We are sitting here watching our beloved Chicago Bears and the team is 4-8 on the year after starting the season 3-2. Clearly, the Bears had a tough schedule, but the five-game losing streak should have been enough to guarantee Matt Nagy’s departure prior to the 2022 season. With a 4-8 record and two of those wins coming against a horrible Detroit Lions team, Bears fans have had very little to celebrate this year.
Watching Justin Fields grow and develop is one thing, but there have been very few positives surrounding this team. Robert Quinn has been a fun storyline and Khalil Mack looked great before going on season-ending injured reserve. Roquan Smith has been a complete beast of a player and deserves to be a First-Team All-Pro. There have been a few other bright spots, but the Bears just don’t have what it takes.
One of the big negatives this year has been Allen Robinson who has been below mediocre. There is no way that Robinson remains on this roster next year and I am glad Ryan Pace didn’t pay him $20 million-plus in AAV. Now, it is a matter of finding a replacement for him in both free agency and the 2022 NFL Draft. Robinson isn’t the only problem though. This team has shown signs of struggle after struggle and the coaching staff and not enough talent in the right places hurt.
Looking at the players and ignoring the coaches, these five players have truly let this team down in 2021. With all of this negativity, how is it that the team found its way don’t any top-100 lists that aren’t completely negative? The answer is simple. The Chicago Bears are on FanSided’s top-100 fandoms of the year list. This goes beyond sports and includes entertainment as well.
The Chicago Bears are one of three Chicago sports teams to make the list though. The Chicago Bulls and the Chicago Sky were the other two. I am glad to see the Sky get some recognition as they literally just won the WNBA Championship without enough media attention. The Chicago Bulls are one of the best teams in the NBA — especially in the Eastern Conference. Yet, the Chicago Bears make the top 100 despite being 4-8 with their season over. Why?
The answer is you. That’s right, the Chicago Bears fandom is like no other. We are loyal almost to a fault. Not necessarily to ownership of the franchise, but to the orange and blue uniform that these players wear — it runs through our veins. Instead of applauding the Chicago Bears, I applaud you for your awesomeness and let’s hope that 2022 looks better with a new coach who can help develop the young talent on this team.