Three Bears From the 2023 Season Who Made History
Most people undoubtedly anticipated that the Chicago Bears would have another losing season in 2023–2024. However, throughout this campaign, three Bears created some history—all good.
The Chicago Bears placed dead last (again) in the NFC North with a 7-10 record in 2023–2024. However, the Bears
had a chance to qualify for the postseason up to Week 17. However, the conclusion was as emotionally disheartening
as it could get: they lost to the rival Green Bay Packers for the tenth time in a row, which sent them into the playoffs.
Regarding the future of the league’s charter franchise going forward, there are more concerns than answers as the
offseason gets underway. Perhaps the most important is the question of what to do with the first overall choice in the
NFL Draft for the second consecutive year.
Their future course and level of success will ultimately be determined by these responses and deeds, which might
span the next five to ten years.
Despite all of that, it’s still necessary to take stock of the previous season. It’s true that it’s not ideal or enjoyable to
close the year with losses to the Packers. However, some of the intermediate elements can be expanded upon in the
future.
The Bears’ win total from the 2022–2023 campaign more than doubled. The defense made significant progress
toward earning the respect of the league as a whole. Additionally, a few standout solo performances have received
national recognition.
Even after yet another grueling season, a few people deserve praise for their contributions to the Bears and the
league in 2023–2024. These three athletes created some history this year.
Montez Sweat Breaks All Records
At the trade deadline, the Bears made a move to acquire defensive lineman Montez Sweat from the Washington
Commanders. Not only did they trade for Sweat, but they also signed him to a long-term agreement right after.
He was a formidable opponent for the Commanders and, following the move, carried that same dominance to the Bears.
And it’s reasonable to say that his performance is making the Bears not regret that choice, given what they’ve seen in just a half-season.
Sweat made NFL history by being the first player to lead two separate teams in sacks in the same regular season.
Prior to the deal, he had 6.5 sacks with Washington and an additional 6.0 with Chicago. After his incredible season,
Sweat also earned a spot in the Pro Bowl.
Sweat affects a lot of things both on and off the field that you won’t see on the stat sheet.
He draws more attention from the offensive line than the typical defender does, which allows players in other
positions to create plays. In the locker room, he is also highly esteemed and loved.
The Bears made a wise decision by confining him here for a considerable amount of time, as he has been a fantastic
boost to team spirit.
Team History Is Made by Cairo Santos
Chicago supporters already know how crucial having a trustworthy kicker is. The kicker position for the Bears has
been a “eh” revolving door, even after more than ten years of knowing Robbie Gould was there to save the day.
That is, prior to the arrival of Cairo Santos.
After a brief leave of absence in 2017, Santos has now played for the Bears for five seasons. This past season, he hit a
record that not even Gould had previously achieved.
Santos’ 35 field goals through the uprights set a single-season record for most made field goals. Just as astounding,
he just missed three times – a 92% success rate.
It’s good to know that Santos can consistently score three points on the board, especially considering how poor the
offense has been at scoring points lately.
Santos is a fantastic teammate as well. Santos changed his jersey number to 8 so that wide receiver DJ Moore could
keep his number 2 after the Bears acquired him last season when they traded the first overall pick to the Carolina
Panthers.
He inked a four-year contract deal with the Bears in December, so he will also remain with the team for the foreseeable future.
Jaylon Johnson Establishes His Own Record
One could argue that Jaylon Johnson, the cornerback, will determine the success and, ideally, the future of the
Chicago Bears and their defense. Teams will go out of their way to avoid the playmaker’s covering, which gives him
the opportunity to control where the opponent throws the ball, as demonstrated this season.
For his season-long efforts, Johnson received some external attention when he was selected for the Pro Bowl for the
first time. Although Johnson finished with 36 tackles and 4 interceptions, the stat sheet does not indicate how many
times the opposition quarterback was forced to change course due to Johnson’s lock-down coverage.
The Bears and Johnson will be negotiating a contract extension during the offseason. Although they have the option
to use the franchise tag on him, both parties are interested in closing a trade. Johnson wants to be a Bear for the long
run, and the Bears want him to. This seems like something that ought to be possible to accomplish.
There’s little doubt that Johnson’s defensive contributions would help the Bears as they look to the future. The Bears
will still be responsible for his cost, though, if they wish to acquire him.
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