The Chicago Bears finished the 2019 season with a record of 8-8 that disappointed fans from the Windy City after the Bears had won the division title in 2018 with a record of 12-4 and expectations were high for 2019. Chicago has lost a few pieces and added a few during the offseason in hope of returning to the top of the NFC North and reaching the postseason.
The 2020 Chicago Bears will have a quarterback competition during the preseason as returning starting quarterback Mitchell Trubisky will face off against Nick Foles, who was signed as a free agent during the offseason and is a former Super Bowl MVP. At running back, David Montgomery returns for his second season and will be the primary back in front of Tarik Cohen and Mike Davis.The offensive line, who will open holes for the running backs and protect the quarterback in passing situations, will be led by Charles Leno Jr, James Daniels, Cody Whitehair, and Bobby Massie, but must replace the retired Kyle long at right guard.
The wide receivers were the strength of last season's Bears offense and once again will carry the load offensively led by Allen Robinson, Anthony Miller, Javon Wims, and Riley Ridley. In addition, the Bears added Trevor Davis and Ted Ginn Jr. to the receivers corps as well as rookie Darnell Mooney. The Bears will have a new look at tight end after drafting Cole Kmet out of Notre Dame in the first round and signing free agents Demetrius Harris and Jimmy Graham.
The core of the Chicago Bears defense returns from 2019 and the Bears have improved several positions during the off-season including rushing the passer and in the secondary. The defensive line returns Akiem Hicks, Eddie Goldman, Bilal Nichols, and Roy Robertson-Harris. However, the Bears lost Nick Williams to free agency but have added Brent Urban and John Jenkins.
Chicago improved their linebacking corps and pass rush with the signings Robert Quinn and Barkevious Mingo, as well as signing undrafted free agent Ledarius Mack. Of course the leader of the group remains linebacker and pass rush specialist Khalil Mack. The two starting inside linebackers from last season return in Roquan Smith and Danny trevathan.
Kyle Fuller returns at one cornerback position, while rookie Jaylen Johnson is expected to start opposite Fuller, but will have to compete against Kevin Toliver, Artie Burns and Trey Robertson. Eddie Jackson will start at one of the safety positions while free agent signing Tashaun Gipson is expected to start opposite Jackson. The Bears will use a supporting staff of Deon Bush, Sherrick McManis and DeAndre Houston-Carson both of whom return from last year, as well as newcomers Kentrell Brice and Jordan Lucas
As long as the Chicago Bears are able to put the starting quarterback controversy behind them early, whether the starter is Mitchell Trubisky or Nick Foles who leads the offense, the Bears will compete for the NFC North title with Green Bay and Minnesota. The Bears defense remains one of the best in the NFC as well as the NFL and will help lead the Bears to an overall record of 11-5 and a second place finish in the NFC North.