The Chicago Bears lost to the Miami Dolphins on Sunday in a game that many believed Chicago would win. Now, 3-4 and two games behind in the division, tensions are running high in Chicago. Year after year the Bears are selected to be contenders, but they always seem to find a way to disappoint. After firing longtime head coach Lovie Smith in favor of Marc Trestman a couple of years ago, many hoped that it would be the boost that the Bears desperately needed. Yet, the team has not made much progress since the change. So, is the coach really the problem, or there is another reason the Bears consistently struggle?
Well, coaching is part of the problem, but they are not entirely to blame. The problem in Chicago is a lack of leadership. The locker room erupted following the loss on Sunday, highlighting this issue. Reports from the media claimed there was arguing amongst players. Brandon Marshall apparently criticized Jay Cutler and Robbie Gould. Kyle Long blamed the fans for booing. It was a disaster and no one was there to control the situation. Part of the problem may be because of Chicago's approach to team captains. During the 2014 season the Bears have elected to choose team captains on a weekly basis instead of for the entire season. This is a big reason for the disarray in Chicago.
Being a leader is a big responsibility, and it is not a position that should be passed around to whoever is most popular in a given week. Leadership is hard work. It requires the person to act with integrity, make tough decisions, and handle even the most difficult of situations with grace. If the Bears had consistent leaders, then the locker room scene would have played out differently. Someone needs to be there to keep the team focused and remind them of their goals. Someone has to be there to keep the team connected and listen to the concerns of teammates. Someone has to be there to lead by example and show teammates what it means to work hard. Someone has to be there to motivate fellow players and calm tempers when they flare. Someone has to be there, and right now Chicago is missing that person.
The Bears are running out of time to fix the situation. Both the Packers and Lions are on a roll, and neither one is showing signs of slowing down. Chicago simply cannot afford to have anymore drama broadcasted to the public. Someone needs to step up, and they need to do it quickly.