Inside the Huddle: Figuring out what’s next for Bears’ rebuild

Adam L. Jahns “Inside the Huddle” columns runs in game-day editions of the Sun-Times.

Vic Fangio’s assessment of what he inherited from the Phil Emery/Marc Trestman regime deserves more attention.

Fangio, the Bears’ defensive coordinator, had been asked whether he knew what he was getting into when he joined the team two years ago and where his frustration level is now. Here’s his response in its entirety:

“Well, the most frustrating part about it is our record. You know, when you have our record, nothing seems rosy. But I think we’ve made improvements. I think there’s only one or two guys that we inherited still playing on defense. And I think those are mainly backups. So there’s been a big transition.

“I think the scheme thing is overblown because you’re playing a lot of nickel right now, and the group we inherited wasn’t built for the 4-3, either, obviously, by the two years they had prior to us getting here. So they weren’t built for anything. We had to start at ground zero.”

That’s a harsh appraisal of the work of Emery, the Bears’ former general manager. But Fangio’s comments also provide important context at a time when finger-pointing and rumor-mongering are rampant outside Halas Hall. It seems to have been forgotten that the Bears are rebuilding under GM Ryan Pace and coach John Fox. Or, to use Fangio’s words, it’s a “big transition” that “had to start at ground zero.”

And more work is needed. Instead of pointing more fingers, let’s take a look at what that rebuild is missing:

A young QB

Matt Barkley might play himself into a new contract, and the Bears like Brian Hoyer, but if they’re going to say goodbye to Jay Cutler, it’s best to add a young quarterback. The big decision is whether to pay a high price for one in a trade — welcome home, Jimmy Garoppolo! — or to draft one.

Next year’s draft class is considered mediocre for quarterbacks, but that doesn’t mean a good one can’t be found. In 2014, Derek Carr (Raiders) and Garoppolo (Patriots) were drafted in the second round, after Blake Bortles (Jaguars), Johnny Manziel (Browns) and Teddy Bridewater (Vikings) went in the first.

A new receiver

Once considered the Bears’ strongest position, receiver could turn into a thin group quickly. The Bears are likely facing another contract stalemate with Alshon Jeffery, with his recent four-game suspension and so-so production further complicating matters.

Eddie Royal, meanwhile, is an obvious candidate for an early release. He has one year left on his three-year deal and is owed $5  million for 2017. He has appeared in only 18 games in two seasons because of injuries.

If Jeffery and Royal are out, the Bears start with Kevin White, Cameron Meredith and Daniel Braverman. That trio has potential, but there are many unknowns.

A young tight end

The waiver-wire additions of Daniel Brown and MyCole Pruitt say a lot. The Bears want to improve at tight end, and they’re getting a head start. The 2017 draft is considered a strong one for tight ends, too.

Zach Miller’s comeback from a broken right foot remains crucial, but he’ll have more talented company in training camp.

A playmaker at DB

Pace has quickly transformed the defensive front seven, but the Bears still are looking for more pizzazz in the secondary. Cre’Von LeBlanc and Bryce Callahan are a good starting point, but — as with tight end — bigger things lie ahead with the draft. In general, the 2017 class is considered deep and strong for cornerbacks and safeties.

Patience

Trestman inherited a 10-6 team from Lovie Smith that still had a window to win, and Emery spent millions and millions to try to do it. Everything failed. Miserably. Pace and Fox inherited a 5-11 team that had turned on Trestman and lacked talent despite an abundance of attitude.

Time will tell if everything works, but getting things right always was going to take more than two offseasons.

EXTRA POINTS

Packers feeling better

Forget about quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The improved health of the Packers’ defense has been the most important factor of the team’s resurgence.

The Packers have allowed only 36 points over the past three games – all wins.

It starts at cornerback. Groin injuries kept starters Damarious Randall and Quinten Rollins out of the first matchup with the Bears on Oct. 20.

Their returns have allowed defensive coordinator Dom Capers to be more creative. It included using safety Morgan Burnett in a hybrid role, where he played more near the line of scrimmage, in the Packer’s 38-10 win last week against the Seahawks.

Randall (two interceptions, two pass breakups) and Rollins (one interception, two pass breakups) also had big days against the Seahawks.

“They’re healthier,” offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains said of the Packers’ secondary. “They’re playing very well. It’s a fast group.”

Getting Howard going

Several weeks ago, the Packers held rookie running back Howard to 22 rushing yards on a mere seven carries. He also didn’t have a catch. It was Howard’s least productive game since he took over as the starter in Week 4.

Loggains, as usual, was criticized for Howard’s seven carries, but when quarterback Matt Barkley replaced an injured Brian Hoyer, the Packers’ path toward victory was clear: Stop Howard. The Packers had 87 offensive snaps to the Bears’ 48 that game.

“When you look at Jordan, I think he’s gained respect across the league with the run game,” Loggains said. “People are going to try to load up and take that away first and see if a guy playing quarterback for the first time can beat you.”

Barkley’s improvement and comfort level might make for a different story than their first meeting with the Packers.

McPhee’s play count

The Bears’ first matchup with the Packers also was the 2016 debut of outside linebacker Pernell McPhee, who started the season on the physically-unable to perform list after offseason knee surgery.

McPhee’s playing time still is being monitored. He saw a season-low 19 snaps in his debut, but he had a season-high 39 plays last week against the Lions.

“Each and every week he’s felt more comfortable,” defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said. “He’s never had, to my knowledge, any step back in the way his knee has responded and he’s played.”

But don’t surprised if McPhee’s playing time drops this week. Last week, the Bears were indoors at Ford Field, not at a frigid and icy Soldier Field. McPhee’s long-term health still is a priority.

NUMBERS GAME

8 – The number of NFC North titles the Packers have won since the division began in 2002. The Bears have three.

33 – The sack totals for the Bears and Packers this season. The teams entered Week 15 tied for fifth-most with the Bills and Titans.

81 – The forecasted high temperature for Miami, Florida, according to the National Weather Service. Wanna get away?