What Is 2015 Chicago Bears football team

Overview

The 2015 Chicago Bears season marked the franchise's 96th year in the NFL and the first under head coach John Fox. After a 5-11 record in 2014, expectations were modest as the team transitioned to a new defensive scheme and coaching staff.

Playing their home games at Soldier Field, the Bears struggled to find consistency on both offense and defense, finishing with a 6-10 record. Despite flashes of potential, the team failed to make the playoffs for the fifth consecutive season.

• 6-10 record: The Bears won only six games, improving slightly from their 5-11 mark in 2014 but still missing the postseason.
• John Fox's debut season: Hired in January 2015, Fox brought a defensive mindset but oversaw one of the league's worst defenses by points allowed.
• NFC North standings: The team placed 3rd behind the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings, who both finished 11-5.
• Jay Cutler started 13 games: The quarterback returned from injury but threw 11 interceptions against 13 touchdowns.
• Defensive struggles: The Bears allowed 438 points, the second-worst total in the NFL, due to poor pass coverage and run defense.

Season Performance

The Bears showed brief promise early in the season but faltered down the stretch, losing six of their final seven games. Offensive inconsistency and defensive breakdowns defined their campaign.

• Week 1 win vs. Packers: A 31-23 victory gave hope, but it was their only win against a division rival all season.
• Running game improvement: Rookie Javorius Allen wasn't on the team; actually, Jay Ajayi wasn't either—this was the Bears, not the Dolphins. The Bears relied on Jamie Collins? No—correction: Jeremy Langford and Matt Forte combined for 1,279 rushing yards.
• Defensive scheme shift: Fox implemented a 3-4 base defense, a major change from the previous 4-3 alignment, leading to adjustment issues.
• Special teams issues: Kicker Robbie Gould was reliable, making 27 of 30 field goals, but return units ranked near the bottom.
• Injuries derailed momentum: Cutler’s shoulder injury in Week 14 ended his season; Alshon Jeffery missed six games with a hamstring issue.
• Offensive line problems: The unit allowed 38 sacks, contributing to Cutler’s frequent pressure and turnovers.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2015 Bears compared to division rivals and league averages across key metrics:

The Bears scored below the league average in points (345 vs. 377) and allowed significantly more than expected. Their defensive performance was among the worst in the league, and turnover margin (-6) reflected poor ball security and lack of takeaways.

Why It Matters

The 2015 season was a transitional year that highlighted both the challenges of rebuilding and the importance of consistent quarterback health. It also set the stage for future roster decisions and draft strategy.

• John Fox’s tenure began: His hiring signaled a shift toward defensive discipline, though results didn’t improve immediately.
• Matt Forte’s final season: The veteran running back left after 2015, marking the end of an era for Bears fans.
• Draft implications: The 6-10 record gave the Bears a 11th overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, used on Leonard Floyd.
• Defensive overhaul: The switch to a 3-4 scheme required new personnel, influencing trades and free agency moves.
• Quarterback uncertainty: Cutler’s injury raised questions about his long-term viability, leading to future draft considerations.
• Foundation for future: Despite the losing record, the season helped evaluate young talent and informed front-office decisions in subsequent years.

While not a successful season by win-loss standards, the 2015 campaign provided valuable lessons and roster clarity for the Bears' ongoing rebuild.