My All-Time Chicago Bears Historical Team: The Bear Essentials

My All-Time Historical Chicago Bears team is full of players with accolades galore, but they are also built around a tough style of play that to me defines the history of the Chicago Bears. This in-your-face ethic is to me an essential part of the team’s legacy, and so I present the Bear Essentials.

• By now, you all know the basic rules of our All-Bears Historical Fantasy Draft. We each picked a team consisting of 25 players. We got 11 picks on offense, 11 picks on defense, and three picks on special teams.
• The offensive picks require a full offensive line, a quarterback, a running back, two wide receivers, and a tight end. The 11th pick on offense could go to any skill position of the team’s choosing.
• Given the Bears’ historical preference for a 4-3 base defense over a 3-4, we required two defensive ends, two defensive tackles, two linebackers, two cornerbacks, and two safeties. The 11th pick could be used at any position of the team’s choosing, whether it be a nickel defender, a third linebacker, or an extra defensive lineman.
• For the special teams picks, we were asked to take one kicker, one punter, and one miscellaneous contributor (returner, coverage defender, long snapper).
• Each player’s skill level will be transported to the modern age. For example, a Hall of Fame offensive lineman from the 1940s, while smaller than the modern o-lineman, will still be a Hall of Famer.
• We also only get the player’s ability as it was when he played in Chicago. For example, Jason Peters made 9 Pro Bowls from 2007-2016 while in Philly, and if he were drafted in this exercise, the drafter would only get his abilities in 2021 as a 39-year-old Bear.

THE OFFENSE

(QB) Johnny Lujack (Round 14) It’s been a long time since Chicago had a quarterback who led the league in completions, attempts, and passing yards–but that’s exactly what Lujack did in 1949. The only year he wasn’t above the league average passer rating was in 1950, which coincidentally was his first Pro Bowl year (of two) and the year he was a first-team All-Pro. It’s also the year he led the league in rushing touchdowns (11 over 12 starts). He spent two of his four seasons with one of the top five passer ratings in the league, and he was in the top ten of most passing categories for at least have of his career, if not more.

(LT) Ed Kolman (Round 11) The only member of my offensive line who was never a first-team All-Pro, Kolman nonetheless earned three Pro Bowls for Chicago while serving as the left tackle for three championship appearances and two wins, including the famed 73-0 defeat of Washington. He then had another 4 starts on the next championship team (1946), with his time with the Bears interrupted by his service during World War 2.

(LG) Dick Barwegen (Round 10) Barwegen served as Chicago’s left guard...