At first glance, the Bears had another disappointing season last year. They went 6-10, and had the 9th pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. While it’s fair to say that last year was nothing special, there was still reason to be optimistic. Despite going into rebuilding mode after a horrendous 5-11 2014 season, you could argue that they exceeded expectations by performing better with less talent on the team. Even though the Bears seem to be headed in the right direction, head coach John Fox doesn’t have much time to return the Bears to playoff shape as fans are anxious for another appearance; one this season would mark their first since 2010.

What Bears fans should worry most about this year is the offense. With the departure of offensive coordinator Adam Gase, long-time running back Matt Forte, and tight end Martellus Bennett, the Bears are starved for talent this year. On the bright side, rookie wide receiver Kevin White is back from a season-ending injury, while tight end Zach Miller and star wide receiver Alshon Jeffery are back after limited but productive seasons. Unfortunately, it’s going to be hard to make big plays with a dysfunctional offensive line. The Bears’ offensive line last year was one of the worst in the league, drawing the most holding penalties out of any team and constantly collapsing under pressure. The offensive line hasn’t seemed to have gotten any better this year, with the exception of the signing of former Packers offensive guard Josh Sitton and second round rookie interior lineman Cody Whitehair. If the Bears want to make the playoffs this year, they have to see improved offensive line play, as it’s easily the weakest link of the team.

While the offense might struggle, the defense is set to have a big season. After two disappointing seasons of a Bears “defense” that ranked near the bottom of the league, the Bears fielded a decent defense last year, ranking 20th in Points Against and 14th in Yards Against. Since then, the Bears have beefed up their front seven with free agent linebackers Jerrell Freeman and Danny Trevathan, free agent defensive end Akiem Hicks, and first round draft pick Leonard Floyd. New additions to the front seven have easily made it the most reliable part of the team, but the worry comes in the secondary. Most of the Bears’ secondary is very young and inexperienced, with the exception of third-year cornerback Kyle Fuller and veteran Tracy Porter, who recently turned 30. The defense will have to rely on major plays from second-year safety Adrian Amos and cornerback Kyle Fuller in order to succeed this year, as the Bears only nabbed eight interceptions last year, good for 30th in the league.

Excuses for the Bears’ failures are running out. If they want to be successful this year, they have to start strong and win against teams better than them. They open on the road against the Texans, followed with potentially tough match-ups against the Eagles, Cowboys, Lions, and Colts. It’d be tough to argue the Bears are a good team if they don’t start at least 3-3 or 4-2 against these teams. Along with some tough match-ups to start, the Bears also have to win inside their division in order to be successful. The Bears went 1-5 in the NFC North last year, only beating the Packers once on Thanksgiving. They haven’t beaten the Lions since 2012. Playoff teams are ones that thrive against division opponents, so take a look at the Bears’ divisional record this year to gauge their improvement.

Hopes are high for some, while hopes are low for others. However, everyone hopes that John Fox and general manager Ryan Pace are carrying the Bears in the right direction. This season will be very telling.