The Chicago Bears had a busy offseason rebuilding the roster. From signing key free agents like D’Andre Swift, making a huge impact trade for Keenan Allen, and drafting stud college prospects such as Rome Odunze, the Bears have massively upgraded the roster. Pro Football Focus (PFF) recently published an article highlighting the leagues’ best and worst position groups. Surprisingly, the Bears were listed twice, ranking the highest and lowest in two separate position groups. But what are the Bears’ strengths and weaknesses?
Chicago Bears Biggest Strengths And Weaknesses
Biggest Strength: Wide Receiver
Not long ago, the Bears had one of the worst receiver corps in the NFL. Fast-forward and the Bears have completely revamped the wide receiver room. It all started with the notorious Carolina Panthers trade that sent D.J. Moore to the Bears, along with a ton of high-value draft picks. Moore was drafted into a poor situation in Carolina, playing with multiple mediocre quarterbacks. However, with Justin Fields and Tyson Bagent last season, Moore achieved career highs with 96 catches for 1,364 yards and eight touchdowns. Now, with a talented quarterback in Caleb Williams, Moore should be in the conversation among the league’s best wideouts next season.
During the offseason, the Bears stunned the league by trading a fourth-round pick for Keenan Allen. Allen has been a mainstay in the NFL, consistently having 100-catch and 1,000-yard seasons. While Allen may not possess top-end speed, he has a knack for creating separation on short and intermediate routes thanks to his lightning-fast releases and precise route-running ability. In the article published by PFF, they added that Moore and Allen ranked 10th and 11th in PFF grade in 2023 and will help each other go up the ranks in 2024.
As if the Bears wide receiver room couldn’t get any better, they drafted standout WR Rome Odunze in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Odunze has an innate talent for catching contested catches and getting open. Although Odunze is 6’3″ and 212 pounds, he’s a fluid route runner who routinely gets separation against faster cornerbacks. Having three WR1s gives the Bears the title of having the best wide receiver group in the NFL. All that’s left is for them to prove it on the field next season.
Read More: Bears Wide Receivers Could Reign As NFL’s Best In 2024
Biggest Weakness: Defensive Line
Last season, the Bears, by far, had the worst defensive line in the NFL. They struggled to generate pressure up front, and sacks were a rarity. Recognizing this issue, General Manager Ryan Poles focused on improving the defensive line by trading for star pass rusher Montez Sweat during the 2023 season. Sweat made an immediate impact upon arriving in Chicago, leading the team with six sacks and generating more pressure than the entire Bears defensive line combined.
The Montez Sweat addition has allowed the #Bears to reduce their blitz rate while increasing their pass rush productivity. Here is a look at their week-by-week blitz rates, pressure rates, and PFF pass rush grades. The orange window represents games played with Sweat rostered. pic.twitter.com/PV3sBVkCqw
— Quinten Krzysko (@ButkusStats) November 28, 2023
Apart from Sweat, the defensive line lacks proven playmakers. Andrew Billings is primarily a run-stopper, and while Demarcus Walker is solid, he doesn’t consistently win one-on-one battles. Next season, the Bears will need one of their young defensive linemen to step up. Austin Booker and Zacch Pickens may not have much playing time, but Gervon Dexter Sr. should have a more prominent role with the departure of Justin Jones. With the improvements in the defense around him, Dexter Sr. has high expectations to develop into an impact player for the Bears.
Main Image: Daniel Bartel-USA TODAY Sports
