Chicago Bears’ 5 Most Irreplaceable Players Heading Into 2015 NFL Training Camp

Chicago Bears’ 5 Most Irreplaceable Players Heading Into 2015 NFL Training Camp

By Clyde A. Speller

July 16, 2015

Chicago Bears’ 5 Most Irreplaceable Players Heading Into 2015 NFL Training Camp

Chicago Bears-Matt Forte and Kyle Long — Although the Chicago Bears had only two players in last season’s Pro Bowl, there are many more players on this year’s roster going into training camp who are vital to the team’s success. Long-time veterans Lance Briggs and Charles Tillman are no longer around to be the leaders in the huddle and the dominant voice in the locker room. However, the Bears will still have guidance and on-the-field production from several individuals.

Although the Chicago Bears had only two players in last season’s Pro Bowl, there are many more players on this year’s roster going into training camp who are vital to the team’s success. Long-time veterans Lance Briggs and Charles Tillman are no longer around to be the leaders in the huddle and the dominant voice in the locker room. However, the Bears will still have guidance and on-the-field production from several individuals.

5. Antrel Rolle

New York Giants-Antrel Rolle

5. Antrel Rolle

New York Giants-Antrel Rolle — Antrel Rolle will bring a Pro Bowl level of play to a Bears secondary for the first time since Mike Brown roamed the field in 2005. Already having won a Super Bowl with the New York Giants, and being a team captain, the 11-year veteran just might be the one player that Chicago needs to improve on a pass defense that finished 30th in the NFL last season.

Antrel Rolle will bring a Pro Bowl level of play to a Bears secondary for the first time since Mike Brown roamed the field in 2005. Already having won a Super Bowl with the New York Giants, and being a team captain, the 11-year veteran just might be the one player that Chicago needs to improve on a pass defense that finished 30th in the NFL last season.

4. Martellus Bennett

Chicago Bears-Martellus Bennett

Advertisement

4. Martellus Bennett

Chicago Bears-Martellus Bennett — Last year was a career season for Pro Bowl tight end Martellus Bennett. The eight-year veteran led all tight ends in 2014 with 90 receptions, and had the third-most receiving yards among tight ends with 916. With Brandon Marshall no longer with the team, Bennett just might have become an even bigger target for quarterback Jay Cutler in Chicago’s offense.

Last year was a career season for Pro Bowl tight end Martellus Bennett. The eight-year veteran led all tight ends in 2014 with 90 receptions, and had the third-most receiving yards among tight ends with 916. With Brandon Marshall no longer with the team, Bennett just might have become an even bigger target for quarterback Jay Cutler in Chicago’s offense.

3. Alshon Jeffery

Chicago Bears-Alshon Jeffery

3. Alshon Jeffery

Chicago Bears-Alshon Jeffery — Just like Bennett, Alshon Jeffery’s importance in the Bears’ offensive game plan has increased significantly. The one-time Pro Bowl wide receiver will now be the primary option in Chicago’s passing game, and will be the veteran that rookie wide receiver Kevin White will look up to throughout the season.

Just like Bennett, Alshon Jeffery’s importance in the Bears’ offensive game plan has increased significantly. The one-time Pro Bowl wide receiver will now be the primary option in Chicago’s passing game, and will be the veteran that rookie wide receiver Kevin White will look up to throughout the season.

2. Kyle Long

Chicago Bears-Kyle Long4

2. Kyle Long

Chicago Bears-Kyle Long4 — Whether if it’s at right guard, or right tackle, Pro Bowler Kyle Long will be the most important cog along the Bears’ offensive line. Not only will Long have to help keep defenders off of Cutler, but he will also have to open holes for Chicago’s most irreplaceable player heading into this summer’s training camp.

Whether if it’s at right guard, or right tackle, Pro Bowler Kyle Long will be the most important cog along the Bears’ offensive line. Not only will Long have to help keep defenders off of Cutler, but he will also have to open holes for Chicago’s most irreplaceable player heading into this summer’s training camp.

1. Matt Forte

Chicago Bears-Matt Forte celebrating

1. Matt Forte

Chicago Bears-Matt Forte celebrating — Although he is still one of the most underrated players in the NFL, running back Matt Forte is without a doubt the engine that keeps the Bears’ offense going. Forte set an all-time league record for receptions by a running back in a single season with 102, and accounted for 34 percent of Chicago’s rushing and receiving yards in 2014. With John Fox’s run-the-ball mentality, the Bears’ offense will go just as far as Forte will carry them.

Although he is still one of the most underrated players in the NFL, running back Matt Forte is without a doubt the engine that keeps the Bears’ offense going. Forte set an all-time league record for receptions by a running back in a single season with 102, and accounted for 34 percent of Chicago’s rushing and receiving yards in 2014. With John Fox’s run-the-ball mentality, the Bears’ offense will go just as far as Forte will carry them.

Teams in this article »

Chicago Bears

Share On Facebook

Share