For decades, Chicago has been a sports city defined by teams that are perennial disappointments and their fans who are loyal to a fault and always believe in them.
The Chicago Bears are a prime example, as they have made the playoffs just three times since reaching the Super Bowl in the 2006 season.
In fact, over the years, they have lacked star power at the wide receiver position, as their leading receiver since the AFL-NFL merger has been Alshon Jeffery, who totaled 4,549 yards in his five seasons with the team.
NFL on CBS had the shocking reminder for Bears fans.
Wild, but true:
The Bears leading receiver since the merger is Alshon Jeffery with 4,549 receiving yards.
He spent 5 seasons in Chicago. pic.twitter.com/yNdnLUFixM
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) June 5, 2023
Jeffery made the Pro Bowl during the 2013 season with 1,421 yards.
Since the merger, Chicago has reached the Super Bowl only twice, and both times, they had a somewhat lackluster passing game, as they got there mostly with defense.
In 2006, their leading receiver was an aging Muhsin Muhammad, who had 863 yards and five touchdowns.
Even when the Bears went through their magical 1985 season, a season that saw them go 15-1 and win their lone Vince Lombardi Trophy, they finished 20th in passing yards and 22nd in passing touchdowns.
That year, Willie Gault, who never made a Pro Bowl, led them in receiving yards with 704.
However, the Bears may have found that star receiver they’ve been starving for in D.J. Moore, whom they acquired when they traded the No. 1 pick in this year’s draft to the Carolina Panthers.
He has been one of the NFL’s more productive receivers over the last few years, and he could make Chicago more competitive than some expect them to be in 2023.
NEXT: The Bears Continue To Lead An Important NFL Category
