There’s no sugarcoating the fact that the Chicago Bears were a bad football team in 2019. While there was a time where 8-8 would’ve been considered a win, things have changed since the ushering in of the Matt Nagy era.
Coming off a 12-4 record, a divisional title and a playoff berth, things were looking up for the NFL’s charter franchise. Instead, what ensued was a complete fall from grace, led by Chicago’s inept offense.
But even in a disappointing season there were some players that really shined. Here are five players that really stepped up their game in a disappointing 2019 season:
1. WR Allen Robinson
Receiver Allen Robinson was the lone bright spot on an abysmal Bears offense in 2019. He caught 98 passes for 1,147 yards and seven touchdowns in 2019. Robinson became the first Bears receiver to eclipse 1,000 yards since 2014.
Robinson’s solid performance was made even more impressive by the fact that he had to deal with inconsistent quarterback play, lack of a run game and a unit that never found a rhythm. Robinson has made it clear that he wants to remain with the Bears long-term, and you figure he’s the next man up for a contract extension.
2. ILB Nick Kwiatkoski
During a season where injuries were not kind to the Bears defense, there were several players that stepped up in some starters’ absences. Perhaps the biggest one was inside linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski, who thrived in relief of an injured Danny Trevathan.
Kwiatkoski had career highs with 76 combined tackles, three sacks, four pass breakups and a safety, as well as one forced fumble. He was one of the better defenders down the stretch for the Bears.
When it comes down to it, the Bears are going to have to choose to re-sign Kwiatkoski or Trevathan. Following Kwiatkoski’s impressive performance in 2019, as well as the fact that he’s younger, cheaper and not injury prone, the Bears likely will choose to bring him back in 2020.
3. KR Cordarrelle Patterson
Cordarrelle Patterson was arguably the best player on the Bears in 2019, and he could’ve been utilized even more. Patterson’s play on special teams, both as a kick returner and a gunner, earned him first-team All-Pro honors and a Pro Bowl nod. Patterson averaged 29.5 yards per kickoff return, including a 102-yard kickoff return touchdown against the New Orleans Saints. He also led the NFL with 825 kick-return yards.
While Patterson’s impact came mostly on special teams, those times when he did get the ball on offense, he had some big plays that helped put the Bears in a position to score those hard-to-come-by points in 2019. With one year left on his two-year $10 million deal, if the Bears can get Patterson more involved on offense in 2020, don’t be surprised to see them sign him to a contract extension.
4. DT Nick Williams
Defensive tackle Nick Williams was one of the pleasant surprises for the Bears this season. Williams, a seven-year veteran, had a breakout season in relief of injured defensive linemen Akiem Hicks and Bilal Nichols. Williams had 42 tackles, six sacks, two fumble recoveries and two pass breakups in 2019.
Given his impressive 2019 season, Williams is sure to garner interest in free agency. Williams has expressed his desire to remain in Chicago, and he’s proven himself to be a productive member of the Bears’ dominant defense. But with the Bears held captive by little salary cap space, the price tag needs to be just right.
5. ILB Kevin Pierre-Louis
After taking the brunt for a running into the kicker penalty that cost the Bears a win over the Raiders, inside linebacker Kevin Pierre-Louis overcame adversity to shine in the waning games of the 2019 season. Pierre-Louis shined in relief of the injured Roquan Smith in the final four games, where he had 28 tackles and one interception.
Pierre-Louis is set to hit the open free agent market, and the Bears would do well to re-sign him. Pierre-Louis has already expressed his interest in returning to the Bears, and they should extend him to ensure continued depth at inside linebacker.
