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Chicago Bears 2016 Team Preview: It’s Cutler Time

By Erik Lambert

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Dec 20, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) and wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) celebrate a touchdown in the second quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) and wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) celebrate a touchdown in the second quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /

Offense

There is no debating it any longer. This offense belongs to Jay Cutler. That reality came to the forefront the moment the Bears allowed veteran star running back Matt Forte to walk in free agency. With him gone, Cutler is the elder statesmen of this unit and its unquestioned leader. Ensuring he succeeds is the number one goal of this team moving forward. Naturally the question is have they done enough?

It’s hard not to get excited about the prospects for the passing game. Alshon Jeffery is back for another season on his franchise tag, and he’s motivated in every way to perform well so he can secure a long-term extension. Talented former 1st round pick Kevin White is healthy and anxious to get on the field after missing his rookie year. Eddie Royal too is 100% while Zach Miller seems to have carved out his own spot in the offense as a quality pass receiving tight end.

The running game may not feature any proven names like Forte, but its got plenty of youth. Jeremy Langford, Ka’Deem Carey and Jordan Howard each bring something to the table that the Bears can use whether it’s speed, athleticism or power. They figure to form the committee that the offense rotates during games in hopes of wearing down opponents.

As for the offensive line, they are the biggest unknown. It’s clear they’ve gotten younger. Right guard Kyle Long is the oldest of the five projected starters at 27. Right tackle Bobby Massie figures to provide steady blocking but it’s the three on the left side that have people worried. Both center Hroniss Grasu and left tackle Charles Leno Jr. are still largely unproven as starters after up-and-down years in 2015 while left guard Cody Whitehair is a rookie.

There is athleticism in this group, but younger and more athletic does not always equal better. It’s clear the Bears are hoping the intelligence and work ethic each of the players have, something that was targeted in them from the start, will shine through as this season progresses.

Next: Defense

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