TEAM OVERVIEW
Strengths: Linebacker Roquan Smith (right) is a disruptive force on the inside who figures to be playing with an extra chip on his shoulder after negotiations on a contract extension ended with no new deal. He opted to return to practice after requesting a trade with him and the team in a standoff. His rookie contract is set to expire after the season. DE Robert Quinn broke Richard Dent’s club record for sacks with 18 ½ last season. RB David Montgomery comes into his fourth season with something to prove after being slowed by a sprained knee and seeing his production dip. He missed four games and wound up running for 849 yards after going for 1,070 the previous year. But with Khalil Herbert showing promise as a rookie, the Bears could have a solid combo. Weaknesses: The Bears signed Reiff to a one-year contract in July, but the offensive line remains a major concern. Patrick, who signed a two-year deal in March, was sidelined by a right hand injury during training camp. A step forward for Teven Jenkins could provide a big lift.
The 24-year-old Jenkins appeared in six games as a rookie after he was selected in the second round of the 2021 draft out of Oklahoma State. While Darnell Mooney could put together a big season at wide receiver, the rest of Justin Fields’ potential targets are questionable at best. Expectations: The Bears decided to make big changes after going 6-11 and missing the playoffs for the ninth time in 11 years. They fired general manager Ryan Pace and coach Matt Nagy and replaced them with GM Ryan Poles and coach
Matt Eberflus. New management began a massive overhaul and gutted the roster, parting with stars such as Khalil Mack and Allen Robinson. But the Bears have a long way to go before they’re challenging for the NFC North championship.