NFL Declares This Is The Best 2017 Record The Bears Can Hope For

The Chicago Bears 2017 record is a hot topic for debate. Why? Nobody seems entirely sure what this team is. They were 3-13 last year so naturally they're viewed as one of the worst in the league. At the same they've stepped up considerably in the preseason against three fairly good opponents. They lost a late comeback to Denver but defeated both Arizona and Tennessee on the road. Yes it's preseason but the performances were still notable. Unfortunately that's not nearly enough to convince most experts this team is capable of a turnaround. Most of them cite the obvious question marks at quarterback. Mike Glennon is a former backup who hasn't started a game since 2014. Mitch Trubisky is a rookie who only started 13 games in college. Even with a strong running game and defense, it's undeniably a weak link on paper. This goes a long way towards explaining the official prediction by NFL.com analyst Elliott Harrison on what the best-case scenario can be for the Bears this year.

Bears 2017 record can't possibly reach the double digits

"Ceiling: 9-7. John Fox pushes back against his better judgement, starting Mitchell Trubisky under center. The kid responds with a Matt Ryan-esque rookie season. The Bears limit Trubisky's pass attempts to fewer than 30 in most games, allowing a standout offensive line and Jordan Howard to carry much of the load. The front seven stays healthy, while Leonard Floyd becomes a double-digit sack guy. Floor: 2-14. Eddie Goldman, Pernell McPhee, Lamarr Houston and Kyle Fuller have trouble staying healthy and on the field. The secondary carries 2016 over into 2017. Howard slogs through a sophomore slump, while a brewing QB controversy stifles any momentum the Bears can muster. I think Chicago will fare much better than this, but ... Tipping point: With Cam Meredith likely out for the year, can Kevin White finally live up to his draft billing and provide Chicago with an effective WR1?"

While a 9-7 record would be considered a welcome sign to most Bears fans, it is curious why it's so low. Is 10-6 or 11-5 really that farfetched? After all last year the Cowboys went from 4-12 to 13-3. They were led by a rookie quarterback, a Pro Bowl running back, and a solid offensive line. One could say their defense wasn't nearly as good as this Bears one could be. Even the Bears have history on their side in this record. In 2000 and 2004 they went 5-11. The next years they went 13-3 and 11-5 respectively. This is the NFL. Teams can change drastically from one season to the next. Here's hoping they prove that yet again.