2016 Chicago Bears Preview: Offense

By Kevin Schroeder
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Updated: August 16, 2016

Any discussion of the Bears’ offense has to start with the man under center, Jay Cutler. The polarizing figure had his best season as a Bear in 2015, posting a career-best 92.3 passer rating while throwing for 21 touchdowns with only 11 picks. The interception number was Cutler’s lowest since 2011, when he only played in 10 games. However, this good season took place under the tutelage of Adam Gase. Gase left to become head coach of the Dolphins in the offseason, so the question is: how will Cutler and the offense do in 2016 without Gase around? Quarterbacks coach Dowell Loggains takes the reigns as OC, so there will be plenty of familiarity. Filling Gase’s shoes won’t be easy, but Loggains should do at least a good enough job to prevent an offensive backslide.

Backing up Cutler this year will be Brian Hoyer after the front offense decided they had seen enough of Jimmy Clausen’s all-punt offense. Hoyer’s bounced around a bit in recent years, but actually had a decent season in Houston last year. There are worse options for a backup. The Bears also have David Fales and Connor Shaw on the roster, but one of those two won’t end up making the team.

After letting Matt Forte walk in the offseason, the Bears look to be headed towards a “running back by committee” situation. The chairman of that committee looks to be Jeremy Langford, who showed some potential as a rookie last year, but will need to take a step forward this year. Ka’Deem Carey, Jacquizz Rodgers, and rookie Jordan Howard should all see a good amount of carries as well. Carey’s mostly been rather meh in limited usage since coming into the league in 2014. Rodgers missed much of last season with a broken arm. He’s been nothing special in his career thus far, however, news from camp on him has been encouraging. We’ll see. Don’t be surprised if rookie Jordan Howard ends up making an impact. Howard’s a hard runner with good vision.

Paul Lasike could end up playing a decent-sized role in the offense this year at fullback. The native of New Zealand spent last year on the practice squad.

Last year, when he was healthy, Alshon Jeffery was awfully good. Since the Lions have Lionsed another future Hall-of-Famer into an early retirement, Jeffery’s the best receiver in the division. Packers fans may try to tell you Jordy Nelson’s the best receiver in the NFC North. They are wrong. Do not listen to people who think cheese is a hat. If he and Kevin White can stay on the field, the Bears’ passing game can be quite good. Both Jeffery and White have good size at 6’3. White’s got a bit more speed. White, the Bears’ 1^st-round pick in 2015, missed all of last season with a stress fracture in his shin. Coming out of West Virginia, he was my #1 receiver in the 2015 draft.

When healthy, Eddie Royal was okay in 2015. He’s not going to set the world on fire, but should provide a solid #3 option. Marc Mariani was okay as a slot receiver in 2015 and I wouldn’t expect a great deal more this year. He’s more valuable as a kick returner. Josh Bellamy showed some flashes last year and should be at least okay this year. Daniel Braverman, a rookie out of Western Michigan, has been getting some hype in camp. Kieren Duncan, a speedster out of Colorado State – Pueblo could make the team due to his aforementioned speed and his ability and potential as a returner. He has pretty much the coolest Twitter handle ever (@RastaDonut).

After trading Martellus Bennett to New England, the Bears will ask Zach Miller to take on an increased role in the offense. Miller revived his career a year ago, so whether or not he will be able to take the step the Bears will ask of him is a legitimate question. After him, the depth chart doesn’t look particularly encouraging. The Bears have Khari Lee, who had one reception last year, Tony Moeaki, who has 11 receptions since leaving Kansas City after the 2012 season, and undrafted free agent rookie Ben Braunecker, who’s got some potential, but will need to adjust to the talent level in the NFL after playing at Harvard.

Charles Leno, Jr. will be the starter at LT for the Bears in 2016. Leno showed some potential in 2015 and it was apparently enough for the Bears to decide he was the man going forward. There’s been plenty of good news out of camp on Leno. The Bears gave Leno a huge vote of confidence; now it’s time for him to reward their belief in him. I think he can.

Cody Whitehair looks to be the starter at LG. The rookie out of Kansas State has a very high ceiling. Though his bench press at the combine was unimpressive, particularly for someone who doesn’t have very long arms, his tape shows good football strength. He seems ready to start.

Hroniss Grasu was going to be the starter at center prior to going down in camp with a knee injury that will cause him to miss the season. He was going to need to display a better command of the position and adjust better to the game. We’ll have to wait until next year to see if he can take that next step after a less-than-ideal rookie year. In his stead will be Ted Larsen, who’s bounced around a bit but has been generally fine wherever he’s been.

Kyle Long moves back to RG after a Pro Bowl year at RT. Long was fine at tackle, but very good at guard. Coming to Chicago and making the move possible is Bobby Massie, who was solid a year ago in Arizona. He’s a better run blocker than pass blocker.

Amini Silatolu was signed as a free agent to provide guard depth. Silatolu came into the league with some real potential but has struggled with injuries for a couple years now. The backups at tackle look to be Mike Adams on the left and Jason Weaver on the right. The former has been an okay player, but missed all of last year with a back injury. The latter’s never done much in the NFL. If there’s an injury at a tackle spot, the Bears can always slide Long over to RT and plug in Silatolu at guard.

Twitter: @KSchroeder_312

E-mail: schroeder.giig@gmail.com