Robert Quinn was hailed as the worst free agent signing in Chicago Bears history after 2020. It was hard to blame fans for feeling that way. The guy was paid $70 million and rewarded the organization with two sacks all season. Critics hammered GM Ryan Pace for the signing. No self-respecting executive would ever give a 30-year old player that much money. Even at such a premium position as a pass rusher.
It was a humbling season for Quinn. The worst of his career. So going into 2021, he felt like he had a lot to prove. That he wasn’t over the hill and he can still be that dominant player he’s been in the past. What followed was nothing short of maybe the greatest single-season turnaround for an individual player in Bears history. With his sack of Russell Wilson on Sunday, he now has 17 for the season. That puts him one sack away from breaking Richard Dent’s 37-year old team record of 17.5.
That by itself is an incredible accomplishment.
Yet it still doesn’t tell the entire story. Back in 1984, Dent was 24-years old and in his prime. He was also playing on a front that featured Dan Hampton, Steve McMichael, and Otis Wilson. Three other highly-talented pass rushers. That made life much easier for Dent during those years. The same can’t be said for Robert Quinn. He had Khalil Mack for the first six games this season but the man star Bears defender was lost for the year to a foot injury.
Akiem Hicks has also missed lots of time due to various injuries and a bout with COVID-19 as well. Never mind the fact Quinn is 31-year olds. Supposedly one the back nine of his career. Yet that hasn’t stopped him from piling up 10.5 sacks since Halloween. That includes three games where he had two or more. He has truly been a one-man show for months now.
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Bears fans need to appreciate what he’s doing but it is far rarer than they realize. While breaking the record might not mean much in a lost season, Quinn has provided loads of entertainment along the way.
