It isn't a great sample size, but it does show that the Bears could play with anyone last year.
And here is the thing. they did it while the entire offensive side of the ball was still learning the playbook in year one.
That technically should be the worst year of the Matt Nagy offense, and we pulled off "THAT"?
With Vic leaving and Todd bowles off the board, I would not be surprised to see a little bit more regression on the defense but nothing major. But I also expect the offense 2 more than pick up slack.
On the whole going into next year it's a more complete team, even with the changing DC. Success will lead to coordinators being poached. Look at how many times the Ravens have had their defensive coordinator taken for a head coaching job, and yet still maintain a top defense.
This is the general idea we are going to have to get used to if the bears become successful. And at some point the offense is going to have to take over the reins. If we take Matt Nagy at face value, that will likely be in year 3, with some improvement coming this year.
all in all I think the year was good experience for a first-year head coach and a very raw quarterback who has a lot of potential.
I get it sucked how the season ended, but instead of getting emotional people need to take a step back and realize this isn't a one-and-done like 2001. there is something being built here and with the number of young guys on our roster I have a feeling this team is going to be competitive for quite some time.
In the off-season, I would make the main priority drafting some offensive line talent for Harry Hiestand to develop. Out of all the units the Bears have, the offensive line, while average, needs to be the one that improves the most.
I would follow that up by also taking a running back or possibly signing a running back in free agency.
And given the cap space I would not be opposed to the Bears getting creative and possibly say, trading Jordan Howard and Kyle long in a package deal for a 3rd or 4th round pick. I have loved both of these guys in the past, but I worry Kyle may drop off soon and Jordan just isn't a fit.
I think Massie is allowed to walk and theytake that developmental projects they converted over from the defense to offense of tackle and plug him in. Heard a lot of good things about that guy.
Not sure if they leave Daniels in at the other side or move him to center and kick Cody out to guard. I felt like Cody was at his best at guard oh, and he had a rough start to the season, but he actually played really well in some of those blocking concepts towards the end of the year.