offensive side of the ball, before I will fully say they are “back”. My concern is with Mitch Trubisky and if he really is the long-term answer at quarterback? Obviously he’s shown improvement this season, but if you watch him play he still misses throws, still turnover prone, and doesn’t seem to always feel comfortable in the pocket. Now, to Nagy’s credit he has done a great job of hiding Trubisky’s flaws.

Also, it’s rare to see first year coaches have the success Nagy has had this season. Of the six other first year head coaches Nagy has had by far the most success and consistency week in and week out. Nagy will become the first Bears head coach to finish the season with a winning record in his first year since the great George Halas retired ahead of the 1968 season. Prior to Nagy, there had been ten head coaches, eight of which had a losing record in their first season, and two that finished .500.

Finally, going forward this is a team with a ton of young talent that can only get better. Their head coach is a young, high-energy, and innovative guy that seems to be very relatable to the players. If Trubisky can continue to develop and the talent around him keeps playing at a high level there’s no telling how good this team can become. Defensively I think they are set. Maybe some more depth in the secondary and up-front, but other than that I like what they have on that side of the ball.