Chicago Bears, way to be disappointing. The 2014 season wasn’t supposed to go like this. Chicago’s record is 5-8, and because of tiebreakers and other fancy stuff, the Bears are mathematically eliminated from postseason contention. The players will “play for pride their jobs the final three games. That is all well and good for them, but it’s also clear that losing out and getting a better draft pick is the best case scenario at this point.
The list of what went wrong this season is far too long for your attention span right now. You have checked out of this Chicago Bears season, so the only Bears related content you can enjoy at this point is something quick and to the point.
Here’s what actually went right this regular season.
Hint: you won’t find Jay Cutler and Mel Tucker on this list. Although, here’s what can be done about the Cutler situation, and here’s the latest on Tucker’s job security
Matt Forte: Top five running back in football. He has a chance to break Larry Centers’ single-season record for reception by a running back. It is sad to know that such an amazing season is being wasted on an offense that was projected to improve. Unfortunately, most observers have still failed to recognize that Marc Trestman’s offenses have regressed at each stop he has made in the NFL.
Willie Young: Despite being invisible for about a month of the season, Young has been one of the best free agent signings by any NFL team.
Ego Ferguson and Will Sutton: Adding these two with Young signing and the defensive front has a fighting chance to improve going forward. The pair have earned their playing time; regardless of snap counts.
Stephen Paea: The former second round pick has played well in a contract season. If Chicago can find a way to keep the Oregon State alum without breaking the bank, the tackle position will be one of the better position groups heading into 2015.
Kyle Long: Chicago’s future starting left tackle has been one of the top three Bears players since being drafted in 2013. His leadership skills are showing and word is that he is already a leader in the locker room. Phil Emery found a gem when everyone thought he was crazy for going Long.
Kyle Fuller: The rookie wall can be unforgiving. The broken hand that Fuller suffered has hampered his play. Mel Tucker’s stubbornness has also made Fuller look awful against some of the best receivers in football. Asking a rookie to play off the line against Calvin Johnson, Jordy Nelson and fellow rookie Mike Evans has been unfair. Maybe the next defensive coordinator will put Fuller in a better scheme next season? One that better showcases his size and ability to get physical with receivers?
If the Chicago Bears can lose out and finish 5-11, a top ten draft pick could be in play. Add to that a draft-the-best-player mentality and the Bears could add an important piece who could contribute right away in 2015.
Losing out could also lead to an overhaul in coaching. That hope may be nothing more than a pipe dream, but fingers, legs and eyes should remained crossed going forward. There is some talent on this roster; a new coaching perspective can work with this.
So long, 2014 Chicago Bears. It was good for like, two weeks, if that.
Jeff is a production assistant @120Sports and contributor to hockey, football, and baseball for The Sports Bank. Follow him on Twitter @skcih_ffej.