Emma: Marked Improvement, Positive Result Show Bears' Progression
By Chris Emma—
(CBS) For all the struggles, the transition, the highs and many lows of this season, the Bears have attained marked improvement from last season with a 6-9 record.
Chicago went into Tampa Bay on Sunday and took care of business of Lovie Smith's Buccaneers, beating Jameis Winston and crew 26-21. It was Chicago's first December win since 2015, snapping a nine-game losing streak for the month and a three-game skid following the Thanksgiving win in Green Bay.
So, what does this all mean? In terms of the 2015 season, not much. The Bears were eliminated from the postseason a week ago during their listless loss to the Vikings and squandered their chances to stay relevant before that, including an embarrassing loss to Jim Tomsula's 49ers team.
But earning wins is the most valuable experience for a Bears team transitioning to 2016, even more so than a higher draft pick. From Ka'Deem Carey to Harold Jones-Quartey to John Timu and more, many unproven players went out and impressed in game action, helping general manager Ryan Pace take inventory.
Leaving Tampa Bay with a victory is important for the Bears, who gained more than marked improvement in the win column. There were plenty of important takeaways that overshadow the result — at least from a personnel perspective – and that's the most important takeaway for a team playing for its future.
Carey emerges, adds intrigue to running back situation
At just 5-foot-9, Carey is able to push through tacklers like a bowling ball. He has a low center of gravity that's hard to stop. With that, coach John Fox has found use for a player who was largely neglected by his predecessor, Marc Trestman, making Carey a short-yardage back used often in goal-to-go situations.
Carey cashed in two Bears drives with touchdowns, including a four-yard touchdown run and one-yard reception in which he lined up as a fullback.
With Carey playing a key role, the Bears have a solid one-two punch for the future, along with rookie Jeremy Langford. Pace and his front office will soon make a decision on Matt Forte, the nine-year veteran who didn't see the field in the fourth quarter due to a back injury. It seems as if next Sunday at Soldier Field will bring Forte's last game with the Bears, but only if he's able to play.
Miller making an impact, earning his place for 2016
With no Alshon Jeffery on the field, with Martellus Bennett on season-ending injured reserve and with the old comfort blanket of Brandon Marshall in New York, the Bears have an unlikely go-to target for quarterback Jay Cutler. The first progression for the offense was Zach Miller, formerly the backup tight end who has solidified his place for the long-term plan.
Miller, a terrific story, has earned his place moving into 2016. Now, the Bears must assess if Bennett is part of their plans ahead or if he's better off being used as a trade chip.
The consistency of Miller has been on display for the second half of this season, a credit to his work ethic through injuries. He never considered giving up football after missing three straight seasons with brutal luck and injury misfortune. That great story seems to be moving ahead into the Bears' future.
Rookie Goldman keeps getting better
Defensive lineman Eddie Goldman destroyed a man Sunday. He bull-rushed through the Tampa Bay line and joined Pernell McPhee for a sack of Jameis Winston. It was exactly the kind of play you hope to see from a 3-4 defensive tackle, busting through the double team with pure strength and disrupting a play.
Back home in the Sunshine State, Goldman showed why the Bears invested a second-round pick in the player they hope anchors Vic Fangio's defense for years to come. He's a terrific physical talent who's developing a greater sense for the play – a credit to his coaches.
Goldman's one of many pieces the Bears will build with for the future, but his present is pretty fun to watch.
Timu steps up again
Last week, the Bears decided the inconsistencies of Christian Jones were too much start, and Timu was the beneficiary. He put together a terrific game against the Vikings, playing with instincts and aggression. Fangio stated that the game never seemed too big for Timu, so the inside linebacker earned his second straight start on Sunday after spending much of this season on the practice squad.
Every Bears player should be giving their greatest effort, attempting to lock down a place on the 2016 roster, and perhaps the greatest example of that is Timu. He came away with two fumble recoveries and some big plays, and while the result could be considered a mere coincidence, it's a credit to Timu's preparation in this case.
Timu has followed the guidance of Fangio and worked hard to learn the defense, finding his role by simply being in the right place. He's yet another undrafted rookie making plays for the Bears.
Jones-Quartey takes advantage
The Bears had seen enough of Chris Prosinski at safety. While the veteran had some good moments replacing Antrel Rolle, there's plenty of film on his play. There's not a lot to evaluate on Harold Jones-Quartey, the undrafted rookie out of Findley University. So, when the Bears took the field for practice Wednesday, Prosinski was watching Jones-Quartey with the first-team defense.
Sure enough, Jones-Quartey came through with a pick of Jameis Winston on a poor decision by the quarterback. He was largely competent all day, which is about all the Bears could've asked to see. While it's highly unlikely that Jones-Quartey is Chicago's starting safety come Week 1 of 2016, he has at least made enough of an impression to earn a place on the roster.
Make no mistake, Jones-Quartey is one of many players in a similar situation. The Bears have a lot of expiring contracts this offseason, so any chance to impress is critical. He took advantage of a key opportunity.
Struggles are evident too
Gerald McCoy, the Bucs' outstanding defensive tackle, rushed right around Bears guard Vladimir Ducasse and took down Cutler. Consider that a humbling moment for the Bears. Later in the game, Mike Evans burst by the Bears defense and had a sure touchdown in man coverage – with Chicago missing a safety over the top – but he dropped the ball.
The Bears had blown coverages many times on Sunday, plus plenty of missed tackles and several costly penalties. Far too often, they looked like a bad football team. Fortunately, the Bucs made even more mistakes.
Poor play is OK for a Bears team no longer fighting for the postseason. It provides teaching moments for the coaching staff, considered a tremendous group in developing players, and Pace, Josh Lucas and the whole front office can evaluate who stays and who goes.
The Bears earned a win and marked improvement in Year 1 of a rebuild, nice feats for a franchise moving forward. But it's what came within the result that matters the most.
Chris Emma covers the Chicago sports scene and more for CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 and like his Facebook page.
