As the 2010 NFL season dawns, we face a new look Chicago Bears squad. With some major off-season acquisitions and scheme changes, it's safe to say that we're looking at a different Bears team. The look might be very different, but will the Bears act the same?
OFFENSE:
Jay Cutler's struggles in his first year as the Bears' starting quarterback were well documented and justifiably criticized. While gifted with a cannon arm, Cutler is cursed with an inflated ego, depending on his ability instead of smart decision-making. Red zone interceptions cost the Bears a few tallies in the win column last year and the lack of offensive balance cost the Bears dearly.
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Enter new offensive coordinator Mike Martz.
The Bears never reach out to hire a successful offensive coordinator such as Martz. He was the maestro behind the successful St. Louis Rams who were dubbed "the Greatest Show on Turf." As the Rams head coach, Martz turned Kurt Warner, a grocery bag boy, into an MVP and the Rams into Super Bowl champions. His offense is a complicated system that focuses on spreading the wide receivers. The playbook pages may look like plates of spaghetti, but it can be hard to stop. Inversely, it limits the running game and leaves tight ends as extra blockers.
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Reports show that Cutler is grasping Martz's playbook well in camp, but execution in the preseason games has been troubling. This offense could prove to be prolific or a force that destroys the Bears' offense from within. It all rests on Cutler's development and the ability for the shoddy offensive line to keep Jay alive.
DEFENSE:
While the Bulls saddened Chicago in not signing NBA star LeBron James, the Bears eased those woes by signing top defensive end Julius Peppers. Once the catalyst for the Carolina Panthers' defense, Peppers beastly combination of strength, size, and speed are sure to help the Bears defense. While gifted, he has been known to take a play (or five) off during certain games. Nevertheless, Peppers will still help the pass rush and help the secondary in coverage.
Even with the new help, the defense still has a lot of holes. Many believe Tommie Harris, once a force in the middle of the defensive line, can only be an average starter. General Manager Jerry Angelo made shrewd moves to upgrade the safety positions, namely trading for former Bear Chris Harris.
PREDICTION:
Getting past trendy Super Bowl picks and conference rivals the Green Bay Packers and the Minnesota Vikings, with QB Brett Favre refusing to go gently into that good night, will be difficult. The Bears also play against teams in two tough divisions, the AFC East and NFC East. Rest assured that we have a tumultuous season ahead of us, one that will test our loyalty as often as it delights us.
Overall record: 8-8.
