Who We Need to Exceed Expectations in 2017

When I think back to last year, there were a few players that I felt took it to the next level and exceeded my expectations: (Meredith, Whitehair, Howard). And then there were a few (more than a few) that, what ever the reason, under performed and really hurt the team (Miller, Alshon, Cutler, Royal, Long, White).

This year, there are several key players I feel need to exceed expectations in order for the team to excel:


1) Mike Glennon -




One of the cool things about NFL Game Pass is you get to go all the way back to 2009 and re-watch games. And since 2011, all the coaches film is available for each play. Coaches film is full-field replays, followed by the same play from the end zone. As I watched all of Glennons plays, I see a kid who I feel is "bottom/middle-tier and inconsistent".

Now, the open question is if he has topped out at that level or not. If this team is going to exceed the 3-13 record (that I expect), Glennon is going to have to play way above the skill level I think he's at.

On a positive note, he's essentially playing for a contract. So, you'd expect him to realize that even though he is likely not the the future leader of the team, he'll get every chance to prove that he can be for another team.


2) Kevin White -



If Glennon is going exceed expectations, he's going to need weapons. Right now, the only real returning receiving weapon he has on offense is Cam Meredith. And while Meredith was an unexpected surprise last year, I see him topping out as a #2. That really isn't saying much.

For a #7 overall pick, so far White has woefully under-performed. And although you can blame injuries, he also looked slow, out of shape, and "meh" when he was healthy.


3) Kyle Fuller -



So much potential, so little effort. Another first round pick that has flopped. To be clear, I actually don't have high-hopes of him making the roster right now... But, if he does, the reason has to be that he is ready to actually give it a go in trying to play to his draft level. Well that and because we are so under-skilled at CB.

The Bears obviously did not pick up his 5th year option. So, 2017 (his 4th year) is a contract year. I believe he has the physical talent to be a good DB. The question is whether he has the heart, the attitude, and the drive. He kinda reminds me of Jay Cutler...


4) Jon Bullard -



I suspect we're relatively set with Hicks and Goldman as starters on the DL. That leaves an open competition for the starting DE opposite Hicks.

For Fangios 3-4 D to work, we need to get pressure with our front 3 (and OLB). I was never high on Mitch Unrein. I suspect neither are Fangio and the Bears after a very middling season last year. However, in some decent playing time last year (14 games and 1 start), Bullard was even less impressive. With all the hype about how we stole "potential late first/early second round talent" in the 3rd round, Bullard never really adjusted from an "explosive" player in a one-gap college system to showcase that same explosiveness in Fangios pro 2-gap system.

He'll get every opportunity to compete for that starting role in camp and pre-season. If he does win the position, I really look for more than the pathetic 1-sack, bench-worthy performance he gave us last year.


5) Adam Sheehan -



Let's face facts, we all would love for Zack Miller to stay healthy. But nearing 33 years of age and never playing a full season, he's not going to ever be that guy.

The only thing I've heard said or read that's negative about Sheehan is that he played in the FBS. Critics just can't find a lot wrong with what they see on tape from him.

At 6'-7" and 280 with "hands of glue", ability to high-point, and described as having "superior route running skills", I think we could be looking at a guy who very quickly sees the field and very quickly makes an impact. He's got a lot of speed for his size and I expect him to develop over the years with Trubisky as a fearsome tandem.

And honestly, there's no down side to having Miller and Sheehan on the roster. I hope that Miller would act as that mentor (injured or not) to Sheehan in this offense.

 

Is it sad I have more hope for Jaye Howard on his 1 year, generously incentive-laden "prove it" deal than Bullard? When Bullard got benched in early December or late November because he was outright lazy for a game or two, I began to think Pace swung and missed on him.

I'm also shocked no edge on the list. My inner optimist wants Pernell McPhee to give me 14 games if we're talking about exceeding expectations. Obviously, I have trouble seeing him get past 6.....is anyone else just feeling done with the guy?

I also cant stop cringing when I see that X-Ray of Kevin White.....

 

There's no hope for Bullard or Fuller.

Sheehan is an interesting prospect.

I still have fairly high expectations for White. Most of you have just about written him off already, but I have not. He won't ever be Julio Jones, but he has the potential to be a solid receiver.

Watch for Dion Sims. I predict a very pleasant surprise.

 

I think that you nailed it with that post. I'd also add Cohen to it because if he can prove to be a pass catcher and quick burst guy out of the backfield, he could be a welcome addition.

 

Someone in the defensive backfield needs to exceed expectations. I doubt it's Fuller because I honestly don't think he will play a down for them next season as I envision him being cut at some point. Or injured.

But that's where they need the most help.

Great write up, as always, Mongo.

 

1) Eddie Goldman. I know that may be a surprising answer but he's had problems staying healthy. Plus he needs to be even better than what we expect. He needs to dominate, Tommie Harris 2004-2006 style. Anyone remember how bad our run D was last year? That the stupid fudgepackers ran for 200+ yards in 3 quarters? We need a dominant NT who not only will collapse the pocket but stuff the line against the run.

2) Pernell McPhee. Patg mentioned him and this guy has been a huge disappointment. I remember Bigrobo and a few others vehemently defending Pace shelling out $40 million to a guy who played less than 50% of downs and injuries and poor performance have marred his Bears tenure. If we can get some ROI on that contract in 2017, it will be a huge boost to the defense.

3) Both starting OTs. Nuff said.

 

I actually think he should be cut. He's not worth the 8 million we're going to pay him this year. Willie Young put up 8 sacks subbing for him last year...

 

Nice write up Mongo.

I would like to see Bryce Callahan and/or Crevon LeBlanc take a big step this season. It would be nice to have a home grown talent exceed expectations and become a legit starter.

I will agree McPhee has been a disappointment. I don't think it has anything to do with poor performance. He like a lot of Paces hand picked players need to shake the injury bug. I still don't think 5 years $40 mill with $15 guaranteed is a cap crippling deal and worth the gamble from what he has shown so far.

I don't see how cutting him would make the team any better. Who would you bring in with the extra $8mill? I would give him this year to prove he can stay healthy. When playing almost equal snaps in 15 Young had a half a sack more but 23 less tackles. I think both playing healthy makes the team better.

 

I'll agree with the team cheerleader on this one.

Can't have enough pass rushers and cutting McPhee doesn't make you better now.

The only hope of stopping QBs from completing passes to not let them get the throw off.

 

They just brought in and Signed Dan Skuta.

I have no use for McPhee and would gain a little more respect for Pace if they cut him.

 

Cut Christian Jones.

Keep McPhee.

Skuta could help as a reserve and against the run.....he's not really a pass rusher and he's 31.

 

I thought he was better in 2015 but fairly ineffective while on the field in 2016.

Was not cap crippling but again Pace overpaying for someone who never merited such a contract in the first place. He did it for Mike Glennon too, who I would have signed but for half the guarunteed money he got.

I'm not opposed to keeping him, for now. Not that I think he will break out, but as BWW said can't have enough pass rushers.

 

It looks like I'm the only on this side of this argument...

Mcphee has been crap. Save a few games in 2015, I see no value in him even when he was healthy.

I think Pace needs to cut his losses. And yes, that 8 million can definitely be used. If not this year, then roll it over to 2018.

 

Multiple players that have been mentioned above but also how about the coaching staff need to be better than ever especially if they want a job moving forward.

Can the OC be better ???
Can Fox be better ???
Can the ST coach be better ???
Can the DC which improved last year take another step ???

Players still need to play regardless but " if " the young guys want to get better its imperative that the coaches for all positions coach them up as they say , chances are right out of the gate will be some loses to deal with mentally for sure so they better be prepared to keep their attitudes up and moving forward .

 

There's a couple of guys out there for edge that may not have more potential/age but probably will contribute more than McPhee in 5-8 games. I wouldn't be opposed to Elvis Dumervil.

Though for now I'm keeping McPhee.

 

I have no idea how cap roll over works, but if we can Roll a full 8 million of cap into 2018 by cutting him in 2017, than I would fully support cutting our losses on McPhee.

If the cap gain is mostly in 2017, than there is no reason to cut him at this point. If he is healthy he could still be a good player, though that is obviously a huge if.

 

I think Kevin White is the guy we need most to exceed expectations in 2017. There are obviously lots of choices, but this dude is the 7th overall pick who was selected for his potentially game breaking physical abilities.

Now, our expectations for him are basically non-existant. It would be such a huge win for this team if Kevin White became even a rock solid #2 option deep threat. I dont think he becomes that, but man it would be a huge relief.

Second for me would actually be Eddie Goldman

Combines with guys like Leonard Floyd, Willie Young, and co - Eddie Goldman has the potential to hold the keys to this offense. He could be the motor that makes our defense go if he can max out and exceed expectations this year. He has the physical ability and looks like he could have the brain and technique to go with it. Putting it all together, and staying healthy, will be the big questions.

 

Any unused cap can be rolled over to the next year. There is (to my knowledge) no limit to the amount you can roll to the next season.

However, the team must also spend at least 89% of their cap space (this year it's 166 million + 8 million rolled from last year = 174 million), netted over a 4 year period.

So, currently the Bears are 31 million under the cap. If they cut McPhee, they'll go another 7.7 million under so they'll be at 135 million/174 million = 77%

Which means that over the next 3 seasons (2018, 19,20) they'll have to use more of their cap space to get to that 89% floor.

 

I don't see the point in cutting him but I'm not a fan of his. Think he has been overweight since arriving here and that contributed to the longest recovery in knee scope history last season. He has done nothing to earn his contract so at least make him suffer with the rest of us through another painful season.

As long as he isn't taking reps from any young guys with potential, let him stay, but be looking very hard for a replacement.

 

To that point...

https://amp.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3...m=#fff&p.bgc1m=#0964bf&p.bgc2m=#053a74&sr=amp

He won't even turn 29 until December.

He's still a young man, with NFL experience, and has somewhat of an untapped potential.

I'm not a huge fan either, but there's no harm whatsoever in giving him another year to prove himself.