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Chicago Bears 2016 Staff Predictions

By Mike "Boomer" Burzawa

Oct 4, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Flags are brought out from the tunnel prior to player introductions for the game between the Chicago Bears and the Oakland Raiders at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Flags are brought out from the tunnel prior to player introductions for the game between the Chicago Bears and the Oakland Raiders at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 14, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) throws a pass in front of San Francisco 49ers defense end Justin Smith (94) in the first half at Levis Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 14, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) throws a pass in front of San Francisco 49ers defense end Justin Smith (94) in the first half at Levis Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports /

Mike Flannery: 10-6

Can John Fox’s year two magic hold up? In his last two coaching gigs, he’s won double-digit games in year two with worse teams than the one he took over in Chicago. The Bears have an easier schedule this year, should be improved on both sides of the line of scrimmage, and have more talent at linebacker, wide receiver, and safety, but there are still plenty of question marks.

Can the secondary stay healthy? Can the Bears force more turnovers this year? Can they generate a running game without Matt Forte? My answer is yes for all of the above. I think the preseason injuries to the top three corners were overplayed (why else would they not sign any DBs last weekend?), the front seven should generate a legitimate pass rush which will lead to more turnovers, and Jordan Howard will take over the starting RB gig by midseason and be a rookie of the year candidate.

The Bears aren’t going to be a dominant team in 2016, but with decent injury luck, improved talent at most positions, better execution in the second year of schemes on both sides of the ball, an improved offensive line that will protect Cutler and allow the Bears to kill the clock in games they have the lead, and another respectable statistical year from Jay Cutler.

They should be a better team on both sides of the ball, which will turn some of those close losses into wins this season and the Bears will sneak into the playoffs at 10-6.

Next: Bill Z

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