10 NFL teams that will be much better in 2017 – FOXSports.com

2016 season: The Bears failed to win a single road game and felt better than a 3-13 squad, alas you are what your record says you are, to quote Bill Parcells. It didn’t help that Chicago had to cycle through three quarterbacks in Jay Cutler, Brian Hoyer and Matt Barkley, but at least they saw the emergence of rookie running back Jordan Howard, who finished second in the league in rushing yards (1,313) on only 252 carries (5.2 average).

2017 season: First things first, quarterback. The Bears will probably release Jay Cutler and free up $14 million in cap space and they might join the Jimmy Garappolo sweepstakes or perhaps go with a veteran and allow Barkley to compete for the job. Whoever is under center should be lined up behind a healthier offensive line. Vic Fangio’s defense showed improvement down the stretch with linebacker Leonard Floyd (pictured) looking like a menace. The Bears will get top cornerback Kyle Fuller back to compete alongside several other playmakers (Danny Trevathan, Eddie Goldman) who missed time.

Getty Images Jonathan Daniel