New Orleans Saints: Ranking the team’s top-three threats to their NFC throne

Chicago Bears

Next up on the list is the Chicago Bears, who were one of the surprise teams in 2018, finishing the season 12-4. With a league-best 92.9 defensive rating per Pro Football Focus (premium content), this team found unparalleled success on that side of the ball.

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That effort is certainly what led this team, but it far from defined them. Alongside that stellar defense was an offense that, at times, looked just an impressive. Led by former UNC standout Mitch Trubisky, the Bears lacked elite offensive playmaking which hurt their cause in the postseason.

However, when your team gives up a league-best 283 points, you’re allowed to have a few lacking characteristics on the offensive side of the ball.

Those issues weren’t addressed this offseason either.

The team still has Tarik Cohen starting in the backfield and Allen Robinson as their No. 1 option out wide. The Bears finished top-ten in points last season, but given their less-than-stellar playmaking options, that success may not return.

It’ll be interesting to see the dynamic of a defensive-first roster when all the attention is paid to teams like Kansas City, who will have of the league’s most entertaining rosters.

That said, given their best-of-the-league defense that’ll be returning many starters, the Bears should be considered a top threat to the Saints NFC throne.