Even when their performance on the field dictated otherwise — particularly when it did — Bears coach Matt Nagy spent the entire season defending his players. He refused to trash quarterback Mitch Trubisky when it was warranted, or kicker Eddy Pineiro when he missed, or even the defense when it made a rare misstep.
In return, Nagy’s players needed to stick up for him Sunday.
Instead, they lost 26-3.
Eliminated from the playoffs a week ago, the Bears’ season no longer means much. The team made that clear Saturday night when it scratched Pro Bowl defensive lineman Akiem Hicks despite the fact he practiced in full all week.