With the Chicago Bears losing nine games in a row, it is easy to throw shade and say that the whole team should have a rotten holiday, that is not the holiday spirit.
As we turn to a brighter future, it is a good chance to give thanks to those who did have a good year.
Which Bears players made our nice list this year?
Caleb Williams
This one is obvious. Caleb Williams has shown flashes as a passer that the franchise has never seen. The wins have not come, but the solid play has been there and all Bears fans are still excited about what the future holds. All fans should wish Williams would get plenty of presents, but they may not come until free agency and the draft.
Jaylon Johnson
Despite the defense falling apart around him for most of the year, he has remained one of the better cornerbacks in the NFL. Life can be easier when teams have other options to pick on, but Johnson has kept up his strong play. He even has two interceptions, which gives him four in the past two years after just one in his first three seasons.
Kyler Gordon
Kyler Gordon has put together two strong seasons and has become one of the best slot cornerbacks in the NFL. It will be interesting to see who the new defensive coordinator is and how they plan to use Gordon, who is excellent at passing off and jumping on routes, filling gaps in the run, and attacking as a blitzer. He can be used in ways that excel his status to Pro Bowl and potentially All-Pro in the right scheme.
Gervon Dexter Sr.
An injury late in the year did not help, but Gervon Dexter Sr. has been a pleasant surprise this year after there were questions about whether he could take on a bigger role in year two. You have seen just how big of a drop-off there is on the line without Dexter and the team needs to get him back healthy for next year, as he is an ascending young player.