With a combined 19-45 record and four straight finishes in the NFC North basement since 2014, the Chicago Bears have plenty of questions to answer.
The case could be made that the Chicago Bears may be the most intriguing team in the National Football Conference this year. Of course, that word can mean any number of things. Let’s consider the issues this club has had over the past four seasons and we won’t even mention the fact that the “Monsters of the Midway” haven’t been to the playoffs since 2010 (oops, there it is).
The Bears have finished in the NFC North basement four consecutive years and won a total of 19 games over that span. Over the last two offseasons, general manager Ryan Pace has been as busy as any team executive when it comes to working the draft and signing free agents. This year was no different and there seems to be an air of expectancy in the Windy City.
Of course, winning a game in the division would be a good start for this club, something the team failed to do in 2017. So what are the five most pressing issues for new head coach Matt Nagy as he looks to reverse the recent misfortunes of this team?
5. Has the offensive line been solidified?
It’s really a matter of this unit not only staying healthy but getting a more consistent performance from individuals such as capable right tackle Bobby Massie. Meanwhile, three-time Pro Bowl right guard Kyle Long has missed a combined 14 games the past two seasons. The team added guard Earl Watford in free agency this year. Could he wind up battling for a starting job on the left side?
Veteran Bradley Sowell, rookie James Daniels and possibly Eric Kush are in the mix as well at the other guard spot opposite Long as the Bears look for the successor to Josh Sitton. Solidified? Not quite yet.