Chicago Bears: Is Stage Set for Offense to Produce in 2020?
Is the Chicago Bears offense set up to thrive in 2020?
It’s no secret that the one thing that held the Chicago Bears back in 2019 was the lack of production from the offense. There were high hopes for the unit that was entering their second year under Matt Nagy’s scheme. Unfortunately, the Bears didn’t live up to expectations on the offensive side of the ball.
On the season, Chicago finished 25th in the NFL in passing, 27th in rushing, and 29th in total offense. Looking at these rankings, one would think that the Bears have nowhere else to go but up in 2020. After looking at their regular-season schedule for the year, there might be a reason to believe that Chicago’s offense will take a step in the right direction.
Opposing Defenses in 2020 are weaker
According to NFL.com, the Bears are tied for having the 13th-toughest schedule in the league in 2020, with their opponents having a combined winning percentage of .508 from the 2019 regular season. However, focusing on the offense, things might not look as tough.
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The opposing defenses the Bears will face all didn’t have impressive rankings in total defense in 2019. The defensive unit of the New Orleans Saints will be the highest-ranked defense (11th) that Chicago will face this season. In addition, six of their opponents ranked 20th and under in 2019; one of those teams being the Detroit Lions, whom they will face twice.
Whether if it is Mitchell Trubisky or Nick Foles as the team’s starting quarterback, this could be considered good news for Nagy and his offense. Of course, things like the offensive play calling, and the production of the offensive front must improve. However, having to face zero defenses that were in the top 10 in 2019 could be one thing that helps the Bears’ offense come alive in 2020.
The task may be a little tougher for Chicago’s defense this year. They will face four offenses that finished 2019 in the top 10. One of those teams being the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who now has Tom Brady under center. And although the Indianapolis Colts’ offense was a dismal 25th in the NFL, they now have Philip Rivers as their new quarterback.
Despite that, the key additions of Robert Quinn and Tashaun Gipson, along with a healthy Akiem Hicks returning to the lineup, should keep Chicago’s defense as one of the most-feared units in 2020.
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Hopefully, Nagy’s offense can take full advantage of this situation and be a good enough compliment to their defense so that they can not only be considered contenders for the NFC North title, but also for the Super Bowl this season.