2021 Bears' season awards
In 2021, the Chicago Bears had their first losing season in the past 4 years. They had so many problems, starting with injuries, bad coaching and players straight up quitting on the team.
However, you could still see some players competing and a couple of them shining. Let's take a look at which one qualified for our awards.
MVP�Robert Quinn
That was a pretty easy answer. I guess you could also make a compelling case for Bears' kicker Cairo Santos who had an amazing season and made a couple of game-winning kicks. But, Quinn was truly the best player week in and week out last season. His 18,5 sacks were enough to break the franchise record that had previously stood for over 35 years. Quinn was extremely dominant, and on almost every 3rd and long he was in the face of the opposing quarterback.
Defensive Player of the Year � Roquan Smith
Smith used his extreme athleticism to good measure last year, pilling up some crazy stats. He had 163 combined tackles, 12 tackles for loss, an interception returned for a touchdown and, oh by the way, 3 sacks. He was snubbed of a Pro Bowl spot, but he rightfully so was named on the second team all pro.
Offensive Player of the Year � David Montgomery
This was truly a coin flip with him and Darnell Mooney. I went with Montgomery for the reason that he is also a great vocal leader that was awarded a team captain spot later in the season. The star running back had over 1100 yards from scrimmage and 7 touchdowns. He was also one of the most reliable running back in football on 3rd/4th and short.
Rookie of the Year � Khalil Herbert
This was the easiest choice. He was the one true big rookie contributor. His impact was felt on offense and on special teams. In fact, he had over 500 yards of offense and another 650 yards on special teams. Look for a big year 2 out of him.
Breakout Player of the Year- Darnell Mooney
I had to give something to Mooney. He eclipsed 1000 for the first time in his career, and he did so in a pretty inefficient offense. He started to develop great chemistry with young quarterback Justin Fields at the end of the year. I am currently buying all the stocks on Mooney for the future as I think he will be a pure stud.
