In this series of articles here on the Last Word On Sports, we will be breaking down each NFL division starting every Monday, preparing for the upcoming 2018 NFL Season. We will highlight strengths and weaknesses of each team and make our best analysis and predictions for this upcoming season. Let’s get started with the NFC North Breakdown.
2018 NFL Breakdown: Chicago Bears (6-10)
The Chicago Bears this offseason have the vibe to be the next Los Angeles Rams team that goes worst to first based on an infusion of talent and new coaching. We have to be a little realistic here though. Yes, the Bears did receive the offensive-minded coach they deserve in Matt Nagy. Yes, they do have an infusion of talent to surround Mitch Trubisky. They signed wide receiver Allen Robinson, speedster Taylor Gabriel, have a solid offensive line, and a unique duo of running backs in Tarik Cohen and Jordan Howard. However, they are not in a division that is crumbling around them.
The Rams last year were in a division with the Arizona Cardinals minus David Johnson, a struggling San Francisco 49ers team, and former division champ in the Seattle Seahawks failing from the inside out. The NFC North with Aaron Rodgers back, and an improved Bears team is in the conversation of Best Division in football, and the young talent the Bears have is not ready to climb that mountain.
Strengths
The skill positions. With the two-headed monster in the backfield, and speedy receivers this offense can be productive. The Bears team of last year is no longer. The Bears just need proof that Trubisky is the guy to be slinging the football all over the place for the next 15 years.
Weaknesses
The defensive front seven. The strength that is the offensive line is mirrored by the weakness that is the front seven. You hope Danny Trevathan and Roquan Smith will lead this defense, but without a true pass rusher, the above average secondary may get picked apart.
Team MVP: The Offensive Line
If this line can establish itself as a top 5 offensive line, their power running game will be hard to stop. Also, Trubisky being the centerpiece of this offense needs to stay upright.
Breakout Rookie: Roquan Smith
Easy choice, I know because of the weakness that is the Bears defense. If you have watched Smith you would know that this young man can run and make plays. He will be the staple of this defense for the next decade. An ideal three down linebacker that has the instincts to stuff the run and the athleticism to play against the pass.
Main Image Credit: Embed from Getty Images
