For much of the century, the Chicago Bears dealt with the mediocrity of defenders. This has been the reason for the attack struggles over the years and certainly one reason why Chicago’s prospects in 2021 are, at best, obscure.
The Bears are not in an ideal situation in the quarterback going off-season. Nick Foles remains the only defender hired in 2021 and Mitchell Trubisky is probably leaving Chicago.
Pro Football Focus examined the best scenario for the Bears quarterback, which includes the Mac Jones draft from Alabama. But they also looked at the worst case scenario, which is more like what Bears fans are expecting.
Here’s what PFF had to say about why staying with Bellows is the worst scenario for the Bears in 2021.
If all five of the best defenders are off the board when Chicago reaches 20th place – a very real possibility – then it’s time to hit the panic button. This assumes that nothing is done through commerce or free agency, none of which is likely. That would mean that the Bears were left with only Nick Foles, and we all know that the experiment didn’t work. And if Allen Robinson II signs elsewhere in this same scenario, the Bears are destined to field one of the worst, if not the worst, offensive moves in the NFL.
Chicago’s bet with Bellows – which included swapping a fourth round choice and a ton of guaranteed money – did not work. Bellows went 2-5 as a starter, and the attack was unable to produce much on the ground or in the air.
But with Bellows owed $ 21 million in guaranteed money, the Bears are stuck with him. The only question is: who will join the Bellows on the list in 2021?
With general manager Ryan Pace and job security for coach Matt Nagy in supporting life, the Bears need to make some noise as a defender this offseason. This will probably come through the draft, but they are in a difficult situation sitting with the 20th overall choice.
It wouldn’t be a surprise for Pace to give another quarterback in the franchise another chance, but there is a chance that a developing guy is in the cards for Chicago. That would leave the Bears with Bellows as a defender in 2020, which is not exactly ideal given how last season worked.
Fighting Irish Wire: ND coverage of the USA TODAY network