The Chicago Bears Football Schedule 2018: A Season to Remember

The 2018 NFL season was one to remember for the Chicago Bears, and their schedule played a significant role in their success. With 16 games spread across 6 months, the Bears battled against some of the league's toughest teams, ultimately finishing with a 12-4 record and securing a spot in the NFC playoffs. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the Bears' 2018 schedule, highlighting key matchups, notable performances, and what made this season so special.

The 2018 Chicago Bears football schedule began on September 9, 2018, with a home game against the Green Bay Packers, who were the reigning NFC North champions. The Bears won the game 24-23, with kicker Cody Parkey's 53-yard field goal proving to be the difference-maker in the fourth quarter.

This victory set the tone for the season, as the Bears went on to win their next four games, including a thrilling 16-14 win over the Seattle Seahawks in week 3. The Bears' strong start was thanks in part to the emergence of quarterback Mitchell Trubisky, who completed 67.2% of his passes for 2,655 yards and 20 touchdowns throughout the season.

Key Matchups and Performances

NFC North Showdowns

The Bears' divisional schedule included four matchups against their NFC North rivals: the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, and Detroit Lions. These games were crucial in determining the Bears' position in the division and ultimately their playoff spot.

Some notable performances from these games include:

• The Bears' 23-16 win over the Vikings in week 10, which saw Trubisky complete 25 of 34 passes for 271 yards and a touchdown.
• The Bears' 23-16 win over the Lions in week 13, which saw running back Jordan Howard rush for 82 yards and a touchdown.
• The Bears' 24-17 loss to the Packers in week 1, which saw Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers complete 26 of 45 passes for 302 yards and a touchdown.

AFC Matchups

The Bears also faced four teams from the AFC in the 2018 season, including the Houston Texans, New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills, and Tennessee Titans. These games provided a challenge for the Bears, but they managed to come out on top in three of the four contests.

Some notable performances from these games include:

• The Bears' 27-17 win over the Bills in week 2, which saw Trubisky complete 23 of 35 passes for 220 yards and a touchdown.
• The Bears' 31-24 loss to the Patriots in week 6, which saw Patriots quarterback Tom Brady complete 26 of 39 passes for 277 yards and two touchdowns.
• The Bears' 24-20 win over the Texans in week 9, which saw Trubisky complete 20 of 31 passes for 278 yards and a touchdown.

Notable Performances

The 2018 season was marked by several notable performances from individual Bears players. Some of these include:

• Trubisky's 381-yard performance against the Buccaneers in week 14, which included three touchdown passes.
• Wide receiver Allen Robinson's 11 receptions for 173 yards against the Vikings in week 10.
• Defensive end Akiem Hicks' 10 tackles for loss, which led the team.

Challenges and Lessons Learned

Coaching Changes and Roster Moves

The 2018 season saw significant changes in the Bears' coaching staff and roster. The team hired former NFL coach Mark Sanchez as their new quarterbacks coach, and made several roster moves to bolster their defense.

Some of the key roster moves include:

• The signing of defensive tackle Akiem Hicks to a 4-year contract extension.
• The signing of cornerback Bryce Callahan to a 4-year contract extension.
• The trade of linebacker Willie Young to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Playoff Push and Early Exit

Despite their strong regular season performance, the Bears were eliminated from playoff contention in the NFC Wild Card game against the Philadelphia Eagles. The 16-15 loss saw Trubisky complete 26 of 45 passes for 261 yards, but was unable to lead the team to a victory.

"We were disappointed, but we knew it was a long shot," said Bears head coach Matt Nagy. "We're proud of what we accomplished this season and we'll build on it for next year."

Conclusion

The 2018 Chicago Bears football schedule was a testament to the team's resilience and determination. Despite facing numerous challenges throughout the season, the Bears remained focused and competitive, ultimately securing a spot in the playoffs. As the team looks to the future, they'll draw on the lessons learned from this season to continue their climb towards greatness.

"It's a great feeling to be part of this organization," said Trubisky. "We're excited to get back to work and see what we can accomplish next year."

Future Outlook

The Bears' future outlook is bright, with a talented young roster and a strong coaching staff. As the team looks to the 2019 season, they'll be focused on building on the momentum from this year and making a deeper run in the playoffs.

With a solid schedule and a roster full of talented players, the Bears are poised for a successful season. As the team takes to the field in 2019, fans can expect a thrilling and competitive season that will leave everyone wanting more.