Last season the tide has turned in the north: The Vikings played for the Super Bowl in the championship game, while the Packers finished third in the NFC North with just seven wins. The Chicago Bears, on the other hand, are much better than in previous years, and the Lions are always good for a surprise with Matt Stafford. Who can secure supremacy in the North this year? The SPOX preview of NFC North.
Balance 2017: 5-11.
Most important additions: WR Allen Robinson, TE Trey Burton, WR Taylor Gabriel, LB Roquan Smith.
Most important retirements: QB Mike Glennon, CB Marcus Cooper, WR Cameron Meredith, OG Josh Sitton, OLB Pernell McPhee.
Although the Chicago Bears only scored five victories last season, fans should be optimistic about the new season. Following the release of John Fox, the Bears will begin the 2018 season with new head coach Matt Nagy, who previously served as quarterback coach and offensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs.
This is strongly based on a West-Cost-Offense scheme, paired with elements from vertical pass routes. This style of play should meet last year’s second-overall pick of Mitchell Trubisky, especially since he received real weapons in the off-season with wide receiver Allen Robinson, Taylor Gabriel and Tight End Trey Burton. A quantum leap compared to 2017.
In the past season, the quarterback has achieved a register rating of 77.5, despite conservative play calling. In twelve games Trubisky scored seven touchdowns, but also threw seven interceptions. Nevertheless, he also shows good approaches in the past games. He moves properly in his pocket and makes the right decisions in many situations.
Behind them are Jordan Howard and Tarik Cohen, one of the most talented running back duo in the entire league. Howard is the team’s workhorse. In 2017, it ran in 276 attempts for 1,122 yards. In the coming season, more and more receiving tasks will probably be taken on by more lively Cohen, whom Nagy flexibly integrates into his formations.
On the defensive, the Bears continue to rely on consistency and trust players from last season for the most part. Key players such as the two cornerbacks Kyle Fuller and Prince Amukamara could be held. The defensive line is very strong, Roquan Smith should play an important role right from the start. The Bears and their defensive coordinator Vic Fangio do not need to hide from any NFL offensive.
Failures could occur, for example, on the part of the inexperienced coaching staff. This is Matt Nagy’s first job as head coach in the NFL. He will certainly need some time to get used to the new role.
Guard Josh Sitton’s departure could also seriously damage the Bears, as the Bears in the O-Line are only weakly occupied at the deep end. Even veterans like Guard Kyle Long are not getting better due to injuries (neck, shoulder, elbows).
Above all, however, is the development of Trubisky. If the 2018 Scheme cannot make the hoped-for progress, the Bears will soon reach their limits.
After a few years, Chicago once again has a competitive team that looks pretty neat on paper. Trubisky already showed good beginnings last year. It remains to be seen how the harmony and play calling in the offensive of Trubisky and Nagy will develop and how heavy Sitton’s departure in the offensive line weighs.
Despite the loss, the Bears can benefit from an excellent run game. Unlike in previous years, the franchise will have more talent and better offensive coaching in the coming season, so Trubisky will also see improvements. Forecast: 3rd place in the division.
Page 1: Chicago Bears
Page 2: Detroit Lions
Page 3: Green Bay Packers
Page 4: Minnesota Vikings