Heading into training camp, there aren’t many that have confidence that the Chicago Bears will be a team that will be competitive in 2020. And that’s probably for the best, considering Chicago folded under the high expectations last season. And it’s hard to have confidence in a team coming off a 8-8 season with major questions on offense, particularly at the quarterback position.
But, believe it or not, there are reasons to be optimistic heading into a unique training camp ahead of the 2020 season. Yes, even on offense. Obviously the defense remains Chicago’s calling card, but the Bears need to turn it up on offense if they have a chance to make a return to the postseason.
Here are five reasons for optimism as the Bears prepare for training camp.
1. Bears QB competition should get the most out of both Trubisky and Foles
Having a quarterback competition typically indicates you’re not in a great place given your starter is up in the air. But in this case, Chicago’s quarterback battle between incumbent starter Mitchell Trubisky and Nick Foles should produce a better product under center in 2020. But one of the issues has been this unusual offseason, which has consisted of an entirely virtual offseason and either a shortened preseason or no preseason at all.
Still, competition tends to bring out the most in the people, which is exactly why this quarterback competition should benefit the Bears regardless of who wins the job. Obviously the hope is that it’s Trubisky, given what the Bears have invested in him. But at this point, Chicago just needs good enough quarterback play to pair with this defense. And with a starting job on the line, you have to believe both Trubisky and Foles are going to do whatever it takes to stand out.
2. Chicago’s defense remains a top unit
For all of the question marks surrounding the Bears heading into 2020, the defense isn’t one of them. While Chicago’s defense regressed last season, they were still a top-10 unit amid injury concerns and an offense that couldn’t stay on the field. The Bears allowed the fourth-fewest points in the NFL last season, which was pretty amazing given the absences of Akiem Hicks, Danny Trevathan and Roquan Smith coupled with the fact they were on the field so often because of their ineffective offense.
Now, Chicago is entering its second season under defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano, which should mean substantial gains for a unit that boasts one of the league’s best front sevens. The Bears upgraded their pass rush this offseason with the free-agent addition of Robert Quinn, who will be paired with Khalil Mack off the edge. While Chicago has starting jobs to fill at cornerback and safety, there are some players in line to assume those roles, presumably rookie Jaylon Johnson and veteran Tashaun Gipson, respectively.
3. Bears are getting back some injured starters
One of the key ingredients for Chicago’s impressive 2018 season was the fact that they were able to stay relatively healthy. Sure, there were minor injuries here and there, but they didn’t lose anyone for a significant period of time. Which couldn’t have been more opposite in 2019.
The Bears suffered a rash of injuries in 2019, which included three defensive stars landing on injured reserve in defensive tackle Akiem Hicks and linebackers Danny Trevathan and Roquan Smith. The offense also lost its top three tight ends to injured reserve, as well as suffered from the loss of right guard Kyle Long to season-ending IR and Bobby Massie, who missed the final five games of the season.
Heading into 2020, the Bears are getting back most of those injured starters, which should do wonders for this team. Especially with the return of Hicks, Trevathan and Smith.
4. Chicago upgraded at tight end
There were a lot of issues with Chicago’s offense last season, but tight end was one of the biggest. Given the importance of the tight end in Matt Nagy’s offense, the offense struggled with a lack of production at the position, which totaled 36 receptions, 416 receiving yards and just 2 touchdowns. The Bears lost their top three tight ends to injured reserve — in Trey Burton, Adam Shaheen and Ben Braunecker — but they weren’t producing on the field prior to that.
This offseason, the Bears have overhauled their tight ends room, bringing in three new players that all figure to occupy one of the four tight end roster spots in rookie Cole Kmet and veterans Jimmy Graham and Demetrius Harris. While Chicago already released Burton this offseason, Shaheen figures to be on his way out. He’ll likely miss out on a roster spot given the Bears already have their “Y” tight ends in Kmet and Harris.
5. The Bears have resumed the underdog role
Say what you want, but there’s no denying that the Bears were feeling the weight of those high expectations last offseason. Following an impressive 12-4 season that felt like a stepping stone, the hype was turned up, as was the pressure. Several players and staff admitted that living up to those expectations was an added pressure, although that was far from the only reason the Bears regressed.
But now, it’s safe to say that practically no one outside Halas Hall has faith that the Bears can make a significant impact in 2020. Which is exactly how they want it. They thrived in the underdog role in their first under Matt Nagy, and now they have a chance to do the same in 2020. This season isn’t about living up to outside expectations. They just need to let their play do the talking.
