Chicago Bears: Building a Winning Team for 2014

The Bears seemed doomed by Week 6, when QB Jay Cutler pulled a groin muscle. But a vibrant veteran quarterback in Josh McCown gave the Bears a little ray of hope, and yet it was not enough.
The Bears defense was a vapor of the monster brotherhood it was in 2012. Even though the offensive line had improved with incredible stride, the defense failed to hold on to several leads. With a few “upgrades” in personnel and needed adjustments in all 3-phases, the Chicago Bears may take the NFC North by storm in 2014. Here are a few suggestions:
Offense:
Head coach Marc Trestman will need to continue to work with Cutler on his mechanics, minimizing his interception ratio and learning to read defenses correctly to switch last minute plays.  Aaron Kromer (OC) will also need to be instrumental and work closely with Trestman on developing an effective and balanced run and passing game.
This seems to be the case with the immediate return of FB Tony Fiametta and Jay Cutler.  Look to see the resurrection of the fullback position in Trestman’s offense in blocking and additional play opportunities.
Rookies Kyle Long and Jordan Mills did a fantastic job last year and look only to improve in training camp. Baltimore Ravens TE Dennis Pitta is a possible pick-up on free agency if the Ravens don’t re-sign him. He could be a definite go to guy with Cutler in addition to TE Martilleus Bennett.  As for Josh McCown, he is staying in Chicago. He is Trestman and Cutler’s safety net. Rather than learn a whole set of players on a different team, McCown will want to stay in Chicago.

Defense:
This is an area that Phil Emery and Trestman have stated they will focus on for the 2014 season.  It would benefit the Bears to resign DT Henry Melton and LB Lance Briggs. With DE Julius Peppers not as agile as he used to be, the Bears may look to draft DE Stephen Tuit from Notre Dame as a possible replacement.  Also it will not hurt to acquire LB Brian Orakpo of the Washington Redskins off free agency as a dangerous pass rusher to allow LB Jon Bostic time to learn his position.
The key positions that need improvement are in the backfield with the lack luster performance of safety FS Chris Conte. Grabbing safety TJ Ward off free agency from the Cleveland Browns would help SS Major Wright greatly in the backfield. With the question of whether Charles Tillman will return, a fresh young spry of a cornerback would be a welcome addition to CB Tim Jennings on the field. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Chicago Bears pick up Ha Ha Clinton-Dix of the University of Alabama with the 14^th pick in the NFL Draft to fill that spot.

Special Teams:
Devin Hester might not be as fast as he used to be, but he may have resurgence in 2014. Look for RB Michael Ford to fill in for Hester more often. Also let’s not forget the inconsistent performance of Punter Adam Podlesh as a punter.  He has failed to punt the distance for the Bears last season and they will need to acquire a more productive punter from either free agency or the NFL Draft.
Finishing with an 8-8 season, the Chicago Bears will need to emerge as a strong team in all 3 phases.