Chicago Bears

Chicago Bears: Top Five Concerns Heading into Regular Season

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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As we head into the 2016 regular season, there are still a few concerns for the Chicago Bears.

It’s alway hard what to make of a team based solely on the preseason. The glorified practice games can sway public opinion when we really don’t know what the coaching staff is trying to accomplish in a given game. Head coach John Fox plays it notoriously close to the vest, not wanting to give anything away.

On paper, it would seem the Bears should be better than they were in 2015. The front-7 of the defense got significant upgrades, especially at inside linebacker and defensive end. Redshirt freshman Kevin White should provide some additional pop to the vertical passing game and give Jay Cutler another big-play weapon.

Despite those additions, there are still some lingering concerns. Things I had hoped would resolve themselves through the preseason did not provide any more clarity. In fact, there are five of them…

Nov 9, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Chicago Bears outside linebacker Pernell McPhee (92) reacts during the second quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Pass Rush

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I like what Ryan Pace did in extending WIllie Young. He’s a solid contributor, but even he’ll admit he’s not a linebacker. The Bears will use Young situationally essentially as a defensive end playing on the edge. Young should help offset the loss McPhee for the first few weeks but he won’t provide the same intensity that McPhee does.

The Bears will hope to get some push from the D-line of Eddie Goldman, Mitch Unrein/Jonathan Bullard and Akiem Hicks, but anything they get from them will be gravy.

January 28, 2016; Kahuku, HI, USA; Team Rice guard Josh Sitton of the Green Bay Packers (71) high-fives tackle Kyle Long of the Chicago Bears (75) during the 2016 Pro Bowl practice at Turtle Bay Resort. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Offensive Line

The Chicago Bears are procrastinators. At least that’s my perception after the Bears decided to shuffle their offensive line the week before the regular season starts for the second straight season.

Last season, the Bears decided to move Kyle Long to right tackle at the eleventh hour and this season, they’re putting that burden on rookie Cody Whitehair. He was targeted to be the starting left guard, but when Josh Sitton became available, it was a no-brainer to get him. Rather than moving Sitton to center, the Bears will slide him into LG and let the rookie learn on the job.

Sitton may be a three-time Pro Bowler, but he’s still new to the Bears and this group. He and Kyle Long have a budding bromance, but he’s still got to develop chemistry with the rest of the unit.

I still have my doubts about Charles Leno at left tackle. I know that everyone thinks he’s underrated, but I prefer to call him a little unproven.

I think the offensive line will be better than they were in 2015, but it’s going to take a few weeks for this group to settle in.

Nov 9, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Zach Miller (86) celebrates after scoring on a 25-yard touchdown reception with 3:19 to play during a 22-19 victory against the San Diego Chargers in a NFL football game at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Tight End

I have this philosophy that you don’t quit one job until you have another one lined up. I feel like the Bears didn’t adhere to that idea when they jettisoned Martellus Bennett to the Patriots and were left with the oft-injured Zach Miller and not much else behind him at tight end.

Zach Miller had a breakout campaign in 2015, but it’s hard to put faith in a guy who hadn’t played a snap the previous three seasons due to season-ending injuries. Miller has the speed and hands to excel at tight end, but he’s got to stay healthy.

Besides Miller, the Bears have Greg Scruggs, a converted defensive end who will serve primarily as a blocker. The Bears added Logan Paulsen, cut by the Washington Redskins after six seasons. Paulsen amassed 79 catches for 801 yards and 6 TD’s in his career. That doesn’t inspire a ton of confidence.

May 27, 2015; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Adam Gase (C) talks with Bears quarterbacks during organized team activities at the Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Dowell Loggains

See that little guy on the right side of the picture who looks like he might be a water boy? That’s new Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains. Adam Gase has taken his talents to South Beach while the diminutive Loggains is left in charge of the offense.

Loggains has limited play-calling experience. During his stint with the Tennessee Titans, Loggains was promoted to OC after Mike Munchak was fired. In 2013, his only full season as offensive coordinator, the Titans ranked 21st in the league in yards per play, however, they finished in the top-10 in red zone efficiency and third down conversions.

Loggains will also be working with John Fox and trying to implement an offense that suits Fox’s style. I expect a conservative approach that will lean heavily on the run. I’m not convinced Loggains can mesh his style with Fox’s.

Nov 22, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Jordan Norwood (11) is tackled by Chicago Bears cornerback Kyle Fuller (left) and free safety Adrian Amos (right) during the second half at Soldier Field. Denver won 17-15. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

Secondary

My biggest concern heading into the 2016 season is the Bears secondary. They’ll be tested early and often with some marquee receivers every week.

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Kyle Fuller, arguably the best corner coming into camp, has been sidelined with a knee injury that required surgery. Can he bounce back and justify his lofty draft status as a former first round pick? We’ve seen glimpses of what we can expect from Fuller, but he’s been inconsistent at best.

Tracy Porter bounced back to have a nice season after Ryan Pace signed him off the scrap heap, but he’s on the wrong side of 30 and it’s hard to put a ton of faith in him to remain consistent.

The Bears have a few young prospects at cornerback, particularly Deiondre’ Hall. He’s long and has a great wingspan. He’s shown some flashes in the red zone, but there are questions about whether he’s got the speed to keep up with some of the burners the Bears will face.

Adrian Amos had a nice rookie season at safety, but the jury is still out on whether he’s the answer.

The Bears had a woeful 17 takeaways last season, including only 8 INT’s. That’s got to be better if the Bears want to improve on their 6-10 record from 2015.

Rookie Deon Bush could be a player to watch. He’s known as a thumper and could help add some turnovers to the defensive slate. The other thing the Bears have going for them in a secondary is coach Ed Donatell. Donatell and DC Vic Fangio have a ton of experience and are among the tops in their profession. They should be able to guide this group, but there will be some growing pains.

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