The Bears went 6–11 in 2021, missing the playoffs for the second time in Matt Nagy’s four-year stint as the team’s coach. He was fired after the season, giving way to former Colts defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus to shepherd the team into its second year with young quarterback Justin Fields under center.
Fields, a former Ohio State star, had an up-and-down rookie season, going just 2–8 as a starter in 12 appearances. He did show some serious flashes at times but will look to take a major leap in ’22.
It won’t be an easy ride for the rebuilding Bears. On top of its annual home-and-home with archrival and the perennial NFC North power Packers, the team will host the Eagles, Bills and 49ers, and travel to face the Cowboys and Patriots during the season.