Bears Film Study: Where should they start making improvements?
Let's make this episode of Bears Film Study about the team's biggest needs going forward, since no one needs a detailed analysis of Sunday's 41-10 loss at Detroit.
A couple of stat deficits stand out right away: The Bears are third in the league in sacks allowed with 57, but last in sacks made with 20. So right away that's a minus-37 in getting to the quarterback and the pressures are probably worse.
Then while the Bears lead the NFL in rushing yards per game, thanks mostly to QB Justin Fields, they are second-to-last in rushing yards allowed, ahead of only Houston.
Stopping the run and getting more pressure on the quarterback lead to one position group: the defensive line. The Bears should set a goal of replacing at least three starters across the front four by next summer.
It's tough to predict free-agent possibilities, between franchise tags and potential contract extensions. But here's one casual survey of who might be available: CBSSports.com has seven defensive tackles on its list of top 50 free agents, while NFL.com has five in its top 50.
So at least in theory, the Bears might have a better chance of landing a run-stuffer for the middle of the defensive line in free-agency. Duplicating the Akiem Hicks signing in 2016 would be a nice goal.
So if the Bears wind up with the No. 2 pick in next year's draft, that would point to Alabama edge Will Anderson being the better choice than Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter, but that could change based on the scouting staff's evaluation.
They need to fill both positions, and trading down for more picks should be strongly considered. Usually teams move up in the draft to land quarterbacks. With Alabama's Bryce Young expected to go No. 1 to Houston, the Bears can only hope multiple teams start falling in love with Ohio State's C.J. Stroud or someone else.
If possible, study recordings of how the 49ers negotiated with former Bears GM Ryan Pace in 2017 when, infamously, the Bears surrendered four picks to move up one spot for Mitch Trubisky.
Don't forget the offense:
Given the sacks allowed, the Bears need to do something about the offensive line. As mentioned here before, the Bears' three recent picks have fared reasonably well between Teven Jenkins, Larry Borom and Braxton Jones. There's been no evidence yet any of them can handle the premier pass-rushers from the left tackle spot.
The best course of action would be to sign a veteran who can help guide the younger players and give Fields a guaranteed level of protection on the left side. Drafting an offensive tackle with the No. 2 pick is not recommended, since so much help is needed on the defensive line.
Weapons at wideout:
It's no secret that great wide receivers can make a quarterback's career. Tyreek Hill has already made two different young QBs look good. Philadelphia not only drafted Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith, but also traded for A.J. Brown to give Jalen Hurts some help.
Wide receiver is obviously a position the Bears badly need to upgrade, especially since trading for Chase Claypool is already looking like a mistake. If the Bears can trade down to add extra picks, wide receiver should be a high priority. The top projected free-agents are Jakobi Meyers and JuJu Smith-Schuster.
One spot that doesn't need an upgrade is running back, if the Bears bring back both Devin Montgomery and Khalil Herbert. Cole Kmet has made enough progress where tight end is a low priority.
The feeling here is the Bears are OK at linebacker, although rookie Jack Sanborn ended up with a small sample size. They need improvement at cornerback, but seem to be set with Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon as future starters. Jaylon Jones might have been the most improved player on defense over the course of the season.
Twitter: @McGrawDHSports