What Is 2017 Chicago Bears football team

Overview

The 2017 Chicago Bears season marked another challenging year in a prolonged rebuilding phase for the franchise. Under head coach John Fox, the team struggled to find consistency on both offense and defense, finishing with one of the worst records in the league.

Playing their home games at Soldier Field, the Bears posted a 3-13 record, their worst since 2016. Despite flashes of potential from young players, the season was defined by offensive inefficiency and defensive breakdowns.

• Record: The Bears ended the season 3-13, the second-worst in the NFL behind only the Cleveland Browns.
• Division Standing: They finished last in the NFC North, behind the Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers, and Detroit Lions.
• Head Coach:John Fox was fired after two seasons, compiling a 14-34 record with the team.
• Offensive Output: The Bears averaged just 15.5 points per game, ranking 31st in the league.
• Draft Consequence: Their poor performance secured them the third overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.

Performance & Season Highlights

The 2017 campaign was marked by instability at quarterback and a defense that couldn’t compensate for offensive shortcomings. Despite some standout individual performances, the team failed to build momentum.

• Quarterback Situation:Mike Glennon started the season but was benched; Chase Daniel and rookie Trubisky saw limited action.
• Top Receiver:Travis Bennett led the team with 54 catches for 559 yards, but no wideout scored more than three touchdowns.
• Running Game:Tarik Cohen emerged as a dynamic rookie, totaling 571 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns in his first season.
• Defensive Leader: Linebacker Leonard Floyd recorded 7 sacks, the highest on the team, but lacked consistent support.
• Turnovers: The Bears committed 26 turnovers, including 14 interceptions thrown by quarterbacks.
• Notable Win: A 27-21 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 13 was one of only three wins all season.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 2017 Bears to a competitive team like the 2017 Minnesota Vikings highlights the gap in performance and efficiency.

The Vikings dominated in nearly every statistical category, showcasing a balanced offense and elite defense, while the Bears struggled in both phases. This contrast illustrates how far Chicago was from playoff contention.

Why It Matters

The 2017 season was pivotal in shaping the Bears’ future, as it led to major organizational changes and set the stage for a rebuild centered on drafting a franchise quarterback.

• Draft Impact: The 3-13 record allowed Chicago to select Mitch Trubisky third overall in the 2018 NFL Draft.
• Coaching Change: John Fox’s dismissal opened the door for Sean McVay candidates, eventually leading to Matt Nagy’s hiring.
• Rebuilding Signal: The season confirmed the need for a full-scale roster overhaul, especially at quarterback and offensive line.
• Defensive Foundation: Despite struggles, young players like Leonard Floyd and Adoree' Jackson hinted at future potential.
• Fan Engagement: Poor performance led to declining attendance and increased pressure on front office leadership.
• Long-Term Strategy: The season emphasized the importance of draft capital and player development in modern NFL rebuilding cycles.

While the 2017 season was a low point, it ultimately served as a catalyst for change, leading to the Bears’ improved performance in the following years.