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5 Things John Fox Needs To Do To Make the Chicago Bears Contenders

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By @MichaelTerrill

5 Things John Fox Needs To Do To Make the Chicago Bears Contenders

Chicago Bears
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John Fox will be the next head coach of the Chicago Bears, which is definitely a step in the right direction for an organization that took a leap backwards in 2014. Even though Fox is the right hire, there are no guarantees he will bring the franchise its first championship since 1985. Here are the five things Fox needs to do to make the Bears contenders in 2015 and beyond.

5. Get A Grip On the Quarterback Situation

Get A Grip On the Quarterback Situation
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5. Get A Grip On the Quarterback Situation

Get A Grip On the Quarterback Situation
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As of right now, Jay Cutler is their man. To be honest, I can’t imagine Fox will want to change that. The last thing he wants is to overhaul the quarterback situation in his first season, especially since Cutler is better than people give him credit for. However, Fox almost must get a grip on the quarterback situation. That means pulling Cutler’s head out of his rear end and playing the position at the high level he’s capable of competing at.

4. Find the Right Offensive Coordinator

Find the Right Offensive Coordinator
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4. Find the Right Offensive Coordinator

Find the Right Offensive Coordinator
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Marc Trestman’s biggest mistake was implementing a complex offensive scheme. With all the weapons at Chicago’s disposal, Cutler would be better off dropping back and slinging it like he was meant to do. Of course, it’s also up to Cutler to let it fly while still limiting his own personal mistakes. Finding the right offensive coordinator will be key, especially since Cutler has experienced far too many different ones over the past few years.

3. Bring Swagger To the Windy City

Bring Swagger To the Windy City
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3. Bring Swagger To the Windy City

Bring Swagger To the Windy City
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I understand swagger isn’t the first word that comes to mind when seeing an image of Fox. With that said, the man has provided plenty of swagger during his coaching career, especially with the Broncos. Over the past four seasons, he led Denver to 49 wins, four straight AFC West titles and a Super Bowl berth. Now, he needs to bring that same swagger to Chicago so that the Bears can experience what it’s like to be in the postseason again.

2. Improve Turnover Differential

Improve Turnover Differential
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2. Improve Turnover Differential

Improve Turnover Differential
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Chicago ranked 24th in the NFL in turnover differential (-5), which is something that has to improve if they want any shot at a playoff berth in 2015. Cutler’s 18 interceptions didn’t help, while the team also lost 10 fumbles. On Fox’s watch in Denver, the Broncos posted a +5 turnover differential in 2014. If the Bears can come close to that next season, it will be a drastic improvement that should transition into a few more wins.

1. Fix the Defense

Fix the Defense
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1. Fix the Defense

Fix the Defense
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Cutler took most of the heat, but the defense was the real problem. Whether it was giving up a whopping 377.1 yards of total offense per game or ranking 31st in points allowed per game (27.6), the defense was about as embarrassing as the historic franchise had ever seen. Fixing the defense immediately is by far the No. 1 thing Fox must do if the Bears have any shot at becoming a contender in the near future.

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