You Won't Believe the SHOCKING Superlatives the Chicago Bears Earned in 2025 – Find Out Who's on the Hot Seat!

The Chicago Bears entered the 2025 NFL season with low expectations, especially in the competitive NFC North. After finishing the previous season with a disappointing 5-12 record, few prognosticators had them winning the division. Their early-season struggles, starting 0-2 with losses to the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings, led many critics to declare them a lost cause. However, the Bears defied those expectations, showcasing resilience and determination as they surged through the remainder of the season.
Following their shaky start, the Bears turned their fortunes around, winning 12 of their next 16 games, which included a decisive victory over Green Bay in the Wild Card Round. This marked a significant transformation for a franchise that had struggled to establish a coherent identity on both sides of the ball since 2018. The 2025 Bears became known for their tenacity, achieving seven come-from-behind victories. Offensively, they excelled in the ground game while capitalizing on big-play opportunities when defenses stacked the box. Defensively, they led the league with an impressive 33 takeaways, illustrating their ability to create turnovers.
Season Superlatives: Standouts and Surprises
Now that the season has concluded, it's time to reflect on the players who stood out—both positively and negatively.
Best Rookie: Colston Loveland
The Bears' draft class was widely regarded as one of the best in the league, and among them, rookie tight end Colston Loveland emerged as the standout performer. Setting an NFL record for the most receiving yards by a rookie tight end, Loveland accumulated 713 yards on 58 receptions, despite only playing in two postseason games. His performance down the stretch was nothing short of spectacular, as he led the team in receiving yards during the final four games of the season. Loveland faced a slow start, not exceeding 40 yards in a game until Week 9, but his emergence as a go-to target for quarterback Caleb Williams solidified his status as a future All-Pro talent.
Colston Loveland didn't have more than 40 yards in a game until Week 9.
He ended the season leading his team in receiving yards in each of the Bears' final 4 games. pic.twitter.com/HSaiqrnyHa
— Underdog (@Underdog) January 19, 2026
Most Confusing Position Group: Wide Receivers
While Loveland thrived, the Bears’ wide receiver corps posed a conundrum. The talent was undeniably present, with players like DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, and Luther Burden III each making significant plays throughout the season. However, they struggled with drops, a frustrating issue that likely cost the team valuable points and affected the performance of quarterback Caleb Williams. The Bears led the league in passing yards lost due to drops, with Williams himself losing 404 yards. This inconsistency rendered the receiver unit both talented and perplexing, leaving fans and analysts to wonder what could have been had they held onto more passes.
Most pass yards lost due to drops during the 2025 season, per @NextGenStats:
1. Caleb Williams - 404
2. Matthew Stafford - 363
3. Trevor Lawrence - 320
4. Dak Prescott - 319
5. Bo Nix - 317
6. Jordan Love - 287
7. Justin Herbert - 266
8. Cam Ward - 256 https://t.co/1aifKM61T1— NFL Researcher (@NFL_Researcher) January 5, 2026
MVP: Caleb Williams
Amidst these ups and downs, Caleb Williams was the undeniable MVP of the Bears. As the team's leader, he showcased remarkable skill, finishing the season just shy of 4,000 passing yards while setting a franchise record for passing yards. His ability to escape pressure and make off-platform throws has drawn comparisons to some of the league's best quarterbacks, establishing him as a premier talent. Williams’ leadership propelled the Bears through numerous challenging situations, making him a cornerstone of the franchise's future.
Biggest Disappointment: Kyler Gordon
On the flip side, the season was not without its disappointments. Kyler Gordon, once considered a key player on defense, saw a dramatic decline in his contributions, playing only 117 defensive snaps during the regular season. Although healthy for the playoffs, he struggled to regain his form, leading to a limited role as a backup. His trajectory remains uncertain, but many believe he has the potential to bounce back if he can stay on the field.
Biggest Surprise: Nahshon Wright
Among the bright spots was Nahshon Wright, who was a remarkable surprise for the Bears. After spending the previous year on the Vikings' practice squad, he seized his opportunity due to injuries in the Bears' secondary. Wright finished the season with five interceptions and played so well that he remained on the field even when starters returned. His breakout performance has positioned him for a lucrative offseason, significantly changing his career trajectory.
Angriest Runner Award: Kyle Monangai
Finally, Kyle Monangai earned the title of the angriest runner in the NFL. Despite being a seventh-round pick, Monangai proved to be a valuable asset in a deep running back class. His physical running style, characterized by a low pad level and an aggressive approach, made him a formidable complement to starter D'Andre Swift.
Looking ahead, the Bears have much to build on as they prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft. With a roster brimming with potential and the possibility of addressing key needs, the future appears bright for Chicago as they aim to capitalize on the momentum gained during the past season.
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