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richig07
Well-Known Member
What do you think they are?
I'll say...
#1 - Stay healthy
Cheap... and can be said for every team. However, with this team's recent history - it has to be said again and at the top of this list. Competing for a post-season spot is just about impossible (for any team) with the injuries we've endured over the past few seasons.
If our best players aren't on the field, it doesn't matter how happy we are with our new coach and off-season.
Most notably - we're leaning extremely heavily on Leonard Floyd. We let McPhee/Young/Houston walk and added only Lynch. Many thought we'd address this position more than we wound up doing. We are REALLY all-in on him to stay out there and have a true breakout year.
#2 - Trubisky with (at least) a 2:1 TD/INT rate. A QB rating in the high 80's to low 90's and 3,500+ passing yards.
None of these are spectacular accomplishments. However, they're solid and realistic markers for his first full season as the Bears starter. They could also be enough for 9 wins if the running game and D are on point. Trubisky also should contribute a nice chunk on the ground too. Although, I don't think anybody here wants to see him become a true "runner" at QB. I want him to be a passer who can "use his legs" and "run if he has to". Always protecting his body first (unless a game is on the line, obviously).
If #1 on this list transpires. I think our D will be good enough, that Trubisky won't have to post a Carson Wentz like breakout season in order for us to compete. He'll just have to be consistently solid.
DISCLAIMER: This doesn't mean I am ruling out a breakout season for Trubs either.
#3 - O-line Stability and Reliability
This is a huge season for Kyle Long. A guy we all took for granted following his first few seasons in the league. Now he's suddenly had a couple of campaigns ravaged by injuries. Leading him to play through many of those injuries - which resulted in inconsistent (sometimes downright poor) play and eventually... You guessed it - a worse/season ending injury to boot. He needs to play all 16 and play them well.
It seems like the plan is to slowly make Daniels our future center and shift Whitehair back to his original position of guard - opposite of Long. This is good, but it's more movement and shifting.
Leno has developed into a very respectable LT. His durability alone makes him a valuable asset. Massie also took some nice steps forward last year. We COULD have upgraded from him, but I like showing faith in his development. From a physical standpoint, he's a monster. It's hard to believe that the tackle positions currently have less question marks than the interior. Which we used to always laud with praise about how "Long/Whitehair/Sitton" could be the best interior trio in football. Well... Long/Daniels/Whitehair still could be a force to be reckon with, but they have a ton to prove.
I'll say...
#1 - Stay healthy
Cheap... and can be said for every team. However, with this team's recent history - it has to be said again and at the top of this list. Competing for a post-season spot is just about impossible (for any team) with the injuries we've endured over the past few seasons.
If our best players aren't on the field, it doesn't matter how happy we are with our new coach and off-season.
Most notably - we're leaning extremely heavily on Leonard Floyd. We let McPhee/Young/Houston walk and added only Lynch. Many thought we'd address this position more than we wound up doing. We are REALLY all-in on him to stay out there and have a true breakout year.
#2 - Trubisky with (at least) a 2:1 TD/INT rate. A QB rating in the high 80's to low 90's and 3,500+ passing yards.
None of these are spectacular accomplishments. However, they're solid and realistic markers for his first full season as the Bears starter. They could also be enough for 9 wins if the running game and D are on point. Trubisky also should contribute a nice chunk on the ground too. Although, I don't think anybody here wants to see him become a true "runner" at QB. I want him to be a passer who can "use his legs" and "run if he has to". Always protecting his body first (unless a game is on the line, obviously).
If #1 on this list transpires. I think our D will be good enough, that Trubisky won't have to post a Carson Wentz like breakout season in order for us to compete. He'll just have to be consistently solid.
DISCLAIMER: This doesn't mean I am ruling out a breakout season for Trubs either.
#3 - O-line Stability and Reliability
This is a huge season for Kyle Long. A guy we all took for granted following his first few seasons in the league. Now he's suddenly had a couple of campaigns ravaged by injuries. Leading him to play through many of those injuries - which resulted in inconsistent (sometimes downright poor) play and eventually... You guessed it - a worse/season ending injury to boot. He needs to play all 16 and play them well.
It seems like the plan is to slowly make Daniels our future center and shift Whitehair back to his original position of guard - opposite of Long. This is good, but it's more movement and shifting.
Leno has developed into a very respectable LT. His durability alone makes him a valuable asset. Massie also took some nice steps forward last year. We COULD have upgraded from him, but I like showing faith in his development. From a physical standpoint, he's a monster. It's hard to believe that the tackle positions currently have less question marks than the interior. Which we used to always laud with praise about how "Long/Whitehair/Sitton" could be the best interior trio in football. Well... Long/Daniels/Whitehair still could be a force to be reckon with, but they have a ton to prove.