As we end 2012 and prepare to turn the calendars to 2013, it’s time to wind back the clock and take a look back at the year 2012 for the Chicago Bears.  It was an interesting and eventful year with changes in the front office, a huge trade that could change the face of the franchise for years to come, injuries, win streaks, losing streaks, ups and downs and ultimately the head coach of nine seasons finally getting fired.  You know, a typical season.

January 1, 2012 – Bears defeat the Vikings 17-13 to snap a 5 game losing streak and finish their 2011 campaign at 8-8.  Middle linebacker Brian Urlacher suffers a knee injury late in 4th quarter of the meaningless game.

January 3, 2012 – Jerry Angelo out as Bears GM.

January 6, 2012 – Mike Tice promoted to Bears Offensive Coordinator.  He shared his vision for the Bears offense.  Did it really turn out that way?

March 16, 2012; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears general manager Phil Emery speaks at a press conference introducing new signings wide receiver Brandon Marshall (not pictured) and quarterback Jason Campbell (not pictured) at Halas Hall . Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

January 28, 2012 – Phil Emery is hired as the next General Manager of the Chicago Bears.

February 7, 2012 – Chicago Bears hire Jay Cutler’s buddy Jeremy Bates as QB coach.

March 2, 2012 – Bears put Franchise Tag on Matt Forte

March 16, 2012; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears general manager Phil Emery (center) poses for a photo after a press conference introducing wide receiver Brandon Marshall (left) and quarterback Jason Campbell at Halas Hall . Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

March 13, 2012 – at the start of the NFL Free Agency period, new GM Phil Emery makes his first big move, sending a pair of third round draft picks to Miami for wide receiver and longtime Jay Cutler buddy Brandon Marshall.   Emery also brings back Tim Jennings, which proved to be brilliant as he developed into a Pro Bowl performer.  The Bears also signed Jason Campbell to back up Jay Cutler.

March 14, 2012 – more free agent signings including bringing back Kellen Davis (BAD!) and Josh McCown, and signing special teams guys Blake Costanzo and Eric Weems.

March 22, 2012 – Bears add free agent running back Michael Bush.  Matt Forte gets mad.

March 24, 2012 – Marion Barber retires from football.  About 9 months too late.

April 4, 2012 – Brian Urlacher proclaims he’ll ‘end his career as a Chicago Bear.’  Prescient?  We’ll see how this plays out in 2013.

April 11, 2012 – Lance Briggs agrees to a 1-year contract extension.

April 17, 2012 – with NFL schedule released, I predicted the outcome of all the Bears games.  I had them at 11-5.  What could possibly go wrong? Oops.