Hey, Now! Bears Predicted to Avoid Fifth Consecutive Last-Place Finish and Other Bullets

A little rain never hurt anyone. Except for that itsy, bitsy spider fella.

  • USA Today shared Nate Davis’ predictions and the Chicago Bears stand out as a team, improved:
  • Davis doesn’t think the Bears will go full Rams in 2018, but believes improvement is on the horizon if Mitch Trubisky turns out to be the truth in Matt Nagy’s new offense. And even though Davis doesn’t see a playoff run coming in 2018, perhaps it’s more realistic to have that expectation for 2019.
  • Hey now! Let’s look on the bright side. A seven-win season would represent a sign of life from a franchise that hasn’t won at least seven games since 2013. And it sure would be nice to avoid a last-place finish for a fifth straight year. Progress can be a slow process, and if Trubisky grows enough, that might prove to be more important than the final regular season record.
  • Just like pitching is generally ahead of the hitting during the early stages of spring training, I fully expect for the Bears’ defense to be well ahead of the offense early during training camp and possibly for a chunk of the summer. We simply cannot discount the value of continuity for a group that finished in the top-10 in scoring and yardage that happens to be led by one of the league’s great defensive minds.
  • Cornerback Prince Amukamara is in his second year in the scheme and believes in the importance of continuity and that it can help propel the Bears to bigger and better things. “I think it’s huge,” Amukamara said, via the team’s official site. “You’ll look at all the great defenses the last couple of years – the 49ers, Seattle, Denver – you see a lot of those core pieces stick together and that’s what we’re trying to do here.”
  • Continuity is good, but having it while also receiving contributions from new blood can do wonders for a defense. Perhaps undrafted free agent rookie cornerback Kevin Toliver can be a spark. Bobb LeGere of Pro Football Weekly writes about Toliver making a quality first impression early in camp. The LSU product was a star high school prospect who never lived up to lofty expectations, but gets a clean slate in the pros and gets to do it with a strong defense around him. Toliver was all over the place (in a good way) defensively on Saturday, intercepting a pass during the practice after coming away with two on Friday.
  • The Bears really loaded up with defensive back during the priority UDFA signing period after the draft, which could be why the team didn’t jump into the recent supplemental draft to snag someone with potential.
  • And then there is Kyle Fuller, a veteran (who is still young as he enters his age 26 season) who is coming off his best season and still looking to make major improvements. Just watch him do work on the JUGS machine as he works on his hands:
  • And yet, the offense will still do things like this:
  • Kyle Long did not practice on Saturday, but there’s no need to fret over a scheduled day off. Andrew Seligman of the Associated Press writes about a rejuvenated Long who is “feeling great” after an offseason of surgery and maintenance. Long is viewed as the senior member of the Bears, even though he hasn’t hit 30 yet. He has been around for three coaching changes and a handful of quarterbacks, so Long has seen some things during his time in Chicago. Now, he is set to embark on a new era as the wily veteran.
  • A healthy Kyle Long will probably do wonders for Jordan Howard and the Bears’ rushing attack. BetChicago.com’s Joe Rodgers shares Howard’s odds to win the rushing title, which stand at 12/1 via BetOnline. It’s easy to point at how an improved passing game figures to open some holes for Howard, getting Long back in the mix will also be important. Howard rushed for just 3.5 yards per carry when running to the right side of the formation, which is disappointing considering his abilities. It’s no coincidence that Howard ran better when running left (4.7 yards per attempt) when that side of the line was healthier (and more productive) in 2017.
  • An old friend finds a home with the Ravens:
  • I really hope the Bears don’t miss Kendall Wright’s production on third and fourth downs when facing blitzes:
  • And here’s the best tackle you’ll see a Dolphin make all season:
  • written by

    Luis C. Medina, who you can find on Twitter at lcm1986, has been covering the Chicago Bears at Bleacher Nation since 2017. Since then, he has written about 3 head coaches, 5 play-callers, and 11 starting quarterbacks. Previously, Luis wrote about the Cubs and MLB at BN (2015-16) and worked in the Chicago Tribune sports department (2011-16). He also co-hosted a Cubs postgame show, Outside the Ivy, in 2019.

    more bears news

    Rome Odunze Has a Visit With the Bears Coming Soon

    If you aren't already familiar with Rome Odunze's name or game, your time will come. The University of Washington wide receiver is one of the top prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. At this point of the year, I've officially...

    Matt Eberflus Opens a Window to the Chicago Bears Draft Plans

    NFL coaches are notoriously tight-lipped. And in his first two seasons as Bears head coach, Matt Eberflus has been no different. But every once in a while you'll catch Eberflus peel back the curtain and provide some insight regarding the...

    What Does a Chicago Bears NFL Draft Trade Down Look Like?

    You'd think we'd be well-versed in trade-back options after months of wondering what kind of haul it would take for the Bears to move off taking quarterback Caleb Williams with the first pick of the 2024 NFL Draft. But trading...

    D-Line Thoughts, Caleb, GM Seth Rollins, Pack Votes No, and Other Bears Bullets

    Cubs and White Sox opening day is today today. March Madness resumes with the Fighting Illini playing in the Sweet 16 later tonight. SIU, my alma mater, is reportedly hiring a "Coach Nagy" to lead its basketball team. And what...

    Dan Campbell is Happy To See Justin Fields Leave the NFC North

    There was no escaping the mixed emotions from Chicago Bears fans when the Justin Fields trade went down earlier this month. But there were none of that from Detroit Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell. Heck, I'd argue there was just...

    Another Pass Rusher Signs Elsewhere: Jadeveon Clowney Lands With the Panthers

    Another day. Another pass rusher signing. And another defensive lineman going to a team that isn't the Chicago Bears. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport was the first with the news of Jadeveon Clowney signing with the Carolina Panthers. Meanwhile, ESPN's...

    Malik Nabers Might’ve Run His Way Out of the Chicago Bears Draft Spot

    Today was LSU's Pro Day and Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles was scheduled to be in attendance, per The Athletic's Adam Jahns. Assuming Poles made his flight, he got a good look at the likes of quarterback Jayden Daniels, as...

    Goodell on Bears Stadium Deal, No to Hard Knocks? More Old Friends Go to Steelers, and Other Bears Bullets

    I keep forgetting that I have a Starbucks gift card from Christmas that has gone unused to this point. Maybe I'll remember it next time I go out for coffee. A big shout out to PFF Brad, who made the...

    Ryan Poles Was Pissed Off By RGIII’s Comments About Caleb Williams Situation

    When I saw them pop up, RGIII's comments suggesting Caleb Williams pull an Eli Manning and refuse to play for the Chicago Bears were met with an eye-roll, audible groan, and immediate dismissal before moving onto more pertinent topics. But...

    Bears Stadium Update: Kevin Warren Reiterates Plans to Build in Downtown Chicago

    It sure is starting to sound like Arlington Heights fumbled the bag when it comes to locking in Arlington Park as the future home of a Chicago Bears stadium. While meeting with the media at the NFL owners meetings in...

    Latest News

    Cavaliers vs. 76ers Predictions, Best Bets and Odds – Friday, March 29, 2024

    The Philadelphia 76ers (39-34) are 8-point underdogs against the Cleveland Cavaliers (44-29) at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on Friday, March 29, 2024. The game starts at 7:30 PM ET on NBCS. The matchup's point total is set at 212.5.Our computer predictions...

    Heat vs. Trail Blazers Predictions, Best Bets and Odds – Friday, March 29, 2024

    The Portland Trail Blazers (19-54) will attempt to end an eight-game losing streak when they visit the Miami Heat (39-33) on Friday, March 29, 2024 at FTX Arena as heavy, 14-point underdogs. The contest airs at 8:00 PM ET on...

    Rockets vs. Jazz Predictions, Best Bets and Odds – Friday, March 29, 2024

    The Utah Jazz (29-44) will try to end a seven-game losing streak when they host the Houston Rockets (37-35) on Friday, March 29, 2024 at Vivint Smart Home Arena as 7.5-point underdogs. The contest airs at 9:30 PM ET on...

    Bulls vs. Nets Predictions, Best Bets and Odds – Friday, March 29, 2024

    The Chicago Bulls (35-38) hit the court against the Brooklyn Nets (28-45) as 5.5-point favorites on Friday, March 29, 2024 at 7:30 PM ET on NBCS. The matchup has an over/under set at 214.5 points.Before you place an informed wager...

    Suns vs. Thunder Predictions, Best Bets and Odds – Friday, March 29, 2024

    Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder (50-22) are 2.5-point underdogs against Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns (43-30) Friday, March 29, 2024 at Paycom Center. The matchup begins at 8:00 PM ET on KSBI. The point total is set...

    Nuggets vs. Timberwolves Predictions, Best Bets and Odds – Friday, March 29, 2024

    The Minnesota Timberwolves (50-22) are 6.5-point underdogs when they host the Denver Nuggets (51-22) in a battle between the top two teams in the Western at Ball Arena on Friday, March 29, 2024 at 9:00 PM ET on ALT. The...

    Knicks vs. Spurs Predictions, Best Bets and Odds – Friday, March 29, 2024

    The New York Knicks (44-28) will try to continue a three-game win streak when they visit the San Antonio Spurs (17-56) on Friday, March 29, 2024 at AT&T Center as big, 10-point favorites. The game airs at 8:00 PM ET...

    Kings vs. Mavericks Predictions, Best Bets and Odds – Friday, March 29, 2024

    The Dallas Mavericks (43-29) will look to Luka Doncic (first in the league scoring 33.9 points per game) when they try to beat De'Aaron Fox (eighth in the NBA with 26.5 PPG) and the Sacramento Kings (42-30) on Friday, March...

    How to Watch Diamondbacks vs. Rockies: Live Stream or on TV

    On Friday, Corbin Carroll and the Arizona Diamondbacks (1-0) take on Nolan Jones and the Colorado Rockies (0-1), with first pitch scheduled for 9:40 PM ET at Chase Field.If you're trying to watch this game, keep reading for streaming and...

    Guardians vs. Athletics: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    The Cleveland Guardians (1-0), led by Jose Ramirez, visit Brent Rooker and the Oakland Athletics (0-1) on Friday, with first pitch at 9:40 PM ET.Find out how to watch the Cleveland-Oakland matchup below.When is Guardians vs. Athletics and when does...

    more bears news