The Bears have only appeared in one playoff game since Pace (r) took over as GM five years agogetty images
Bears Chair George McCaskey said he is "confident" in both GM Ryan Pace and coach Matt Nagy following an 8-8 season, but added that ownership "can't be afraid to point the finger at ourselves," according to Patrick Finley of the CHICAGO SUN-TIMES. McCaskey stressed that any offseason changes "would be left" to Pace and Nagy. He added, "Bears fans should be relieved that I don't get involved in the football decisions. That's all Ryan and Matt" (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 1/1). In Chicago, Dan Wiederer noted McCaskey and Bears President & CEO Ted Phillips "seem on board with Pace's pleas for patience and confident that the Bears' fortunes will turn again soon." Wiederer: "But why exactly?" It "would be naïve for McCaskey and Phillips to believe their optimism is shared by an agitated fan base that feels burned by all that was forecast for this season and all that wasn't delivered." McCaskey "acknowledged his patience was tested in many ways this season," but he "believes the bond between Pace and Nagy remains strong and invaluable" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 1/1). Also in Chicago, Barry Rozner noted Bears ownership seemingly has "no issues with a single playoff game in five years under Pace, and a single playoff victory in the last 13 years." Rozner: "So you can dislike all you want about the current product, but ownership is obviously pleased, so get used to it" (Chicago DAILY HERALD, 1/1).
