Post by Deleted on Sept 6, 2016 16:49:04 GMT -6
Power rankings and record predictions
by Matt Verderame
20. Chicago Bears
After a year under the Ryan Pace-John Fox regime, the Bears are still not quite a playoff team. The rebuild was always going to take some time, and it could be another year before Chicago can ascend into January football again.
The Bears had a very nice offseason under Pace, who signed Jerrell Freeman and Danny Trevathan. Both are underrated inside linebackers who can play against the run, with Trevathan also having the ability to drop into coverage.
Factor in a nice draft class and the return of 2015 first-round pick Kevin White, and Chicago has ample promise.
So why aren’t the Bears getting more love in these rankings? The offense is a serious work in progress. White is talented but a rookie, and Alshon Jeffery is terrific but always hurt. Meanwhile, Jeremy Langford has to prove he can carry the burden left for him by Matt Forte.
The defense isn’t without its questions as well. While the front seven is looking better than it has since the days of Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs, the secondary still has holes. Kyle Fuller might take the next step from his already solid play, but the supporting cast is a major concern.
Record prediction: 7-9
