Chicago Bears · Franchise era 6 of 7
Urlacher and Lovie's defense: the Chicago Bears story
The story in one sentence
Lovie Smith restored the defense-first formula, and Hester's return brilliance helped the 2006 Bears reach Super Bowl XLI.
Takeaways and special teams reach the Super Bowl
Brian Urlacher, Devin Hester and Lance Briggs gave the era its recognizable core.
Its ending created the conditions for the quarterback search continues.
Timeline
How it unfolded
Before 2004
What came before
Chicago searched for offensive stability while gradually assembling the line and linebackers that would power its next contender.
2007-01-14
Divisional Round: Seattle Seahawks vs Chicago Bears
2007-01-21
Conference Championship: New Orleans Saints vs Chicago Bears
2007-02-04
Super Bowl: Indianapolis Colts vs Chicago Bears
- 26TradeMarch 13, 2012
March 13, 2012
The trade that reunited Brandon Marshall and Jay Cutler
The Bears needed a true No. 1 receiver and trusted Marshall's prior chemistry with Jay Cutler from Denver.
To CHI
To MIA20123RDround asset20133RDround assetBrandon Marshall to ChicagoCHI receives Brandon MarshallMIA receives 2012 3rd-round pick, 2013 3rd-round pick3 original assets · 1 outcomes tracedOpen trade → After 2012
What came next
The 2018 defense briefly restored contention, but Chicago has continued rebuilding its offense in pursuit of the long-awaited franchise quarterback.
The core