Emma: Bears Could Be A Pleasant Surprise

By Chris Emma--

BOURBONNAIS, Ill. (CBS) -- Undersell and overperform.

During his three stops as an NFL head coach, John Fox has carried this motto. He's never one for the hype machine, so such a slogan for Fox is fitting -- don't talk about your greatness, go out and prove it.

Fox is leading another attempt to overperform. There's a track record to it, too. He previously inherited a Panthers organization that was in disarray, 1-15 in 2001 before he arrived in Carolina. They would go 7-9 in Year 1 and reach the Super Bowl one season later. The Broncos were 4-12 in 2010 before Fox brought them to 8-8 and a playoff berth in his first season, then they went 13-3 in Year 2.

Entering Fox's second season in charge of the Bears, it's only natural to wonder whether the Bears will make their jump. General manager Ryan Pace borrowed a page from Fox and set the bar low for his Bears. When asked about playoff hopes for 2016, Pace looked well beyond.

"From a personnel standpoint, we've just got to keep putting good drafts together," Pace said. "We have to see how this draft unfolds. We've got to stack some good drafts. We've got to be accurate in free agency."

After plenty of success in the Saints' front office, Pace is wise beyond his years thanks to successful scouting experiences. He brought in a strong team of like-minded scouting minds to build the Bears a sustainable organization.

Pace knows well that success starts in the draft -- the lifeblood for any football franchise -- and relies on fortunes in free agency. The Bears have seen just two drafts and free agency periods led by Pace.

More time is needed for Pace to stock the shelves with talent, but that's where Fox comes into play. He's highly regarded for player development, with a way of making his players and teams better in time.

Fox doesn't have Peyton Manning in his prime leading these Bears in Year 2, but there's talent on this roster.
Jay Cutler can thrive in an offense built around him, just as long as receivers Alshon Jeffery and Kevin White can stay healthy and productive. On defense, Danny Trevathan, Jerrell Freeman and Akiem Hicks join Pernell McPhee, Lamarr Houston and Willie Young to create a formidable front seven.

Still, nobody is talking about the Bears as a playoff team -- not even their own general manager.

"We're aware of a league-wide disrespect of the Chicago Bears," three-time Pro Bowl guard Kyle Long said. "We're not very appreciative of it."

The Bears haven't earned preseason hype. On paper, they were just a 6-10 football team last season. The team development and moral victories don't get factored into play. Of course, that's all changing now. Pace is working a gradual overhaul of the roster, and Fox is creating a new culture at Halas Hall.

Yet, for all the underselling of Fox and Pace, that doesn't mean the Bears can't win this season. Early into training camp, it's apparent this is a much better team.

Around Olivet Nazarene, there's none of that usual preseason talk of the Super Bowl dreams or even the playoffs. Call it a quiet confidence.

There are variables in place for this Bears team to be a contender and perhaps even a playoff team. It's realistic that this team can win nine games -- give or take -- and be in the hunt for the NFC North. For the record, my unofficial pick is 9-7 and contending.

Vic Fangio's defense should be very good, with one of the best defensive minds in football working with talent. It's fair to believe this will be a top-10 defense. Just wait to see what Trevathan can do with Hicks maneuvering up front.

Questions surround the Bears' offense, but Jeffery and White could produce pretty numbers and bring out the best in Cutler. Second-year running back Jeremy Langford has to become a more consistent player, too, in this offense that's built around Cutler.

When the Bears opened camp in Bourbonnais, they brought countless variables that can make or break their season. The upside is certainly intriguing.

Naturally, Fox has shied away from discussing potential playoff hopes. Pace, too, wouldn't make any bold proclamations.

"I feel good about where we're at right now," Pace said, "but truth will be told as this plays out."

Beginning Year 2 together, Fox and Pace realize their roster will look much different -- and better -- in the coming seasons. There's much work to be done as their progressive rebuild continues, but the second season could bring a run for first place.

The Bears have undersold themselves. We'll soon find out if they can overperform.

Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago's sports scene and more for CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 and like his Facebook page.