There’s not a lot of confidence surrounding the Chicago Bears heading into this season, which has a lot to do with the struggles of the offense last season. And heading into 2020, there’s still a lot of uncertainty of the offensive side of the ball at quarterback, offensive line and the question of the run game.
But there’s reason to be confident given Chicago’s dominant defense, which returns in full health and with a couple new playmakers to add to the mix. If the Bears could get adequate play on offense, they might be able to contend for a postseason berth in 2020.
This content appears in print in USA Today’s Sports Weekly NFL Fantasy Football Preview.
What’s new
The Bears traded for QB Nick Foles, who will battle Mitchell Trubisky for the starting job. They overhauled their tight ends room with the additions of Jimmy Graham and rookie Cole Kmet while also adding some speed to the receiving corps with the additions of Ted Ginn Jr. and fifth-round rookie Darnell Mooney. The Bears also brought in four-year starter Germain Ifedi, who figures to occupy the right guard spot vacated by Kyle Long. Chicago improved its defense with the addition of EDGE Robert Quinn, rookie CB Jaylon Johnson and SS Tashaun Gipson. Two-time Pro Bowl safety Eddie Jackson is moving back to free safety, where he was a ballhawk in his first two seasons.
Camp battles
For the first time since 2008, the Bears will have a quarterback competition. Given the shortened offseason, Trubisky figures to have an advantage. There will also be competition for the third running back spot as David Montgomery’s backup. Starting jobs are also up for grabs at cornerback and safety, where Johnson and Gipson appear to be the favorites to land those jobs. The Bears will once again have competition at kicker, where Eddy Pineiro will look to hold off Ramiz Ahmed.
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