Green Bay Packers: Previewing the 2021 Chicago Bears

Before the Green Bay Packers kick off their regular season against New Orleans, I’ll be previewing each of their NFC North opponents, with us taking a look at the Chicago Bears today.

If you missed my Minnesota Vikings preview with Adam Carlson of The Viking Age, you can find that here.

With the NFL expanding the playoffs from six teams in each conference to seven last season, the Chicago Bears were able to find a way in as the seventh seed with an 8-8 record. They would, however, lose in the first round to the New Orleans Saints.

This is a Chicago offense that ranked 23rd last season in points per game scored, and overall the unit finished 25th by Football Outsider’s DVOA metric–a helpful, all-encompassing tool that measures team effectiveness based on the outcomes of each play and takes into account variables such as the down and distance.

However, it is of course worth noting that under center this is going to be a very different looking Bears team in 2021 with either Andy Dalton or rookie Justin Fields leading the way—or perhaps both.

Defensively, the Bears gave up the 13th most points per game, and by DVOA, they ranked eighth–once again showing that the defensive side of the ball was the strength of this team.

To help preview this Bears team, Vinnie Parise of Da Wind City — where they cover the Chicago sports scene — was kind enough to answer a few of my questions as a way to provide Green Bay Packers fans with some added insight into how the offseason went for Chicago and what expectations are this season.

Were there any major additions or subtractions this offseason that Green Bay Packers fans should know about?

Vinnie: Kyle Fuller was the most notable subtraction for me. He was underappreciated for what he was able to be for the secondary. His ability to make plays will be missed.

Also, the addition of both quarterbacks. The “competition” between Justin Fields and Andy Dalton was the big storyline surrounding the team.

What are the first impressions of Justin Fields?

Vinnie: He has looked amazing. His ability to make plays is apparent, so grooming him for the NFL game should be the #1 priority.

What is the biggest strength of this team?

Vinnie: In theory, the defense should be the strength of the team. However, in order for the Bears to be a playoff team this year, they need to be better than they were in 2020. There are great players there that need to be better.

What is the biggest weakness for the Bears?

Vinnie: The offense. As of right now, there is no reason to believe that the offense will have sustained success with Andy Dalton under center. The WR room is scarce behind an elite Allen Robinson and a good number two in Darnell Mooney.

What are the expectations this season?

Vinnie: It all comes down to the QB play, but it is hard to be confident in Matt Nagy’s ability to judge that and be a good play-caller. The roster has great players, which will keep them from being a bottom 5 team, but it is hard to see much better than a fringe playoff team with an 8-9 record.