How Optimistic Were You After the 2014 Offseason?

Hindsight is 20/20, as the saying goes. Last offseason saw a team full of promise unravel completely at every seam and collapse into a 5-11 unmitigated disaster. It was an offseason that saw Brandon Marshall complete his seventh consecutive year of 80 receptions and 1000 yards, Alshon Jeffery entering his third season and coming into his own, Matt Forte putting up a career high in yards from scrimmage with 1,933, and a new young cornerstone offensive lineman in Kyle Long. Coupled with the second year of Marc Trestman and coming off of a year being the #2 scoring offense in the NFL, hopes were high.

Of course, there were also downsides, such as an absolutely miserable defense in all aspects, including the final game of the season. The Bears in that offseason picked up Lamarr Houston and counted on growth from Jon Bostic to shore up the run defense, and picked up Jared Allen and Willie Young, as well as counted on Shea McClellin's third year, to improve an anemic pass rush.

Fast-forwarding to this offseason after a 5-11 finish and things seem to be looking up. The front office was cleaned out and the coaching staff completely replaced, as Ryan Pace and John Fox now lead the charge. Brandon Marshall was traded and Kevin White drafted #7 overall in his place. Pernell McPhee was picked up as the team's offseason prize, a new Swiss army knife for Vic Fangio's defense, along with Mason Foster, Sam Acho, and a bunch of 4-3 DEs converting to linebackers.

Again, hindsight is 20/20, and we all know last year's Bears were a miserable trainwreck to watch. However, which offseason made you feel better about the Bears? Did you feel better about the Bears when they were 8-8 and building to improve, or when they were 5-11 and starting over? Did you feel better about the team at this point last offseason, or this offseason?

Earlier this week we asked you how you graded this year's offseason. Do you feel better or worse about this offseason than last?