Chicago Bears: The 3 Biggest Strengths and Weaknesses
By David Mamola
The Chicago Bears may have their fair share of weaknesses, but the team also has a few strengths that they can build around.
Whether you are ready or not, the start of the 2016 Chicago Bears season is just days away! The team made a ton of moves in the offseason, said goodbye to longtime veterans Matt Forte and Robbie Gould, and are looking to take a step up from their 6-10 record from a year ago.
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With a flurry of moves being made this past Sunday (including the release of Gould and the signing of former Packers’ guard Josh Sitton), the Bears opening day roster appears set. With this in mind, let’s take a quick look at the Bears’ biggest strengths and weaknesses heading into the start of the season.
Strengths
The Front 7
It’s been well documented that the Bears’ front seven could be the biggest strength of the team. It has quality depth, a nice mix of veteran and young players, and should only get better in October when Pernell McPhee comes off the physically unable to perform list (PUP).
The defensive line has been bolstered by the additions of Akiem Hicks and rookie Jonathan Bullard (who should be starting in the not too distant future). Meanwhile, the linebacking unit has been drastically upgraded with veterans Danny Trevathan and Jerrell Freeman coming on board. If first-round pick Leonard Floyd can live up to expectations, this front seven could be game-changer.
Coaching Staff
2015 offensive coordinator Adam Gase may be coaching the Miami Dolphins now, but Dowell Loggains has a good rapport with Jay Cutler. That should make for a seamless transition. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio is one of the best defensive coaches in the league. With a much needed talent infusion to the defense in the offseason, Fangio should be able to improve upon the teams’ 20th-ranked scoring defense.
Head coach John Fox may irritate some with his lack of information on players’ injuries, but he’s respected by his players and has seen almost everything the NFL can throw at him. He’s a proven winner, and he has brought some respectability back to the Bears.
Running Back Depth
Losing Matt Forte did not help, but the Bears have three backs capable of picking up the slack. Jeremy Langford should be the bell cow, and his speed and big-play ability can single-handedly change games (see the Rams game last year).
Ka’Deem Carey hasn’t lived up to his fourth-round draft billing from three years ago. But his downhill running style is something that head coach John Fox loves. On top of this this, keep an eye on fifth-round rookie Jordan Howard. He shined in the fourth preseason game, and his physical style of running could earn him some goal-line work.
With three running backs, the Bears now have the luxury of going with the “hot hand” and switching things up from game to game.
Weaknesses
Offensive Line and Secondary Depth
The offensive line improved with the signing of Josh Sitton, but the depth—especially at tackle—is alarming. The Bears are one turned ankle away from having a nightmare on their hands.
The secondary already has been ravaged by injuries and there’s no proven veteran as a backup. Guys like Jacoby Glenn, Deiondre’ Hall, and Deon Bush may turn into serviceable starters down the road. As of right now, though, their inexperience is a glaring weakness.
Special Teams
Recently released kicker Robbie Gould has had a phenomenal career, but it was time to move in a different direction. With that being said, Connor Barth doesn’t instill much confidence, and he hasn’t kicked in Soldier Field since his rookie season—in 2008.
Punter Pat O’Donnell is a nice player, but the teams’ coverage skills are poor. In the preseason, the team had too many penalties and had trouble defending third and fourth-stringers.
As for the return game, Deonte Thompson is a threat, but the real question is if the Bears will be able to open up lanes for him to run through.
Health
Every team deals with injuries, but it’s been pretty ridiculous how many injuries the Bears have had to deal with already. From losing their starting center to a torn ACL to having their top three cornerbacks all on the injury report, it almost seems like the Bears can’t get through a practice without someone else getting hurt.
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From an optimist’s view, maybe the Bears have gotten all of their injuries out of the way now; from a pessimist’s view, this looks like a cursed season all ready. Health is key, and if the Bears want to surprise some people this year, they’re going to need all hands on deck—quick.