I am getting 2013 vibes from this offense. Last year's offense was 9th in pts and 6th in yards. In 2013, they were 2nd in pts and 8th in yards. I think this offense will be the first one to be top 5 in both pts and yards.

That would be a first for the team in the Super Bowl era. You have to go back to 1965 to find a Bears offense that finished top 5 in both yards and points.

That makes it easier on the defense, because if they can play with a lead more often, that puts the other team in more predictable situations. The defense finished 23rd in pts and 29th in yards. I don't expect a huge jump but even if they finish top 20 in both, while the offense ascends, that is the formula for a perennial playoff team.

1 hour ago, adam said:

I am getting 2013 vibes from this offense. Last year's offense was 9th in pts and 6th in yards. In 2013, they were 2nd in pts and 8th in yards. I think this offense will be the first one to be top 5 in both pts and yards.

That would be a first for the team in the Super Bowl era. You have to go back to 1965 to find a Bears offense that finished top 5 in both yards and points.

That makes it easier on the defense, because if they can play with a lead more often, that puts the other team in more predictable situations. The defense finished 23rd in pts and 29th in yards. I don't expect a huge jump but even if they finish top 20 in both, while the offense ascends, that is the formula for a perennial playoff team.

When people are looking at how bad or good the D will be, they also have to consider, as you have stated, how good the offense will be . More points puts teams behind and will have to abandon the run quicker and more rest for the D when a time consuming offense.

9 hours ago, ASHKUM BEAR said:

I am guessing something personal and he will be back once it is taken care of. If it was injury we would know, if he abandoned team he would get placed on a reserve, if he was granted personal time it would be kept personal and wed be left wondering.

True, it is something personal or the team who have announced some type of injury. Considering how bought in Kyle is in the team, it cant be anything small.

One thing becoming apparent both from a production standpoint and comments in press conferences is that our safety play is definitely improved. The obvious INTs from Bryant lead the way but offensive players like Kmet have talked about how you can feel these guys hanging on your hip as you run your route. Or how quickly they are closing down on running plays. One reporter mentioned seeing Zavion break free on a short route and heading upfield. Normally you’d think that’d go for a TD but Thieneman closed it down from center field. Bryant is taking on a leadership role for the entire secondary, Thieneman is quickly ramping up following his lead.

Over many decades the Bears have had a history of good safeties but it’s usually been one good safety. We have to see it play out but we might be seeing the start of something really good with Bryant and Thieneman for years.

With pads coming on this week there will be lots of things to watch for. One guy I’m curious about is Jayden Loving. He’s a UDFA who could easily wash out and be gone before the season starts. If he shows potential then most likely he makes the practice squad. The top 3 DTs are locks to make the roster: Jarrett, Dexter, Gallimore. Behind them it’s a crap shoot. I’m high on Vandenberg’s potential but he had just as many lowlights as highlights in college. Kentavious Street? DT4 and DT5 (expecting one guy to be on PS) is wide open. I’m hoping there’s a legit 3-man competition for those last two spots. Whoever wins those jobs are they going to be someone we can count on in games?

Google Search is dead, AI scours the internet for you and provides a tidy summary:

The Bears fit Jayden Loving because they’ve been trying to upgrade the interior defensive line with players who can do two things: hold up against the run and add more pass-rush juice from the middle. Loving’s profile lines up with that in a very “Bears defense-building” way.

• He’s a run-stopping DT archetype: Reports on his film/grades out of Wake point to him being especiallyeffective versus the run—exactly the type of interior presence Chicago wants to improve at.Sports Illustrated

• Athletic interior leverage (good “move-for-size” upside): The Bears have emphasized adding rawathleticism up front this offseason, and Loving checks that box—short/stout body, but with real burst andmovement ability for his size. Sports Illustrated1

• He gives them rotational depth that can grow: Chicago also added multiple DT/DT-type pieces (via freeagency and the draft), and Loving fits as an upside option who can compete for early rotation snaps whilelearning the NFL game.