Pieces in place to keep Bears in Super Bowl Hunt
The Chicago Bears celebrate after cornerback Kyle Fuller intercepted a pass in the end zone intended for Detroit Lions tight end Michael Roberts during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson) ORG XMIT: otkco181
The Chicago Bears were a missed field goal away from reaching the NFC Divisional Round to take on team they had successfully shut down during the NFL regular season. However, Cody Parkey’s miss from 43 yards prevented Matt Nagy’s men from advancing to the final four in their conference. The Philadelphia Eagles were the beneficiary of Parkey’s miss, while the Dallas Cowboys were sent to take on the Los Angeles Rams in their stead.
Given that would transpire in the rest of the playoffs, the Bears may feel that the 2018 season was an opportunity missed. The New England Patriots utilized a gameplan similar to the Bears’ shutdown of Sean McVay’s offense in week 14 of the campaign. Vic Fangio’s defense limited Jared Goff, Todd Gurley and company to only six points. Mitchell Trubisky was able to lead his team downfield for 15 points, including a touchdown strike to offensive tackle Bradley Sowell. The 15-6 triumph was extremely similar to the victory that the Patriots enjoyed over the Rams in Super Bowl LIII.
It gives teams of the Bears’ ilk hope of producing a similar run in the 2019 campaign to leave Hard Rock Stadium with the Vince Lombardi Trophy. Chicago are backed at 20/1 by PaddyPower to triumph, which would hand a punter perfect use of their $20 risk free punt and their $5 free bet through Oddschecker. Nagy’s men are outsiders for the crown given that the Rams are not going anywhere soon, while the New Orleans Saints, Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles have all had proven mettle in the post-season.
The NFC North will be extremely competitive next term. Aaron Rodgers may have the shackles unleashed by new head coach Matt LeFleur, while Kirk Cousins could be in line for an improvement in his second season with the Minnesota Vikings. Nagy is under pressure to keep his team in charge of the division after securing their first NFC North title since 2010, although valuable time is ticking on the beneficial rookie contract of Trubisky that has allowed the Bears to fill their defense with star players.
Offensive Improvement
Roundup: Mitchell Trubisky replaces Goff on Pro Bowl roster https://t.co/XFuM8sDlJd pic.twitter.com/fOkPte1UlE
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) January 21, 2019
Trubisky improved significantly under the tutelage of Nagy, throwing 24 touchdowns to 12 interceptions over the course of the campaign. His best asset may be his feet as he displayed excellent running ability under pressure, notably scoring an incredible touchdown against the Patriots at Soldier Field. The 24-year-old did make throws under pressure in their Wildcard Round defeat to the Eagles. Trubisky moved the Bears into position, but their hopes were ended when Parkey missed his attempt. The quarterback performed well without a great deal of talent in the receiving corps.
Taylor Gabriel enjoyed the best season of his career, although he is perhaps a third option or at best a number two rather than go-to-man he became for Trubisky. Allen Robinson wasn’t the number one option that the Bears would have hoped outside of the Eagles game. Anthony Miller displayed signs of promise in his rookie season. The tight end position was affected last season by Adam Shaheen’s injury problems, although Trey Burton enjoyed a strong first campaign with the club following his move from the Eagles.
Jordan Howard has been a revelation since arriving in the NFL in the 2016 season. However, he endured the worst campaign of his career last term, failing to pass 1,000 yards for the first time. Entering the final year of his contract, the Bears have a decision to make regarding his future. Tarik Cohen has proven to be an electric receiving back, becoming one of the most dynamic playmakers in the NFL. His issue has been keeping hold of the ball, fumbling seven times last season. Nagy will be wary of handing off to him too many times if he cannot improve his handling skills.
Even with the perfect supporting cast, the offense will live or die on the arm of Trubisky. If he can take a step forward in his development to become consistent throwing the ball then the Bears have the opportunity to become a powerhouse in the NFC Conference.
Remaining dominant
Khalil Mack, Amari Cooper trades took a toll on Raiders, says Donald Penn | NFL https://t.co/5dwINYwsgO pic.twitter.com/mhxsEg3VQb
— Nightfall News (@nightfallnews) February 8, 2019
General manager Ryan Pace made a bold move to acquire Khalil Mack from the Oakland Raiders. The trade involved giving up a great deal of capital for the former Defensive Player of the Year, sending two first-round picks to the Raiders for his services.
Mack also signed the most lucrative contract for a defensive player in NFL history, which was only trumped when Aaron Donald penned his new deal weeks later. Mack did not disappoint in his first season in Chicago, notching 12.5 sacks and six forced fumbles. He could have notched 20 sacks in the campaign if not for an ankle injury that he struggled to overcome for a month. At the age of 27, he will be a permanent fixture for the next six years chasing down opposing quarterbacks.
Mack is a player that every offensive coordinator has to account for, freeing up his team-mates to thrive in the backfield. Akiem Hicks has been outstanding since his move to the club, dominating in the middle of the line. He has been potent against the run and pass, providing the dual threat that teams crave at the defensive tackle position.
Alongside Hicks, Eddie Goldman has developed into a fine nose tackle, so much so that the Bears rewarded him with a new contract. Roquan Smith was arguably the most naturally talented player in the 2018 Draft. He duly delivered with an impressive rookie season that was slightly put into the shade by his contemporary Darius Leonard. However, he’s made a step on the path to join the past greats of the Bears’ linebacking corps.
The secondary also performed at a high level, although the potential departures of Adrian Amos and Bryce Callahan is a concern. Trubisky’s rookie contract gives the Bears flexibility that could result in both players returning, which should see the unit remain dominant despite the change in coordinator following Fangio’s move to the Denver Broncos. The pressure is on the new man in charge Chuck Pagano to retain those standards, and there’s no excuse given the levels of talent.
Looking Ahead
The Bears are well positioned in the NFC North to remain in the post-season. Despite boasting Rodgers, the Packers are going through a rebuild which will take time to come to fruition. The Vikings have a talented defense, although key parts are beginning to age. Next season could be final year of their window to maximize their defense and the second year of Cousins’ contract.
The Detroit Lions are just as likely to be in contention for the number one pick in the Draft as they are going for the division crown. Matt Patricia is a coach on the hotseat after a controversial first year in charge as he drew the ire of supporters for the team’s performances and the media for his demeanor in press conferences. Chicago is in a position of strength with their head coach, their defense and potentially their quarterback.
