The Chicago Bears won four division titles and reached the Super
Bowl while Jerry Angelo was general manager. They also crumbled in
a big way this season.

Now Angelo’s out.

He was fired Tuesday following a team collapse marked by
injuries to Jay Cutler and Matt Forte and a drug scandal involving
Sam Hurd.

Angelo had been on the job 11 years, but the Bears called for
change after an 8-8 season. A questionable draft record and an
inability to fill big holes, particularly on offense, led to his
ouster.

His dismissal comes after a wild season in which the Bears at
one point seemed a lock to make the playoffs. A five-game losing
streak spoiled a 7-3 start, keeping Chicago out of the playoffs for
the fourth time in five years, and Angelo wasn’t the only one on
his way out on Tuesday.

The Bears also confirmed that offensive coordinator Mike Martz
and quarterbacks coach Shane Day won’t be back. Martz had an
expiring contract, and there had been plenty of speculation he
would be gone after two seasons.

Coach Lovie Smith, however, appears safe for now. The team said
on its website he will remain in his job and “continue to evaluate
his coaching staff.”

Angelo was signed through the 2013 season, but he was undone on
a number of fronts. The next GM will inherit a team that could use
help on the offensive and defensive lines, at wide receiver and in
the secondary. Forte’s rookie contract is up. Pro Bowl linebacker
Lance Briggs would like a new one even though he has two years left
on his six-year deal.

Still, the Bears believe they can make a run next season. Angelo
won’t be the one overseeing it, though.

“I have tremendous respect for him and am sorry to see him go,”
Smith said in a statement. “But I also will embrace the opportunity
that comes with change. As I said yesterday, we have an excellent
core in place. I look forward to working with a new general manager
to bring a championship to Chicago.”

Cutler broke his right thumb trying to help make a tackle
following an interception during a victory over San Diego on Nov.
20, and the Bears didn’t win again until the season-finale at
Minnesota on Sunday.

It didn’t help that Forte sprained a ligament in his right knee
against Kansas City on Dec. 4, leaving the offense without its two
best players. Those would be blows for any team, but they were
crippling for Chicago. Throw in Hurd’s arrest on federal drug
charges in mid-December, and what looked like a promising season
turned into a disaster for the team and organization.

The injuries exposed a glaring lack of depth as the Bears
tumbled out of playoff contention.

The low point might have been the loss at Denver when Marion
Barber ran out of bounds late in regulation. That stopped the
clock, giving the Broncos enough time to tie the score. If that
weren’t enough, he lost a fumble in overtime, helping set up the
winning field goal.

Meanwhile, backup quarterback Caleb Hanie was a bust filling in
for Cutler, going 0-4 as the starter before the Bears turned to
Josh McCown.

Chicago claimed Kyle Orton off waivers after Cutler went down,
but Kansas City had priority and got him. The Bears then brought in
Josh McCown, and Angelo left himself open to second-guessing when
he decided not to go after Donovan McNabb once Minnesota let him
go.

The lack of a reliable backup quarterback, continuing issues on
the offensive line and the inability to land a top-tier receiver
increased the heat on the general manager.

Roy Williams struggled to hold onto the ball and get open in his
first season with the Bears after an unsuccessful run in Dallas.
Hurd, another Cowboys import, was quickly waived after being
charged with trying to set up a drug-dealing network following his
arrest with more than a pound of cocaine.

The arrest only compounded Angelo’s problems. Now the Bears are
picking up the pieces.

For all the criticism, Angelo did have successes. The Bears won
those four division championships, including the 2006 team’s run to
the Super Bowl and last year’s trip to the NFC title game.

He traded for Cutler and signed Julius Peppers. But he also had
a spotty draft record that included such high-profile
disappointments as Cedric Benson and Rex Grossman.

Former first-rounder Chris Williams has mostly struggled, and
first-round pick Gabe Carimi missed most of his rookie season with
a right knee injury. Angelo also was unable to find a top receiver,
through the draft, a trade or free agency.

Chicago didn’t have anyone ready to step in when a solid but
aging line that helped the Bears reach the playoffs in 2005 and
2006 began to go downhill.

Martz called for deep drops and Cutler took repeated poundings.
That changed after Cutler made his feelings clear. The Bears
started getting the ball out of his hands quicker, handing the ball
off more to Forte and piling up wins. But just when it looked as if
they had saved their season, everything came apart.

LAKE FOREST, Ill. (AP) — Jerry Angelo was fired as the Chicago Bears‘ general manager Tuesday following a team collapse marked by injuries to Jay Cutler and Matt Forte and a drug scandal involving receiver Sam Hurd.

Angelo had been on the job 11 years, a stretch in which the Bears reached one Super Bowl and advanced to another NFC championship game. An 8-8 record this season, a questionable draft record and an inability to fill big holes, particularly on offense, led to his ouster.

His dismissal comes after a wild season in which the Bears at one point seemed a lock to make the playoffs. A five-game losing streak, however, spoiled a 7-3 start and kept Chicago out of the playoffs for the fourth time in five years.

Cutler broke his right thumb trying to help make a tackle following an interception during a win over San Diego on Nov. 20. The Bears didn’t win again until the season-finale at Minnesota on Sunday.

It didn’t help that Forte sprained a ligament in his right knee against Kansas City on Dec. 4, leaving the offense without its two best players. Those would be blows for any team, but they were crippling for Chicago. Throw in Hurd’s arrest on federal drug charges in mid-December, and what looked like a promising season turned into a disaster for the team and organization.

The injuries exposed a glaring lack of depth as the Bears tumbled out of playoff contention.

The low point might have been the loss at Denver when Marion Barber ran out of bounds late in regulation. That stopped the clock, giving the Broncos enough time to tie the score. If that weren’t enough, he lost a fumble in overtime, helping set up the winning field goal.

Meanwhile, backup quarterback Caleb Hanie was a bust filling in for Cutler, going 0-4 as the starter before the Bears turned to Josh McCown.

Chicago claimed Kyle Orton off waivers after Cutler went down, but Kansas City had priority and got him. The Bears then brought in Josh McCown, and Angelo left himself open to second-guessing when he decided not to go after Donovan McNabb once Minnesota let him go.

The lack of a reliable backup quarterback, continuing issues on the offensive line and the inability to land a top-tier receiver increased the heat on the general manager.

Roy Williams struggled to hold onto the ball and get open in his first season with the Bears after a disappointing run in Dallas. Hurd, another Cowboys import, was quickly waived after being charged with trying to set up a drug-dealing network following his arrest with more than a pound of cocaine.

The arrest only compounded Angelo’s problems. Now, Angelo’s out and the Bears are picking up the pieces.

For all the criticism, Angelo did have successes. The Bears won four division championships, including the 2006 team’s run to the Super Bowl and last year’s trip to the NFC championship game.

He traded for Cutler and signed Julius Peppers. But he also had a spotty draft record that included such high-profile disappointments as Cedric Benson and Rex Grossman.

Former first-rounder Chris Williams has mostly struggled, and first-round pick Gabe Carimi missed most of his rookie season with a right knee injury. Angelo also was unable to find a top receiver, through the draft, a trade or free agency.

Chicago didn’t anyone ready to step in when a solid but aging line that helped the Bears reach the playoffs in 2005 and 2006 began to go downhill.

Offensive coordinator Mike Martz called for deep drops and Cutler took repeated poundings. That changed after Cutler made his feelings clear. The Bears started getting the ball out of his hands quicker, handing the ball off more to Forte and piling up the wins. But just when it looked as if they had saved their season, everything came apart.

Despite losing their last five games in a row, the Chicago Bears had one of their bigger Pro Bowl hauls in recent years when five players were named to the Pro Bowl. While linebackers Lance Briggs and Brian Urlacher, long the mainstays of Chicago’s defense, were honored again, the most welcome news for Chicago was Charles Tillman, one of the best cornerbacks in team history, being selected for the first time and runningback Matt Forte become the Bears first running back picked in 20 years.

Special teams player Corey Graham was also picked. Julius Peppers, Chicago’s $91 million defensive end, surprisingly was not picked.

Chicago’s five picks were its biggest representation for the NFL’s all-star game since eight Bears were named in 2006, the year Chicago made it to the Super Bowl for the second time.

This is the seventh consecutive Pro Bowl nod for Briggs (2005-11 seasons), who has played well despite complaining briefly about wanting a new conrtract early in the season. He is just the fourth linebacker in franchise history to be selected to seven straight Pro Bowls joining Hall of Famers Dick Butkus (eight straight), Bill George (eight) and Mike Singletary (ten). He is the ninth player overall to be voted to seven Pro Bowls as a member of the Bears organization and the seventh to be selected seven years in-a-row. In 2011, Briggs paces the team with 140 tackles and is tied for the team lead with eight tackles for losses to go along with one interception and two forced fumbles.

Forté is the first Bears running back to be named to the Pro Bowl in 20 years. Neal Anderson made it following the 1991 season.  Prior to missing the last three contests with a knee injury, Forté led the NFL in yards from scrimmage (1,487), ranked third in the league in rushing yards (997) and ranked fourth among all running backs with 490 yards receiving. His 4.9 rushing average in 2011 is a career high and sixth among NFL running backs with at least 150 rushing attempts this season.

Graham was named to his first Pro Bowl and is the eighth Pro Bowl selection by a Bears special teams player under Special Teams Coordinator Dave Toub. Graham plays on five of the Bears six special teams units (punt coverage, kickoff coverage, punt returns, kickoff returns and field goal blocks).The Bears punt return coverage unit ranks second in the NFL this season allowing just 5.4 yards per return.

This is the first Pro Bowl nod for Tillman and he is the first Bears cornerback to be named to named to the Pro Bowl since Nathan Vasher in 2006. The ninth-year veteran ranks third on the team with a career-high 107 tackles. Tillman leads the team in pass break ups (11) and is tied for the team lead in forced fumbles (three) and fumble recoveries (two) while adding two interceptions and an interception return touchdown. Since entering the NFL in 2003, Tillman leads all defensive backs with 27 forced fumbles and his 29 interceptions is tied for ninth in the NFL overall during that time.

Urlacher was named to his eighth Pro Bowl (2000-03, 2005-06 & 2010 seasons). He is the sixth player in team history to be voted to eight Pro Bowls. He is tied for the team lead with three interceptions and two fumble recoveries and has added a fumble return touchdown.

Despite losing their last five games in a row, the Chicago Bears had one of their bigger Pro Bowl hauls in recent years when five players were named to the Pro Bowl. While linebackers Lance Briggs and Brian Urlacher, long the mainstays of Chicago’s defense, were honored again, the most welcome news for Chicago was Charles Tillman, one of the best cornerbacks in team history, being selected for the first time and runningback Matt Forte become the Bears first running back picked in 20 years.

Special teams player Corey Graham was also picked. Julius Peppers, Chicago’s $91 million defensive end, surprisingly was not picked.

Chicago’s five picks were its biggest representation for the NFL’s all-star game since eight Bears were named in 2006, the year Chicago made it to the Super Bowl for the second time.

This is the seventh consecutive Pro Bowl nod for Briggs (2005-11 seasons), who has played well despite complaining briefly about wanting a new conrtract early in the season. He is just the fourth linebacker in franchise history to be selected to seven straight Pro Bowls joining Hall of Famers Dick Butkus (eight straight), Bill George (eight) and Mike Singletary (ten). He is the ninth player overall to be voted to seven Pro Bowls as a member of the Bears organization and the seventh to be selected seven years in-a-row. In 2011, Briggs paces the team with 140 tackles and is tied for the team lead with eight tackles for losses to go along with one interception and two forced fumbles.

Forté is the first Bears running back to be named to the Pro Bowl in 20 years. Neal Anderson made it following the 1991 season.  Prior to missing the last three contests with a knee injury, Forté led the NFL in yards from scrimmage (1,487), ranked third in the league in rushing yards (997) and ranked fourth among all running backs with 490 yards receiving. His 4.9 rushing average in 2011 is a career high and sixth among NFL running backs with at least 150 rushing attempts this season.

Graham was named to his first Pro Bowl and is the eighth Pro Bowl selection by a Bears special teams player under Special Teams Coordinator Dave Toub. Graham plays on five of the Bears six special teams units (punt coverage, kickoff coverage, punt returns, kickoff returns and field goal blocks).The Bears punt return coverage unit ranks second in the NFL this season allowing just 5.4 yards per return.

This is the first Pro Bowl nod for Tillman and he is the first Bears cornerback to be named to named to the Pro Bowl since Nathan Vasher in 2006. The ninth-year veteran ranks third on the team with a career-high 107 tackles. Tillman leads the team in pass break ups (11) and is tied for the team lead in forced fumbles (three) and fumble recoveries (two) while adding two interceptions and an interception return touchdown. Since entering the NFL in 2003, Tillman leads all defensive backs with 27 forced fumbles and his 29 interceptions is tied for ninth in the NFL overall during that time.

Urlacher was named to his eighth Pro Bowl (2000-03, 2005-06 & 2010 seasons). He is the sixth player in team history to be voted to eight Pro Bowls. He is tied for the team lead with three interceptions and two fumble recoveries and has added a fumble return touchdown.

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) – The Chicago Bears placed their slim
playoff hopes in the hands of quarterback Josh McCown and running
back Kahlil Bell in a prime-time road game against the defending
Super Bowl champions.

It didn’t turn out quite as badly as it sounded going in. Bell
rushed for 121 yards, and McCown made enough plays to keep the game
close into the third quarter.

But it wasn’t good enough to keep the Bears in the playoff chase.
Aaron Rodgers threw five touchdowns, and the Green Bay Packers beat
Chicago 35-21 on Sunday night.

“Yeah, that’s what this business is all about, getting a chance to
showcase your abilities,” said Bell, a third-year player out of
UCLA. “Tonight, I had a good shot and a good chance to get out
there and play and try to make some plays for our team. Just
unfortunate that we fell short.”

With the win, the Packers nailed down the No. 1 seed in the NFC and
claimed another round of bragging rights in the NFL’s most storied
rivalry. The loss eliminated the Bears (7-8) from postseason
contention and put the Atlanta Falcons in the playoffs.

The Bears trailed by only four points early in the third quarter,
but Rodgers drove the Packers for touchdowns on their next three
possessions to put the game out of reach.

“When you play the Super Bowl champions, you have to be on top of
your game,” Bears coach Lovie Smith said. “Offensively, we did
enough things to keep us in the game and have a chance to win the
game at the end. But defensively we just didn’t have it.”

The Bears have lost five straight games since losing quarterback
Jay Cutler to a broken right thumb in a Nov. 20 victory over San
Diego. Chicago was 7-3 then.

The Bears started McCown on Sunday after backup Caleb Hanie
struggled to fill in for Cutler. McCown’s most recent start came
with the Oakland Raiders in 2007, and he was out of the NFL last
season.

McCown was 19 of 28 for 242 yards with a touchdown and two
interceptions.

“All I know is, my number was called tonight and I played as hard
as I could,” McCown said. “The bottom line is, we still came up
short. We have to protect the football better. You can’t have those
two (interceptions).”

To make matters worse for the Bears’ offense, Barber was inactive
because of a calf injury. Chicago already was without Forte, who
missed his third straight game because of a sprained medial
collateral ligament in his right knee.

Chicago did have Devin Hester, who played despite a lingering ankle
injury, but he didn’t look like himself.

The Bears were able to stay in the game early, with solid defense
and tough running by Bell and Armando Allen. Rodgers’ second-half
fireworks proved to be too much for Chicago.

“Thirty-five points on that defense, that’s a good night,” Packers
coach Mike McCarthy said.

The victory was the Packers’ fourth over the Bears in 2011. Green
Bay also beat Chicago in the 2010 regular-season finale, the NFC
Championship game, and at Soldier Field on Sept. 25.

With the Bears trailing 14-3 at halftime, McCown found Earl Bennett
wide open for a 49-yard gain to set up first-and-goal on the 1.
Bell fumbled just short of the goal line on the next play but
offensive lineman Edwin Williams recovered the ball for a
touchdown.

With the Packers nursing a four-point lead, and the Lambeau Field
crowd nervously quiet early in the third quarter, Rodgers answered
by dropping deep and throwing a rainbow pass to Nelson, who blew
through the Chicago secondary and hauled in the ball for a 55-yard
touchdown.

Rodgers then showed his running ability on the Packers’ next
possession, juking his way between linebackers Brian Urlacher and
Lance Briggs on a scramble. Rodgers finished the drive with a
7-yard touchdown toss to Jones, giving the Packers a commanding
28-10 lead.

Packers safety Charlie Peprah came up with an interception, and
Rodgers found Nelson for another score to give Green Bay a 35-10
lead.

McCown finally answered with a 1-yard touchdown pass to tight end
Kellen Davis – then drew the ire of the Lambeau crowd by scrambling
for a two-point conversion and spiking the ball over the goalpost
with his team trailing 35-18.