Alex Brown Predicts a Big Rebound From Chicago Bears in 2020

Former defensive end Alex Brown was as critical of the Chicago Bears in 2019 as anybody. He constantly hammered them for their issues on offense, continuing to hang a great defense out to dry. Like everybody else, he needed to see some action this offseason. Something that told him GM Ryan Pace and head coach Matt Nagy were actively trying to fix the problems that plagued them last year.

Four months later, most of the work is finished. The offensive coaching staff was overhauled. Robert Quinn, fresh off 11.5 sacks in 2019, joins the defense. They traded for Nick Foles from Jacksonville, a man with a Super Bowl ring to compete at quarterback. Then they drafted Cole Kmet at tight end and Darnell Mooney to add speed at receiver. Brown seemed satisfied.

He explained why he's optimistic for 2020 on Kickback with Chad & Ricky.

"Just looking at Nick Foles coming in, looking at the tight end position assuming you're going to get some production from that position this year. You got (Robert) Quinn coming in. You got zero production from Leonard Floyd at that position. Now you got a guy that could very well get you 10-12 sacks. Obviously Khalil Mack, hell, he might get 15. You got a healthy Akiem Hicks coming in. You got Danny Trevathan coming back.

We're talking about a team that's 8-8, gave up 18 points on defense. Let's say we push that back a little bit. Now they're giving up 15 points. With an offense with a more efficient quarterback? Some production at the tight end position? Might even run the ball a little bit more this year? Let's have them push that 18 points they got on offense to 21-22. Hell, it sounds like you're winning more to me.

So I got them. right now, 11-5 doesn't seem crazy to me."

Alex Brown isn't wrong in his assessment

Obviously it's difficult to win 11 games in the NFL. It takes talent, commitment, and more than a little good luck. Still, this Bears team won 12 games in 2018. Is it so crazy to think they can get close again? Brown isn't wrong. They've at least gotten deeper and more experienced at quarterback. Foles has proven to be a dangerous quarterback when he gets hot. People saw that in 2013 and 2017. The tight end position is upgraded. They know they have a pair of good receivers in Allen Robinson and Anthony Miller. This group can be better than 27th like last year.

As for the defense, it's crazy to think this group might be better than the one in 2018. Yet that is shaping up to be the case. Quinn is a far superior pass rusher to Leonard Floyd. Not only that but they also have more depth with the addition of promising rookie Trevis Gipson. The only question marks are at strong safety and cornerback. Is Deon Bush ready to be the guy next to Eddie Jackson? Can rookie Jaylon Johnson get up to speed quickly across from Kyle Fuller?

If the answer is yes, then this team is ready to win.