Storyline: While there are a lot of areas that need improvement, the Chicago Bears aren’t as far off as you might think. Here’s my analysis of what the team needs to be competitive in ’17.
The playoffs are underway and the Chicago Bears find themselves sitting at home, once again, watching from their couches. The reality is that many of the current players may not be Bears four months from now, including Alshon Jeffery.
Ryan Pace is hard at work (photo, Chicago Bears)
Though the off-season has begun for the players, there’s one man who’s hard at work and under the microscope. That man is general manager Ryan Pace. He’s got some serious work to do, seeking to go from worst to … well … not first … but at least to winners.
While there are a lot of areas that need improvement, the Bears aren’t as far off as you might think. Here’s a short analysis of where they stand and what they need to be competitive in ’17.
First of all, let’s revisit where they finished. The Bears had an abysmal season, 3-13, third worst in the NFL. That sounds awful. Right? Well, it’s not all bad.
The defense finished right in the middle of the pack at about 15th. They were surprisingly good against the pass (7th overall) and surprisingly bad against the run (27th overall). However, they finished 15th overall in total yards and 10th in red-zone defense. It’s also worth pointing out that a number of opposing offenses had trouble inside the 5-yard line figuring out Vic Fangio’s unique zone defense.
Courtesy: Chicago Bears
The offense was also towards the middle of the pack–15th in total yards, 14th in pass yards, and 17th in rush yards. However, the Bears were awful in points scored (28th).
So that’s where the Bears stood in ’16. What do they need now?
For starters, the secondary consists of largely back-ups combined with guys who belong on the practice squad. That’s the position of biggest need–either a safety or cornerback should be at the top of the list.
Chicago also needs a left tackle, one more true 5 technique player, another wideout, a tight end, and a young quarterback to develop.
Linebacker is the only position that’s set. If Floyd, Freeman, Trevethan and Mcphee (with Young subbing) are healthy, that corps is about a solid as it gets.
Now, how do the Bears get what they need?
Chicago has the 3rd overall pick in this year’s draft and the team is also in the top 5 in cap space. That means Pace has what he needs to assemble a winner. Free agency is critical, considering there are so many holes to fill, and Pace has the ability to bid on just about anyone he targets.
Whom should he target?
The Bears should target the Rams’ Trumaine Johnson (photo, Kickoff Coverage)
Trumaine Johnson (cornerback, Rams) might be available, but he will be expensive.
Captain Munnerlyn (cornerback, Vikings) is due for free agency and could be a value-signing depending on surrounding interest.
Chris Baker (Redskins) could be a solution for the other 5 technique position–and an excellent value signing.
Other names to watch could be Tony Jefferson (safety, Cardinals) and A.J. Bouye (cornerback, Texans).
If Pace can fill holes in the secondary and even snatch Chris Baker in free agency, that could open up the draft board. I think the Bears should focus on defense early and then nab a QB, wideout, and left tackle between the 2nd and 4th Rounds. They could also trade down to collect a few more picks in the 2nd and 3rd Rounds, maybe even a future 1st round pick. It will all highly depend on Combine results, along with who Pace decides to sign in free agency.
It will be interesting to see what Pace does this off-season. It’s his most important to date.
And, let’s face it: his job is counting on it.
