The 2011 season was the Chicago Bears' 92nd in the National Football League (NFL) and their eighth under head coach Lovie Smith. The defending NFC North champion Bears attempted a return to the playoffs after falling in the NFC Championship Game to their arch-rival Green Bay Packers in 2010. The Bears were scheduled to appear in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game but due to the lockout, the game was cancelled. The Bears traveled to Wembley Stadium in London to take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFL International Series and played the Green Bay Packers on Christmas Day evening in the only scheduled game on that day.[1] Despite starting the season with a 7–3 record, starting quarterback Jay Cutler broke the thumb on his throwing hand and was forced to undergo season-ending surgery. After losing Cutler for the rest of the year, the Bears went 1–5, finishing the season with an 8–8 record and not qualifying for the playoffs. The season would begin somewhat of a lengthy playoff drought for the organization, as they would not return to the playoffs again until 2018.
After the 2010 season ended, the NFL entered its longest work stoppage in history. The lockout began after a failure to reach an agreement between the owners and the union in early March. Both sides agreed to extend the deadline another week.[2] However, the talks broke down and the union officially decertified,[3] after which a group of 10 players filed an antitrust lawsuit against the league. After months of failed negotiations, the two sides finally reached an agreement in late July. The owners announced on July 21 that it had approved a new collective bargaining agreement by a 31–0–1 margin (the Oakland Raiders abstained). On July 25, the players association's executive board voted to approve the new collective agreement and the players voted to ratify it on August 4.[4] The delayed start to the season brought free agency and the opening of training camps to coincide. This gave clubs a short period of time to get a full roster signed before camp opened.[5]
Draft Notes: Washington traded its second- (#53) round pick this selection to Chicago for Chicago's second- (#62) and fourth-round (#127) selections.[6]
The Bears forfeited their seventh-round selection, due to the use of a seventh-round selection in the 2010 Supplemental draft.
Undrafted free agents
Following the end of the lockout, the Bears announced coming to terms with 26 undrafted free agents.[7]
On December 16, the Bears released WR Sam Hurd.[9][13]
Free agents
Bears did not come to terms with 13-year-veteran Olin Kreutz. Kreutz would go on and sign a 2-year deal with the New Orleans Saints.Brad Maynard left the Bears and signed with the Houston Texans.
On February 3, the Bears hired Mike Phair as their new defensive line coach.[22]
Preseason
Training camp
The Bears held training camp once again at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Illinois. The club has held annual training camp activities at the university since 2002.[23] The franchise opened up training camp with an expanded roster of 90 players. Over the next month players competed for spots on the final roster. By August 30, the club had cut down players from 90 to 75 after the third preseason game.[24] It was though announced on August 20, the roster cuts would be changed from 75 to 80 players.[25] The franchise then had to make another round of cuts at the conclusion of the fourth preseason game on September 3. The final roster consisted of 53 players.[26] The Bears wrapped up training camp with a final public practice on August 19 before heading back to team headquarters in Lake Forest, Illinois. The practice marked the end of the team's three-week training camp in Bourbonnais.[27]
The club had scheduled an evening practice at Soldier Field in front of fans in an event called "Family Fest". However, the event was cancelled hours before the event was scheduled to begin due to the unsafe playing conditions at Soldier Field.[33] This is not the first incident related to the playing surface at the stadium. Brian Urlacher and other players have called for the surface to be changed from natural grass to artificial FieldTurf.[34]Chicago's mayor Rahm Emanuel has called on the Chicago Park District to find a permanent solution to the decades-old turf battle at the venue.[35] However, Bears chairman George McCaskey has stated on record that the playing surface at Soldier Field will not change from grass to an artificial surface. McCaskey cited fewer injuries occur on natural grass and therefore believes the natural grass surface prolongs players' careers. He did admit a poorly maintained grass surface is unacceptable and promised the club will take a more active role in maintaining the playing surface so the field can be for home games.[36][37] In Week 13, the field was resodded for the Bears-Chiefs game.
Schedule
Even though the league was in the midst of the lockout, the NFL announced the Bears' preseason schedule on April 12, 2011. The schedule contained the traditional four opponents and a fifth game to be played during the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2011 induction weekend.[38] The first scheduled preseason game for the Bears was to be the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game against the St. Louis Rams. However, with the lockout lingering into late July resulting in a delayed start to training camp, the NFL cancelled the game.[39] The Bears won their first preseason game defeating the Buffalo Bills 10–3.[40] The offensive line struggled in the game while giving up nine sacks over the course of the game.[41] The Bears continued their preseason campaign with a visit to New Meadowlands Stadium in New Jersey to take on the New York Giants. The offensive line improved in the game by allowing only one sack of Cutler compared to the nine they gave up in a game last year.[42] Cutler even joked about the experience by responding "Yeah, upright" to the question asked to him if this game against the Giants felt any different than last year's debacle.[42] Cutler did express pleasure with the performance of the two young tackles, Webb and Carimi, when asked to assess their performance during preseason.[42] The team did however fail to score twice inside the red zone in the 1st half against the Giants in a 41–13 loss.[43] The game also saw the Bears had a punt blocked by the Giants and newly signed WR Roy Williams drop the first two passes thrown to him in his Bears career.[44][45] In the third game, the Bears's first team offense showed more effectiveness than in previous games. The offensive starters racked up 239 yards in the first half.[46] The team wrapped up the preseason season against the Browns by sitting out many key starters with instead going with various second-, third-, and even fourth-stringers in a very warm and humid night in Chicago.[47][48] On September 4, a day after rosters were trimmed down to 53 men, the Bears signed former first-round draft pick and two-time Pro Bowler safety Brandon Meriweather, who was released by the New England Patriots the previous day.[30] In response to adding Meriweather, the Bears released corner back Joshua Moore to keep the roster at 53 men.[29]
The Bears opened up the season against the Atlanta Falcons at Soldier Field. The Falcons were the top-seeded NFC team in 2010, and were picked by many to be a Super Bowl contender. The Bears dominated the game against the Falcons, forcing 2 turnovers, and battering quarterback Matt Ryan for five sacks. Brian Urlacher recorded an interception and returned a fumble for a touchdown resulting in Urlacher being named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week. Defensive end Julius Peppers recorded two sacks and forced a fumble. Jay Cutler in his first game since the criticism of the NFC Championship Game against the Green Bay Packers, had a solid performance throwing for 312 yards and 2 touchdowns. Cutler did have a pass tipped in the fourth quarter that was returned for an interception by Kroy Biermann. Falcons running back Michael Turner finished with 100 yards on 10 carries, but 53 came on one dash and the low carry total is what mattered. Ryan was forced to throw 47 times as the Bears made the Falcons one-dimensional by getting out to a 16–3 halftime lead.[55][56]
The victory places the Bears at 1–0.
Week 2: at New Orleans Saints
Week Two: Chicago Bears at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
NO – Roland Harper 7 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble
During the game, three Bears players fell to injury; Bears rookie Gabe Carimi was lost for the season with a knee injury, receiver Earl Bennett was lost for a few weeks, and safety Major Wright sustained a head injury after colliding with Saints tight end Jimmy Graham. The Bears were only able to muster one takeaway by cornerback Charles Tillman, who stripped the ball from Mark Ingram II and recovered at the Bears 9-yard line. Saints quarterback Drew Brees' 79-yard touchdown pass to Devery Henderson was the longest that the Bears allowed since 2008 against the Vikings. The Bears had also been able to convert only 2 of 12 third down attempts, compared to New Orleans, who converted 8 of 17.[57]
With the loss, Chicago fell to 1–1.
In 2012, the Bears were considered as one of the possible targets of the Saints bounty program because of the injuries to Carimi and Wright, and Jay Cutler was sacked 6 times, and was kicked in the throat. Later in the game, Bears offensive tackle Frank Omiyale pulled a Saints defender off of Cutler after what Omiyale called "some dirty stuff"."[58]
Week 3: vs. Green Bay Packers
Week Three: Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears– Game summary
Against their hated rivals, the Bears seemed lost for much of the game, allowing Aaron Rodgers to throw three touchdown passes to tight end Jermichael Finley, and the Bears running game was only able to collect 13 yards. Though Jay Cutler threw for 302 yards, two touchdowns, and a 78.9 passer rating, he was also intercepted twice by Morgan Burnett, and was sacked three times. After the Packers led 14–0 in the first quarter, Cutler would find rookie Dane Sanzenbacher on a 4-yard touchdown pass. After Mason Crosby made a field goal, the Bears would score on Robbie Gould's 25-yard field goal. The Packers would then score ten more points. After Cutler was intercepted, Lance Briggs would strip James Starks, and Julius Peppers would recover the loose ball. Cutler would then hit Kellen Davis on a 32-yard touchdown pass, but would fail to score for the rest of the game.[59] The Bears would have narrowed the score to three points on a trick play, but was nullified by a penalty. On a punt late in the game, Devin Hester drifted to the left with blockers covering him, giving them the impression that Hester will return, but the punt was actually heading towards Johnny Knox, who returned the punt 89 yards for a touchdown. However, the play would be nullified after cornerback Corey Graham was penalized for holding.[60]
The loss gave the Bears a 1–2 record.
Week 4: vs. Carolina Panthers
Week Four: Carolina Panthers at Chicago Bears– Game summary
Against former defensive coordinator Ron Rivera and tight end Greg Olsen,[61] the Bears scored touchdowns on all three phases (offense, defense, special teams). Matt Forte, who was only able to record two yards the week before, recorded 205 yards against Carolina, as well as a 17-yard touchdown run. Though the Bears defense was able to keep Carolina from converting only 2 of 12 third down attempts, and D. J. Moore was able to pick off Cam Newton, the defense did not record a sack, and allowed 547 yards. Devin Hester also returned a punt 69 yards for a touchdown, which broke the all-time punt return touchdown record.[62] Hester would also return a kickoff 73 yards. However, Newton completed 27 of 46 passes for 374 yards, 1 touchdown and an 83.1 passer rating while also rushing for 35 yards and two TDs on eight carries, and the score was 34–29 late in the game when Newton connected with Olsen with :04 left in the game. The Panthers attempted to kick an onside kick, but Hester would recover the kick and give Chicago the victory.[63]
The victory gave Chicago a 2–2 record.
Week 5: at Detroit Lions
Week Five: Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions– Game summary
Coming off their home win over the Panthers, the Bears flew to Ford Field for a Week 5 Monday Night duel with their NFC North foe, the Detroit Lions. After a scoreless first quarter, Chicago trailed in the second quarter with Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford completing a 73-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Calvin Johnson. The Bears would answer with a 44-yard field goal from kicker Robbie Gould, followed by quarterback Jay Cutler finding tight end Kellen Davis on a 9-yard touchdown pass.[citation needed]
Detroit responded in the third quarter with Stafford completing an 18-yard touchdown pass to tight end Brandon Pettigrew, followed by running back Jahvid Best getting an 88-yard touchdown run. Chicago tried to rally in the fourth quarter with a 49-yard field goal from Gould, but the Lions pulled away with kicker Jason Hanson nailing a 31-yard field goal.[citation needed]
With the loss, the Bears fell to 2–3.
Week 6: vs. Minnesota Vikings
Week Six: Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears– Game summary
CHI – Devin Hester 48 yd. pass from Jay Cutler (Robbie Gould kick) CHI 7–0
CHI – Donovan McNabb sacked in end zone by Stephan Paea for a Safety. CHI 9–0
CHI – Marion Barber 3 yd. run (Gould kick) CHI 16–0
Second quarter
MIN – Ryan Longwell 37 yd. Field Goal CHI 16–3
CHI – Dane Sanzenbacher 13 yd. pass from Jay Cutler (Robbie Gould kick) CHI 23–3
CHI – Robbie Gould 51 yd. Field Goal CHI 26–3
Third quarter
MIN – Adrian Peterson 4 yd. run (Ryan Longwell kick) CHI 26–10
CHI – Devin Hester 98 yd. kickoff return (Robbie Gould kick) CHI 33–10
CHI – Robbie Gould 26 yd. Field Goal CHI 36–10
Fourth quarter
CHI – Robbie Gould 22 yd. Field Goal CHI 39–10
Top passers
MIN – Dovovan McNabb – 19/24, 177 yards
CHI – Jay Cutler – 21/31, 267 yards, 2 touchdowns
Top rushers
MIN – Adrian Peterson – 12 carries, 39 yards
CHI – Matt Forte – 17 carries, 87 yards
Top receivers
MIN – Percy Harvin – 7 receptions, 78 yards
CHI – Matt Forte – 6 receptions, 36 yards
Top tacklers
MIN – Erin Henderson – 8 tackles
CHI – Charles Tillman – 10 tackles, 1 assist
On Sunday night, the Bears would once again score on all three phases. The offensive line improved,[64] allowing Jay Cutler to be sacked only once. Cutler would complete 21 of 31 passes for 267 yards with two touchdowns and a 115.9 passer rating. On the Bears opening possession, Cutler would fire a 48-yard touchdown pass to Devin Hester; it was the first time that the Bears scored a touchdown on the opening drive. Making his NFL debut, Stephen Paea sacked Donovan McNabb in the end zone for a safety, increasing the score to 9–0. Marion Barber would then score on a 3-yard run. Ryan Longwell would then kick a 37-yard field goal to make the score 16–3, but Cutler's 18-yard pass to Dane Sanzenbacher and Robbie Gould's 51-yard field goal increased the lead to 26–3. In the second half, Vikings defensive end Jared Allen would then force a fumble, and Adrian Peterson would then score, making the score 26–10, but Devin Hester would then return a kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown to increase the lead to 33–10.[65] Gould would then kick two field goals to end the game at 39–10. The Bears defense would record five sacks, including two by Julius Peppers, who started the game despite being listed as "Doubtful" due to a sprained knee. The defense would limit Peterson to just 39 yards, the lowest he recorded against the Bears.[66]
With the win, the Bears improved to 3–3.
Week 7: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (London, England)
Week Seven: Chicago Bears at Tampa Bay Buccaneers– Game summary
In the team's first international game since the 1997 American Bowl, the Bears traveled to London to take on the Buccaneers. The Bears struck first when Matt Forte scored on a 32-yard touchdown. However, Tampa Bay would then strike back when Ronde Barber tackled Forte in his own end zone for a safety. Jay Cutler would then hit Roy Williams for a 25-yard touchdown, and Tampa Bay would then score on a Connor Barth field goal. In the third quarter, Marion Barber would score on a 12-yard run. In the fourth quarter, Tampa Bay would attempt to fight back and scored 2 touchdowns, but a Robbie Gould field goal and a D. J. Moore interception would then put the game away.[67]
Chicago improved to 4–3 with the win.
Week 8: Bye
After the game across the Atlantic, the Bears would have a bye week upon their return to the United States.
Week 9: at Philadelphia Eagles
Week Nine: Chicago Bears at Philadelphia Eagles– Game summary
Coming off their bye week, the Bears flew to Lincoln Financial Field for a Week 9 Monday night duel with the Philadelphia Eagles. Chicago delivered the game's opening punch in the first quarter as quarterback Jay Cutler found tight end Matt Spaeth on a 5-yard touchdown pass. The Bears added onto their lead in the second quarter with a 51-yard field goal from kicker Robbie Gould. The Eagles would answer with kicker Alex Henery getting a 47-yard field goal, followed by linebacker Brian Rolle returned a fumble 22 yards for a touchdown, yet Chicago closed out the half with a 2-yard touchdown run from running back Marion Barber.
Philadelphia took the lead in the third quarter with running back Ronnie Brown getting a 4-yard touchdown run, followed by running back LeSean McCoy getting a 33-yard touchdown run. The Bears replied with a 38-yard field goal from Gould. Afterwards, Chicago regained the lead in the fourth quarter with Cutler connecting with wide receiver Earl Bennett on a 5-yard touchdown pass. On the Eagles possession, punter Chas Henry attempted to pass to Colt Anderson on a fake punt, which fell short.[68] Gould would then make a 22-yard field goal. The Eagles tried to rally, but the Bears defense would hold on for the victory.[69]
With the win, Chicago improved to 5–3.
Week 10: vs. Detroit Lions
Week Ten: Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears– Game summary
The Bears made up for their Week 5 loss against the Lions by forcing six turnovers, and led 20–6 at halftime. Early in the third quarter, Major Wright and Charles Tillman returned interceptions of 24 and 44 yards, respectively, for touchdowns in a 1:52 span. This game was the first time the Bears returned two interceptions for touchdowns since the 1993 season, where they defeated Brett Favre's Packers 30–17.[70] Tillman had a career game against Lions receiver Calvin Johnson, who led the NFL in touchdown receptions at the time. Tillman allowed Johnson to catch only seven out of 19 passes that were thrown his way.[71]
During the game, Bears nickelback D. J. Moore was ejected from the game after fighting with Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford, who had pulled Moore down by his helmet during Tim Jennings' interception return. The incident would eventually lead to a brawl between the two teams, and chanting from the crowd.[71]
Chicago became 6–3 with the win.
Week 11: vs. San Diego Chargers
Week Eleven: San Diego Chargers at Chicago Bears– Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3
4
Total
Chargers
3
7
7
3
20
Bears
3
14
14
0
31
at Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois
Date: November 20, 2011
Game time: 4:15pm. EST/3:15pm. CST
Game weather: 42°F, Cloudy, winds gusting to 20 mph
The Chargers struck first on a Nick Novak 28-yard field goal, but Robbie Gould's 42-yard field goal and Marion Barber's 1-yard touchdown run gave the Bears a 10–3 lead. Philip Rivers would then find Antonio Gates on an 8-yard pass, but Jay Cutler and Kellen Davis would connect to give the Bears the lead in the second quarter. In the third quarter, Rivers would find Vincent Jackson to tie the game, but Cutler would then score two more touchdowns on a one-yard run, and Charles Tillman would force a Ryan Mathews fumble. Cutler would then throw a 24-yard touchdown pass to Johnny Knox to make the score 31–17. Novak would then score on a 48-yard field goal to end the game with a Bears 31–20 victory. Cutler passed for two touchdowns and ran for a third. He also completed 18 of 31 attempts for 286 yards and a 97.0 passer rating.[72]
However, Cutler would break his thumb when he was attempting to tackle Antoine Cason early in the fourth quarter, who had intercepted his pass. The injury would end his season.[73]
Despite Cutler's injury, the Bears would improve to 7–3.
Week 12: at Oakland Raiders
Week Twelve: Chicago Bears at Oakland Raiders– Game summary
OAK – Carson Palmer – 21/37, 301 yards, 1 interception
Top rushers
CHI – Marion Barber – 10 carries, 63 yards
OAK – Michael Bush – 24 carries, 69 yards
Top receivers
CHI – Matt Forte – 6 receptions, 25 yards
OAK – Marcel Reece – 5 receptions, 92 yards
Top tacklers
CHI – Lance Briggs – 6 tackles
OAK – Tyvon Branch – 8 tackles
In Caleb Hanie's first NFL start, he threw three interceptions in the first half, but was able to rally by completing 18 of 36 passes for 254 yards, two touchdowns and a 56.9 passer rating.[74] However, Raiders kicker Sebastian Janikowski's six field goals would put the game away.[75] Late in the fourth quarter, with the Bears down 25–20, Hanie attempted to rally the Bears from their own 4-yard line. When the Bears reached their own 46-yard line with less than ten seconds in the game, Hanie dropped back and looked around as if he was going to throw before spiking, drawing an intentional grounding penalty. Since intentional grounding penalties have a ten-second runoff, the game ended in defeat for Chicago.[76]
The loss would put Chicago at 7–4.
Week 13: vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Week Thirteen: Kansas City Chiefs at Chicago Bears– Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3
4
Total
Chiefs
0
7
3
0
10
Bears
0
3
0
0
3
at Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois
Date: December 4, 2011
Game time: 1:00pm. EST/12:00pm. CST
Game weather: 46°F, Cloudy, wind gusts to 26 mph, temps to mid 40s
CHI – Caleb Hanie – 11/24, 133 yards, 3 interceptions
Top rushers
KC – Dexter McCluster – 9 carries, 61 yards
CHI – Marion Barber – 14 carries, 44 yards
Top receivers
KC – Steve Breaston – 5 receptions, 41 yards
CHI – Johnny Knox – 5 receptions, 53 yards
Top tacklers
KC – Derrick Johnson – 7 tackles, 1 assist
CHI – Craig Steltz – 9 tackles, 1 assist
The Bears ended up losing another player for the season when they lost Matt Forté after he sprained his knee.[77] The Chiefs would score the game-winning touchdown on a Hail Mary when Tyler Palko's pass was batted down by Brian Urlacher and Chris Conte, but the ball would land in Dexter McCluster's hands.[78]
The Bears fell to 7–5 with the loss.
Week 14: at Denver Broncos
Week Fourteen: Chicago Bears at Denver Broncos– Game summary
CHI – Marion Barber 9 yd. run (Robbie Gould kick) (CHI 7–0)
Fourth quarter
CHI – Robbie Gould 57 yd. Field Goal (CHI 10–0)
DEN – Demaryius Thomas 10 yd. pass from Tim Tebow (Matt Prater kick) (CHI 10–7)
DEN – Matt Prater 59 yd. Field Goal (Tied 10–10)
Overtime
DEN – Matt Prater 51 yd. Field Goal (DEN 13–10)
Top passers
CHI – Caleb Hanie – 12/19, 115 yards
DEN – Tim Tebow – 21/40, 236 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception
Top rushers
CHI – Marion Barber – 27 carries, 108 yards
DEN – Tim Tebow – 12 carries, 49 yards
Top receivers
CHI – Kahlil Bell – 5 receptions, 24 yards
DEN – Demaryius Thomas – 7 receptions, 78 yards, 1 touchdown
Top tacklers
CHI – Brian Urlacher – 10 tackles, 1 assist
DEN – D.J. Williams – 9 tackles
Against Tim Tebow and the Broncos, the two teams would be in a 0–0 deadlock in the first half, though the Broncos would nearly score in the second quarter on a 28-yard field goal, which would then be blocked by Julius Peppers. The Bears would then score 10 points on Marion Barber's 9-yard touchdown run, and Robbie Gould's team record-breaking 57-yard field goal, but Tebow's touchdown pass to Demaryius Thomas and Matt Prater's 59-yard field goal would tie the game. Barber would commit two costly mistakes during the late portion of the game. In the fourth quarter, Barber would run out of bounds with 1:55 left, and Barber would also fumble in overtime. The Broncos would then move downfield and kick a game-winning field goal.[79]
The overtime loss dropped Chicago to 7–6.
Week 15: vs. Seattle Seahawks
Week Fifteen: Seattle Seahawks at Chicago Bears– Game summary
The Bears received a scare in the Seahawks game when wide receiver Johnny Knox bent his back awkwardly after taking a hit on Seahawk's defensive end Anthony Hargrove while trying to recover his own fumble. Knox remained down for nearly ten minutes leaving Bears fans in shock.[80] The major hit ended the receiver's season, and he was placed on injured reserve. In the game, the Bears would lead 14–7 in the first half, but would end in disaster when they were outscored 31–0 in the second half including two defensive touchdowns. First, Hanie threw a pass that was intercepted by the Seahawks Red Bryant and he returned it 20 yards for a touchdown. The second one which Hanie threw was picked off by Brandon Browner and he returned it 42 yards for a touchdown. Hanie would then be benched late in the game and replaced by Josh McCown.[81]
The loss gave the Bears a .500 winning percentage and a 7–7 record.
Week 16: at Green Bay Packers (Christmas Day)
Week Sixteen: Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers– Game summary
After backup quarterback Caleb Hanie showing poor performance in his starting of 4 games that were all losses, the Bears decided to start third-string quarterback Josh McCown who was recently signed after being waived by the 49ers.[82] McCown would complete 19 of 28 passes for 242 yards with one touchdown, two interceptions and a 76.8 passer rating, and wasn't sacked. He also rushed for 38 yards on eight carries. Kahlil Bell, filling in for Forte and Barber, would record 121 yards on 23 carries and caught four passes for 38 yards.[83]
The Packers would eliminate the Bears from playoff contention with a score of 35–21, and the Bears would fall to 7–8.[84]
Week 17: at Minnesota Vikings
Week Seventeen: Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings– Game summary
The Bears finally snapped their five-game losing streak on New Year's Day by beating the Vikings 17–13. The Bears also suffered through another devastating injury when linebacker Brian Urlacher sprained his left MCL after colliding into safety Major Wright.[85] Vikings defensive end Jared Allen came close to breaking Michael Strahan's record for most sacks in a season, sacking Josh McCown 3½ times, and was ½ sacks away from breaking the record, but McCown was able to prevent Allen from breaking the record.[86] The Vikings scored on first on Ryan Longwell's 26-yard field goal and Percy Harvin's touchdown run, both stemming from fumbles by Earl Bennett and Kahlil Bell. However, the Bears would then score on McCown's 22-yard pass to Roy Williams and Charles Tillman's interception return for a touchdown after intercepting Christian Ponder. After Julius Peppers blocked Longwell's field goal, Cedric Griffin would intercept McCown, but the Vikings would then botch the snap on a field goal attempt. D. J. Moore would then close the game out by intercepting Joe Webb, ending the Bears season at 8–8.[87]
MLB Brian Urlacher was named NFC Defensive player of the week for games played during Week 1.[90]
RB Matt Forte was named FedEx Ground Player of the Week(Running Backs)for games played during Week 4.[91]
WR Devin Hester was named NFC Special Teams player of the week for games played during Week 4.[92]
WR Devin Hester was named NFC Special Teams player of the week for games played during Week 6.[93]
OLB Lance Briggs was named NFC Defensive player of the week for games played during Week 7.[94]
WR Devin Hester was named NFC Special Teams player of the week for games played during Week 10.[95]
Monthly awards
WR Devin Hester was named the NFC Special Teams Player of the Month for games played during the month of October.[96]
DE Julius Peppers was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Month for games played during the month of November.[97]
Annual awards
Records
Individual
Career
WR Devin Hester set the Bears and NFL record for Most career punt returns for touchdowns with 11 on his 69-yard punt return touchdown during Week 4 against Carolina Panthers at Soldier Field.
Devin Devorris Hester Sr. is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver and return specialist in the National Football League (NFL). The only primary return specialist to be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, he is widely considered to be the greatest return specialist of all time.
Earl Bryan Bennett is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Vanderbilt Commodores and was selected by the Bears in the third round of the 2008 NFL draft. After his playing career, he became the director of player development at Vanderbilt.
The 1984 season was the Chicago Bears' 65th in the National Football League the 15th post-season completed in the NFL, and their third under head coach Mike Ditka. The team improved from their 8–8 record from 1983, to a 10–6 record, earning them a spot in the NFL playoffs. The Bears went on to lose in the NFC Championship Game 23–0 to the eventual Super Bowl Champion San Francisco 49ers led by Joe Montana.
The 2007 season was the Chicago Bears' 88th season in the National Football League (NFL), and the fourth under head coach Lovie Smith. The season officially began on September 9, 2007, against the San Diego Chargers, and concluded on December 30 against the New Orleans Saints. The Bears entered the 2007 season as the National Football Conference (NFC) Champions and had hopes of returning to the Super Bowl, but instead finished the season with a 7–9 record, and missing the playoffs for the first time since 2004. The season marked the most recent time that the Bears swept the Green Bay Packers.
The 2008 season was the Chicago Bears' 89th season in the National Football League (NFL), and the fifth under head coach Lovie Smith. They finished the 2008 season with a 9–7 record, improving upon their 7–9 record from the 2007 season. The Bears failed to qualify for the playoffs for the second consecutive season.
The 2009 season was the Chicago Bears' 90th season in the National Football League, and the sixth under head coach Lovie Smith. The Bears had looked to improve upon their 9–7 record from 2008 and return to the playoffs for the first time since the 2006 season, but failed to do so for the third consecutive season. The team finished 7–9, and third in the NFC North. This season was Lovie Smith's sixth season as the team's head coach. The Bears played all their home games at Soldier Field.
The 2010 season was the Chicago Bears' 91st in the National Football League (NFL) and their seventh under head coach Lovie Smith.
The 2011 season was the Detroit Lions' 82nd in the National Football League (NFL), their 78th as the Detroit Lions, their 10th playing home games at Ford Field and their third under head coach Jim Schwartz. With a regular season record of 10–6, the team improved on their 6–10 record from 2010, making it their third consecutive improved season. It was the Lions' first winning season since 2000 and first 10 win season since 1995. Their 10-win season came just three years after their winless 2008 campaign. The Lions' 5–0 start was their best since 1956. With their win over the San Diego Chargers on December 24, the Lions clinched an NFC Wild Card spot in the postseason. After their loss to the Green Bay Packers in Week 17, it was determined the Lions would play the New Orleans Saints in one of the NFC Wild Card Games, which the Lions lost 45–28. It was their first playoff berth since 1999.
The 2011 season was the New Orleans Saints' 45th in the National Football League (NFL), their 36th playing home games at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome and their sixth under head coach Sean Payton. In Week 16, Drew Brees broke the single-season passing record previously held by Dan Marino; Brees ended the season with 5,476 passing yards, an NFL record. The team also broke the record for offensive yards from scrimmage with 7,474 and Darren Sproles broke the record for all purpose yards, with 2,696. The Saints also finished second in scoring for total points with 547, and finished second for points per game with 34.2 points and sacks with 24.
The 2011 season was the Green Bay Packers' 91st in the National Football League (NFL), their 93rd overall and their sixth under head coach Mike McCarthy. The team not only improved on their 10–6 record from a season earlier, they became just the sixth team in NFL history to win 15 games during the regular season. As of 2024, the 15–1 record stands as the best in team history, as well as the best record for a defending Super Bowl champion. The Packers won their first 13 games of the season to extend their winning streak from the previous season to 19, the second-longest in NFL history behind the 21-game winning streak of the New England Patriots in 2003 and 2004, and also tied the record for the best start to a season in NFC history that the New Orleans Saints had set in 2009. The only loss for the Packers during the regular season was a Week 15 defeat in Arrowhead Stadium against the Kansas City Chiefs. They also became the first NFC North team to go undefeated in the division since the 1987 Chicago Bears.
The 2012 season was the Chicago Bears' 93rd in the National Football League (NFL), as well as their ninth and final season under head coach Lovie Smith. The Bears played at Soldier Field for the 10th season since its reconstruction in 2001.
The 2012 season was the Green Bay Packers' 92nd in the National Football League (NFL), their 94th overall and their seventh under head coach Mike McCarthy. The Packers won the NFC North division title for the second year in a row with an 11–5 record. The Packers lost 45–31 to the eventual NFC champion San Francisco 49ers in the divisional round of the playoffs, finishing with a 1–1 postseason record. The Packers offense finished the season 5th in points and 11th in yards per game. The defense finished 11th in points allowed and 22nd in yards allowed per game.
The 2012 season was the Detroit Lions' 83rd in the National Football League (NFL), their 79th as the Detroit Lions and their fourth under head coach Jim Schwartz. The Lions failed to improve from their 10–6 record in 2011, and spent most of the season at the bottom of their division. They finished the season with an eight-game losing streak, their worst since the winless 2008 season. It was also the franchise's 21st consecutive season without a playoff win.
The 2013 season was the Chicago Bears' 94th in the National Football League (NFL) and their first under head coach Marc Trestman after Lovie Smith was fired on December 31, 2012. The Chicago Bears played at Soldier Field for the 11th season since its reconstruction in 2001. For the sixth time in seven years since the Super Bowl XLI loss in the 2006 NFL Season, they failed to qualify for the playoffs with an 8–8 record.
The 2014 season was the Chicago Bears' 95th in the National Football League (NFL), and their second and final season under head coach Marc Trestman. The Bears failed to qualify for the playoffs after being eliminated from contention in week 14, their fourth consecutive season without making the postseason.
The 2014 season was the Green Bay Packers' 94th in the National Football League (NFL), their 96th overall and their ninth under head coach Mike McCarthy. The team tied with four other teams for a league-best 12 wins and 4 losses, while also adding a fourth consecutive NFC North division title. The club went undefeated at home for the first time since 2011. They also led the league in scoring, with 486 points, then the second-most in franchise history. It marked the first time since the 2009 season that the team had a 4,000-yard passer, two 1,000-yard receivers and a 1,000-yard rusher.
The 2015 season was the Green Bay Packers' 95th in the National Football League (NFL), their 97th overall and their 10th under head coach Mike McCarthy. With a Week 15 win over the Oakland Raiders, the Packers clinched a playoff spot for the seventh consecutive season, but failed to win their fifth consecutive NFC North title after a Week 17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. As a result, the fifth-seeded Packers traveled to Washington to face the fourth-seeded Redskins in the wild card round. They beat the Redskins 35–18, and then traveled to Arizona for a rematch against the second-seeded Arizona Cardinals, where the Packers' season ended as they lost to the Cardinals in overtime, 26–20. One highlight of the Packers' season was a stunning come-from-behind victory over their division rivals Detroit Lions, which resulted in a 61-yard game-winning Hail Mary pass from quarterback Aaron Rodgers to tight end Richard Rodgers as time expired.
The 2016 season was the Green Bay Packers' 96th in the National Football League (NFL), their 98th overall and their 11th under head coach Mike McCarthy. Despite a 4–6 start to the season, the Green Bay Packers went on a six-game winning streak to finish the regular season with a 10–6 record. The team clinched the NFC North for the fifth time in six years with their week 17 win over the Detroit Lions. They routed the fifth-seeded New York Giants 38–13 in the wild card round of the playoffs and defeated the top-seeded and heavily favored Dallas Cowboys 34–31 in the divisional round of the playoffs, but their season came to an end when they were beat by the second-seeded Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship Game 44–21.
The 2017 season was the Green Bay Packers' 97th season in the National Football League (NFL), their 99th overall and their 12th under head coach Mike McCarthy. After reaching the NFC Championship Game in the previous season, the team attempted to improve on their 10–6 record from 2016. However, the team was eliminated from postseason contention after Week 15, marking the first time since 2008 that they failed to qualify for the playoffs.
The 2018 season was the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' 43rd in the National Football League (NFL), their fifth under the leadership of general manager Jason Licht, their 21st playing their home games at Raymond James Stadium and their third and final under head coach Dirk Koetter.
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