Which Chicago Bears players have the most to prove this upcoming 2021 season? As we sit in the middle of the quiet part of the off-season, where rumors are more prevalent than actual actions, it’s a fair question. This team and organization are on a collision course with starting Justin Fields. It would be beneficial to know who could (and should) be around when that happens.
Who Has the Most to Prove on the Chicago Bears in 2021?
Robert Quinn – EDGE
2020 Stats: 20 Tackles (14 Solo), 2 Sacks, 3 Forced Fumbles, 1 Fumble Recoveries
The Robert Quinn signing is off to a bad start after the prized 2020 off-season acquisition limped (almost literally) through training camp and into the regular season as he missed the opener. He was coming off of an 11.5-sack campaign with Dallas and seemed like the perfect complement to Khalil Mack. He got more than one pressure in a game just three times, and more than two just once.
With Mack demanding so much attention on the other side, it’s unacceptable that Quinn’s production was so paltry. Granted, he apparently came in with a lingering injury. But that’s more of a knock on Ryan Pace (who guaranteed Quinn $30 million) than it is an excuse for the player. With strong Pernell McPhee vibes radiating from this deal, Quinn needs to have a major bounceback in 2021.
An argument could be made that Eddie Goldman should be here. At least Quinn played last season while Goldman opted out for COVID concerns. A year away from the game is rarely a good thing for anyone. But given the nature of Goldman’s role, as a space-eating run-stuffer, it’s far less of a concern than Quinn whose game is mostly based on speed and quickness. His guaranteed money is up after this season meaning it could be his last in Chicago.
Eddie Jackson – Safety
2020 Stats: 82 Tackles, (63 Solo), 3 Forced Fumbles, 1 Fumble Recovery, 1 Touchdown
One of the bellwether players from the short but sweet run to the playoffs in 2018, Eddie Jackson has seen opinions of him change, even if slight or temporary. Jackson made his name as a ballhawk. He snagged 10 picks from his safety spot over his first three years to go along with four forced fumbles and five recoveries.
But over the last two years, and particularly in 2021 when he failed to record an interception for the first time in his young career, the lack of splash plays has left room for criticism. The biggest gripe fans have had is his tackling. Despite posting a career-low missed tackle rate, much of the conversation last season was his inability to bring down ball-carriers in the open field. If he starts taking the ball away again that won’t be an issue.
Some of Jackson’s hiccups have been the result of not having the proper partner in the defensive backfield. He played his best ball next to Adrian Amos who made up for his lack in playmaking chops by excelling in run support. Tashaun Gipson was the best option since Amos and he returns this season. Let’s see if it will continue impacting Jackson positively.
Allen Robinson – Wide Receiver
2020 Stats: 102 Receptions, 1250 Yards, 6 Touchdowns
‘Polarizing’ is a good way to describe Allen Robinson, at least when it comes to fan opinion. Some believe he is a true number-one option at the wide receiver position. Others say, at best, he’s a second option that benefits from the lack of weapons in Chicago. All he did in 2020 was post his best stats since the 2015 season when he was a Pro Bowler with arguably the worst quarterback play in the NFL.
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Robinson, playing on the franchise tag, has the opportunity to shut the haters down. He had just three games with fewer than 70 receiving yards, so he was consistent. But there have been several occasions where he’s had balls ripped from his arms or, some feel, he hasn’t fought for extra yardage. The first one has some merit but the defense gets paid too and he’s always drawing the top assignment. The latter gripe isn’t worth debating as much for a wide receiver as it is for a running back.
Some might argue that Anthony Miller has more to prove but he’s not looking for a big payday and long-term security. Robinson will be looking to average at least the $17.9 million he’ll get this year under the tag on his next deal. How he performs this season will dictate whether it the Bears or another team that pays him.
Matt Nagy – Head Coach
2020 Stats: 8-8 record (28-20 Career)
Offense: 22nd Points, 26th Yards
Defense: 14th Points, 11th Yards
It starts at the top and Matt Nagy had as big a hand in the Bears downfall last season as the players. His playcalling has often left much to be desired. We even saw him relinquish those duties for a portion of last season to some success. Those successes came against the weaker part of the schedule so it’s easy to see how Bill Lazor’s efforts could be dismissed.
But Nagy now has his handpicked quarterback in place with Fields, a defense that should still compete at a high level, and the weight of the franchise’s 100-plus year history to find the next Sid Luckman; that is a franchise quarterback. Nagy didn’t do Mitchell Trubisky many favors no matter how you felt about the now-Buffalo Bills backup. Nick Foles was also a flop after the Bears gave up draft capital to get him.
He’s got two chances to make good on his hiring: 1) be a competent unit with Andy Dalton so that 2) he can develop Justin Fields properly. It should go without saying as Nagy is the second coach he’s hired, but Pace needs this just as badly as Nagy, if not more. Coaches resurface far more often than general managers.
Chicago Bears with the Most to Prove in 2021
The Bears have the third-toughest schedule based on 2020 win percentages. This is going to be a challenging year no matter what but it will be even more so if the players (and coach) mentioned above don’t step up their respective games. Hopefully, we’re all pleasantly surprised by these players and the team as a whole.
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