NFL Preview: Chicago Bears

Chicago Bears


Key Additions: 
T Gabe Carimi (draft)
DT Stephen Paea (draft) 
WR Roy Williams (FA)
RB Marion Barber (FA)
DT Amobi Okoye (FA)
TE Matt Spaeth (FA)
C Chris Spencer (FA)
DE Vernon Gholston (FA)


Key Departures:
TE Greg Olsen 
C Olin Kreutz 
DT Tommie Harris 
TE Brandon Manumaleuna 
S Danieal Manning 


Report:
For a team that made it to the NFC Championship game last season, they didn't get much respect and they still aren't getting it from the media this offseason. The leader of the offense is QB Jay Cutler, who is still getting beef from his injury in the championship game. He had a Grade 2 tear of his ACL and there was noway for him to return. Cutler should have a much better year in his season season in the Mike Martz offense. The cornerstone of the offense though is RB Matt Forte. Forte is a do everything back that is great in the Martz offense. The wide receiver position is now very deep. The Bears signed Roy Williams who will join Johnny Knox, Devin Hester, and Earl Bennett. Impressing coaches in camp is undrafted rookie WR Dane Sanzenbacher. Tight end is an interesting position for Chicago. They traded away Greg Olsen to the Panthers, but signed Matt Spaeth. They already have Kellen Davis, who is a 6-7 tight end who seems to score every time he enters the game. The big problem last season was the offensive line. It looks to be much improved after they drafted Gabe Carimi. Carimi will play RT. LT is occupied by J'Marcus Webb. Webb is strong as anyone and is having a good camp. Chris Williams and Lance Louis at guards are question marks for consistency. Roberto Garza is starting at center at the moment, although many expect Chris Spencer to take most of the snaps. 

The defense is the strength for this team. DE Julius Peppers is a monster for opposing offensive lines. Israel Idonije is playing the other side of Peppers, and is underrated. Defensive tackle is a deep position for Chicago. Anthony Adams and Matt Toeaina started last season, but could be uprooted by rookie Stephen Paea or more like Henry Melton. Linebacker, on the other hand, lacks depth. Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs are Pro Bowl talents, and Nick Roach plays on the outside. If one of them gets injured there are not any experienced back-ups. At cornerback there is a battle for the second starting position. Charles Tillman has the number one spot locked up. Tim Jennings, D.J. Moore, Joshua Moore, and Zachary Bowman all have a chance to start. Safeties Chris Harris and Major Wright have been performing great in camp. Back-ups Craig Steltz and Chris Conte are playing great too, but lack natural talent.


Special teams has been a facet of the game that Chicago has owned against teams. K Robbie Gould is one the most consistent kickers in the league. Brad Maynard is gone and they have signed P Adam Podlesh. KR Devin Hester is the best returner in the league, and possibly of all time.

Review:
This team that no one gave any chance won the NFC North last season. They didn't seem to get any respect, because of their sloppy offensive line. This team looks more talented that last, but can they keep the same bill of health. This team can win the division, even though nobody is talking about them. Chicago probably would like to keep it that way. 


Division Finish: TBA