How Can the Chicago Bears Salvage Season, Make Most of Remaining Games
Published by Ross Read on November 29, 2014
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
As the Bears‘ latest loss played out on national television against the Lions, it became clearer than ever this team isn’t going to the postseason. Now with a quarter of the season left, the Bears must try to salvage something out of this mess.
As the Bears continue to twist in mediocrity, it’s time to inject some new life and excitement into the team especially on defense.
Head coach Marc Trestman might be playing for his job at this point but this team needs to see what they have in their young players.
Ego Ferguson, Will Sutton, Brock Vereen, Christian Jones and Kaseem Greene should all get a considerable amount of playing time going down the stretch.
Free safety Chris Conte can’t stay healthy and the Bears need to know what they have in Vereen. He hasn’t been consistent this season but that ultimately could be because he hasn’t seen consistent playing time.
Defensive tackle Stephen Paea is having a Pro Bowl season and will be a free agent at the end of the year. It would be wise for the team to take a look at Ferguson and Sutton as much as possible before having to decide whether to pay Paea or let him walk.
As for the linebackers, it’s realistic to think of Jon Bostic as a solid starter going forward but Jones can possibly grow into more than a special teams player and the jury is still out on what Greene brings to the table.
On offense, the focus shifts to the offensive line. Jordan Mills has had his chance to prove himself at right tackle and just hasn’t gotten it done. It’s time to let Michael Ola and Charles Leno take snaps there to see if either guy can be the starter going into next season.
The young players aren’t the only ones being evaluated. Linebacker Shea McClellin is in danger of being let go and receiving the full bust label. Cornerback Tim Jennings could be a cap casualty as he’s having a down season and even beloved kicker Robbie Gould’s price tag could be too much for what he’s produced this year.
General manager Phil Emery’s job is likely safe for now. If he wants to keep it that way then he should be watching Marc Tresman like a hawk over the last four games.
It’s going to be interesting to see how this team responds to him knowing their season is slipping away. Will they still believe in his message, fight hard on the field and compete in every game? If not then Trestman might be coaching his last four games in Chicago.
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