Fansided

NFL training camp 2015: Priming all 32 teams

By Matt Verderame

Dec 28, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly before the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly before the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 4, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) catches a touchdown pass over Dallas Cowboys cornerback Brandon Carr (39) during the second half at Soldier Field. Dallas won 41-28. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) catches a touchdown pass over Dallas Cowboys cornerback Brandon Carr (39) during the second half at Soldier Field. Dallas won 41-28. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /

Overview

The Chicago Bears have an extremely proud history, ranging from George Halas and the Monsters of the Midway to 1985 and Mike Ditka. Last year, former head coach Marc Trestman did all he could to tear down that prestige with a 5-11 record, marked by a team that lost the final six games and looked utterly disinterested down the stretch.

After the season, ownership cleaned house and brought in Ryan Pace at general manager and John Fox to coach the group. Fox was fired after leading the Denver Broncos to four consecutive division titles and a Super Bowl appearance, giving the Bears a terrific coach with something to prove. Pace was quick to move after being hired, trading Brandon Marshall while drafting Kevin White in the first round.

Major Battle

The inside linebacker spots should be a tough place to lock down. Mason Foster was brought in via free agency from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and he should be able to nail down one starting slot. However, the other will see fierce competition from Jonathan Bostic, Shea McClellin and Christian Jones. McClellin has been a disappointment, but could find new life in Vic Fangio’s scheme.

Expectations

Look, this is the first year of the Fox regime in Chicago. Things are going to take time, especially if Cutler continues to make boneheaded mistakes and the defense plays like a sieve. The Bears have talent, but it could be a tall order to finish anywhere but fourth in the division. Chicago’s rebuild isn’t massive, but it will tale longer than 16 games.

Next: Carolina Panthers

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