Connected Franchise Mode Strategy

CFM Team Rating: 74

Offensive Scheme: West Coast

Defensive Scheme: Base 4-3

Strengths: QB, HB, LT, RE, LOLB, ROLB

Weaknesses: WR, TE, LE, FS, SS

Offensive Scouting Report

QB Jay Cutler has a 90 OVR rating, but he is also 30 years old and in the final year of his contract. Use him as trade bait or use him for one last playoff push before you start rebuilding the franchise around a younger QB.
The Bears desperately need help at the WR position. Outside of WR Brandon Marshall they don’t have a receiver they can rely on. Consider packaging Cutler and Marshall together to trade for future draft picks.
HB Matt Forte will carry the load offensively for the Bears, but he doesn’t have a suitable backup. Look for speed in the draft.

RE Shea McClellin and LE Cornelius Washington are the future of this defensive squad. Build around them with strong interior DTs.
The acquisition of LOLB James Anderson and MLB D.J. Williams will help fill a linebacker need for the Bears, but neither is a long-term solution. Not to mention that ROLB Lance Briggs will need to be replaced soon. The linebacking corps in Chicago needs a face-lift in the coming years.
The Bears CBs lack speed, but they do have good size with Charles Tillman. This is another position that will need attention in the draft. Speed kills at CB, so look for that in the later rounds.

End zone fades are a great way to utilize Marshall’s height in the red zone.
Look to get the ball to Marshall on third down. He has a 97 CIT rating, which means he won’t drop many passes.
Marshall can catch any ball thrown his way. Make sure to target him in the red zone as he is great catching end zone fades.
Marshall has two years remaining on his contract. Consider extending his contract—he will be a solid player for years to come.

Peppers has a nice Overall rating, but he doesn’t have the elite ratings to really dominate games.
He will be good in spurts and will be a contributor if you use the Bears in online ranked matches.
Peppers will appeal to a lot of teams around the league. Consider trading him to drop his heavy contract and let your young DEs flourish.
At 33 years of age and with three years left on his contract, Peppers could quickly become a concern on this roster.

Who: HB Michael Bush

Where: Backup HB

Why: Use Bush in late-game situations. His 95 CAR rating will ensure you don’t turn the ball over.

Key Stats: 95 CAR, 74 CTH

Who: WR Earl Bennett

Where: #2 WR

Why: Bennett doesn’t have blazing speed like Devin Hester, but he does have 89 CIT. He needs to see the field every down for the Bears.

Key Stats: 89 CIT

Who: DT Stephen Paea

Where: Starting DT

Why: Paea has 88 BSH, which is the best of the DTs on this team. He will help clog the middle of the field and allow linebackers to make plays.

Key Stats: BSH 88, TAK 86, 87 POW

Who: CB Zack Brown

Where: Nickel CB

Why: Brown has great hands for a CB and will provide a defensive boost against pass-heavy teams.

Key Stats: 72 CTH, 89 JMP