Chicago Bears: Five biggest X-Factors for the 2017 season

Which five Chicago Bears players could end up having the biggest impact on the team’s fortunes this season?

As the start of the NFL regular season begins, the Chicago Bears are providing plenty of intrigue for their fans. While the prospects of a playoff run don’t look great at the moment, the team’s overall talent still far exceeds last year’s. And if everything goes right during the 2017 season, along with a little luck, the Bears could surprise people around the league.

And in the case of a few players, a breakout year from them could change the course of the Bears’ entire season. On the other hand, a tough year could lay the Bears low once more.

Here are five players who could be the biggest X-factors for the Chicago Bears in 2017.

Honorable Mention: Tarik Cohen

As much as Chicago Bears fans wanted to see the team upgrade their defense in the 2017 NFL Draft, Ryan Pace knew they were starved for playmakers on offense. Selecting Cohen in the fourth round, while a somewhat puzzling choice to many, was meant to address that glaring need.

So far, Cohen hasn’t disappointed.

Both in practice and in preseason games, Cohen has proved he can break off big plays shake off a few hits and keep on ticking. Especially after his performance in place of Jordan Howard Saturday (77 yards on 11 carries), his role appears to be growing within the offense.

Plus, Cohen ripped off a 17-yard punt return in the first preseason game as well. And he didn’t even get to show off his natural pass-catching ability yet.

On one hand, the Bears could really use some big contributions from him as a backup running back. After all, Howard can’t stay on the field all day.

Furthermore, if the Bears can tap into his electrifying abilities, he could quietly become one of the most impactful offensive players on this team.