Bears All Time Most Promising Seasons

Here is a look at the Chicago Bears' most promising seasons—the ones that defined eras, broke hearts, and built legends.

The Promise: Total domination. The Reality: Perfection (almost).

It is impossible to talk about "promise" without starting here. The '85 Bears didn't just have potential; they had an aura of invincibility.

The Vibe: This wasn't just a football team; it was a cultural phenomenon. Between the "Super Bowl Shuffle" and a defense that literally intimidated opponents into submission, the promise here was that they would change the game forever.
The Climax: They went 15-1, and their playoff run was terrifyingly efficient. They shut out the Giants (21-0) and the Rams (24-0) before demolishing the Patriots 46-10 in Super Bowl XX.
The Legacy: They delivered on every ounce of promise, setting a bar that every Bears team since has been chasing.

The Promise: An undefeated dynasty. The Reality: The greatest team to not win it all.

While 1985 gets the glory, the 1942 squad might have been statistically better. Coming off a 1941 championship, they were a war machine.

The Dominance: They went 11-0 in the regular season. They outscored opponents 376 to 84.
The Heartbreak: World War II depleted the roster significantly by the time the Championship game rolled around. They lost to the Washington Redskins 14-6, spoiling a perfect season. It remains perhaps the biggest "missed opportunity" in franchise history given their statistical dominance.

The Promise: The return of the "Monsters of the Midway." The Reality: An electric ride that stalled in the rain.

This season felt like magic. It was the year of Devin Hester, Brian Urlacher in his prime, and a defense that scored almost as often as the offense.

The Spark: The promise here was fueled by improbable plays. When you have a rookie returner (Hester) who makes teams terrified to punt, you feel like destiny is on your side. They started 7-0 and finished 13-3.
The End: They made it to the Super Bowl—the first time since '85. Hester returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown (the peak of the promise), but the offense couldn't keep up with Peyton Manning's Colts in the pouring rain.

The Promise: A new era of offensive innovation and defensive swagger. The Reality: A stunning, singular moment of pain.

This season came out of nowhere. After years of mediocrity, new coach Matt Nagy and the trade for Khalil Mack ignited the city.

The High: The defense was elite (arguably the best since '06 or '85), and the "Club Dub" locker room celebrations made football fun again. They finished 12-4, winning the NFC North.
The Low: The Wild Card game against the Eagles. The "Double Doink"—Cody Parkey's blocked field goal that hit the upright and the crossbar—instantly deflated a season that felt destined for a deep run. It remains the biggest modern "what could have been."

The Promise: Finally, a franchise Quarterback. The Reality: Close, but no cigar.

This season was defined by the arrival of Julius Peppers and the stabilizing of Jay Cutler.

The Run: They won the division at 11-5 and even beat the Seahawks in the playoffs. The promise was palpable: The Bears were in the NFC Championship game against their arch-rivals, the Green Bay Packers, at Soldier Field. A trip to the Super Bowl was one win away against a team they knew inside out.
The End: Jay Cutler was injured, Caleb Hanie was forced into action, and despite a valiant effort, they lost 21-14. Watching the Packers go on to win the Super Bowl made this one sting twice as much.