It wasn't all that bad for the Bears in 2019. Sure, their 8-8 record and fall from the top of the NFC North wasn't what fans expected, but it could've been worse. Remember: The Bears won a total of eight games between the 2016 and 2017 seasons combined.
There were also a few player performances that stood out last season, namely OLB Khalil Mack and WR Allen Robinson. They were both recognized for their quality years by Pro Football Focus, who listed Mack and Robinson among the NFL's top 101 players of 2019.
48. EDGE KHALIL MACK, CHICAGO BEARS
It says something about the quality of Khalil Mack that a relative “down year” for him still sees him end the season with an overall PFF grade of 86.2 and 70 total pressures. This marks the first time since his rookie year that his overall grade slipped below 90.0, and his 70 pressures are also the fewest he has tallied since his first year in the league. Mack may not have been at his very best this season, but even 80% of that player is a dominant force most weeks in the league.
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Mack didn't have the MVP-level season some analysts (yours truly included) thought he'd enjoy in 2019, but he was still Chicago's best all-around defender and was one of the best edge rushers in the NFL despite finishing with just 8.5 sacks. It was his lowest total since his rookie season. Still, Mack is the foundation of the Bears defense for both the short and long term and should have a nice bounce-back campaign in 2020.
85. WR ALLEN ROBINSON II, CHICAGO BEARS
Allen Robinson's ability to produce despite the neverending list of dismal quarterback play over his career has been remarkable. Again, he was able to grade among the better receivers in the game despite Mitchell Trubisky's game falling off a cliff and the fact that he had to suffer through the play of backup Chase Daniel at times, as well. Robinson ended the season with over 1,100 yards from 153 targets, catching 64% of the balls thrown his way over the year. His ability to excel despite far from ideal quarterback play is phenomenal.
No Bear stood out more than Robinson last season, who came just two catches shy of 100. His ability to produce at a high level despite opposing defenses knowing he was going to be the primary target in the passing game was fantastic. He's entering the final year of his contract and should be a priority for GM Ryan Pace to re-sign, especially with the anticipated improvements made at quarterback and the offensive line. His production will only go up, as will his price tag if Chicago doesn't get a deal done soon.