Gabriel: Important Questions For Bears Offense Entering Training Camp
By Greg Gabriel--
(CBS) Having attended nearly 30 NFL training camps, the one certainty when I reported to camp was there was always a sense of optimism. Of course, the reality was/is that there were always several questions -- or many more -- about personnel that needed to be answered, but you always had a feeling everything was going to work out. Unfortunately, it usually took only a few preseason games to illustrate that problems existed.
This week, the 2015 version of the Chicago Bears open training camp in Bourbonnais. With a new coaching staff and roster turnover, there will be optimism -- but there are also questions.
Here are some of mine as we take a look at the Bears' offense today.
Quarterback
When the Bears acquired Jay Cutler in a trade with the Denver Broncos in 2009, a huge price was paid. Management looked at the trade as being the deal that would take the Bears to the top of the division. After six seasons, we know that hasn't happened. Cutler's play over the past six seasons has brought more disappointment than joy, and now the question is can he ever get the job done?
Since Cutler has been here, he has worked for five different offensive coordinators. While he has had flashes of good play, he has never played with enough consistency. Part of that has to do with being in a different system just about every season. The other part is Cutler himself. If he doesn't but into the system, he almost undermines the system by himself. That isn't being a "pro" and of course isn't mature.
The only reason Cutler is still the quarterback of the Bears right now is because he signed a huge extension in January 2014. Without a doubt, I believe if Cutler doesn't perform up to his talent level in 2015, he won't be here next year. The system taught by offensive coordinator Adam Gase can be quarterback-friendly. It will play into Cutler's strengths, and we will see some more moving pockets, which should help Cutler's effectiveness.
Yet the reality remains: The only person who can help Cutler improve is Cutler himself. He has to stop pouting, accept his role of being a leader, take care of the ball and look and play to the level expected.
Receiver
No one will question Brandon Marshall's talent. On talent level alone, Marshall's one of the best possession receivers in the NFL. The problem with Marshall was that he was a locker room cancer, and his selfish attitude off the field created problems on the field. That's what led to his trade to the Jets in the spring.
The role of being a No. 1 receiver now goes to Alshon Jeffery. Without question, Jeffery has the talent to be a a go-to guy, but does he have the intangibles that go along with having that role? He has to become the leader of the receiving corps and handle the increased focus that defenses will give him.
When the new coaches came in last spring, they felt that Jeffery was playing a bit heavy last year. When Jeffery gets heavy, it slows him down. His optimum weight is in the 212-to-216-pound range, and he has to stay there to be most effective. Jeffery's at that weight now, and it will help his quickness and speed.
As for leadership, Jeffery isn't the most vocal guy, but he needs to lead by example. If he does that, the younger receivers in the group will follow.
The person who can help Jeffery with the leadership role is Eddie Royal, who's in his eighth season in the NFL and is familiar with John Fox and Gase. While it can be difficult for a new player to accept a leadership role, Royal's familiarity and experience will help.
The other big question with the receivers is how long will it take for first-round pick Kevin White to develop? There's no question that White has the physical traits to be an outstanding NFL receiver But the fact is that White only played two years of major college football in a system that's very elementary when compared to the sophistication of an NFL offense.
In recent years, we have seen rookie receivers have great success, the reason being that their coaches recognize their talent and in order to get them on the field, they don't give them too much to learn. Let the player play within himself, and he will gain confidence and be productive.
Just looking at the natural traits, White's the most talented of the Bears receivers, but he's still raw. How long it takes him to get up to speed and feel confident with his role will have a lot to do with how productive he is this year.
Other lesser questions with the receiver group are will Royal be as effective as the coaching staff hopes? And is Marquess Wilson a figment of the previous staff's imagination or a true NFL wide receiver? Royal has had his best seasons playing in a Gase-style offense. The answer to Wilson's talent level will be found at camp and in the preseason.
Offensive line
The Bears' offensive line did a poor job with both pass protection and run blocking last year. Without question, there has to be improvement. The question going into camp is who will line up where.
Except for the departure of long-time center Roberto Garza, the cast of players is the same. Now they just have to play better. At guard, Matt Slauson is back after missing 11 games due to injury. His presence will help both the pass and run game.
The next question is who will be the center? Will Montgomery was brought in because he has familiarity with the system and has worked with offensive line coach Dave Magazu. Still, the Bears drafted highly regarded Hroniss Grasu in the third round. Grasu was widely thought to be the second- or third-best center in the draft. He was a four-year starter at Oregon and is a natural leader, something that's important in playing that position. Who wins that battle will be a highlight of training camp.
At present, the right guard is Pro Bowler Kyle Long, easily the most talented lineman the Bears have. Being as athletic as he is, can he move out to right tackle and be just as effective? If he moves to right tackle, who lines up at right guard? Will the coaching staff just flip Long and current starting tackle Jordan Mills? Mills might be a far better player inside, where he will have help from the center and tackle.
Later this week, we will discuss the questions on defense, so be sure to check back.
Greg Gabriel is a former NFL talent evaluator who is an on-air contributor for 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter @greggabe.
