Chicago Bears offense lacking at three critical positions
The Chicago Bears have issues at more positions than you think.
Heading into the 2020 season, Chicago Bears fans might think the team’s biggest issue or question mark is at the quarterback position. And frankly, why wouldn’t they? After all, it is the most important position in all of professional sports and was a major reason why the offense underperformed last year.
However, it might be going a bit unnoticed that they actually have some question marks at three other positions on the offense that could come back to bite them this year.
When you take a more critical look at these positions, you realize there might be a little more sizzle than steak to them, or at the very least, not the depth you’d like to see.
The Chicago Bears’ tight end position is more quantity than quality
The running joke on Bears Twitter is the number of tight ends currently on the roster. Everyone likes to poke fun at the fact that the team, at least as of this moment, has nine tight ends on the roster. The reality is, they are not breaking camp with nine tight ends on the roster, so while it’s easy fodder at the moment, the narrative has grown tired.
What is a legit concern, is once you peel away the excess, and get down to the tight ends that will likely be on the roster, you realize it’s still a questionable group next year. By far, the most reliable option will be veteran Jimmy Graham. However, his receiving yards, targets, and receptions have all declined in each of the last three seasons. Last season, he ended up with only 38 receptions for 447 yards. Not exactly lighting it up.
After that you have rookie Cole Kmet, who while high on potential, is not likely to make meaningful contributions, as historically rookie tight ends do not. After these two, it’s slim pickings, and you can see how tight end production may end up being down in 2020 as well.
The wide receiver position is top-heavy for the Chicago Bears
Every Bears fan knows how valuable Allen Robinson is to this team. Despite a down year offensively, Robinson still managed to shine, catching 98 passes for 1,147 yards. After that though, there’s a pretty steep drop off.
Anthony Miller is talented but has struggled through injuries which has limited his effectiveness. The hope is he can stay on the field this year and enjoy a breakout year with better quarterback play.
Cordarrelle Patterson is listed as a receiver but has been used by Matt Nagy as more of a gadget guy. Ted Ginn Jr., was signed this offseason but is 35-years old and likely brought in for one reason — to try to take the top off the defense.
After that, you’re left with rookie Darnell Mooney, Riley Ridley who struggled to get on the field last year, and Javon Wims.
The Chicago Bears are very thin at running back
A lot of folks are expecting big things out of David Montgomery this year, myself included. But for a position that takes so many punishing blows game after game, the Bears don’t have much depth behind him. Sure Tarik Cohen is listed as a running back, but again, he’s used more on tosses and sweeps and as a wide receiver. He’s not the kind of player who can give you 20-30 carries a game — he’s simply not built for it.
Next. Neal Anderson was sorely underrated for Bears. dark
While there is still technically time to add another running back to the roster, at this moment, they do not have someone who could step in for Montgomery, if need be, and take the majority of the carries. That will have to be remedied or the Bears could be in big trouble at the position.