2015 NFL Preview: Bears try to claw their way back to the playoffs
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Chicago Bears
| 2014 Record | 2014 Finish |
|---|---|
| 5-11 | 4th in NFC North/14th in NFC |
The Bears bottomed out in 2014 after nine straight seasons of seven or more wins. Inner turmoil between coaches and players, combined with inconsistent quarterback play made the Bears an explosive but, ultimately, futile product last season.
Highlight of 2014
Brandon Marshall has moved on to the New York Jets but this catch was a memorable one. Marshall had three touchdowns in this game.
Preseason Power Ranking - #29
Is the Bears' high-octane offense of the last few seasons a thing of the past? With John Fox and Adam Gase given the reins it will certainly look different, but Jay Cutler will have to prove he can competently guide the Bears to success before anyone takes the team's new coaching pedigree seriously. More ...
2015 Season Outlook
Head Coach: John Fox
Off. Coordinator: Adam Gase
Def. Coordinator: Vic Fangio
Fox takes over a team that has undergone a major identity shift in the past five seasons. The Bears went from being one of the league's most feared defenses to a flashy, offensive team that threw the ball all over the field. Now the Bears are likely to be molded in Fox's image.
Adding veterans like Pernell McPhee and Antrel Rolle to a stable of young talent looking to redefine the Bears' defense is a good start for Fox. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio is among the most respected coaches in the game, meaning the Bears' turnaround could happen in a hurry if the offense can limit turnovers and score consistently on red zone trips.
Key Additions
- LB Pernell McPhee
- S Antrel Rolle
- WR Eddie Royal
- CB Tracy Porter
- DT Eddie Goldman (2nd round)
Key Departures
- WR Brandon Marshall
- CB Charles Tillman
- LB Lance Briggs
- DT Stephen Paea
- S Chris Conte
Many locker room leaders have moved on and it's incumbent upon the new talent to reshape the team's psyche, putting the negativity of 2014 behind them. Losing Marshall may be addition by subtraction as his personality had apparently contributed to team acrimony.
Up front, McPhee and rookie Eddie Goldman could bolster a defensive front that had lost some explosion over the past few seasons. Unfortunately, exciting rookie wide receiver Kevin White may not play this season after undergoing surgery - a disappointment to a front office that tried to immediately replace Marshall.
Bold Predictions
The Bears will finish dead last and earn the No. 1 pick. The makings of a disastrous season are there: a quarterback whom the new front office inherited but has no ties to, an aging running back with a lot of wear on his tires, an injured first-round pick who may contribute nothing, and a transitioning defense that is forcing a lot of square pegs into round holes. - David P. Woods
Shane Carden will take over at QB by Week 12. With the Bears facing a tough schedule in 2015, Cutler could have difficulty overcoming last year's issues. Falling out of the division race would have Chicago looking to the future in the second half, where they'll give the undrafted rookie an opportunity to show what he can do. - Dan Wilkins
Matt Forte has 2,200 total yards in 2015. Entering his final season under contract, Forte is going to be used ad nauseam. The Bears seem content to use up his value and move on and he'll benefit, racking up 1,400 plus-rushing yards and over 800 receiving yards. - Joe Thomson