Chicago Bears: 5 players who could earn NFL honors, awards in 2021

The 2021 NFL season could be when the respect finally comes back around to the Chicago Bears. Just two seasons ago, these Bears were looking like a Super Bowl contender.

All they needed was the quarterback. The Bears only needed average quarterback play, and they would have been a contender back in 2018.

But, as per usual, the Bears did not get that. Between Mitchell Trubisky under center for a couple years, and then the Nick Foles experience last year, the Bears’ quarterback play has continued down this never-ending, atrocious road.

All that is about to change, though, with rookie Justin Fields being drafted as the Bears’ franchise quarterback. With Fields under center, this team has a different feel to it.

The Chicago Bears could surprise the league and see some players earn high respect in 2021.

If Fields is what we think he is, everyone around him gets a boost — a big one, too.

When he gets the opportunity to start, that means the offense will be able to sustain drives much more so than recent years. Fields’ skill set is so unique that the offense adds a totally different dimension to it. The Bears’ offense might actually be fun — imagine that.

With that, comes an improvement on defense solely based on the fact that they’ll get to rest more often. With the way quarterbacks have played in Chicago recently, the defense has gotten tired by the time the fourth quarter rolls around. Now, the defense won’t have to worry about that, if all goes right.

The addition of Fields changes the landscape of this season and future seasons. Just his presence alone could help influence so many teammates of his. As we look towards the 2021 season, there are a few Bears who should be challenging for top-tier awards and NFL honors. Let’s begin with a fan favorite who happens to be switching things up, going back to his college number this year.