It’s hardly a surprise that most Chicago Bears fans are focused on either the offense or defense this offseason. Those are the two units that appear the most on Sundays. They get the limelight, which is fair. However, anybody who has followed this team long enough knows that special teams is such a vital component of success in the NFL. Those that have a good one tend to do pretty well. Amidst the ups and downs in the other two phases, people haven’t noticed how quickly the third is improving.
Chris Tabor took over special teams coordinator in 2018. His unit finished that year 26th according to Football Outsiders. Then last season they took a considerable step forward, finishing 13th. Based on the latest array of moves made by GM Ryan Pace and what they already have in place? It’s possible that 2020 could end up being one of the best all-around special teams years this franchise has had in a decade.
Chicago Bears may have built an ascending monster
Think about it. The Bears have an All-Pro kick returner in Cordarrelle Patterson. He’s the best in the NFL and a member of the 2010s All-Decade team. Not to mention an outstanding gunner on coverage units. Then there is Tarik Cohen. While his offensive issues last season are well-documented, he remains one of the more feared punt returners in the league. Always capable of taking one to the house at the drop of a hat.
Pat O’Donnell had one of the better all-around seasons punting of his career. Eddy Pineiro overcame a rough midseason funk to go 18-of-18 on his remaining field goals and extra points down the stretch.
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Where it gets really interesting now is their coverage units. Patterson remains in place. Sherrick McManis is back. Joel Iyiegbuniwe has emerged as a quality player there as well. Now the Bears have added even more to the mix. Safety Jordan Lucas was a standout gunner for the Chiefs in Kansas City. Barkevious Mingo, though a failed pass rusher, evolved into a special teams standout in recent years. Even Artie Burns, who is considered a bust as a corner, still had his moments in the third phase.
This special teams group is deep on both talent and experience. If they can put it all together, they can be the best in the NFL this 2020 season.
