NFL Chicago Bears

5 Bright Spots For the Chicago Bears In 2014

5 Bright Spots For the Chicago Bears In 2014

Chicago Bears-Matt Forte celebrating
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The Chicago Bears virtually played their entire 2014 season under a dark storm cloud. However, despite a 5-11 record, an absence of player leadership, and an incompetent coaching staff, the Bears did have a silver lining to be happy about (as hard as that is to believe). Here are the five bright spots fans in the Windy City can hang their hat on.

5. Martellus Bennett

Chicago Bears-Martellus Bennett2
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

5. Martellus Bennett

Chicago Bears-Martellus Bennett2
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

With wide receiver Brandon Marshall slowed down by injuries, Martellus Bennett picked up the slack. Bennett had a career year, finishing third among tight ends with 916 yards, leading all tight ends with 90 catches, and hauling in six touchdowns. These numbers prove that the seven-year veteran was definitely a Pro Bowl snub.

4. Willie Young

Chicago Bears-Willie Young
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4. Willie Young

Chicago Bears-Willie Young
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Originally signed to add depth to the defensive line, defensive end Willie Young showed to be worth much more than the Bears signed him for. After tallying a mere six sacks in his previous four seasons with the Detroit Lions, Bennett burst on the scene and led the Bears with 10 sacks in 2014, proving that he is more than just a run stopper.

3. Kyle Fuller

Chicago Bears-Kyle Fuller
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3. Kyle Fuller

Chicago Bears-Kyle Fuller
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Some felt that Chicago should have drafted a safety with their 14th overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, but the Bears selected cornerback Kyle Fuller instead. This turned out to be a good investment -- Fuller tied for the team lead with four interceptions, and was tops among Chicago’s defense with three forced fumbles. Fuller’s future looks bright in the Windy City.

2. Kyle Long

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2. Kyle Long

Chicago Bears-Kyle Long2
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In his second year in the NFL, guard Kyle Long has already been named to two Pro Bowls. With constant shuffling along the offensive line, Long remained the only constant among the offense’s front five, missing only one game in 2014.

1. Matt Forte

Chicago Bears-Matt Forte pointing to sky
Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

1. Matt Forte

Chicago Bears-Matt Forte pointing to sky
Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

Not only was Matt Forte the best thing going for the Bears in 2014, but he has been that ever since arriving in the Windy City in 2008. Just like Bennett, Forte was snubbed from the Pro Bowl, even after rushing for more than 1,000 yards, tallying 808 receiving yards, 10 total touchdowns, and catching 102 passes that not only led all running backs and was fourth overall in the NFL, but is now an all-time record for running backs.

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