Chicago Bears: Contenders In 2015?

With a few key signings and a terrific upgrade at head coach, could the Chicago Bears already be considered a contender for 2015?

The National Football League – unlike so many other sports – is a year-to-year program.

Because of the hard salary cap and such a drastic turnover in rosters each offseason, a team can often reverse fortunes over the course of one offseason. After a disappointing 5-11 season in 2014, the Chicago Bears are hoping a fresh culture is the start of something positive.

The question remains whether they’ve done enough to his point in the offseason to warrant such an optimistic turnaround in 2015.

Can they contend in 2015?

The short answer? No.

The first checkmark was taken care of emphatically. Bringing in former Denver Broncos head coach John Fox and new general manager Ryan Pace, the Bears leadership duo is now firmly entrenched.

Fox’s resume speaks for itself.

He coached the Carolina Panthers to an overall 73-71 record in nine seasons, including an NFC Championship as they fell to Tom Brady and the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XXXVIII in 2003. Furthermore, Fox molded an offense around none other than Tim Tebow in 2011.

The almost single-wing formation resulted in a playoff appearance and even a Wild Card victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers – with Tebow.

The organization moved on from Brandon Marshall and sadly couldn’t (and predictably wouldn’t) get much in return for him. It was a necessary move though as it saved $7.3 million against the cap this season, via Spotrac.

With stud wide receiver Alshon Jeffery as their bonafide number-one guy, Pace will no doubt look for a contrasting number-two. Perhaps a speedy, shiftier guy is in the cards. While Jefferey and Marshall were a dangerous tandem, they were also very similar. Both are true possession/red-zone guys and lack that blazing speed that would be nice opposite the possession guy.

Their top free-agent signings will no doubt help.

Oct 19, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens linebacker

Pernell McPhee

(90) reacts after making a sack in the game against the Atlanta Falcons at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

The first name on the list is outside linebacker Pernell McPhee. He’ll play that edge rushing position out of Vic Fangio’s 3-4 defense – which will be an adjustment for the unit after playing the 4-3 under defensive coordinator Mel Tucker and head coach Marc Trestman.

While he was only a fifth-round selection out of Mississippi St., McPhee showed value and stability in the Baltimore Ravens defense his first four seasons in the league. He missed only four-games during that span and tallied 17 sacks. His presence is something the team could use after finishing 16th in the NFL last year with 39 sacks.

Elsewhere, 32-year old safety Antrel Rolle was also brought in. He’ll most likely turn out to be overpaid at the end of his three-year, $11.25 million deal, he’ll bring stability on the back end for Fox’s defense and force unpopular Chris Conte out.

Wide receiver Eddie Royal was their other big signing of free agency so far. He’ll plug the slot very well.

The question regarding 2015 success will once again come down to Jay Cutler.

There’s nobody in the world who could beat out Cutler in training camp as the starter. His arm is legendary, and he can make throws on the practice field that force other signal callers to shake their heads and claim unfairness.

As much as he’s a wiz in practice, his leadership and in-game feel leaves a ton to be desired.

Because he’s signed through the 2020 season on a monster deal, there’s very little the front office can do. They’ll need to pray Fox can get through to the now 31-year old veteran.

Running back Matt Forte is now a year older, as older running backs always need to always be thought of in a cautionary style.

There are just way too many holes on the roster right now to see such a drastic turnaround in 2015 – especially at middle linebacker and the entire defensive line. Not to mention the transformation from 4-3 to 3-4 will take some time.

Pace has already showed he knows how to get the needle pointing in the up position by hiring the right football guys, but 2015 will be a precursor to 2016 for the Chicago Bears.

Even then, the Cutler situation will always linger and cripple their cap situation should they move on.

Next: Should Baltimore Ravens Draft Wide Receiver In First Round?

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