3. Bears miss the playoffs for the 6th time in 7 seasons
Dec 29, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) and Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) meet at midfield after the game at Soldier Field. The Green Bay Packers win 33-28. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Despite the historically bad defense and missing 47 game starts by Week 1 starters, the Bears had two chances to clinch the NFC North and make a trip to the postseason. They failed to win their final two games and let the 8-7-1 Green Bay Packers crawl into the playoffs. Losses to last place teams like the Washington Redskins, St Louis Rams and Minnesota Vikings loom large.
Lovie Smith was fired after going 10-6, but missing the playoffs in 5 of his final 6 seasons. Marc Trestman’s first season at the helm led to a step back with an 8-8 record and another missed opportunity of a trip to the postseason, but I’d say most Bears fans have higher hopes for this team going forward than they had before this season.