In 2012, Chicago finished 10-6, one game out of the playoffs. The Bears fired head coach Lovie Smith and hired Marcin-depth Trestman, who led the team to an 8-8 season – one-half game from making the playoffs.

There was a lot to like about the Bears’ direction in 2013, particularly on offense, where the combination of QBs Jay Cutler and Josh McCown teamed with RB Matt Forte and WRs Alshon Jeffery and Brandon Marshall to create a dynamic threat. But Chicago was uncharacteristically putrid on defense, with injuries and age tearing down a typically strong unit.

So what is it going to take for the Bears to get back to the postseason and make a run at bringing the Lombardi Trophy to Chicago? Jake Perper, founder and head writer at Bears Backer, shares his thoughts.

Zoneblitz: The Bears were in the race until the final week but couldn’t close it out and ended 8-8. What was your overall assessment of the 2013 season?

Perper: The season was very up and down, but that was expected in Marc Trestman’s first year under command. The offense was spectacular, Alshon Jeffery and Brandon Marshall developed into the best receiver duo in the league, while Martellus Bennett and Matt Forte were great weapons in the passing game. The offense excelled at a high level for most of the season. The defensive on the other hand was hit hard with injuries and after Week 3 they really put together underwhelming performances. They ignored the depth on defense last off-season and they paid the price with injuries to key aging players. They should have much better than 8-8 with the talent all-around.

Zoneblitz: What did you think of the Marc Trestman hire after year one?

Perper: Solid. I wouldn’t say great just yet, but he is still learning the ins-and-outs of the NFL head coaching world. He made some questionable calls in some key games including a Robbie Gould field goal try in OT that cost them a win and arguably a playoff spot. He needs to be less risky in year 2. I think what how he transitioned the offense was great, but again he ignored the defense like mentioned above and it hurt the team’s chances down the stretch.

Zoneblitz: Same question on Phil Emery after his second season as general manager?

Perper: Emery has revamped this team in a big way. Former players and fans included are not all excited by all the change, but he has done a remarkable job in his short time. The talent on offense is great especially on the revamped offensive line. He found some gems in free agency, but his drafting so far hasn’t been perfect. The safety position and defensive end position should be more important in his in-depth studies. McClellin and Conte aren’t what they were panned out to be. Overall, though I’m a big fan of Emery. He has a knack for adding talent; he just needs to do it in all three phases.

Zoneblitz: Jay Cutler signed a huge seven-year deal. He’s been very good, but also has suffered some injuries. Was this the right move?

Perper: Was it the right move to sign him to a seven-year deal? I don’t know and I don’t know think anyone knows not even the Bears. He is a heck of quarterback when healthy. He is part of an elite company when it comes to arm strength that’s for sure. Can he stay healthy is the question? Last season he suffered an unfortunate injury. If he can stay healthy the sky is the limit for this offense. He showed plenty of poise and maturity in his limited time last season. With that offensive line, duo of receivers, and spectacular running game, Cutler should have a huge year barring any injuries.

Zoneblitz: Julius Peppers, Devin Hester, Henry Melton and Josh McCown are among those who have left. Lamarr Houston, Willie Young, Domenik Hixon are among new arrivals. Is this a complete rebuild? What do you think the status of the Bears is heading into the draft and the 2014 season?

Perper: It’s not a complete rebuild. Emery is getting rid of some overpriced aging players and trying to add talent at a reasonable price at the same time. Hester and Peppers aren’t what they used to be, especially Peppers and especially at that price he was owed. Hester touched the ball only 70 times in 2013, he was not worth $2 million a year for strictly returning punts and kickoffs. McCown is a perfect backup to Cutler and we saw that last season, but again he wasn’t worth the $5 million he got from the Bucs. Melton is a true talent, but even he is replaceable. Houston and Young are very talented players, who should help replace Peppers rather easily. They still need an influx of young talent along the line. Free agency served as a place to find true talents, while not overpaying. A thing the Bears tend to do wisely.

Zoneblitz: Over the last few years, there has been no shortage of offensive skill players – Marshall, Forte, Jeffery, et al – but the offensive line has held this team back to some degree. How does that unit look right now?

Perper: The unit looks good. The same five played started every game last season. Kyle Long proved to a be a stud as well as Jordan Mills. Both rookies fit in well with veterans Jermon Bushrod, Matt Slauson and Roberto Garza. They still need to find a swing tackle and develop a center behind Garza since he is likely gone after this season. But the line is a true strength for this team, which is shocking after the past few seasons of struggle.

Zoneblitz: What stood out to me in 2013 is how uncharacteristically bad the defense was, particularly against the run. There have already been a lot of changes on defense – how will this unit look in 2014?

Perper: The unit will be more sound. Lance Briggs is back and healthy. Charles Tillman is back and healthy. The linebacker core still needs to prove to be a strength, but if the first level along the line can improve everything else should be better. They won’t be an elite unit with all the transition set to take place, but they should be better. The safeties have to better. The draft will be where they add a safety or two.

Zoneblitz: What do you think of the Jared Allen signing?

Perper: Allen’s signing allows the Bears to focus on different needs in the draft. Safety and defensive tackle remain at the top of the list, while drafting a defensive end later in the draft shouldn’t be out of the question. He still has plenty left in the tank in terms of talent. He’s certainly an upgrade over the aging Peppers. Houston could be moved over to defensive tackle on passing downs with Allen now in the fold. A couple more defensive signings and draft picks added and this team will be very deep in all three phases not just on offense like a season ago.

Zoneblitz: In a division that doesn’t appear to have a powerhouse favorite in 2014, how far are the Bears from competing for that and for a deeper playoff run?

Perper: They are not far at all and that was proven last season with a solid offense and shaky defense. The Bears just need to embrace that the offense will lead this team to the promise land. The defense simply needs to play more structured. Mel Tucker is on the hot seat this season. It’s up to him and his personnel to turn this thing around. The Packers will be better with a healthy Aaron Rodgers. The Lions seem to be hanging around every year, while the Vikings are rebuilding.

Zoneblitz: What else would you like to see Chicago do in free agency and then in the draft?

Perper: I’d like for them to add depth at defensive tackle, defensive end, middle linebacker and running back. In the draft I expect them to take a DT, DE, S, CB. Not in any particular order. 2014 can be a big year for the Bears, but it should be a considered a transition year with all the changes on defense.

Zoneblitz: Is there anything else you would like to add?

Perper: Thanks for having me.

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