Fansided

NFL Power Rankings: Post-free agency

By John Buhler

Oct 17, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Jets 28-3. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Jets 28-3. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 29, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Mike Glennon (8) calls a play against the Cleveland Browns during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Cleveland Browns defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31-7. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 29, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Mike Glennon (8) calls a play against the Cleveland Browns during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Cleveland Browns defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31-7. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Chicago Bears

NFC, North

The Chicago Bears definitely left their mark on the first day of NFL free agency. Chicago cut long-time starting quarterback Jay Cutler and saw both Brian Hoyer and Matt Barkley sign with the 49ers. The Bears decided to bring in former Tampa Bay Buccaneers backup quarterback Mike Glennon to be their 2017 starter.

Glennon doesn’t have a winning record as a starter and hasn’t played much since his rookie year in 2013. However, he was projected to be a starting-level quarterback coming out of North Carolina State. Either way, head coach John Fox’s Chicago tenure hinges on how well Glennon plays this fall.

Chicago added a few other solid players in free agency including cornerback Prince Amukamara, safety Quintin Demps and wide receiver Markus Wheaton. However, losing No. 1 wide receiver Alshon Jeffery stings mightily in the Bears already less than stellar passing game.

The truth is Chicago will win with defense and the ground game in 2017, if it does at all. Fortunately for the Bears, Fox is a great defensive mind and running back Jordan Howard is a young stud in the backfield.

Overall, Chicago won’t go worst-to-first in the NFC North. However if everything goes according to plan, the Bears could be slightly above .500 and contend for a wild card berth in the NFC. That being said, expecting Fox to get a fourth year in the Windy City is at best wishful thinking. The Bears could be one of the worst teams in football again in 2017.

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