Detroit Lions 2015 Schedule Preview: Chicago Bears
By Zac Snyder
Because of a road-heavy early schedule, the Detroit Lions won’t host their first divisional game until mid-October when the Chicago Bears visit Ford Field. The Lions make the return trip to Soldier Field in week 17.
To check up on the Bears as they prepare to report to training camp, I got together with Dan Schmelzer of Bear Goggles On. Below are my questions followed by Dan’s answers.
1. How would you assess the team’s offseason? Did they do what they needed to do through the draft and free agency?
"The Bears had a very strong off season in my eyes. I love the signing of Pernell McPhee, Eddie Royal should make an impact and Antrel Rolle fills a huge need. I am also a fan of the Bears’ draft class.However, more than the talent they added, I love what the Bears did in the personnel department. New GM Ryan Pace looks like a star, and what more can you ask out of the coaching staff he has assembled? John Fox, Adam Gase and Vic Fangio, come on; that’s great. It may be a long process, but the Bears took the necessary steps to success this off season."
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2. Which rookie are you most excited to see play in 2015 and why?
"The obvious answer here is Kevin White. I am not sure if he will see a huge role in the offense right away, but his raw speed and athleticism is extremely exciting. I cannot wait to see him play.I also loved what the Bears did in the second through fourth rounds of the draft. Nose tackle Eddie Goldman, center Hroniss Grasu, running back Jeremy Langford and safety Adrian Amos are all talented players who I think will make an impact for the Bears in their rebuild."
3. What is the biggest question that still needs to be answered heading into training camp?
"There are a lot of questions surrounding this Bears’ team, and it is very tough to only pick one. The performance of Cutler is always important. You never know what you are going to get from him, so that is obviously a huge question.Another that immediately comes to mind is the Bears’ ability to transition to the 3-4 defense. Fangio is a great defensive mind, but the Bears’ defense is lacking talent all over the place. Also, most of their players are best suited for a 4-3. Whether the Bears can make a successful transition to a 3-4 defense this season is a huge question entering training camp, but to be honest, can they really do much worse than last season?"
4. What are your expectations for the team in 2015?
"I have low expectations for the Bears this season. I can certainly envision a scenario where Fox and the coaching staff come in and turn things around right away, but I am not counting on it. I think 2015 is a bit of a transition year for the Bears, and they will be ready to compete in 2016. 6-10 or 7-9 is about where I would predict them to finish, but I would be less surprised if they fell below that projection as opposed to above it."
5. Right here, right now, are you marking down the game against the Lions as a win, loss or toss-up?
"To be honest, both games against the Lions will probably be losses for the Bears. These two teams always play each other tough, so I am by no means counting the Bears out. That being said, the Lions are clearly the more talented team who are much more set up for current success."
For more on the Bears, check out Bear Goggles On.
Next: Lions 2015 Schedule Preview: Cardinals