Chicago Bears fans have taken issue with ESPN’s recent listing of the top 25 teams of the century, focusing especially on the Detroit Lions, led by quarterback Jared Goff, ranked 25th. The controversy heats up as Bears supporters point out the glaring absence of any Bears team in the list, calling ESPN’s choices questionable and potentially overrated. This debate intensified after Bears defensive lineman Akiem Hicks and his teammates demonstrated strong defense against Goff’s Lions, casting doubt on the legitimacy of the Lions’ position.
The Bears’ Challenging Journey Over the Past Quarter-Century
Over the last 25 years, the Chicago Bears have experienced a turbulent path marked by highs and lows. Their journey peaked with a memorable Super Bowl appearance but was followed by a series of disappointing seasons. There were moments when the team seemed ready to make a serious run for glory, only to see their chances slip away in heartbreaking fashion, including playoff losses by narrow margins.
During this span, four Bears teams advanced to the postseason, yet none succeeded in winning a championship. For many fans, the idea of placing a Bears team below squads without Super Bowl victories feels unfair and diminishes the competitive spirit that the franchise embodies. This perspective fuels the frustration over why the Bears were excluded from ESPN’s ranking despite their historic contributions.
Questioning ESPN’s Criteria for Greatness and Rankings
What adds to the controversy is the unclear criteria ESPN used to define “greatness” in its rankings. For example, ESPN crowned the New England Patriots’ 2007 team, which finished the regular season with an 18-1 record but lost the Super Bowl to the New York Giants, as the top team. That dramatic finale, with Eli Manning’s touchdown pass to Plaxico Burress, remains one of the most unforgettable moments in NFL history but left the Patriots as runners-up.
This raises an important question: Should greatness be measured primarily by regular-season dominance, or does ultimate postseason success carry more weight? Bears fans argue that excluding teams with passionate fanbases and competitive legacies, like theirs, weakens the credibility of such rankings. The lack of postseason championships among recent Bears squads does not erase the resilience and spirit that define the franchise’s identity.
Legacy, Fan Loyalty, and the Future Debate Around Team Rankings
As the discussion around ESPN’s rankings continues, the Bears’ story remains one of determination and loyal support despite challenges. The frustration expressed by Bears Nation reflects an anxious and restless reaction to what many see as an oversight or misjudgment in celebrating team achievements. With players like Akiem Hicks active on the field and legends such as Brian Urlacher occasionally stirring emotions with their remarks, the Bears’ presence in the conversation endures.
Ultimately, the controversy surrounding the Jared Goff Lions top 25 controversy highlights the complexities involved in ranking sports teams across eras and fanbases. While ESPN’s list tries to capture greatness, the true measure often lies in the connection between teams and their supporters, whose passion persists regardless of rankings or accolades.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Did Jared Goff throw a perfect game?
A. DETROIT — On Monday night, Dan Campbell felt a bit sorry for not preserving a piece of NFL history. His quarterback, Jared Goff, played an exceptional game, making every one of his 18 passes. This set an NFL record and helped the Detroit Lions win against the Seattle Seahawks 42-29. It was their first victory over the Seahawks since 2012.