Chicago Bears: 10 Most Important Players for 2015

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8. Tim Jennings

Nov 27, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Chicago Bears cornerback Tim Jennings (26) against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Last year the Bears gave the Pro Bowler Tim Jennings a huge contract extension with the expectations of him stepping in the role of shutdown corner. Instead, he ended 2014 behind then-rookie Kyle Fuller in stats with one forced fumble, 50 tackles, and zero interceptions.

It was a complete let down.

As if having a mediocre season was not enough, Jennings started 2015 off with being arrested for a DUI. His lack of production and off field issues are not something that should be seen from a veteran player only a year removed from a Pro Bowl appearance and a $22.4 million payday. The good thing is that Jennings is not a repeated troublemaker and this seemed to be just an isolated incident.

After a few forced turnovers, all will be forgiven.

Jennings is a talented corner and when consistent, he provides a spark to the secondary that the team will be in desperate need of this year. There is no doubt that he can turn things around in 2015; he just has to stay true to his style of play and not try to do too much.

He has to get back to his old ways by helping to lock down receivers and force turnovers.

Next: 7. A Rookie With Huge Talent and Upside