An overhaul in the Windy City.
The second year of the John Fox era is upon us in the Windy City. Can a second draft class and some free agent moves help the Bears compete against playoff teams in Minnesota & Green Bay? Can Jeremy Langford handle the load in the backfield? What does Jay Cutler have left? That’s three questions already on what is looking like a questionable team.
A lot of new pieces The Bears spent over 100M on free agents in the offseason, but unlike the teams above them, Chicago signed 22 players to contracts. So expect many new faces this year. The main prize was inside linebacker Danny Trevathan, who came over from Denver. Also signed were RT Bobby Massie, ILB Jerrell Freeman, and DE Akiem Hicks. All are slated to be starters this coming season. The hope is that the defensive signings can help a squad that ranks 20th in the league last year. With Green Bay’s offense still in flux, the defense could help the Bears stay competitive in their division.
What about the offense The offense will also have a different look, but the same guy under center. Jay Cutler will start his 11th season (8 with Chicago) in 2016. We know what he is at this point. A gunslinger who turns the ball over too much. Last year, is first year with John Fox, he only posted 11 interceptions. His lowest mark of his career over a full season. This was mainly because he only threw 483 passes, well below what he was used to. Fox likes to run the ball, and that’s what the Bears are going to do.
Getting younger Matt Forte left for the Jets, giving the full time job to Jeremy Langford. Langford filled in admirably for Forte while he was injured last year, but his yards per attempt was still a pedestrian 3.6. He also is not the pass catcher that Forte is, so the offense will be a little different in that regard. Look for Ka’Deem Carey to get a little more run as the change of pace back, he could be a nice little late round sleeper in PPR leagues.
Fantasy Focus Cutler is as pedestrian a fantasy quarterback as there is. He has no upside anymore, you know exactly what you are getting with him. The prize on this team is Alshon Jeffery. Jeffery put up 807 yards and over 50 catches in half a season last year. Due to his injury he has dropped a little bit, but he is more than capable of putting up RW1 numbers. Kevin White is the wild card. The second year WR has drawn raves in camp thus far, but he’s yet to play a snap at the NFL level. On your bench or a late round flier is fine, but don’t go into your season counting on him.
Prediction Tough year, tough division. Fox is in year two of a three year plan. Expect plenty of improvement on the field, but it might not reflect in the win column. 5-11