Are the Chicago Bears (6-10) going to be competitive this season? In developing our Chicago Bears 2016 NFL preview, we believe that they are one season away from giving teams like Green Bay and Minnesota a run for their money. Veteran head coach John Fox starts his second year with Chicago. In his first, the Bears improved by one win and QB Jay Cutler achieved his best rating ever. Look for more of the same in 2016.
Bears Offense: B
QB Jay Cutler (3,659 YD, 21 TD, 11 INT) had a fine season last year. Along with tossing fewer picks, he was sacked far less. He simply made better decisions. If he does run into trouble, vet QB Brian Hoyer has been signed as his backup. WR Kevin White, who missed his first season due to injury, will be asked to start. Alshon Jeffrey (54 REC, 14.9 AVG, 4 TD) returns as the team’s leading pass catcher. The club lost RB Matt Forte to free agency, which means that returning players Jeremy Langford and Ka’Deem Carey will get plenty more chances to run, and fifth-round pick Jordan Howard (Indiana) will have a chance to play. With free agent signings and a sound second-round pick, the O-line should be solid.
Bears Defense: B-
This year the Chicago D-line adds two solid free agents and a good third–round draft pick in Jonathan Bullard (Florida), but they still need one more quality guy upfront. They were tied for 22nd in rush defense last year. But the team was ranked fourth against the pass. LB Shea McClellin is gone, but free agent Danny Trevathan is on-board. He’s an upgrade over McClellin. ILB Christian Jones (98 Tackles) offers sound run-stopping skills. LB Lamar Huston led the club with eight sacks. The secondary posted just eight picks last season. Corner Bryce Callahan may offer some help and draftees such as CB Deiondre’ Hall (Iowa) and safeties Deon Bush (Miami, FL) and DeAndre Houston-Carson (William & Mary) will have a chance to play.
Bears Special Teams: B
The return game may be improved with the signing of vet Omar Bolden. Robbie Gould (28/29 XP, 33/39FG) had a rough start in 2015, but he straightened things out. Punter Pat O’Donnell showed solid improvement.
Bears Coaching and Management: B+
Coach Fox is a savvy guy who knows how to improve teams. In 15 NFL seasons, he’s 133-106. The defense went from 30th in 2014 to 14th in 2015. GM Ryan Pace made some good deals and drafted well.
Last Word: Chicago Bears 2016 NFL Preview
We’ve found in creating our Chicago Bears 2016 NFL preview that this is a team on the upswing. They will be dangerous this season, and next year expect them to be even better.
For our overview of the NFC and to link to other NFC teams, please click here.
Chicago Bears 2016 NFL Preview Pick: 8-8, 3rd NFC North
