You didn't think I wouldn stop writing about the Bears, right?
Since the devastating postseason loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, the Chicago Bears have kept busy: Pro Bowl, NFL awards, new hirings and signings and some old timers hanging up the cleats. Rather than write multiple posts, I'm choosing to give a quick recap of everything that's been going on since that Parkey kick, in no particular order.
NAGY NAMED COACH OF THE YEAR:
That's right, Bears fans! First year head coach Matt Nagy was named Coach of the Year at the NFL Honors ceremony. Pulling a team with unspeakable potential out of the ground from a 5-11 record was no simple task, yet Nagy's imaginative mind and ability to put his players in the best situations made Chicago a serious contender this past season.
Nagy remained humble, as always, by saying after his award was given: "This recognition is not about me. It is about our coaching staff, our players, the entire organization and the great Chicago Bears fans. We won this together as a family."
Nagy keeps it real. He thanks those who have been supportive. He never looks to take fame that others also deserve. I can't even anticipate what this man has in store for next year!
RETIREMENT
Potential Hall of Famer Julius Peppers has officially retired after 17 seasons in the NFL. A former Chicago Bear, Peppers played for the Green Bay Packers and Carolina Panthers. He is the 4th highest all time sack leader. Heck of a career!
PRO BOWL:
Look, I didn't even watch this game. NOBODY does. However, Chicago had eight total participants go to Miami this year- the most of any other team. That's a step up, considering the team had none the season before.
Hey, Kyle Fuller did have another interception! Man, I'm glad we paid that man.
It was cool to see Trubisky wear that blue NFC jersey. In fact, the whole QB draft class of 2017 (first round) was there, as Houston Texans QB Deshaun Watson and Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes also made the roster. While it was cool to see the three together and acknowledge their success, it's time to get ready to see who will be top dog next season.
Mahomes may have won NFL Offensive Player of the Year, but he has to travel to the Windy City next year and face the Monsters of the Midway on their home turf. See ya soon, Mahomes.
NEW FACES:
With defensive coordinator Vic Fangio accepting the head coaching job for the Denver Broncos, the Bears were tasked with hiring some new staff. Former Colts coach Chuck Pagano was the pick. Hired on Jan.11, Pagano comes in with a defense that had 36 takeaways and 27 interceptions, according to Sports Illustrated. Uh, that's A LOT. The Bears have also hired Mark DeLeone as Inside Linebackers Coach. DeLeone comes from Kansas City formerly. Another Andy Reid disciple? I'm all in!
SIGNINGS:
I seriously think Parkey's time with the Bears is ending. The Bears signed K Redford Jones, a former kicker from Tulsa with a FG percentage of 74.6% and an extra point percentage of 97.9%. This could just be for competition, but I'd be shocked to see Parkey play another game for Chicago.
In more lighter news, offensive lineman Bobbie Massie agreed to a 4-year extension with the Bears. The new look offense wouldn't have been much without the help of the line, and Massie played a key role in that.
There's still work to be done in Chicago: more coaching spots need to be filled, decisions on pending free agents, and general manager Ryan Pace has a draft coming soon with very little picks (hey Khalil Mack, you were still worth it). Everything seems to be going up though. For now, the Los Angeles Rams take on the New England Patriots this Sunday for the Super Bowl. One day, Chicago, we WILL hoist up the Lombardi trophy.
BEAR DOWN!
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