It is Marc Trestman’s second year as the head coach for the Chicago Bears, and he has a lot to prove after his inaugural 8-8 season for the Bears last year. The defense last year was absolutely pitiful, setting an NFL record for most games in a row allowing 100 yards on the ground against its defense. The offense, despite not having Jay Cutler for almost half the season, was alright, but has a lot of room to improve this season. Special teams for the Bears last year was in decline as it has been for the past couple of seasons.
Expectations are sky high in the Windy City this year, and Trestman & co. certainly have a lot to prove.
2014 Chicago Bears Season Preview
Defense
The defense is the main focus of this Chicago Bears this year, despite the team being much more known for its offense first, score happy approach. But with shoring up the defensive side of the ball, the Bears could potentially be playoff bound.
The plight of the its defense is certainly not lost on Bears fans, who struggled watching team produce one of the worst defenses the worst the franchise has ever seen. For 11 straight games the Bears defense allowed a single rusher to gain over 100 yards in a single game. And if that wasn’t enough salt on the wound, on a memorable 4th and 10 against the Packers, the unit allowed Aaron Rodgers to complete a 4th quarter comeback to send Green Bay to the playoffs.
Despite having one of the worst defensive seasons in Bears history, there is one noteworthy positive: the defense put up a lot of scoring. Over the course of the year, it managed to record 8 touchdowns. They were a turnover machine in the first half of the season, though their output dwindled in the final half of the year.
There are quite a few new faces on this defense including first round draft pick Kyle Fuller, veteran MLB DJ Williams, and defensive ends Jared Allen, Lamar Houston, and Willie Young. In particular on defense, the line is where it all starts. With a solid defensive line and an opposing quarterback pressured regularly, the rest of the team stands to benefit. Linebackers can fill their gaps easier, and the secondary will not have to defend as many passes.
Watching the Bears linebacking corps this year, it’s worth noting Shea McClellin has gone from lineman to linebacker during this off season and has looked shaky at best in training camp and in preseason bouts. But with some turnover, there is also a veteran presence that will be counted on. Veteran DJ Williams has taken over the MLB position this year over second year player Jonathan Bostic. The Bears still have veteran linebacker Lance Briggs on the weak side as well. With the addition of veteran Jared Allen, Willie Young, and Lamar Houston, the defensive line has a lot of depth if everyone stays healthy. Jared Allen’s production has plummeted over the last few seasons in Minnesota, so he will have a lot to prove this year and should come into the season hungry. The Bears still have veterans Tim Jennings and Charles “Peanut” Tillman on the left and right side corner back positions. Both of these guys are “Monsters of the Midway” as long as they both stay healthy. Despite his absolutely dreadful play last year, Chris Conte finds himself in a rotating position battle for strong safety with Ryan Mundy. Conte underwent shoulder surgery and did not participate in all but three days of training camp this year with the Bears.
Offense
The Chicago Bears offense last year was decent, especially having lost Jay Cutler halfway through the season. The biggest key to the Bears offensive success this year is going to be Jay Cutler staying healthy. If the pivot goes down again, Bears fans will be left cringing with Jimmy Clausen at the backup position. It looks like Cutler has put on some muscle and definition over the off-season and has looked really good throwing the ball in the preseason.
Another key to success on offense this year is going to be the offensive line. The line was an absolute joke only a few years ago, but last season turned things around with a strong group of guys that meshed well. The Bears top two receivers are arguably the best combination in the NFL with Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery. Some of the catches Jeffery made last year were astonishing, and Brandon Marshall with Jay Cutler has proven to be a dangerous combo as well. Third receiver Marquess Wilson was injured in training camp with a broken clavicle, so the Bears were forced to explore free agency and were able to sign veteran Santonio Holmes. It looks as though he still has something in the tank and will prove to be a good fit at the third receiver position for the Bears this year. Veteran running back Matt Forte does not have too much behind him this year, so he needs to stay healthy as well or the Bears are looking at rookie running back Ka’deem Carey. If the offensive line can protect the quarterback this year, the Bears will have one of the top offenses in the league and will be looking at a playoff spot come January.
Special Teams
The Bears special teams last year was not as exciting as it had been in previous years with the decline of Devin Hester. With the departure of Hester to Atlanta this year, questions remain as to who his heir apparent might be. The Bears still have a respectable special teams, however. Kicker Robbie Gould remains with the team and is still one of the most accurate kickers in the NFL. Rookie Senorise Perry out of Louisville will be returning kickoffs and Michael Spurlock will be returning punts. Maybe the Bears can get some of that Miami magic they got from Devin Hester, from their rookie punter who comes from Miami as well?
Overview
I expect the offense will play very well, and anticipate the defense will have been much improved on last year’s version. My official prediction for the Bears this season is that they will win the division with a record of 12-4.
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