Column: The Chicago Bears, who are now in last place, could become worse. And they most likely will.
The Chicago Bears, one of the most storied franchises in the history of the NFL, have reached a crossroads. Once a dominant force in the league, the Bears are currently languishing at the bottom of the NFC North and, with each passing week, it’s becoming increasingly clear that this might just be the beginning of a long and painful rebuilding process. With recent seasons marked by inconsistent performances, coaching changes, and front-office instability, the Bears find themselves at a point where the future looks murky, and the present is even harder to stomach.
A Storied Past, But A Troubled Present
The Chicago Bears were once the definition of NFL excellence. Established in 1919, the franchise has won nine championships (including one Super Bowl in 1985) and boasts a rich history of iconic players like Walter Payton, Dick Butkus, and Gale Sayers. These legends helped make the Bears a household name and earned the team a loyal following. But in recent decades, the Bears’ glory days have been overshadowed by mediocrity and dysfunction.
It’s been over three decades since Chicago’s last Super Bowl appearance, and in that time, the team has struggled to maintain consistent success. For a franchise with such a rich tradition, this has been a tough pill to swallow for Bears fans who have seen their team cycle through numerous quarterbacks, coaches, and front-office executives with little to show for it.
Quarterback Woes: The Heart of the Problem
The quarterback position has been the Bears’ Achilles’ heel for years. Since the retirement of the legendary Jim McMahon after the 1988 season, the Bears have failed to find a long-term answer at quarterback. Whether it was the underwhelming play of Mitchell Trubisky, the fleeting flashes of promise from Jay Cutler, or the hope that a rookie could turn the franchise around, the Bears have been plagued by inconsistency under center. For a team to succeed in the modern NFL, it needs a quarterback who can elevate the offense, make quick decisions, and lead the team in both big moments and day-to-day operations. The Bears have yet to find that person.
In recent years, the Bears seemed to have found hope with Justin Fields, drafted in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Fields has shown flashes of brilliance, displaying a unique blend of athleticism and arm strength that has generated hope. However, his progression has been marred by inconsistent play, an underperforming offensive line, and a lack of elite receiving talent. Fields has shown he can be a dynamic force when the game plan is tailored to his strengths, but he’s also displayed moments of hesitation, poor decision-making, and an inability to make the necessary leap to the next level.
The Bears front office has placed a lot of weight on Fields as the future of the franchise, but the reality is that his development is far from guaranteed. The Bears have tried to surround him with playmakers, but the lack of a strong, cohesive offensive unit continues to hurt Fields’ growth. With a porous offensive line and limited weapons, it’s easy to see why he’s struggled to take that next step.
Coaching Carousel: A Lack of Stability
Another issue plaguing the Bears in recent years has been the lack of stability at the head coach position. The Bears have had a revolving door of coaches since the firing of Lovie Smith in 2012, with names like Marc Trestman, John Fox, and Matt Nagy coming and going. Inconsistency in leadership has undoubtedly played a significant role in the team’s struggles.
Most recently, the Bears hired Matt Eberflus in 2022 with the hope that his defensive expertise would revitalize a struggling team. Eberflus, a former defensive coordinator with the Indianapolis Colts, was brought in to help the Bears return to their roots as a defensively-minded team. However, the defense under Eberflus has been far from the dominant force it once was, and the offense has continued to flounder. The lack of a high-level offensive coordinator to complement Eberflus’ defensive approach has been an ongoing problem.
It’s difficult for a team to succeed without stability at the top, and that is something the Bears have been missing for years. While Eberflus may be the coach to eventually turn things around, it’s clear that the team will need to undergo more changes—especially in terms of their offensive philosophy and personnel—before any tangible progress is made.
Front Office Failures: A Dysfunctional Culture
While the players on the field are often blamed for a team’s struggles, the problems within the Chicago Bears franchise run deeper than just on-field performance. The Bears’ front office has been criticized for years for making questionable personnel decisions, especially in the draft and free agency. The franchise has been notoriously bad at evaluating talent and identifying players who can help the team win now and in the future.
For instance, the Bears’ decision to trade up to the second overall pick in the 2017 draft to select Mitchell Trubisky is one that will forever haunt the franchise. The trade—especially when compared to the quarterbacks selected after Trubisky, such as Patrick Mahomes and Deshaun Watson—has been a blunder of epic proportions. And while Trubisky wasn’t entirely to blame for the team’s failures during his time in Chicago, the move exemplifies the Bears’ tendency to make miscalculations in key moments.
The Bears’ struggles in the draft have continued into recent years, with missed opportunities to select high-impact players. The inability to build a cohesive roster with depth and talent is a significant factor in why the Bears remain stuck in the basement of the NFC North.
A Road to Recovery: What Needs to Change?
So, what does the future hold for the Chicago Bears? There are no easy answers, but there are steps the organization can take to begin the long journey back to respectability.
- Address the Quarterback Situation: The Bears must decide whether Justin Fields is the answer at quarterback or if they need to move on. While Fields has shown potential, the Bears cannot afford to wait for years while he continues to develop. If Fields is not the answer, the franchise must explore other options, including potentially using a high draft pick to select another quarterback. The team needs a reliable, franchise-caliber signal caller to build around.
- Coaching and Offensive Identity: If Matt Eberflus is to remain head coach, the Bears will need to bring in a high-level offensive coordinator who can develop a system around Justin Fields’ strengths. The lack of offensive creativity and an effective scheme has been a significant issue in recent seasons. If Eberflus can build a strong, balanced team that can effectively use its talent, the Bears could take a step forward.
- Strengthening the Front Office: The Bears’ front office needs to demonstrate better decision-making in both the draft and free agency. They must build a team that can sustain long-term success and not rely on short-term fixes. A more strategic, methodical approach to building the roster is essential.
- Rebuild the Offensive Line and Weapons: The offensive line has been a perennial weakness for the Bears, and it must be addressed. Fields’ development is tied to the ability of the offensive line to provide him with protection. Additionally, the Bears need to invest in top-tier receiving talent to give Fields the weapons he needs to succeed. The team has made efforts in recent years to upgrade the roster, but it’s clear that more needs to be done to provide Fields with a balanced, dynamic offense.
The Long Road Ahead
The Bears are in a difficult position. With a history of underperformance and a lack of stability, it’s hard to see how the team can suddenly turn things around. But history has shown us that in the NFL, things can change quickly. With the right decisions at the quarterback position, better coaching, and a more strategic approach to roster building, the Bears can eventually return to contention. However, the current trajectory suggests that the team will likely continue to struggle in the short term.
The franchise’s faithful will continue to hope for a return to glory, but the reality is that the Bears are not only in last place right now—they may very well be on the verge of becoming worse before they become better. For a team with such a rich history, this is a painful reality to face. But it is also the truth of the modern NFL, where the difference between success and failure is often razor-thin. Only time will tell if the Chicago Bears can return to their former glory, but for now, their road to recovery looks long and arduous.