Shape of the Roster/ Strengths for 2015
Posted: Mon May 4, 2015 1:18 am
Now that the draft is over and much of the main roster acquisitions and moves have been made, I think it's time to look at the Bears and their perceived strengths and weaknesses.
My thoughts:
Offense:
Play style - I see a drastically different Bears offense from the past few seasons. Gone is the extreme pass-happy playbook of Trestman, and in comes a balanced run-first, smash-mouth style that has traditionally been favored in Chicago. Although the league is very much pass-happy, I see the Bears running more then most next year. This should help limit turnovers to an extent, especially in the red-zone where we got killed last year.
Key Offensive Playmakers -
Forte - Offense will likely again going to be run through Forte, but I see more handoffs than dumpoffs.
Jeffrey - While White and Wilson continue to develop, Jeffrey will be counted on to spread teams out and keep them honest with the deep passing attack.
K. Langford - I might get blasted by Bears fans, but I think the rookie RB from Mich State is better suited to help starting week 1. Won't need a lot of seasoning as he can step in right away on 3rd and short and run for power or fake play-action.
O-line - Big year for the O-line, we know Slausen and Long can hold their own if healthy, with a big audition for the rookie Center; I think it will be a huge un-talked storyline to see how the new group meshes and plays together.
Defense -
Corners - A lot of pressure again on the Corners, as I don't see the firepower on the edges. Fuller and Jennings will be put to the test to cover guys for an extended time, luckily I see these guys as the (only) strength of our D.
Pass Rush - McPhee, Young, Allen, and the other new OLB (sorry forget his name) - A lot of hype with McPhee, but i just don't see it. 7.5 sacks is not a lot in my opinion, especially when you had other guys getting attention drawn. Regardless, McPhee will be counted on to anchor our pass rush. A lot of people have questions with Young, but I think he'll be fine. He's shown an ability to get to the quarterback, something we are desperately searching for.
Run Defense - I like the progress we will have against the rush over last year, but not holding up hope for our ILB depth. McClellan is likely a below-average player, and the same can be said for Greene and Bostic.
What do you guys think? Am I on to something or on something?
My thoughts:
Offense:
Play style - I see a drastically different Bears offense from the past few seasons. Gone is the extreme pass-happy playbook of Trestman, and in comes a balanced run-first, smash-mouth style that has traditionally been favored in Chicago. Although the league is very much pass-happy, I see the Bears running more then most next year. This should help limit turnovers to an extent, especially in the red-zone where we got killed last year.
Key Offensive Playmakers -
Forte - Offense will likely again going to be run through Forte, but I see more handoffs than dumpoffs.
Jeffrey - While White and Wilson continue to develop, Jeffrey will be counted on to spread teams out and keep them honest with the deep passing attack.
K. Langford - I might get blasted by Bears fans, but I think the rookie RB from Mich State is better suited to help starting week 1. Won't need a lot of seasoning as he can step in right away on 3rd and short and run for power or fake play-action.
O-line - Big year for the O-line, we know Slausen and Long can hold their own if healthy, with a big audition for the rookie Center; I think it will be a huge un-talked storyline to see how the new group meshes and plays together.
Defense -
Corners - A lot of pressure again on the Corners, as I don't see the firepower on the edges. Fuller and Jennings will be put to the test to cover guys for an extended time, luckily I see these guys as the (only) strength of our D.
Pass Rush - McPhee, Young, Allen, and the other new OLB (sorry forget his name) - A lot of hype with McPhee, but i just don't see it. 7.5 sacks is not a lot in my opinion, especially when you had other guys getting attention drawn. Regardless, McPhee will be counted on to anchor our pass rush. A lot of people have questions with Young, but I think he'll be fine. He's shown an ability to get to the quarterback, something we are desperately searching for.
Run Defense - I like the progress we will have against the rush over last year, but not holding up hope for our ILB depth. McClellan is likely a below-average player, and the same can be said for Greene and Bostic.
What do you guys think? Am I on to something or on something?