Bears Banking on the Defense and Mitch Trubisky Improving

August 27, 2019

Chicago Cub fans are getting worried; White Sox fans are waiting to see if they promote Luis Robert. Therefore, it’s time to talk about the Chicago Bears. After one more ennui inducing exhibition game, the Bears start the season in earnest September 5 against the Green Bay Packers.

The strength of the Bears is the defense. With a few exceptions, the same cast that stymied offenses last season are back. Pro bowler Akiem Hicks, underrated nose tackle Eddie Goldman and Jonathan Bullard or second year lineman Bilal Nichols round out the front three. They put pressure on opposing quarterbacks and are great run stoppers.  General Manager, Ryan Pace has put together the best line-backing crew in the NFL.  Khalil Mack, arguably the best defensive player, is one outside linebacker. On the other side is Leonard Floyd.  After shedding a hand cast he wore for the first few weeks last season, he was terrific. He looked like he was worth moving up to the number nine overall pick in 2016. I expect him to have a break-out season. Danny Trevathen was an excellent acquisition. He seems to be always around the ball. The other inside man, is last year’s rookie sensation Roquan Smith. After missing most of the pre-season, he led the Bears with 121 tackles. There is just no telling on how good he can be. The secondary is also tremendous. Cornerback Prince Amukamara doesn’t get the recognition he deserves. How many times have you heard his name called getting beaten by receivers? The other corner is all-pro Kyle Fuller. Second year safety Eddie Jackson made the pro bowl.  Newly acquired veteran HaHa Clinton-Dix rounds out the secondary. The only other new comer is 8 year veteran Buster Skrine, taking over for oft injured Nickelback Bryce Callahan.  Having this defense wins games.

Riding the coattails of Vic Fangio’s defense, Matt Nagy was voted coach of the year. If there is any uncertainty, it is his offense. His main objective is to make quarterback Mitch Trubisky being worthy of being a number two overall pick in 2017.  With year two in the same offense, I do expect things to slow down, making him more comfortable. If he vastly improves, the Bears will be tough to beat. Pace has surrounded him with some good receivers. A completely healthy Allen Robinson, speedy Taylor Gabriel and Anthony Miller. It looks like Tight End Trey Burton will be ready to play. Trubisky will also have pass catchers creating mismatches out of the backfield.  Last year the running game was non –existent in Nagy’s pass happy offense. Traded Jordan Howard was made the scapegoat. Nagy just couldn’t figure out how to use him. He was calling pass plays when he only needed three yards or sometimes even less for a first down. This directly led to last year’s first game loss to the Packers (Aaron Rodgers was another reason). The Bears have added Mike Davis from Seattle and drafted David Montgomery from Iowa State, to join Tarik Cohen in the backfield. With Nagy I expect they will have a big part in the passing attack.

Special Teams could be a problem. They did sign receiver Cordarrelle Patterson to return kickoffs. He averaged 29 yards per return. Tarik Cohen can return punts. However, the kicking game could be a problem.  The present kicker is untested Eddy Pineiro.

The problem with going 12-4 is it makes your schedule much tougher. You face playoff teams in your conference, The New Orleans Saints, L.A. Rams and Dallas Cowboys. The AFC opponents are in the West Division with the high flying offenses of the Kansas City Chiefs and L.A. Chargers, both playoff teams. It will be interesting to see if the Bears can stifle these offenses. If the Bear offense even slightly improves, they should be fine. The key is dominating their division, in which they were 5-1 last year. Circle September 15 on your calendar when the Bears face former defensive coordinator, Vic Fangio’s Denver Broncos.