NFL Chicago Bears

5 Biggest Disappointments For the Chicago Bears In 2014

5 Biggest Disappointments for Bears' 2014 Season

Chicago Bears-Jay Cutler and Marc Trestman3
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At the start of the 2014 NFL season, expectations were high for the Chicago Bears. Their offense was predicted to be better than it was a year before, and key additions were implemented to bolster the defensive side of the ball. Unfortunately, the Bears tremendously regressed from their 8-8 season in 2013. I can point out numerous things causing such frustration, but here are the five biggest disappointments for Chicago this year.

5. Tim Jennings

Chicago Bears-Tim Jennings3
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5. Tim Jennings

Chicago Bears-Tim Jennings3
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After totaling 13 interceptions and making two Pro Bowls in 2012 and 2013, cornerback Tim Jennings was rewarded with a four-year contract worth $ 22.4 million. In return, Jennings had a lackluster 2014 season with zero interceptions and was outplayed by rookie Kyle Fuller.

4. Lamarr Houston

Chicago Bears-Lamarr Houston celebrating
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4. Lamarr Houston

Chicago Bears-Lamarr Houston celebrating
Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

Lamarr Houston was Chicago’s first free-agent signing in the 2014 offseason and was looked upon to be a big part of the bolstering of the Bears’ defense. Unfortunately, Houston tore his ACL celebrating a meaningless sack late in the fourth quarter of a blowout loss to the New England Patriots, marking the beginning of the end for the Bears.

3. Jared Allen

Chicago Bears-Jared Allen2
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3. Jared Allen

Chicago Bears-Jared Allen2
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Jared Allen wasn’t a disappointment against the run this season. He tied for 12th in tackles among defensive linemen in the NFL. However, Chicago signed Allen for his pass rushing. But the Bears only got 5.5 sacks in return, the lowest sack total in Allen’s 11-year career.

2. Jay Cutler

Chicago Bears-Jay Cutler sitting on ground
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2. Jay Cutler

Chicago Bears-Jay Cutler sitting on ground
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Jay Cutler was the highest-paid quarterback in 2014 thanks to a seven-year, $ 126.7 million contract handed to him during the offseason. With that amount of money, you’d expect Cutler to lead the league in at least one major category. Unfortunately, that category was turnovers (24).

1. Coaching Staff

Chicago Bears-Marc Trestman and coaching staff
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1. Coaching Staff

Chicago Bears-Marc Trestman and coaching staff
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After an 8-8 season under a new coaching staff in 2013, many thought that the Bears would improve in 2014. Well, the 5-11 record after this year proved many wrong. Head coach Marc Trestman couldn’t take charge of a loaded offense, the defense lost its identity of “Monsters of the Midway” under defensive coordinator Mel Tucker and the special teams were far from special.

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