Looking back at the top Chicago Bears headlines of 2020

In many ways, this year has felt like three different seasons with the Chicago Bears. It’s certainly been a rollercoaster of a ride — from an unlikely offseason to a 5-1 start to a six-game losing streak to a late playoff push in Week 17.

As we kick off 2021, let’s take a look back at the top Bears headlines from 2020.

Gale Sayers passing away

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The NFL and the Bears lost a shining light in running back Gale Sayers, who passed away on Sept. 23 at the age of 77. The "Kansas Comet" was one of the game's most electrifying players -- and in such a short time that it didn't seem fair. You can't talk about running backs -- whether it's the Bears or the NFL -- without mentioning Sayers, who was the youngest player ever inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Bears move training camp from Bourbonnais to Halas Hall

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While COVID-19 forced teams to hold training camp at their team facilities, the Bears already made the decision back in January that they were moving training camp from Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais to Halas Hall on a permanent basis. That was due in large part to the renovations done to Halas Hall. The Bears spent the last 18 years in Bourbonnais, and it was a move that wasn't met with open arms by fans.

Allen Robinson extension drama

AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh, Pool

There's no doubt that Allen Robinson is deserving of a contract extension, which has made it all the more frustrating that he remains unsigned in Chicago with his contract up after this year. In September, Robinson took to social media to erase all references to the Bears on his accounts, which was a clear indication that something was up. There were disagreements amid contract negotiations, where Robinson felt like he wasn't being offered the money he deserves. While things have since quieted down, Robinson remains unsigned as the 2020 season comes to a close.

Bears decline Mitchell Trubisky's fifth-year option

AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh

During an offseason where Patrick Mahomes and Deshaun Watson saw monstrous extensions, Chicago fans were left pondering the future at quarterback. It didn't really come as a surprise that the Bears declined quarterback Mitchell Trubisky's fifth-year option, given his poor performance in 2019, and it was a clear indication that Chicago appeared poised to move on from him at season's end. Only, that narrative has changed over the last month.

Bears trade for Nick Foles

Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Everyone knew Chicago would be bringing in competition for Trubisky, but general manager Ryan Pace shocked everyone when he used a fourth-round draft pick to trade for quarterback Nick Foles. It was believed by many that Foles was Matt Nagy's guy, someone he believed could run his offense the way it was intended. Only, we saw how that worked out. Foles lost the quarterback competition in training camp, but he took over for a benched Trubisky, where he led the Bears to a 2-5 record before being replaced by Trubisky.

Eddie Goldman opts out of 2020 season

Kena Krutsinger-USA TODAY Sports

One of the biggest blows this season was the loss of nose tackle Eddie Goldman, who opted out of this season due to COVID-19 concerns. The loss of Goldman on that defensive line, particularly in run defense, has been felt all season long. Although, defensive tackle Bilal Nichols has emerged in his third season. Still, the return of Goldman in 2021 will do wonders for this defense.

Chicago's quarterback carousel

AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh

It wouldn't be a Bears season without some quarterback controversy, and Chicago had it in spades in 2020. From declining Trubisky's fifth-year option to trading for Foles to the unimpressive quarterback competition during training camp to the regular season, it's been quite a whirlwind. Many felt like we'd be seeing both Trubisky and Foles this season, and they weren't wrong. It was a bit of a shock when Nagy benched Trubisky with the Bears 2-0, but he finally got to see what Foles could do. Unfortunately, Foles couldn't do much with the offense, which led to Nagy going back to Trubisky, which has since worked out due to come changes on offense.

Matt Nagy hands over play-calling to Bill Lazor

Dylan Buell/Pool Photo via AP

One of the biggest storylines of the year happened, perhaps too late, in the middle of the season when Nagy made the decision to hand over play-calling duties to offensive coordinator Bill Lazor. It was something that had been discussed dating back to 2019, but it took Nagy almost losing his job to finally pass the torch to Lazor. And, for what's worth, the move has paid off over the last five weeks.

Bears 2020 draft class

Chicago has made waves with their 2020 draft class, which has featured three promising rookies that rose to the occasion almost immediately. Second-round picks tight end Cole Kmet and Jaylon Johnson and fifth-round receiver Darnell Mooney have shown bright futures with the Bears. Johnson established himself as one of the league's best young cornerbacks while Mooney has proven to be one of Pace's late-round gems. While it took Kmet a little longer to get involved, it's clear he's going to be an offensive weapon for this Bears offense moving forward. We'll see what lies in store for rdge rusher Trevis Gipson, cornerback Kindle Vildor and offensive linemen Arlington Hambright and Lacahavious Simmons in the the future.

Bears extend safety Eddie Jackson

Kena Krutsinger-USA TODAY Sports

The Bears locked down one of their core defensive players long-term when they signed Safety Eddie Jackson to a four-year contract extension worth $58.4 million back in January. In his first three seasons, Jackson was a two-time Pro Bowler and 2018 First-Team All-Pro. While Jackson has had a bit of a down year in 2020, his future remains bright in Chicago.

Bears sign Robert Quinn, Jimmy Graham in free agency

AP Photo/Danny Karnik

Chicago wasn't especially active in free agency this year with the exception of two big signings that were met with their fair share of criticism. The Bears signed tight end Jimmy Graham to a two-year deal worth $16 million and also inked edge rusher Robert Quinn to a five-year deal worth $70 million. While Graham has been a pleasant surprise this season -- second among tight ends in the NFC with eight touchdowns -- it's been Quinn that hasn't lived up to his contract, as he has just two sacks all season.

Chicago signs RB Tarik Cohen to contract extension

AP Photo/Jose Juarez

Running back Tarik Cohen signed a three-year deal worth $17.25 million that will keep the playmaker in Chicago through 2023. The former fourth-round pick established himself as a weapon for the Bears, both on offense and special teams as a punt returner. Cohen tore his ACL during a punt return back in Week 3 against the Falcons, and Chicago has certainly missed him in the passing game and on special teams.

Chicago's miracle comebacks

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The first five six weeks of this season was certainly a whirlwind for Bears fans. Chicago mounted an impressive fourth-quarter comeback against the Lions, where the Bears scored 21 points for the win. Two weeks later, they pulled off a similar feat against Atlanta, overcoming a 16-point deficit to remain undefeated at 3-0. The Bears are the first team in NFL history with two fourth-quarter 16-point comeback wins in the same season. It was the beginning of what Nagy dubbed "winning ugly."

Bears six-game losing streak

AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh

While Chicago was certainly winning ugly over the first six weeks, Bears fans would've preferred that to the alternative, which happened mere weeks later. Chicago went two whole months without recording a single win, as their six-game losing streak threatened their season and the jobs of Nagy and Pace. While the Bears are currently a game out of the playoffs, that losing streak could ultimately prove to be costly.

Kyle Long retires

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The Bears lost just one starting offensive lineman from 2019, but he was one that had a significant impact throughout his career. Kyle Long retired after seven years, ending his Bears career with three Pro Bowl selections in 2013, 2014 and 2015, and was named second-team All-Pro in 2014. Long struggled with injuries over the last few seasons, which surely had a little to do with his decision to step away from football.

Bears move on from OLB Leonard Floyd, TE Adam Shaheen

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Pace made the decision to move on from some high-profile draft picks during the offseason, parting ways with former first-round pick outside linebacker Leonard Floyd and former second-round tight end Adam Shaheen. The Bears brought in Quinn, Graham and Kmet to replace them. Floyd has thrived with the Rams, where he has totaled a career-high 9.5 sacks, while Shaheen is finding some success with the Dolphins.

Bears offensive coaching changes

Jose M. Osorio/ Chicago Tribune via AP, Pool

Chicago's offense has long been an issue with this franchise, but it was especially bad in 2019. Unfortunately, someone had to take the fall for the offense's failures, and it happened to be a handful of coaches, including offensive coordinator Mark Helfrich, offensive line coach Harry Hiestand and tight ends coach Kevin Gilbride. The Bears brought in some new faces on offense, including offensive coordinator Bill Lazor, quarterbacks coach John DeFilippo, offensive line coach Juan Castillo and tight ends coach Clancy Barone to help get this offense on track. And it only took 12 weeks.

Bears beat Tom Brady for first time ever

AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh

Until this season, Chicago had never been able to defeat future Hall-of-Fame quarterback Tom Brady. All it took was Brady going to the Buccaneers and the Bears bringing a ton of pressure that he couldn't overcome to do the trick. Before that game, an impressive 20-19 win over Tampa Bay in Week 5, Chicago had gone 0-5 against Brady.

Chicago finds its kicker in Cairo Santos

AP Photo/Jim Mone

Remember when kicker was the Bears' biggest problem? While Eddy Pineiro looked like he could be the answer for Chicago, Pineiro's groin injury opened the door for Cairo Santos to step into the starting role and establish himself as the future at kicker for the Bears. Through Week 16, Santos has connected on 27-of-29 field goals (93.1%). He also tied a Bears franchise record with 24 consecutive made field goals, which ties Robbie Gould for the most in a single season.

Javon Wims fighting incident

AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh

The most memorable moment of Javon Wims' career so far isn't one he'd like to be remembered for. Wims was suspended two games for punching Saints defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson in the helmet after Gardner-Johnson apparently snatched his mouthpiece on a previous series. The Bears ultimately decided not to release Wims, but his involvement on offense has taken a hit.

Bears' offensive turnaround

AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton

Chicago's offense was one of the worst units in the NFL through the first 11 weeks, ranking near the bottom in both passing and rushing offense. That's changed over the last five weeks, where the Bears offense has been one of the best in the league. Chicago has scored 30-plus points in four straight games, a mark not accomplished since 1965. The Bears have finally found an identity on offense, which starts with running the football with Montgomery and utilizing Trubisky's strengths. The offense has certainly benefited from better play on the offensive line, as well as Lazor calling plays.

Mitchell Trubisky's return

AP Photo/David Berding

While many counted out Trubisky when he was benched in Week 3, the former No. 2 overall pick might just be playing himself into a contract extension with the Bears. Chicago's offense has looked completely different since Trubisky took over for Foles, which has to do with a number of things. But perhaps most important is that the offense has been catered to his strengths, which include his mobility and utilizing play-action. Trubisky has looked like a different quarterback since returning from his benching, although there will always be that one boneheaded play he can't seem to escape.

David Montgomery's coming-out party

AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn

Fans have been waiting for Nagy to unleash running back David Montgomery, who the Bears traded up in the third round to grab in 2019. And in the last five weeks, Montgomery has showed exactly why they did. From Weeks 12-16, Montgomery rushed for 529 yards (5.6 yards per carry) and six touchdowns. By comparison, Montgomery totaled 472 yards (3.6 yards per carry) and one touchdown in the first nine games. Montgomery has powered his way toward the top of the NFL in rushing yards with 1,001 on the season, which ranked fifth in the league.

Bears make late push for the playoffs

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While a six-game losing streak ultimately spoiled Chicago's chances at a playoff spot, the Bears still aren't out of this thing just yet. At least at the time this article was written. Chicago won three straight games -- and benefitted from an Arizona Cardinals loss -- to put themselves in a position to nab a playoff spot. If the Bears beat the Packers, they're in. If not, they'll have to hope the Cardinals lose to the Rams. Otherwise, it's another disappointing season for Chicago.