The 2019 season was very disappointing for the Bears. They ended the season with a mediocre record of 8-8 and missing the playoffs. Many expected them to take the next step after the 2018 season but they took a step back. They will look to get back to their winning ways for 2020 and contend for a playoff spot in the NFC North.
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Offseason Recap
The Bears were very active this offseason. They brought a lot of veteran players to the roster. They traded for quarterback Nick Foles to bring competition and experience to the quarterback room. The Bears signed Jimmy Graham and drafted Cole Kmet, which will help out tremendously in the run and passing attack.
The defense got some help in all three phases. The front seven improved the pass rush with the addition of Robert Quinn. The cornerbacks got stronger with drafting Jaylon Johnson and signing Kindle Vildor. The most important signing might just be safety Tashaun Gipson because Eddie Jackson will move back to free safety.
Offense
The offense needs to step it up this year. Mitchell Trubisky should be the starting quarterback in week one. If he struggles then they can put in Foles. Whoever is quarterback will feel more comfortable knowing the offensive line has improved. The tight ends will make a huge impact in the run and passing game. Second-year running back David Montgomery will only improve with a better offensive line as long as he’s healthy.
If the offense steps up this year the Bears can be super bowl contenders. The defense is one of the best in the league so it all comes down to the offense and special teams. If they improve this team could be scary.
Defense
The defense was good last year but not as great as they were in 2018. The main difference was the turnovers. In 2018 they forced 36 turnovers and in 2019 they only forced 23. The addition of Gipson will be huge as it will allow Jackson to move back to free safety. That will help out tremendously in the turnover department. If they can force turnovers as they did in 2018, this defense will dominate again. Especially with Mack, Quinn, and Hicks on the defensive line. If they stay healthy, this trio will be top-three in the entire NFL.
Predicting the 53 Man Roster
QB (2) – Mitchell Trubisky, Nick Foles
It is no surprise that the Bears quarterback situation has been the main focus in Bears camp. Matt Nagy said the other day that he will not announce the quarterback battle winner until next week. No matter who ends up starting week one, they will likely be on a short leash to begin the season.
RB (4) – David Montgomery, Tarik Cohen, Cordarrelle Patterson, Ryan Nall
The Bears running back situation is unknown at the moment. Montgomery went down last week in practice. The Bears might still look to add another running back to the roster to fill in for Montgomery if he struggles with his groin injury. Devonta Freeman and recently released Leonard Fournette are two guys the Bears might look into signing. If not look for Cohen, Patterson, and Nall to lockdown the backfield until Monty returns.
WR (6) – Allen Robinson, Anthony Miller, Javon Wims, Riley Ridley, Ted Ginn Jr, Darnell Mooney
Outside of Robinson and Miller, the receiving core is wide open for competition. With Patterson spending some time at running back that will allow another receiver to make the roster. Wims is the guy that benefits the most from Patterson’s move to running back.
TE (4) – Jimmy Graham, Cole Kmet, Jesper Horsted, Demetrius Harris
The Bears invested a lot into the tight end position this offseason. They signed Graham to a two-year contract and drafted Kmet with their second-round pick in the NFL draft. The tight ends in 2019 did Trubisky no favors as they were bottom in the league in total yards with only 416 yards. Horsted is fighting with J.P. Holtz for a spot on the Bears roster.
OL (8) – Cody Whitehair, Charles Leno Jr, James Daniels, Germain Ifedi, Bobby Massie, Rashad Coward, Jason Spriggs, Alex Bars
The offensive line is going to have to play better if the Bears are going to make the playoffs. The addition of new offensive line coach Juan Castillo and signing Ifedi will go along way for this unit. Spriggs, Bars, and Coward will be ready to step in if any injuries or poor play occurs.
DL (6) – Aikeem Hicks, Roy Robertson-Harris, Bilal Nichols, John Jenkins, Brent Urban, Abdullah Anderson
The defensive line group took a hit with Eddie Goldman opting out. The Bears will likely add some more depth with the money they saved from Goldman opting out. If they don’t sign anyone they still have some very good run stoppers. Hicks is the most underrated player on the Bears defense and will anchor the line all season.
EDGE (5) – Khalil Mack, Robert Quinn, Barkevious Mingo, Trevis Gipson, Isaiah Irving
The Bears pass rushers are easily amongst the best in the league. They have depth and will funnel in fresh legs when Mack and Quinn need a break. I know a lot of fans will want Ledarius Mack on the roster because of Khalil. However, he will end up on the practice squad. Mingo, Gipson, and Irving will be ready to go when Mack and Quinn take a couple plays off.
LB (4) – Roquan Smith, Danny Trevathan, Joel Iyiegbuniwe, Josh Woods
Smith and Trevathan are returning for the Bears linebacker unit. Woods and Iyiegbuniwe will provide depth. Hopefully, Trevathan will stay healthy, unlike last season when Nick Kwiatowski had to fill in for Trevathan.
CB (5) – Kyle Fuller, Jaylon Johnson, Kevin Toliver II, Buster Skrine, Kindle Vidor
The Bears drafted Johnson in the second round to compete for the starting spot outside of Fuller. It was supposed to be a three-player battle with Artie Burns, Vidor, and Johnson. However, Burns tore his ACL so its down to Vidor and Johnson. Skrine is typically the nickel corner but in camp has been working on the outside for the 2020 season.
SAF (5) – Eddie Jackson, Tashaun Gipson, Deon Bush, DeAndre Houston-Carson, Sherrick McManis
As mentioned earlier, the addition of Gipson will greatly improve Jackson’s turnover potential. They could still add some depth but if not as long as they don’t get hit with some injuries the safety group should be better than 2019.
ST (4) – Eddy Pineiro, Cairo Santos, Pat O’Donnell Patrick Scales
It is no surprise that the kickers have been one of the Bears biggest struggles. Don’t be surprised if they keep two kickers and a punter on the roster this year. Especially with Pineiro and his groin injury, Nagy said last week “It’s just too important. We’ll definitely be having two for sure.”
COVID (2) – Eddie Goldman Jordan Lucas
Goldman who has had issues with Asthma in the past opted out of the 2020 season. He is going to be a big loss for the Bears defensive line. Lucas was signed to a one year contract in the offseason and was likely going to end up playing on special teams. It’s not a huge blow but they could have used the depth.
2020 Outlook
The Bears are ready to win now. The NFC North is a very tough division but if the offense can step up winning the North is very possible. If Trubisky is the starting quarterback week one he gets a great matchup. He is very good vs the Detroit Lions and New York Giants. That is who they face in the first two games so Trubisky can gain confidence early and never look back. Don’t be surprised if the Bears are amongst the best teams in the NFC by week 17 and gearing up for a super bowl run.
Season Prediction: 10-6 Winning the NFC North
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