Chicago Bears
Offense
Offensive guru Marc Trestman has assembled what could be the most prolific unit in the league. Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery are out to make the case to be the NFL’s top receiving tandem. The offensive line is now a strength in the Windy City, and Matt Forte continues to fly under the radar as a multi-talented back.
Injuries to Jay Cutler didn’t set Chicago back too much last year — thanks to a surprising emergence of Josh McCown — but with Cutler healthy for a full season, the Bears could be even more explosive.
Defense
The Bears were atrocious defensively in 2013, finishing dead last against the run. This offseason the team revamped its front four, adding Lamarr Houston, Jared Allen, Willie Young and Israel Idonije, while re-signing Nate Collins and Jay Ratliff.
The Bears’ middle-of-the-pack secondary was also a focal point of the offseason, as the team added Kyle Fuller in the first round, Brock Vereen a few rounds later and signing Ryan Mundy from the Giants. It’s a lot of new faces on the Bears D, but a lot more talent than what was there last season.
Outlook
A healthy Bears squad should be neck-and-neck with the Pack for the NFC North crown. While both offenses have the ability to be prolific and among the NFL’s best, it may come down to which defense succeeds.
The Bears have the making of a playoff team for 2014, but could be destined for a Wildcard spot. The defense remains a work in progress, but it just has to do enough for that offense to win them games.
