The NFC North offseason grades this year were typical of that division: competitive. Most experts agree on one thing. Every team improved in a number of areas. Still, this is all about who’s the best. So one must ask. Which team got better the most? Several opinions have varied on that and the Chicago Bears offseason got plenty of credit, but were they the best?
Such things are subjective, depending almost entirely on the opinion of the person or people doing the evaluations. Nevertheless, it’s always encouraging when so many reach the same conclusion about your team. This was no exception. Kayln Kahler of Sports Illustrated decided to break up her evaluations by division, seeing which team reigned supreme.
While every team came away with a strong grade, only one aced the quiz. The Bears were the only team in the division to claim an A grade. She explained why.
Chicago Bears offseason marks centered around upgrade WRs
“Chicago had one of the weakest receiving groups in the NFL last season—the team ranked dead last in passing yards per game (175.7)—so that position was clearly an area of focus this offseason for general manager Ryan Pace. The additions of Allen Robinson from Jacksonville, Taylor Gabriel from Atlanta and Anthony Miller via the draft will boost a stagnant group, assuming Robinson returns fully healthy from last September’s ACL tear. If 2015 first-round pick Kevin White can stay healthy for a full season for the first time in his ill-fated career, it’s an added bonus.”
Nobody is willing to commit on whether the Bears are poised for a playoff push. They’re settled on saying the team is improved and closer than they’ve been in years. One thing is for sure. The upside is immense. A big reason for this is the influx of speed on both sides of the ball. Gabriel, Miller and Tarik Cohen bring it on offense. Roquan Smith adds it to defense.
Subscribe to the BFR podcast and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
One less that’s been true about the NFL for years. Fast teams have more success. The simple reason is they can cover up for more of their mistakes. If they’re able to minimize even those, that’s when greatness tends to emerge. All eyes though are on Mitch Trubisky. If the young quarterback continues his natural progress, aided by his new teachers and new toys?
Not even the mighty NFC North will be able to hold him off. The experts are right. They might not be there yet, but the Bears are getting closer.
