IOWA CITY, Iowa – The Bears go
into the bye week at 2-4, but despite the underachieving record the Bears are
heading in the right direction.
Here are six things you should
look for throughout the rest of the season.
1.
The play of
Jay Cutler: The Bears went into this season not expecting quarterback Jay
Cutler to have the season he is having thus far. The 32-year-old quarterback
has shown that he understands offensive coordinator Adam Gase’s new offense. Cutler
is showing improvement each week, whether that is by changing the play at the
line of scrimmage, calling out blitzes or leading fourth quarter comebacks,
Cutler is getting the job done.
So Bears’
fans should watch to see how Cutler finishes off the season. With the way he is
playing now, Cutler is making a strong case for the Bears to keep him on the roster
for next season.
2.
What is
wrong with Kyle Fuller? Bears’ fans thought that second year player Kyle Fuller
would excel in defensive coordinator’s Vic Fangio’s new defense. That hasn’t been
the case thus far this season. After having a strong rookie year, Fuller has
been inconsistent to say the least. Fuller continues to get beat in pass coverage
and also has a tendency to draw pass interference calls.
The Bears
defense has struggled in pass coverage as a whole, but Fuller was supposed to
be the one solid player in the secondary. The former first round pick, needs to
show the coaches he can create turnovers and be a player they can count on for
the rest of the season.
3.
Defensive
line needs to create pressure: Pernell McPhee and Jarvis Jenkins have been the
most consistent pass rushers for the Bears, but other than that, nobody has
stepped up. The defensive line has made changes throughout the season, with Jeremiah
Ratliff being the latest Bear being replaced by former defensive end for the Pittsburg
Steelers and Jacksonville Jaguars Ziggy Hood.
The line at
times can get to the opposing quarterbacks but the pressure needs to become
more consistent. The Bears have a weak secondary so creating pressure is
something the Bears absolutely need. Hopefully a player like Ego Ferguson or new
acquisition Hood can bring a spark to the Bears after the bye week.
4.
Receivers making plays: The Bears receivers
have been banged up all season but that hasn’t stopped the unit from making
plays. Receivers like Marquess Wilson, Joshua Bellamy, Eddie Royal and even
rookie Cameron Meredith have all contributed on offense this season.
The Bears
last week against the Lions showed how much they missed their star wide out
Alshon Jeffrey. With the backups gaining confidence and Jeffrey on the field,
this Bears’ offense can do some damage. Cutler will have all his receivers
healthy following the bye week and look for him to utilize every single one of
them.
5.
Rookie
Center playing well: With starting center Will Mongomery suffering a season
ending injury against the Raiders, rookie Hroniss Grasu was forced into a
starting role. So far, the rookie has played well and looks to have established
good chemistry with Jay Cutler.
The big
thing to watch as the season goes on is whether on not defenses will blitz more
through the A gaps. Grasu is still a rookie and teams facing the Bears will
look to take advantage of him, by throwing some complex blitzes his way. So watch
too see how Grasu handles the upcoming pressure from opposing defenses.
6.
Who steps up
at safety? All season long the Bears have had questions at the safety position.
Vetern starting safety Antrel Rolle was a good pick up for the Bears, but a
high-ankle sprain has forced him to be sidelined. The man replacing Rolle is
undrafted rookie Harold Jones – Quartey, who made some plays in the loss to the
Lions.
The Bears
are also starting Adrian Amos, who has played okay thus far. So with the Bears
starting two rookie safeties, it will be interesting to see how they
communicate with the rest of the defensive backs. Both players have
a lot to learn as the season goes on, but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see
either of them struggle.
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