Chicago Bears: 5 biggest hidden gems of this season

The Chicago Bears are proving for the first time in a long time that they’re a team driven by stars. It’s a feeling fans are trying to get used to again.

That said, the NFL has always been a team-oriented league. It takes more than 5-6 great players to create a winner. Other less heralded names need to step up. Would the fabled 1985 Bears have made it to the promised land without the clutch play of special teams ace Shaun Gayle or “#2” wide receiver Dennis McKinnon? Maybe, but it would’ve been so much harder.

The point is there comes a time when one must take a moment to send appreciations to the little guys. The players who work every bit as hard as the big names but don’t get the same screen time. Yet they find ways to leave a strong mark on the season. With the bye week at hand, now seems like a good time to do just that with the Bears.

So who are five names in need of some love?

#5:  Josh Bellamy

Fans have loved to dump on the wide receiver for a long time. With some understandable validation. Bellamy is a gritty player who has many likable qualities. In particular his route running and toughness. However, he’s not been able to stick as a starter on offense. Why? He can’t catch the ball. The man was plagued by big drops each of the past three years.

Even so, the Bears kept him around and he’s quietly delivered for them. He’s made three catches on offense to this point. Two went for 1st downs and the other went for a touchdown. He also has provided solid coverage on special teams, making a tackle. He may never be the stud some were hoping, but that doesn’t mean he lacks value to this team.