With two games remaining in the 2019, the Chicago Bears have only their pride left to play for. Outside of the possibility of finishing with 9 wins, the team’s focus will be on the approaching off-season and the improvements that need to be made. Chicago can utilize their last two games against the Chiefs and Vikings to reduce some of the issues they have to correct.
One of the biggest issues that have plagued the Bears in 2019 has been the inconsistency of head coach Matt Nagy’s play-calling. He has failed to consistently run the ball or design blocking scheme to benefit quarterback Mitchell Trubisky. Nagy can work on his issue by implementing new running designs including using the I-formation for running back David Montgomery. He can also use more roll-outs and moving pockets for his quarterback.
Another thing that Nagy can do, but probably won’t do until the season finale in Minnesota, is to let one of his coaches design the offensive game plan. Offensive coordinator Mark Helfrich or offensive assistant Brad Childress should be given that opportunity to see if they can add anything to the offensive scheme. Nagy’s play-calling will be evaluated in the off-season and the team may be able to find a solution in-house.
There are a few offensive players that should see increased playing time in the last two games. The first is back-up running back Ryan Nall. Nall has impressed in the last two preseasons and was one of the final cuts before the regular-season roster was set this year. He was promoted to the 53-man roster in week 11 and has yet to register a carry. Chicago is in need of a short-yardage running back since the release of Mike Davis back in November. It is important to see if Nall could fill that void as the third-string running back to where Chicago would not need to fill the position in free agency or the draft.
Subscribe to the BFR Youtube channel and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
Chicago also needs to see what they have in quarterback Tyler Bray. Bray has been the team’s third-string quarterback during the preseason for the last two years and has been coached by Nagy since 2013. Although there is no chance Chicago sits Trubisky for the Chiefs game, Bray could possibly start or at least be given the majority of the reps against the Vikings to show what he can do. With a good showing, he could either provide the Bears a suitable replacement for Chase Daniel at the backup quarterback position. Bray could also draw possible trade value for teams looking for quarterback help in the off-season.
On defense, one rookie should get more playing time to see if he could replace a veteran that may be a salary cap casualty. Rookie cornerback Duke Shelley should receive playing in both for the remaining two games. Starting cornerback Prince Amukamara is on the verge of not recording an interception in two of his last three seasons and has a large contract. With the amount of other defensive players either needing to be extended or re-signed, the Bears may cut Amukamara to alleviate cap space. With Kansas City and Minnesota have two of the best passing games in the league, it would be a good test for Shelley to show that he may be a valuable piece going forward.
Chicago needs to use the remaining games to see what personnel and play-calling issues they can resolve internally before looking elsewhere. In 2007 and 2009, former Bears head coach Lovie Smith used late-December games to find personnel for the next season. Quarterback Kyle Orton was named the starter in 2008 based on what he showed in the final games of 2007. In 2009, wide receiver Devin Aromashodu caught three touchdowns in the final two games and was rewarded by being the team’s number one receiver to start 2010.
Although their main goal of winning the Super Bowl is now over, Chicago can use the final two games of 2019 to build their 2020 team. Personnel and schemes can be discovered now that there is no risk of missing the playoffs this season. It would be foolish for the Bears not to make the most of what’s left of the 2019 season.
