Believe it or not, following a disappointing 8-8 season, there are reasons to be optimistic about the Chicago Bears heading into 2020.

While there were plenty of causes for concern, especially on the offensive side of the ball, remember that the core from the 2018 playoff team remains in tact. There are certainly areas of concern that need to be addressed, but there are reasons to believe that this Bears team can be better in 2020.

The offseason has just begun, and the Bears are expected to make plenty of moves. But if the season were to start today, here are five reasons to be optimistic about the Bears in 2020.

1. Defense remains a top unit

While the 2019 season was considered an overall disappointment, the Bears defense was a top-five unit in the NFL. Chicago allowed the fourth-fewest points in the league at 18.6 points per game. There’s no doubt that the Bears defense regressed in 2019, which was bound to happen considering their production and the lack of injuries the season before.

Chicago’s defense isn’t without its flaws — it needs to force more turnovers and better the pass rush. But with their core players in place, this defense remains one of the best in the league — and if the offense can get going, could be a championship-caliber unit.

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