670 the scores positional breakdown:

riczaj01
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670 the scores positional breakdown: Jul 12, 2019 6:02:06 GMT -6 AlexM and omc1969 like this

Post by riczaj01 on Jul 12, 2019 6:02:06 GMT -6

670thescore.radio.com/chicago-bears-position-preview-quarterback-mitchell-trubisky-2019

Bears Position Preview: Quarterback

The Bears have positioned Mitchell Trubisky for another jump in his third season.
CHRIS EMMA

JULY 10, 2019 - 10:59 AM

(670 The Score) Since making the bold move to trade up one slot to draft Mitchell Trubisky in April 2017, the Bears have seen growth and promise in their deep investment at quarterback.

Watch NFL games now on fuboTV.

Trubisky now has two seasons under his belt and a year working under the direction of coach Matt Nagy, establishing himself in a Bears system built around his strengths and developing a rapport with his receivers. Where do they all go from here?

Year 3 for Trubisky could ultimately reveal whether the Bears have a good quarterback or something more.

Projected depth chart

1.) Mitchell Trubisky, 24

Drafted No. 2 overall in 2017, Trubisky is the clear-cut starter -- a position he has held since the fifth game of his rookie season.

2.) Chase Daniel, 32

The Bears value Daniel's presence in their quarterback room, not only as a steady and workmanlike veteran but also as an extension of the coaching staff for Trubisky and the offense to learn from. He started two games in 2018 when Trubisky was injured, and the Bears went 1-1.

3.) Tyler Bray, 27

Like Daniel, Bray offers value as another sounding board for Trubisky and the coaches. He was active for two games in 2018.

Position coach: Dave Ragone

The lone offensive coach to remain from John Fox's staff, Ragone has been a key figure in the growth of Trubisky. Ragone, 39, could be a candidate to take a career jump after this season given the widespread respect that he holds in the industry.

How the Bears got here

After Nagy was hired in January 2018 in large part because of his vision for Trubisky, the Bears built their quarterback room carefully with the hope of benefiting Trubisky at every turn.

Mark Helfrich was brought in as the offensive coordinator, and he and Nagy exchanged ideas in creating the system for Trubisky. Daniel and Bray entered the fold as reserves and supporters of Trubisky off the field. Playmakers were added for the offense. From there, it was up to Trubisky.

In 14 regular-season games, he completed 66.6 percent of his passes for 3,223 yards, 24 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. The Bears went 12-4 and from worst to first in the NFC North before losing their wild-card round game to the Eagles, 16-15.

Trubisky certainly understood the task in his second NFL season, working long hours after practices to ensure his readiness for each game and set up growth in the long term. At the end of the season, Trubisky received a Pro Bowl nod as a reserve.

Key storyline: Can Trubisky become a top-tier quarterback?

A team doesn't trade up to the second pick and draft a quarterback with the hopes he can be good. The Bears have done all they could to set Trubisky up for success, believing they can help him become an elite quarterback. How would that be defined in 2019?

For all the various statistics, Trubisky's potential rise could be defined by if he's the reason why the Bears are winning games. Is he lifting the offense in 2019 toward the level of the top-ranked scoring defense of 2018?

Trubisky grew up watching and appreciating the likes of Peyton Manning, Tom Brady and Drew Brees. They represent the rising tides to lift all boats, with championships to their credit.

First, Trubisky must continue his development in the "202" level of the offense, as Nagy put it. With that comes not just mastering the system but also anticipating what a defense is presenting and beating it. With success in that step, the Bears could see their offense elevate to a top-10 unit.

It's up to Trubisky to prove his place as one of the game's best quarterbacks.

Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @cemma670.

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riczaj01
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670 the scores positional breakdown: Jul 12, 2019 6:11:43 GMT -6 AlexM and omc1969 like this

Post by riczaj01 on Jul 12, 2019 6:11:43 GMT -6

Bears Position Preview: Running Back
How the Bears manage the workload in their backfield is an intriguing storyline.
CHRIS EMMA
JULY 11, 2019 - 11:53 AM

Leading up to the start of Bears training camp in late July, we're running a series of positional outlooks. This is the second installment. You can read all of them here.

Watch NFL games now on fuboTV.
(670 The Score) As the Bears examined the potential of their offense after it displayed inconsistencies in 2018, it became clear they would seek a change at running back.

Jordan Howard set the Bears' rookie rushing record in 2016 and had established himself as a reliable running back, but his inability to be the versatile piece that coach Matt Nagy sought for his offense forced the team to act.

The Bears signed veteran Mike Davis, traded Howard to the Eagles and then drafted David Montgomery out of Iowa State. With Davis and Montgomery joining Tarik Cohen, the Bears feel better about the potential of their offense.

How will it all work in 2019? Let's take a look.
Projected depth chart
1A.) Mike Davis, 26
Davis will likely open the season as the feature back, though the Bears have made it clear this will be a three-headed monster in the backfield. Davis provides what Nagy desires out of the backfield, as he rushed for 514 yards (4.6 yards per carry) and caught 34 passes in 2018.

1B.) Tarik Cohen, 23
Nagy knows well the kind of speed and explosiveness that Cohen brings. He doesn't want to overuse that and expose Cohen, who projects to be a complement at running back while also filling a role out wide.

1C.) David Montgomery, 22
At Iowa State, Montgomery proved his place as one of the Big 12's premier rushers and sold the Bears on what he could bring at the next level. How Montgomery absorbs Nagy's offense and takes it to the field at full speed will define his role early as a rookie.

Depth: Cordarrelle Patterson (WR), Ryan Nall, Kerrith Whyte Jr.

Position coach: Charles London
London joined Nagy's coaching staff with a previously established running back group. Now, he will be the man tasked with ensuring the development of Montgomery and helping define how carries are split.

How the Bears got here
Off to the side of mini-camp warmups in 2018, Nagy stood along a sideline and chucked pass after pass at Howard. Nagy was willing to give him the chance to prove himself as a versatile weapon.

Howard's main weaknesses were in route running and operating as a wide receiver the way Cohen, Montgomery and Davis can. While Howard can catch a pass out of the backfield, he struggled making plays big plays. During the 2018 season, the Bears had already begun scouting for Howard's replacement while he was on the roster.

Despite the need at running back and the potential for a championship season, the Bears were never in position to commit big money for Le'Veon Bell. They locked in Davis on the first day of free agency while continuing to move forward with their plan to draft a running back.
The Bears didn't own draft picks in the first or second rounds, so they selected Montgomery in the third round after trading up to No. 73 overall.

Key storyline: Will Montgomery emerge as the Bears' go-to back?
The Bears don't need Montgomery to be an every-down back and a 1,000-yard rusher. That's why they signed Davis, and they know Cohen and perhaps receiver Cordarrelle Patterson will see carries too.
But with the scouting work put in to draft Montgomery, the Bears clearly feel that he has the potential to be a three-down back -- if not in 2019, then down the road.

Montgomery's performance in training camp will set the tone for how the Bears use him this season. Once there's kickoff on the 2019 regular season, the opportunities for Montgomery to prove himself will be fewer.

The Bears see their three running backs as a positive instead of a burden. Nagy and his coaching staff will use the ramp-up to the regular season establishing a plan with their rushers.

That will largely be determined by how much Montgomery is ready to handle.

Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @cemma670.

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Last Edit: Jul 12, 2019 6:13:21 GMT -6 by riczaj01

riczaj01
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670 the scores positional breakdown: Jul 12, 2019 10:02:13 GMT -6 omc1969 likes this

Post by riczaj01 on Jul 12, 2019 10:02:13 GMT -6

I still 100% hate the depth at qb. Daniel and Bray serve the same purpose, so why have them both here? Chase also proved he might know the offense, but he cannot execute it.

Davis is likely 1c and DaMonty 1a, but lets Davis is is a huge peice regardless b/c he is now taking the place of Cunningham, who wasn't very good last year. Same w/Patterson replacing Mizelle.

As long as Trubs stays healthy the team should be fine. year 1 to 2 w/the same O system and mostly the same targets for the qb to work with should create a large jump; even if it takes a 3-4 weeks for them to really get into it.

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riczaj01
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670 the scores positional breakdown: Jul 12, 2019 10:04:30 GMT -6 omc1969 and bears40 like this

Post by riczaj01 on Jul 12, 2019 10:04:30 GMT -6

Bears Position Preview: Receiver
Allen Robinson leads an established Bears receiving group.
CHRIS EMMA
JULY 12, 2019 - 9:31 AM
(670 The Score) The Bears turned their weakest position into a great strength in 2018 by adding dynamic group of weapons at wide receiver.

Now in their second season working in coach Matt Nagy's offense, the Bears receivers will be working with a greater comfort, which is expected to benefit them and the growth of quarterback Mitchell Trubisky.

The trio of Allen Robinson, Taylor Gabriel and Anthony Miller emerged around Trubisky in 2018. This season, there are more options in play.

Projected depth chart

Allen Robinson, 25
The lasting impression of Robinson's first season in Chicago came in the wild-card round playoff loss to Philadelphia. He caught 10 passes for 143 yards and a touchdown, showcasing great rhythm with Trubisky. The Bears hope their established connection leads to big production in 2019.

Taylor Gabriel, 28
Gabriel proved to be a reliable target in the Bears' offense last season, catching 67 of the 93 targets for a career-best 72-percent rate. The 67 receptions were nearly double his previous season-high mark.

Anthony Miller, 24
Despite dealing with a lingering left shoulder injury, Miller still led all rookie receivers with seven touchdown catches. He's recovering from offseason surgery to that shoulder, but the Bears hope he will be ready for training camp.

Cordarrelle Patterson, 28
The versatile Patterson is an ideal fit for Nagy's plans on offense, adding a threat out wide and in the backfield. Nagy described himself as "like a kid in the candy store" making plans for Patterson.

Riley Ridley, 22
Given their secure roster, the Bears drafted the best player available in the fourth round when they selected the 6-foot-1 Ridley, who brings more potential into Chicago's offense.

Javon Wims, 24
Wims flashed some potential in the regular-season finale by catching four passes for 32 yards. He was active for only four games but was developing steadily throughout his rookie campaign.

Depth: Tanner Gentry, 24; Emanuel Hall, 22; Marvin Hall, 26; Thomas Ives, 23; Taquan Mizzell, 25; Jordan Williams-Lambert, 25

Position coach: Mike Furrey

A former NFL receiver, Furrey won over his players last season with an infectious energy and passion. Among Furrey's biggest tasks this season will be developing young prospects like Ridley and Wims.

How the Bears got here

It was just two seasons ago the Bears had a receiving group widely considered the worst in the league. Their deficiencies combined with an unimaginative offense kept Trubisky from developing as much as hoped as a rookie.

With Trubisky in mind, the Bears invested heavily at wide receiver, doling out $32 million guaranteed between Robinson and Gabriel and trading a 2019 second-round pick to acquire Miller in the 2018 draft.

The trio of Robinson, Gabriel and Miller combined to catch 155 of Trubisky's 289 completions last season, with Gabriel's 67 receptions leading the way. He played all 16 games and caught a pass in all but one contest.

The Bears entered this offseason seemingly set at receiver but still made moves to enhance that position. In came Patterson, whose role is still being created by Nagy. Then they went out and drafted Ridley in the fourth round, adding some more upside.

There's intriguing depth at receiver to round out the 90-man roster and only a few spots available to claim.

Key storyline: What's in store for Robinson?

At this time a year ago, Robinson was just settling in with the Bears while also finishing his rehab from a torn ACL. Now, he's "light years ahead" from that point.

Robinson reminded in June that he's only 25 years old and not by any means a finished product.

"I don't think as a player I've necessarily peaked yet," he said.

If Robinson can emerge as one of the game's top receivers, it would seem to be this season with an established offense, a clean bill of health and the motivation that clearly lies within.

Robinson and Trubisky have developed a rapport on the field that they believe can take off this season. They're staring at a big opportunity together in 2019.

Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @cemma670.

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Last Edit: Jul 12, 2019 10:05:13 GMT -6 by riczaj01

riczaj01
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670 the scores positional breakdown: Jul 15, 2019 10:08:48 GMT -6 omc1969 and bears40 like this

Post by riczaj01 on Jul 15, 2019 10:08:48 GMT -6

670thescore.radio.com/chicago-bears-2019-position-preview-tight-end-adam-shaheen-trey-burton

Bears Position Preview: Tight End
The Bears are still trying to get a sense of what they have in Adam Shaheen.

CHRIS EMMA
JULY 15, 2019 - 10:38 AM

(670 The Score) The Bears believed they had a dynamic tight end tandem when they paired Trey Burton and Adam Shaheen together in 2018. Instead, those hopes never materialized.

Shaheen played in just six games during his second NFL season, hampered by a right foot/ankle injury in the preseason and a concussion that he suffered upon return to action in November. While Burton played in all 16 regular-season games before an unfortunate absence ahead of the wild-card game, the Bears never created a dangerous pairing with their tight ends.

The start of training camp in late July brings the Bears a fresh start for their hopes at tight end. The team is hopeful that Burton will be ready for action after an offseason procedure to repair a sports hernia, and Shaheen is expected to be healthy as he reports to Olivet Nazarene.

Related: Report: 49ers, Robbie Gould agree to 2-year extension

The Bears need health from their top two tight ends, because they're lacking depth behind Burton and Shaheen.

Projected depth chart

1.) Trey Burton, 27

Burton had a solid first season in Chicago, hauling in 54 receptions for 569 yards and six touchdowns. But many will remember his year for his sudden absence in the Bears' wild-card round playoff loss to the Eagles. It was later revealed Burton was dealing with the sports hernia.

2.) Adam Shaheen, 24

Selected in the second round of the 2017 draft, Shaheen has just 17 career catches over 19 regular-season games. Injuries and inconsistencies have left the Bears still wondering what they have in him.

Depth: Bradley Sowell, 30; Ben Braunecker, 25; Dax Raymond, 24; Ian Bunting, 23; Jesper Horsted, 22; Ellis Richardson, 24

Position coach: Kevin Gilbride

The son of longtime NFL assistant Kevin Gilbride Sr., the junior Gilbride is entering his second season coaching the Bears' tight end group.

How they got here

The Bears set out to add dynamic weapons for coach Matt Nagy's offense, and it brought them to Burton on a four-year deal in March 2018. He joined Shaheen, who was selected in the second round a year earlier.

Despite his inexperience in a leading role, Burton showed the kind of consistency desired in his first season with the Bears. He had a reception in every regular-season game but one while creating the kind of mismatch Nagy had hoped to find.

But Shaheen couldn't do his part as injuries hampered his second NFL season. He suffered a foot/ankle injury in August and was on injured reserve into November. In his first game back, Shaheen suffered a concussion that kept him out another game. Shaheen had only five receptions for 48 yards and a touchdown in six regular-season games.

Then came the sudden injury to Burton, announced by the Bears late Saturday night before the wild-card game Sunday. He was held out with discomfort that was eventually revealed to be a sports hernia, an issue that was surgically repaired this spring. Without Burton, the Eagles had an easier time handling the Bears' other targets, notably Tarik Cohen.

It was a reminder for the Bears how their lack of depth at tight end is a major concern. The reserves behind Burton and Shaheen now include Braunecker, mostly a special-teams player, and Sowell, a converted offensive tackle. Dax Raymond is an intriguing undrafted rookie free-agent pickup.

But one injury could force the Bears' hand at a position lacking certainty in depth.

Key storyline: What is Shaheen?

The nickname "Baby Gronk" arrived with Shaheen at the NFL level, carrying over from his days at Division-II Ashland University. The moniker stemmed from Shaheen's dominance at the lower level of football but has seemed to make him uncomfortable when it's mentioned around the NFL.

Shaheen has struggled to live up to his billing as the second-round pick that few projected him to be. Though he certainly looks the part of an NFL tight end at 6-foot-6 and 270 pounds, Shaheen has yet to emerge.

Shaheen will have the benefit of an opportunity this season given the Bears' lacking depth at tight end. If he's healthy, the Bears may finally gain a sense of what they have in Shaheen.

Nagy has already noted the differences he sees in Shaheen. Ultimately, it comes down whether Shaheen can stay healthy and how he can assert himself at game speed.

Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @cemma670.

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670 the scores positional breakdown: Jul 15, 2019 12:38:41 GMT -6 omc1969 and papabear7 like this

Post by JABF on Jul 15, 2019 12:38:41 GMT -6

My #1 concern for the 2019 Bears is the TE group. Trubisky will have a significantly better season if the TE play is solid (receiving & blocking). They don't have to put up big numbers receiving, but at least pose a threat that defenses have to account for. Yeah, and in the red zone it will be a huge help if Trubs can have solid TE play too. Over many years I've watched what solid TE play has provided Tom Brady. How many games have you seen won by NE by the TE's (not just Gronk) getting it done? I watch those plays in NE games and just think of how much that elevates Brady's game... and not just the catches because they also provide such an accountability burden for defenses. Would love to see Trubisky have that kind of support in games.

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riczaj01
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670 the scores positional breakdown: Jul 16, 2019 8:07:30 GMT -6 omc1969, JABF, and 2 more like this

Post by riczaj01 on Jul 16, 2019 8:07:30 GMT -6

Jul 15, 2019 12:38:41 GMT -6 JABF said:

My #1 concern for the 2019 Bears is the TE group. Trubisky will have a significantly better season if the TE play is solid (receiving & blocking). They don't have to put up big numbers receiving, but at least pose a threat that defenses have to account for. Yeah, and in the red zone it will be a huge help if Trubs can have solid TE play too. Over many years I've watched what solid TE play has provided Tom Brady. How many games have you seen won by NE by the TE's (not just Gronk) getting it done? I watch those plays in NE games and just think of how much that elevates Brady's game... and not just the catches because they also provide such an accountability burden for defenses. Would love to see Trubisky have that kind of support in games.

Other then Kicker, ya TE is the weak spot on the team, remember when it was always the OL?

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670 the scores positional breakdown: Jul 16, 2019 10:48:41 GMT -6 omc1969 and shark86 like this

Post by papabear7 on Jul 16, 2019 10:48:41 GMT -6

We're so stacked at WR and appear to be pretty well stacked at RB (including 3 guys who can apparently run routes/catch) that I'm not overly concerned about the TE position. I think Burton is solid enough that even though he may not keep teams up at night he can still make them pay if he gets the ball. It would be really nice thought if Shaheen could actually step up this year. Needs to stay healthy to do that.

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JABF
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670 the scores positional breakdown: Jul 16, 2019 13:52:27 GMT -6 omc1969 likes this

Post by JABF on Jul 16, 2019 13:52:27 GMT -6

Jul 16, 2019 8:07:30 GMT -6 riczaj01 said:

Jul 15, 2019 12:38:41 GMT -6 JABF said:

My #1 concern for the 2019 Bears is the TE group. Trubisky will have a significantly better season if the TE play is solid (receiving & blocking). They don't have to put up big numbers receiving, but at least pose a threat that defenses have to account for. Yeah, and in the red zone it will be a huge help if Trubs can have solid TE play too. Over many years I've watched what solid TE play has provided Tom Brady. How many games have you seen won by NE by the TE's (not just Gronk) getting it done? I watch those plays in NE games and just think of how much that elevates Brady's game... and not just the catches because they also provide such an accountability burden for defenses. Would love to see Trubisky have that kind of support in games.

Other then Kicker, ya TE is the weak spot on the team, remember when it was always the OL?

+1

Good point. Kicker is still an issue until we know otherwise.

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bears40
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670 the scores positional breakdown: Jul 16, 2019 17:13:47 GMT -6 riczaj01, omc1969, and 1 more like this

Post by bears40 on Jul 16, 2019 17:13:47 GMT -6

Jul 12, 2019 10:02:13 GMT -6 riczaj01 said:

I still 100% hate the depth at qb. Daniel and Bray serve the same purpose, so why have them both here? Chase also proved he might know the offense, but he cannot execute it.

Davis is likely 1c and DaMonty 1a, but lets Davis is is a huge peice regardless b/c he is now taking the place of Cunningham, who wasn't very good last year. Same w/Patterson replacing Mizelle.

As long as Trubs stays healthy the team should be fine. year 1 to 2 w/the same O system and mostly the same targets for the qb to work with should create a large jump; even if it takes a 3-4 weeks for them to really get into it.

+100000! We need a solid backup who can win and at least hold serve if forced to play. Neither of these guys (IMO) are geared to do so.

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