Chicago Bears: 3 story lines to watch out for this offseason
It was a great surprise season for the Chicago Bears but it ended on a very sour note. This will lead the team and fans alike to look ahead to 2019!
The year began with mixed expectations, even after the Chicago Bears made the splash of the offseason when they traded for superstar linebacker Khalil Mack. Even the most optimistic fans did not believe they would have the best defense in the National Football League and win the NFC North with a 12-4 record.
That was a very pleasant surprise, and there were a lot of components that went into the successful season. The defense was as mentioned the best in the league led by Mack, but they got major contributions from everyone. Akiem Hicks, Eddie Jackson, and Kyle Fuller all had great years. They all put together pro bowl years on their way to a division title, and the defense gets much of the credit.
As much as the defense carried the team, the offense took a step in the right direction this season as well. Mitch Trubisky had himself a fine season. He had some pressure on him after the Bears traded up to select him with the second overall pick in the 2017 NFL draft.
Trubisky played good enough to be named to the Pro Bowl as a replacement for Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff, who is preparing to play in Super Bowl 53. Trubisky would probably rather be in Goff’s position right now, but being recognized as a pro bowler is something to be very proud of no matter what you think of the actual game itself.
We all know how the season ended for the Bears. The “double doink” sent Chicago home after a very strong season, losing to a team that they are probably better than on paper. There are going to be so many things to look at this offseason in preparation for next year. These are storylines that will dominate Bears talk from now until training camp, and possibly even beyond.