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2017 NFL power rankings: Patriots lead the way

By Russell S. Baxter

Feb 2, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; A general overall view of NRG Stadium with graphics featuring New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) prior to Super Bowl LI. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 2, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; A general overall view of NRG Stadium with graphics featuring New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) prior to Super Bowl LI. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 18, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Jordan Howard (24) with the ball during the second half against the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field. Green Bay won 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Jordan Howard (24) with the ball during the second half against the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field. Green Bay won 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /
28

Chicago Bears 3-13

Last week: 4th, NFC North
Last rank: 28th

Looking Back: Year Two of the John Fox Era in the Windy City looked promising after the Bears added some additional talent via free agency and the draft. But instead of improving on that 6-10 finish of the previous season, “duh” Bears managed only half as many victories and were forced to utilize too many quarterbacks.

Looking Forward: Is the Jay Cutler Era over in Chicago after eight iffy seasons? The team had problems keeping all of their men behind center healthy in 2016. And it’s worth noting that both Brian Hoyer and Matt Barkley’s contracts will soon expire. But this is a club that did discover some young talent, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Jordan Howard was a fifth-round pick in April but finished second in the league in rushing yards behind Dallas’ Ezekiel Elliott. And one year after catching 11 passes for 120 yards in 11 games, wide receiver Cameron Meredith led the Bears in grabs (66) and receiving yards (888) and tied for the team lead with four touchdown receptions.

Offseason needs: The Bears were the only team in the NFC North to finish with a losing record this season. And this is a franchise that is not only 9-23 the past two seasons but hasn’t been to the playoffs since 2010. Free agency has been kind to this club under general managed Ryan Pace and the defense has some pieces. But the club needs to find a reliable entity at quarterback and it may finally be time to move on from Cutler. Chicago appears to be the only team in its division headed in the wrong direction. A young signal-caller who could develop around Meredith and Howard may be the way to go.

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