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5 Biggest Lowlights of Chicago Bears’ 2015 Season

Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

There are tons of negative things that can be said about the Chicago Bears’ disappointing season. Although their record showed slight improvement from the previous year, the team’s shortcomings were overshadowed by inconsistency. Here are the five biggest lowlights of the Bears’ 2015 season.

5. Blowout Loss to Seattle Seahawks

Blowout Loss to Seattle Seahawks Getty Images
If starting the season off 0-2 wasn’t bad enough, getting blown out by the score of 26-0 in Week 3 to the Seattle Seahawks made the start of the 2015 season that much worse. The fact that Jay Cutler was sidelined for this contest probably didn’t matter, considering the fact that all three phases for the Bears played horribly.

If starting the season off 0-2 wasn’t bad enough, getting blown out by the score of 26-0 in Week 3 to the Seattle Seahawks made the start of the 2015 season that much worse. The fact that Jay Cutler was sidelined for this contest probably didn’t matter, considering the fact that all three phases for the Bears played horribly.

4. Defense Forced Only 17 Turnovers

Defense Forced Only 17 Turnovers Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Once upon a time, Chicago’s defense was known as a turnover machine. In 2015, that machine needed some fine tuning. Chicago finished the year with the fifth-fewest forced turnovers in the NFL with 17. The Bears were tied for 30th in the league with eight interceptions, and for the first time in 18 years, Chicago’s defensive unit failed to score a touchdown.

Once upon a time, Chicago’s defense was known as a turnover machine. In 2015, that machine needed some fine tuning. Chicago finished the year with the fifth-fewest forced turnovers in the NFL with 17. The Bears were tied for 30th in the league with eight interceptions, and for the first time in 18 years, Chicago’s defensive unit failed to score a touchdown.

3. Robbie Gould’s Slump

Robbie Gould’s Slump Getty Images
Known as one of the most accurate kickers in NFL history, Robbie Gould hit a rough patch at a very critical time for the Bears. In Week 13, Gould missed two field goals, resulting in an overtime loss to the San Francisco 49ers. The following week, Gould missed a game-tying attempt, giving them a loss to the Washington Redskins. Both losses killed the momentum of the huge win over the Green Bay Packers in Week 12.

Known as one of the most accurate kickers in NFL history, Robbie Gould hit a rough patch at a very critical time for the Bears. In Week 13, Gould missed two field goals, resulting in an overtime loss to the San Francisco 49ers. The following week, Gould missed a game-tying attempt, giving them a loss to the Washington Redskins. Both losses killed the momentum of the huge win over the Green Bay Packers in Week 12.

2. Injuries to Wide Receivers

Injuries to Wide Receivers Getty Images
Wide receivers Alshon Jeffery, Eddie Royal and Marquess Wilson missed a combined total of 19 games due to injury. In addition, tight end Martellus Bennett was sidelined for five games. And let’s not forget that first-round draft pick Kevin White missed the entire season. Had this corps of receivers stayed healthy, Jay Cutler’s career season could have been even better.

Wide receivers Alshon Jeffery, Eddie Royal and Marquess Wilson missed a combined total of 19 games due to injury. In addition, tight end Martellus Bennett was sidelined for five games. And let’s not forget that first-round draft pick Kevin White missed the entire season. Had this corps of receivers stayed healthy, Jay Cutler’s career season could have been even better.

1. Disturbing 1-7 Home Record

Disturbing 1-7 Home Record Getty Images
After going 2-6 at home in 2014, one would think that the Bears could only improve. Unfortunately, Chicago finished 2015 with a 1-7 home record, the worst in franchise history. What pours salt in the wound is the fact that the Bears lost those games by an average of 7.3 points. If there is to be any turnaround for Chicago in 2016, they need to find a way to protect their home turf.

After going 2-6 at home in 2014, one would think that the Bears could only improve. Unfortunately, Chicago finished 2015 with a 1-7 home record, the worst in franchise history. What pours salt in the wound is the fact that the Bears lost those games by an average of 7.3 points. If there is to be any turnaround for Chicago in 2016, they need to find a way to protect their home turf.

Clyde A. Speller is a writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter
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