Aug 13, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears head coach John Fox (left) talks with general manager Ryan Pace (right) prior to a preseason NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
After finishing the 2014 season with an uninspiring 5-11 record, the Chicago Bears made some wholesale changes this off season. Gone is the regime led by general manager Phil Emery and head coach Marc Trestman, and they have been replaced by Ryan Pace and John Fox.
Pace and Fox were able to bring in a star-studded coaching staff led by defensive coordinator Vic Fangio and offensive coordinator Adam Gase. After the debacle from last season, the Bears finally seem to have the right coaches and front office personnel in place to steer the franchise in the right direction.
More from Chicago Bears News
- Franchise tag and transition tag windows open for Chicago Bears and NFL
- How the Chicago Bears can control the running back market in 2023
- The Chicago Bears can own the city of Chicago moving forward
- Chicago Bears NFL Combine Preview: Quarterback
- 7 best free agent tackle options for Chicago Bears
Unfortunately, the talent on the football field is still lacking. I have the utmost confidence in this new regime’s ability to find the talent, but they are going to need some time. After years of missing in the draft, the Bears are not exactly set-up for success. You never want to give up on a season before it starts, but to say that the Bears are underdogs in the NFC North this year would be a major understatement.
Regardless, the Bears have actually looked pretty good in their preseason slate. Obviously, preseason wins and losses mean close to nothing, but they did walk away with a record of 3-1. Hey, we will take small victories when we get them.
Most importantly, the team has looked better than expected for the most part. Quarterback Jay Cutler looks good in the new system (let me know if you have heard that one before), Fangio and his 3-4 system appear to be making to most out of the Bears’ defensive talent and the rookie class that Pace and company have assembled seems to be legit.
I do not think the Bears have the talent to be legitimate contenders in the NFC North this season, but there are some promising players brewing on this roster.
Speaking of the roster, the Bears have until Saturday at 3PM central time to finalize their 53-man roster for their regular season opener against the Green Bay Packers. The injury bug has bitten the Bears hard this preseason, and that will make some of these decisions even more difficult. Regardless, the roster needs to be set, and soon.
When it comes down to it, the Bears can go in many different directions here. Fringe roster players have been fighting for their lives for a while now, and judgement day is coming. Who is going to make the cut? Read on to find out.
Next: Quarterbacks