Sun-Times Bears beat author Mark Potash breaks down the Bears’ greatest questions after Week 1:
The remainder of Mitch Trubisky’s season can be…
Ok, then nice, then dangerous, then nice once more, then OK, then dangerous and on and on. Trubisky seems to be the identical participant he was a yr in the past — able to throwing six touchdowns towards the Buccaneers, however nonetheless depending on each piece being in place to excel towards any sort of resistance. And after Week 1, he truly has to progress simply to get to that time.
Which of the highest performers from the opener is headed for an enormous season?
Linebacker Roquan Smith solely had 5 tackles (4 solo) and in addition had a 38-yard move interference penalty, however he nonetheless seems to be like he’s resulting from blossom as a play-maker in Chuck Pagano’s protection. When Smith’s soccer instincts kick in because the season progresses, he’ll be a double-digit-tackles defender on a weekly foundation — with the potential for giant performs.
How’s the kicker state of affairs?
Shaky. Eddy Piñeiro nonetheless is more likely to cool down the kicking state of affairs, however Matt Nagy’s and Chris Tabor’s babying of Piñeiro is barely complicating issues and stunting Piñeiro’s growth into changing into a reliable man. He’s an NFL kicker. The Bears ought to deal with him like one.
What’s the Bears’ greatest non-Trubisky concern?
The offensive line. For a bunch that has quite a lot of expertise collectively — and supposedly was even stronger with middle James Daniels and guard Cody Whitehair at their greatest spots — the opening-game efficiency was the second-biggest disappointment of the evening, and had an enormous hand in Trubisky being the largest.
Do you continue to consider the Bears as a Super Bowl contender?
If the Bears reply and beat the Broncos, sure. If not, no.