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Biggest Week 1 question: Is quarterback Justin
Fields ready to take his game to the next level in his third NFL
season? The Bears' hopes for a resurgence ride heavily on
Fields, who is a gifted athlete but has posted an underwhelming
79.7 quarterback rating in his first two seasons.
What's new: The Bears badly needed a top-tier wide receiver, and
they jumped at the chance to acquire D.J. Moore from the
Carolina Panthers before the draft. Moore put together three
consecutive 1,000-yard seasons before falling short last season
with 63 catches for 888 yards and seven touchdowns. In free
agency, the Bears opened their wallets to bring in linebacker
Tremaine Edmunds, who signed a four-year deal with nearly $42
million guaranteed. Other signings included guard Nate Davis,
running back D'Onta Foreman and tight end Robert Tonyan.
They're gone: Running back David Montgomery left via free
agency, signing with the division rival Detroit Lions.
Montgomery was the Bears' lead back for the previous four
seasons, averaging 3.9 yards per carry while tallying 3,609
rushing yards and 26 touchdowns in that time. His absence
creates a big opportunity for Khalil Herbert as primary running
back.
On the money: The Bears had flexibility under the salary cap
this offseason, but next season they will need to make some
decisions at wide receiver. Wideouts Darnell Mooney, Chase
Claypool, Equanimeous St. Brown and Dante Pettis all are set to
become unrestricted free agents following this season.
Get to know: Rookie right tackle Darnell Wright might not sell a
lot of jerseys, but he will be an important factor in the Bears'
offense this season. The Tennessee product impressed coaches
during training camp and will be part of a new-look group that
tries to protect Fields.
Vegas says: BetMGM set the Bears' odds to win the NFC North at
+450, making them the biggest longshot in a relatively tight
division.
--Field Level Media
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