Come To Think Of It...Chicago Bears Season Recap: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

Last week was the tale of two halves. This week, it was the tale of two halves within a half.

The Bears jumped off to an early 10–0 lead, then were content to sit on that lead as they let the Houston Texans creep back into the game. And creep back in they certainly did, leading 14-10 as the half expired.

The game meant nothing for the Texans. However, the entire Bears season was on the line  Sunday, as their slim playoff hopes rested on a victory over the Texans.

Of course, the Minnesota Vikings would have to lose to the New York Giants for the Bears to have any chance, and at this point, the Vikings were on top of the defending champs by a slim margin. The Bears came into the third quarter knowing their season was still alive, if not kicking.

And what did they do with this opportunity? Play conservatively on offense. Play with no sense of urgency. Simply put, out-coached and out-played to the extent that it appeared the playoffs were not even on their minds on Sunday.

In the end, they lost to the Texans 31-24. As it turns out, the Vikings edged the Giants as time expired, but the Bears lost first and once they did, it was wait 'till next year, once again.

Now that the season is over for the Bears, what are the positives and negatives from this season?

Positive Outcomes (The "Good")

Matt Forte. His rookie campaign produced over 1,200 yards rushing. He was also good catching the ball and a very capable blocker as well. He won’t ever make anyone forget Gale Sayers or Walter Payton, but the Bears seem to have found their primary back for the next several seasons if he can stay healthy and productive.

Danieal Manning.  His corner play was almost as solid as his kick returning abilities.

Kyle Orton?  Prior to the ankle injury, it looked like the Bears may have finally found a franchise QB. Not nearly as good since his return, he still appears to have at least settled the position going into next year, allowing the Bears to focus on other needs. Wide receiver, hello?

Lance Briggs. The Bears most consistently solid defensive player this past season. Turned out to be a good decision not to let him walk away.

Alex Brown.  Another almost-former Bear, this under-appreciated end won’t ever make anyone forget Richard Dent, but is the best the Bears have at creating some semblance of a pass rush.

Brad Maynard.  It says a lot about this season that we're throwing accolades at a punter. But Maynard was terrific, as he led the NFC in number of kicks inside the 20-yard line.

Disappointments (The "Bad")

Mike Brown’s inevitable season-ending injury in week 15, in what was likely his last season as a Bear.  A great player not blessed with a lot of athletic ability, but has smarts and instincts that are off the charts, it is time for the oft-injured safety to move on. 

Brian Urlacher’s big-play abilities  At 30, neck and back injuries are threatening to question what was once a given Hall of Fame career. After a second consecutive pro bowl snub, that isn’t a lock anymore. Where are the sacks, the interceptions? It can't be all blamed on the scheme. 

Wide receiver play. Not so much a disappointment as an inevitable result. We knew they had no receivers when camp broke, though they added Booker and Lloyd on the cheap after watching Bernard Berrian leave to join the Vikings. A number one receiver? How about at least a number two? No wide receiver or tight end had as many as 30 catches on the season.

Major Failures (The "Ugly")

Coaching was generally not one of the team's strong points again this year. From head coach Lovie Smith's unwillingness to surround himself with experienced assistant coaches that are a threat to him (goodbye excellent defensive coordinator Ron Rivera, hello incompetent Bob Babich), to the inexcusable play calling on offense, the Bears need to fire the whole lot and start from scratch. It won't happen, of course, but it's what is needed at this point.  

Tommie Harris, injuries may have caught up to the big man.

Devin Hester, despite his improving skills at wide receiver, his return game was simply nonexistent after producing hall of fame numbers his first two seasons. It can't all be blamed on special teams pro-bowler Brendon Ayanbadejo signing with the Baltimore Ravens, though it's clear the Bears do miss him.

The Bears first round draft pick, Chris Williams, was a non-factor after getting injured prior to the season starting.

Come to think of it, I don't know about you, but I had the Bears pegged for a 6-10 or 7-9 record, at best. So, to be fair, I guess I'd have to admit that they performed better than I envisioned. But it was a very weak NFC North division. And this is a Bears team that doesn't appear any closer to the Super Bowl than they were last year.