No one expects the Chicago Bears to have success in 2020. Many have them pegged as one of the worst teams in the NFL, which is ridiculous considering they managed a 8-8 record amid an overall disappointing season.
But the Bears are determined to redeem themselves in 2020, even if many don’t believe in them. If Chicago has any hopes of returning to the postseason, they’re going to need to clean some things up on offense, maintain a dominant defense and get lucky along the way.
Let’s take a look at five things that need to happen for the Bears to have a successful 2020 season.
1. Defense leads the way
After a magical 2018 season, the Bears defense was always going to regress the following season. There was no way to replicate that dominance, which included a league-best 36 takeaways. But even during a down year, which included injuries to defensive tackle Akiem Hicks and linebackers Danny Trevathan and Roquan Smith, Chicago’s defense finished as a top-five unit that allowed the fourth-fewest points in the NFL in 2019.
Which is certainly impressive considering the woes of the offense. While the hope is that the Bears offense turns things around in 2020, any hope that Chicago has in a return to the postseason rests with the defense continuing to carry the team. They certainly can’t do it all on their own, but this defense needs to replicate their dominance in 2020. And considering some of the moves general manager Ryan Pace made this offseason, the Bears certainly have the talent to do just that.
2. Consistent quarterback play
It always comes down to the quarterback with the Bears, and typically it doesn’t work out. While quarterback Mitchell Trubisky wasn’t the only issue on the Bears offense last season, he was a big part of the problem. Instead of progressing in his third season — the second in Matt Nagy’s offense — he regressed. Simply put, the Bears need competent quarterback play for this offense. Which shouldn’t be too much to ask.
Trubisky’s struggles prompted the Bears to trade for former Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles, who will battle Trubisky for the starting quarterback job. While many have Foles pegged as the presumed starter, don’t count Trubisky out just yet. Perhaps the competition is just what he needs. Or maybe bringing in Foles was exactly what the Bears need to make a return to the postseason. Whoever wins the starting job, they simply need to run this offense. But that’s easier said than done in Chicago.
3. Balance on offense
There were no shortage of issues on offense for the Bears last season, but the ineffectiveness of the run game was a big one. Chicago had one of the worst run games in the league last season, averaging 3.7 yards per rush in 2019, which tied for 27th in the league. There was even a game where the Bears ran the ball just eight times, a decision that Nagy was crucified for. It wasn’t pretty for the Bears run game, which stems from a combination of offensive line play, scheme and play calling.
Nagy made some moves this offseason to improve the run game, including bringing in new offensive coordinator Bill Lazor and offensive line coach Juan Castillo. The Bears also brought in veteran offensive lineman Germain Ifedi, who will likely occupy the starting right guard job. Running back David Montgomery didn’t have a bad rookie season, but he was certainly limited in what he could do given the struggles of the run game. The Bears are placing their faith in their current running back room, including Montgomery, Tarik Cohen and Ryan Nall.
4. Stay as healthy as possible
When factoring in the reasons the Bears regressed from 2018 to 2019, health was a significant factor. Chicago managed to avoid any extensive injuries in 2018, which allowed their starters on offense and defense to remain on the field. The same couldn’t be said for 2019, where they suffered injuries to defensive studs Akiem Hicks, Danny Trevathan and Roquan Smith. They also lost right guard Kyle Long, right tackle Bobby Massie and their top three tight ends in Trey Burton, Adam Shaheen and Ben Braunecker.
If the Bears are going to have a chance at success in 2020, they need to stay as healthy as possible. Obviously, that’s out of their control for the most part. Especially with a shortened offseason amid the coronavirus pandemic. But if Chicago can stay healthy where it matters, it’ll go a long way in their potential success next season.
5. Win divisional games
It goes without saying that the Bears need to take care of the division if they’re going to have a chance at making the postseason. And while the Bears have had their way with Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions over the last two seasons, the NFC North certainly poses a challenge with reigning division champions Green Bay, a dominant Vikings squad and a Lions team returning quarterback Matthew Stafford.
The Bears have gone 4-0 against the Vikings and Lions in the last two seasons, but they’ve also gone 1-3 against the Packers. Chicago needs to continue to take care of business against Detroit and Minnesota and find a way to get over the Green Bay hump.
