Chicago Bears: 7 Offseason moves to make for 2020 to return to playoffs
Fix the offensive line
The offensive line had its problems in 2019. It just wasn’t where most people felt it was. Pass protection was average, not as horrible as some fans feel. They allowed 45 sacks in 2019. The NFL average was 40 so they were right around average. By contrast, the Houston Texans (49) and the Seattle Seahawks (48) each gave up more sacks than the Bears yet found a way to still be alive in the playoffs after the first round.
The Bears’ team pass block win ratio, which rates how many times offensive lines sustain a block for 2.5 seconds or more, ranks 13th, winning 61 percent of the time.
No, the line’s pass rush isn’t the greatest but a little adjustment and it gets better. For 2020, fans need to understand that Charles Leno and Bobby Massie are coming back. They combine for $18.3 million in dead money and save nothing. Actually, getting rid of both costs the Bears $900,000 in cap space.
Long’s retirement saved the Bears $8.1 million. They need to find a replacement for him. Rashaad Coward just couldn’t cut it as a starter. He might not make it back but if he does it’ll be as a backup. Ted Larsen is probably out as well. He is long in the tooth and his body is breaking down.
Cody Whitehair had another strong season. The Bears’ line played better when Whitehair and James Daniels switched back to their 2018 positions. Whitehair called the signals from the center position better than Daniels and Daniels performed better at guard without the added responsibility.
The run blocking does need to improve. The Chicago Bears running backs averaged just 3.7 yards per rush. David Montgomery averaged that same number yet amassed over 1,000 total yards. He was among the league leaders (he ranked seventh) in broken tackles with 28. Imagine if he had more space to run through.
I think the Bears go through the draft to pick up a lineman or two. They probably also go after a free agent and add depth.