Chicago Bears: Reviewing the 2018 dream season

Reviewing the season by the month

When you look at how the Chicago Bears played by month you’ll see how great the season was, despite how it ended. Here is how the season progressed:

September

In the season opener, the Bears took it to the Green Bay Packers early in the game, racing out to a 20-point lead. The defense, however, with Roquan Smith and Khalil Mack playing limited snaps because they didn’t work out during training camp and the preseason, faltered down the stretch. A dropped interception by Fuller could have ended the game, but Aaron Rodgers threw a game-winning touchdown right after. Bears lose, 24-23.

After that, the Bears had their home opener against the Seattle Seahawks. Again they ran out with a lead, and again they allowed the opponent to come back. This time, though, Prince Amukamara held onto an interception and ran it in for a touchdown. Bears win, 24-17.

In Week 3, the Bears faced the Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals raced out to a 14-0 first quarter lead, but that was all they’d score. The Bears defense really came out, forcing punts on three consecutive drives in the second quarter. In the second half, the defense ended four consecutive drives with a turnover. The offense did just enough to walk away with a close victory. Bears win, 16-14.

In the final game of the month and right before their bye week, the Bears faced the Buccaneers. As I mentioned, Trubisky went wild and threw six touchdown passes. Bears win, 48-10.

October

After the bye week, the Bears took to the road to take on the Miami Dolphins. After quarterback Ryan Tannehill was ruled out with a shoulder injury, many expected the Bears to win going away. That didn’t happen, though. The Dolphins used short passes to frustrate the defense and Mack hurt his foot. Miami’s running game was excellent (161 yards).

The game went into overtime. After the defense had an incredible stand that ended in a fumble recovery at the goal line, the Bears marched down the field. Kicker Cody Parkey missed a field goal, however, and the Dolphins made their kick for the win. Bears lose, 31-28.

After the tough loss to the Dolphins, the Bears hosted the New England Patriots. After struggling through most of the game and giving up two big special teams plays that lead to touchdowns, Trubisky and the Bears made a comeback. Kevin White caught a Hail Mary pass, but was stopped at the 2-yard line. Bears lose, 38-31.

With a two-game losing streak on their hands, the Bears faced the New York Jets. They grind out a victory, but only because Parkey misses two field goals and two extra points. All four of those misses hit the uprights. If he tried to do that he wouldn’t be able to do it. Bears win, 24-10.

November

The Bears finished facing the AFC East with a matchup against the Buffalo Bills. Poor Nathan Peterman had no chance against the Bears defense. The defense scored two touchdowns and Jordan Howard had two of his own. Trubisky throws a touchdown pass, but it wasn’t until late in the fourth quarter. Bears win, 41-9.

The next week, the Bears played the first of three straight division games. They lost all their division games last season and lost their first one this season, so these games were important. The team handles the Detroit Lions, forcing three turnovers. Bears win, 34-22.

The Bears then faced the Minnesota Vikings in a battle for first place. The Bears defense dominated and the Bears had a 14-3 lead after three quarters. An Eddie Jackson pick-six pretty much sealed the game, though the defense relaxes a bit and made it closer than it should have been. Bears win, 25-20.

During the Vikings game, Trubisky suffered a shoulder injury that prevented him from playing in a Thanksgiving rematch with the Lions. The game is close throughout, and two interceptions late in the game, a pick-six by Jackson and a Fuller interception in the end zone, seal the victory. Bears win, 23-16.

December

To start the month of December, the Bears had what I consider to be the most frustrating game of the season. They faced a New York Giants team on the verge of being eliminated from playoff contention. The Bears were pretty much in control in the first half until Nagy calls a timeout when the Giants were going to take a knee. They ran a play and got into field goal range. Their momentum carried into the second half.

Saquon Barkley ran for 125 yards and the trick play decision was used against Nagy. Odell Beckham Jr. had a touchdown pass. The Bears made an incredible comeback to send the game into overtime but the Giants came out on top. Bears lose, 30-27.

After that frustrating loss, the Bears needed to regroup to face the team with the best record in the NFL, the Los Angeles Rams. The Bears got their signature win as they completely dominated the best offense in football. Quarterback Jared Goff threw four interceptions and suffered three sacks, including a safety. Todd Gurley, the league’s leading rusher, was non-existent, running for just 28 yards. The Bears survived three Trubisky interceptions and now become serious playoff contenders. Bears win, 15-6.

After that big win against the Rams, the Bears found themselves at the doorstep of a division title. They needed to get past their tormentors, the Packers. The Bears ran out to a 14-3 lead, but again the Packers came back and tied the game. A fake punt that failed and a trick play that resulted in a lost fumble allowed the Packers to come back. The Bears held on, though.

Trubisky threw a touchdown pass to Trey Burton and Parkey hits a field goal gave the Bears a 24-14 lead late. As the Packers marched down the field to try to come back again, Jackson intercepts a Rodgers pass, ending his record-breaking streak of consecutive passes without an interception The Bears also eliminate the Packer from playoff contention. Bears win, 24-17.

The next week, the Bears again ground out another victory, this time against the San Francisco 49ers. Trubisky avoids making any mistakes and the defense prevents the Niners from reaching the end zone. It’s an ugly win but you don’t get extra points for beauty. Bears win, 14-9.

The Bears traveled to Minnesota to face the Vikings in the regular season finale. Nagy had a decision to make, as the game is important to both the Vikings and the Philadelphia Eagles. If Minnesota won, they went to the playoffs and faced the Bears the following week. If the Bears beat the Vikings and Philly won, then the Eagles faced the Bears. Also, the Bears had an outside chance to get a first-round bye, but the Niners had to beat the Rams. The Rams made sure that didn’t happen right from the start.

The Bears dominated the Vikings, even late when Nagy took out some of his starters. The defense frustrated Kirk Cousins and the Minnesota offense, not allowing a first down until the middle of the second half. Trubisky got quality time right before the playoffs. Bears win 24-10.

January

The Bears took on the defending champion Eagles. The game was close throughout. Late in the game, Philadelphia marched down the field. They got to the doorstep of the end zone and the Bears defense wouldn’t make it easy for them to get in. It ames down to a fourth-and-goal and a Nick Foles pass to Golden Tate barely crossed the plane. Trubisky worked masterfully in response, getting the Bears into field goal range. However, Parkey’s attempt was tipped. It still almost went in, but it hit the upright, then the crossbar and fell out, allowing the Eagles to advance. Bears lose, 16-15.

Yes, it was a heartbreaking end to the season for the Chicago Bears. There is a lot to be hopeful, though. This is a young team that is on the rise. It is built differently from other Bears team. It is built to play well for some time. A little more tweaking and they may make a deeper playoff run next season.