4. Historically bad defense
Sep 15, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jarius Wright (left) fumbles after catching a pass between Chicago Bears outside linebacker Lance Briggs (background) and cornerback Charles Tillman (right) during the second half at Soldier Field. Chicago won 31-10. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Chicago Bears fans worst fear was realized in 2013. We had been wondering for the last couple of seasons when the championship window would close on this defense. It was apparently about halfway through 2012. In 2013, for a multitude of reasons, the Bears D was awful. And not just your run of the mill awful, I mean historically bad. As in the worst Chicago Bears defense in team history. Here are some of the unhappy totals:
Bears opponents averaged 29.9 points per game, ranking the Bears D 30th in overall defense
The Bears allowed 394 yards per game, good for a 30th ranking
The Bears gave up 478 points, the most they’ve ever given up in franchise history.
The Bears gave up 5.3 yards per carry, an historically bad average. Worst ever by the Bears and one of the worst in league history.