What Is 2010 Chicago Bears football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2010 Chicago Bears finished the NFL season with an 11-5 record, won the NFC North, and reached the NFC Championship Game, where they lost 21-14 to the Green Bay Packers on January 23, 2011.

Key Facts

Finished regular season with an 11-5 record under head coach Lovie Smith
Won the NFC North division title in 2010
Defeated the Seattle Seahawks 35-24 in the Wild Card Round
Lost 21-14 to the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship Game
Quarterback Jay Cutler suffered a knee injury in the playoffs and missed the remainder of the postseason

Overview

The 2010 Chicago Bears represented one of the franchise's most promising seasons in the 21st century. Under head coach Lovie Smith, the team posted an 11-5 record during the regular season and captured the NFC North title, their first division championship since 2006.

Known for their aggressive defense and balanced offense, the Bears advanced deep into the playoffs. Despite high hopes, their Super Bowl aspirations ended in the NFC Championship Game, where they fell to their division rivals, the Green Bay Packers.

Record and Standing: The Bears finished the 2010 regular season with an 11-5 record, securing first place in the NFC North by one game over the Packers.
Head Coach: Lovie Smith, in his sixth season, earned NFL Coach of the Year honors from the Associated Press for leading the team’s turnaround.
Quarterback Situation: Jay Cutler started 11 games before suffering a high ankle sprain in Week 17, raising controversy over his availability in the playoffs.
Defensive Strength: The Bears' defense ranked third in the NFL in points allowed, surrendering just 15.7 points per game on average.
Playoff Run: Chicago defeated the Seattle Seahawks 35-24 in the Wild Card Round but lost 21-14 to Green Bay in the NFC Championship Game.

Playoff Journey and Key Games

The Bears’ 2010 postseason run was marked by dramatic moments and controversy, especially surrounding quarterback Jay Cutler. After a strong regular season, the team entered the playoffs as the NFC’s second seed.

Wild Card Victory: The Bears defeated the Seattle Seahawks 35-24 at Soldier Field, with backup quarterback Todd Collins and later Caleb Hanie leading the offense.
Jay Cutler’s Injury: Cutler suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 17 against the Packers and did not play in the NFC Championship Game, drawing national scrutiny.
NFC Championship Game: Played on January 23, 2011, at Soldier Field, the Bears lost 21-14 to Green Bay, who went on to win Super Bowl XLV.
Defensive Performance: Despite the loss, the Bears' defense held Green Bay to just 21 points, below their season average, but failed to force a turnover.
Coaching Decisions: Lovie Smith’s decision to start Hanie over Collins in the NFC Championship Game drew mixed reactions from analysts and fans.
Season Conclusion: The loss ended the Bears’ season one game short of the Super Bowl, marking their closest approach since the 2006 season.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2010 Bears are often compared to other strong teams in franchise history based on performance, playoff results, and roster talent.

Season	Record	Playoff Result	Points Allowed Per Game	Head Coach
2010	11-5	NFC Championship Loss	15.7	Lovie Smith
2006	13-3	Super Bowl Loss	16.8	Lovie Smith
1985	15-1	Super Bowl Champions	18.0	Mike Ditka
2018	12-4	Wild Card Loss	17.7	Chuck Pagano (interim)
1986	14-2	Divisional Round Loss	16.5	Mike Ditka

The 2010 Bears stand out for their defensive dominance and deep playoff run, though they fell short of the Super Bowl. Compared to the legendary 1985 team, they lacked the same championship outcome but shared a similarly fearsome defense. Their 11-5 record and NFC North title placed them among the better Bears teams of the modern era.

Why It Matters

The 2010 season remains a significant chapter in Chicago Bears history due to its mix of success, controversy, and near-miss playoff glory. It highlighted both the team’s strengths and the fragility of postseason ambitions.

Defensive Legacy: The 2010 defense, led by Brian Urlacher and Julius Peppers, is remembered as one of the most dominant units of the decade.
Quarterback Controversy: Jay Cutler’s injury and absence in the NFC Championship Game sparked a national debate about toughness and leadership in the NFL.
Playoff Format Impact: The Bears’ second-seed status gave them home-field advantage, showcasing the importance of regular-season performance.
Team Morale: Despite the loss, the season revitalized fan enthusiasm and raised expectations for future seasons under Lovie Smith.
Historical Context: The 2010 team is often cited as one of the best Bears squads not to reach the Super Bowl in the post-1985 era.
Franchise Trajectory: The season marked a peak before a period of decline, making it a benchmark for future rebuilding efforts.

Ultimately, the 2010 Chicago Bears symbolize both the promise and heartbreak of NFL football. Their season remains a touchstone for fans reflecting on what might have been.