The Chicago Bears sit on top of the NFC North standings after Week 13 of the NFL season. They come into the last quarter of the season with an 8-4 record, but following an upsetting loss to the New York Giants, the Bears still have some work to do. Here’s what is known about the Bears this far:

 

Mitch Trubisky is an up-and-coming quarterback in the NFL

 

Mitch Trubisky has had an underrated season so far, throwing for almost 2,500 yards through 10 games. His 20 touchdowns and nine interceptions on the year come in almost identical to New England quarterback Tom Brady’s 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions; even with Trubisky missing the last two games.

All the hype in the NFL this year has surrounded young quarterbacks leading firework type offenses such as Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes and Los Angeles’ Jared Goff, but among those has been the play of Trubisky and the Bears’ underrated offense.

Trubisky’s importance hasn’t been on display more than in the Bears’ past two games against the Giants and the Detroit Lions. Trubisky missed both games with a shoulder injury and Chase Daniel started the game under center.

Daniel proved capable as a backup, but the Bears’ offense never looked as potent as it does with Trubisky at the helm. After Chicago’s loss to the Giants, the need for Trubisky to be back and healthy is key to stay on top of the division.

Trubisky continues to develop into a high-quality quarterback on a week-to-week basis. He still makes a few errant throws, but his bright spots have shown the ability to make pin-point throws and march an offense down the field. Trubisky is young, talented and is trending in the right direction.

 

Related: Improved Bears Could Schock NFC North

 

The Bears nailed their head coaching hire

 

In the offseason the Bears decided to part ways with former head coach John Fox, opening the position for Matt Nagy. When the Bears hired Nagy, they knew what they were getting; a young,

risky and patient leader.

Under Fox, the Bears were stale, but Nagy brought much-needed energy to a talented roster. Nagy has used the versatility of his playbook to manufacture yards and, in some cases, wins.

With the Bears in position to win the division, Nagy should receive his fair share of coach of the year votes.

Players play harder for a coach they trust, and despite mistakes on Nagy’s end, the majority of his decisions have worked out. He has unified the locker room and quickly turned the Bears into a playoff contender.

 

Khalil Mack pushed the Bears’ defense from good to great

 

When the Bears gave up two first-round draft picks for former Raiders pass-rusher Khalil Mack, it was clear general manager Ryan Pace was cashing in on the promise he saw in the defense. Mack has come into Chicago continuing his reign of terror on opposing quarterbacks.

Mack has nine sacks, five forced fumbles and one interception on the year. While these statistics seem like a good but not great year, his impact on the Bears’ defense goes deeper than that.

The Bears’ front seven have been able to stop opposing teams’ running games, allowing 85.8 rushing yards per game, second in the NFL. This has forced quarterbacks to drop back and throw, allowing Mack and company to pin their ears back and attack.

When the opposing quarterback has been able to get the ball away, the Bears’ secondary has collected 21 interceptions, leading the NFL.

Everyone on the defense has elevated their play to keep up with the physical dominance of Mack. His leadership has motivated the defense to become one of the best in the league.

Related: Bears defense aids them to first place in NFC North

Tarik Cohen is the NFL’s perfect Swiss-army knife

 

Nagy’s offense has become the perfect place for Tarik Cohen to flourish. His ability to catch, run and throw the ball leaves defenses on the on their toes. Cohen showed flashes of what he is capable of last year, but the impression was that there was a way to get more out of him.

On the year Cohen has rushed for 315 yards and caught for 659 more. He serves as a kick returner with quick-strike ability and is effective all over the field.

While the rushing numbers have been down collectively for the Bears, Cohen has found a way to stay more than relevant in a creative offense. His contributions will be key for Chicago as they continue to make a playoff push.