Chicago Bears: The Good News and Bad News

Dec 6, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) reacts after a pass was not caught in the second quarter of their game against the San Francisco 49ers at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports

Not all is bleak with the Chicago Bears.  Yes, the crushing loss to the San Francisco 49ers effectively ended their playoff hopes, slim as they were.  However, there are lots of reasons this team should be able to find plenty of silver lining about the 2015 season.  So what is their good news and bad news for the present and future?

The Bad News

Lack of star power on defense continues to show

If not for two colossal breakdowns late in the game, the loss to San Francisco may have gone down as the best performance of the season for the Bears.  Unfortunately the 49ers kept exploiting their areas of weakness, namely up the middle with the inside linebackers and the safeties.  It merely further the realization that the unit is lacking in top tier talent.  Breakdowns like a 44-yard run and 71-yard pass wouldn’t happen otherwise.

Robbie Gould has lost his clutch factor

There was a time when Robbie Gould was as close to automatic as any kicker was in football, especially if the game was on the line.  Yet over the past three seasons there have been growing signs that the Bears kicker has lost his edge.  His two terrible misses against the 49ers, one from 40 and the other from 35 (which would’ve won the game), are just the latest indication of that.

Adam Gase and Vic Fangio could both be leaving

Given injuries and lack of talent on that roster, what Adam Gase and Vic Fangio have accomplished is remarkable.  They weren’t the reason the Bears lost Sunday.  Poor execution, dumb penalties and injuries to key positions are why.  It’s been that way all season, but their coaching has helped cover it up.  The problem is both might not be around to see how good those units can get with more time as they could be favorites to land head coaching jobs elsewhere.

The Good News

Jay Cutler has matured into a team leader

Was it his best game of the season?  Not even close.  The pick-six was bad and Jay Cutler never seemed in rhythm, missing a lot of big opportunities.  However, once again when his team had to have it, the 32-year old delivered with two drives late in the game.

This after taking a nasty body slam to the turf that amazingly didn’t cause a concussion.  Cutler had a bad game, but he should’ve still been the reason they won.  That is the kind of leader quarterbacks must be.  It’s nice to see he’s finally there, which bodes well for the future.

John Fox isn’t going anywhere

While both coordinators may be gone, head coach John Fox isn’t going anywhere.  This man is the real reason this team has overachieved this season.  He assembled that coaching staff and has been the one motivating players to play beyond expectations.  Assistants come and go, but if a team has a good man at the top, the rest should work out just fine.

Ryan Pace will have the money and picks in 2016

Perhaps the 2015 season should be remembered for perspective.  A year ago this team had regressed into one of the worst in the NFL.  Many felt they weren’t good enough to even repeat their 5-11 record this year.  They’ve already done that and looking ahead, GM Ryan Pace is in ideal position to infuse that roster with a gigantic wave of talent.

The Bears will have over $60 million in cap space and nine draft picks.  If things go as they did for Pace in his first off-season, then the Chicago Bears won’t be irrelevant for much longer.