2016 Record - 3-13-0
Head Coach - John Fox
Offensive rank - 15th (357 yards per game, 17.4 points per game)
Defensive rank - 15th (347 yards allowed per game, 24.9 points allowed per game)
The Bears enter the 2017 season looking to improve after a terrible 2016 season. Gone is quarterback Jay Cutler (retired) and Mike Glennon is the projected starting QB this season. Rookie Mitch Trubisky (second overall pick in NFL draft) and Mark Sanchez will be the backup quarterbacks.
Jordan Howard was a tremendous surprise a year ago, going for 1,313 yards rushing (six rushing scores) and will lead the ground attack once again. The passing game needs a shot in the arm after losing Alshon Jeffrey to free agency. Kevin White (injured for his first two NFL seasons), Victor Cruz (15 yards per catch with NY Giants a year ago) and Cameron Meredith (66 catches for 888 yards and four TD) will be the primary targets for Glennon. Veteran Kendall Wright is another potential wideout option. The tight ends are Zach Miller and rookie Adam Shaheen.
The defense is led by Willie Young (7 1/2 QB sacks) and Jerrell Freeman, along with Danny Trevathan. The Bears gave up 25 points per game a year ago and were average against the pass while struggling to stop the run, allowing 122 yards per game.
The turnover ratio was the worst in the entire NFL, at a -20 (only eight team interceptions) the Bears have to improve in that area to be competitive in the NFC North.
OUTLOOK FOR 2017 - Another fourth place finish in the division seems likely for the Bears unless the offense clicks big time under Glennon and RB Jordan Howard.
The defense showed improvement from the past few seasons and barring injury, should continue to get better. The Bears are a work in progress, so look for a 4-12 finish this season.
TEAM SCHEDULE
Week One - vs. Atlanta
Week Two - at Tampa Bay
Week Three - vs. Pittsburgh
Week Four - at Green Bay
Week Five - vs. Minnesota
Week Six - at Baltimore
Week Seven - vs. Carolina
Week Eight - at New Orleans
Week Nine - BYE
Week Ten - vs. Green Bay
Ween Eleven - vs. Detroit
Week Twelve - at Philadelphia
Week Thirteen - vs. San Francisco
Week Fourteen - at Cincinnati
Week Fifteen - at Detroit
Week Sixteen - vs. Cleveland
Week Seventeen - at Minnesota
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