The Bears had an hell of an off season. They dumped the neck beard and pickup the whiner. The Bears did give up a lot though to pick up Cutler. They gave up the neck beard and two number one draft picks. So the Bears front office is on their hands and knees praying the move doesn't backfire.
The Bears have the easiest NFL schedule and finally have their best quarterback in many years. Also they return their great defense, Matt Forte at running back, and Devin Hester is improving at receiver. The Bears have all the pieces together and it's up to Cutler to take the Bears to the next level.
Previous Year: The Bears had the same look that they have had in the past five years. Crappy offense + great defense and special teams = NFC North title. But in 08, the defense became old and the special teams were hurt from Hester doubling as a receiver. The Bears need more from their front four who struggled throughout the last year. And specifically they need more from Alex Brown who had only six sacks and that lead the team.
Off season Moves: Besides trading for Cutler, the Bears improved their offensive line to protect Cutler. The Bears also paid the corpse of Orlando Pace to protect Cutler's blindside. The Bears also signed Frank Omiyale and Kevin Shaffer to improve the line. The Bears in the off season decided to not resign safety Mike Brown. Despite being constantly injured, Brown is a great leader for the defense and he will be missed.
Coaching: The Bears have struggled considerably since relieving defensive coordinator Ron Rivera from the position. Head coach Lovie Smith has vowed to be more involved in the defense in the season. The Bears also brought in Rod Marinelli to help the defensive line. Marinelli may have been a disaster as the Lions head coach, but he is considered to be one of the best defensive line coaches in the league. And the Bears defensive line definitely needs help.
Hester!: Last year the Bears finally wised up, and moved Devin Hester to wide receiver. Hester was already the best returner in the league and it was only a matter of time before he transitioned to receiver. Hester last season had 51 catches, 665 yards, and 3 touchdowns. Hester is still trying to learn the position and it's well known that he still drops a lot of balls. Right now he is penciled in as a starter, and Hester must improve his skills to give Cutler a weapon.
Cutler's Mouth: The Bears may have finally got their star quarterback, but his loud mouth comes with him. When the Broncos drafted him, he said that he as a better arm than John Elway. Then there's his little showdown between Phillip Rivers, a quarterback who has actually been to the playoffs. Well I guess Cutler's mouth is starting to run wild all over Chicago. And Cutler didn't mine chiming in on an interception he threw and blaming Devin Hester for not breaking it up.
"Devin is more of a go-get it guy, he is not really a back shoulder orjump up and get it [guy],'' Cutler said. "You learn from it. Wemade some mistakes. It's the first preseason game. Luckilyenough, we have some time to correct them and keep going."If the Bears don't make the playoffs, they might regret trading for Cutler.
Schedule: Like I said at the top, the Bears have the easiest schedule in all of football. They play the AFC North and the NFC West for eight games. The Bears will not have a better look at the playoffs, then they do with this schedule. And their tough games against Pittsburgh and Philadelphia are both at home.
Video: Da' Bears never gets old
Blog of Choice: I would go to Windy City Gridiron for all my Bears news.
Prediction 12-4: 1st NFC North. With the rest of the NFC North rebuilding and the easy schedule, it's the Bears year to make the playoffs. All their toughest games are at home and they still return a great defense. And with the addition of Cutler and a rebuilt offensive line, the Bears should actually be one of the best teams to watch this season.
Damn straight. Nice take on this years Bears.
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