2014 Preseason: Bears vs. Jaguars Talking Smack with Black and Teal

Aug 8, 2014; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Josh McCown (12) is sacked by Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Chris Clemons (91) during the first half at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports

It’s not like the Bears fought hard to keep Josh McCown this off season. He took his good fortune and followed the money. Who can blame the guy. I wouldn’t say that he played “so” much better than Jay Cutler did last season. Granted, Josh’s stats were better, but Jay had one of his best seasons as a quarterback last year. The key to the Bears offense is head coach Marc Trestman. He came to the Bears last year took an offense that was mediocre at best and turned it into the number 2 scoring offense in the NFL. Not too shabby for his first year. I don’t know about offense being better than defense. Last year the Bears defense was flat out horrible. I think there needs to be a balance. Look at how the Seahawks did it last year. They won it all with a great defense, a really good running game, and a quarterback that limited his mistakes. I think it can be done the opposite way with a really good offense and a defense that can stop the run and be serviceable. It all starts up front with the defensive line as all Bears fans know from last season.

Last year Jacksonville wasn’t that good on total defense either, coming in tied at 27th with Atlanta. What improvements have they made this year and how do they expect to stop the towering trio of Alshon Jeffery, Brandon Marshall and Martellus Bennett?

"Nov 4, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) celebrates with wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) after catching a 23-yard touchdown pass in the 1st quarter during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports The size of the receivers is definitely a concern, but head coach Gus Bradley has made a concerted effort to install the same kind of secondary he had in Seattle – guys with length and speed. He’s coached up guys without great pedigrees like Alan Ball and Dwayne Gratz, and this year will be a test to see how far they’ve come. The biggest thing that will help the secondary will be the improved play along the defensive line. Chris Clemons and Red Bryant should help solidify a front that was underwhelming last year outside of Sen’Derrick Marks. The Bears appear to be counting on some older guys like Jared Allen and Jay Ratliff to play a big role, and that would worry me. How are they gonna hold up this year?"