Bears Blitz

Chicago Bears Bear Down For 2010 or “Lovie’s Last Chance”

Published by Jason Burgoyne on June 11, 2010
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears

It is a make or break year for the Bears and their leader, Lovie Smith. His success has been very limited since his decision to get rid of Ron Rivera. With all of the high profile signings lately, should he fail, Smith will be looking at the unemployment line from the wrong vantage point.

They have too many good players to mire in mediocrity. With all the pieces seemingly in place, no one can blame anyone but Lovie if they miss the playoffs again.

So what can we expect from Lovie’s Bears this year?

They have a difficult 2010 schedule. They play Dallas, Minnesota (x2), Green Bay (x2), the Jets, Giants, Patriots, and the Dolphins. The additions of Mike Martz and Julius Peppers will greatly help the team along this difficult road and play a major factor into the Bears’ success this season.

Offense :

Last year the Bears relied on the strong armed gunslinger QB, Jay Cutler, to lead an inexperienced and very rough corps of wide receivers. Cutler played behind one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL. This can lead to disaster, and it did with Cutler throwing 26 interceptions. Some of those interceptions came from receivers making bad cuts, and bad decisions, such as not cutting back to QB when he is in trouble, but others came when Cutler tried too hard to make things happen (in an offense that wasn’t made to “make things happen”).

He had no support from the running game. Rushing lanes were few and far between for rookie sensation Matt Forte. He was injured early and became a plodding non-factor back for most of the season.

This year, they have Mike Martz, and his newest version of the “Air Coryell” offense. This is an offense made to make things happen. With a year of experience under the receivers’ belts, Aromashadu finally on the field, Matte Forte healthy and future hall of famer Orlando Pace put out to pasture, the Bears offense has no excuses.

First team receivers Devin Hester and Aromashadu (or Johnny Knox) figure to make huge strides this year, if Martz’s history with passing games has any bearing on reality. Expect at least one 1000 yard receiver this year, and it may not be Hester. We all know about Cutler’s love affair with Aromashadu. If Cutler develops it further this year (and cuts out his poor end zone decision making), Aromashadu and Cutler could be headed to the Pro Bowl this year.

The running game will improve by default, in efficiency, if not numbers. Matt Forte will take advantage by not facing 8 man fronts with each snap. He should a season closer to his rookie year. Not huge, but more than enough.

4 Keys to success :

Cutlers decision making- We have all seen his cannon arm, and mobility but can he lead ? Can he decide when to take chances and when not? In short, will he mature?

Matt Forte: Will he return to rookie form with Williams back in the offensive line and his injury healed? He has the ability to be a 1300 yard, 50+ receptions back. That is what they need. Taylor should help him achieve that by allowing him to rest when he needs it.

Offensive Line: They have to give Cutler the time to utilize the 7 step drops that Martz will require him to use. They have to give Forte something to run through. No small task. This is the single biggest key to their 2010 success.

#1 Receiver: Will someone emerge to finally give Cutler his go to WR? He likes big “go up and get it” receivers, so I figure the burden falls on Aromashadu.

Defense:

This is a much dicier situation. Urlacher is back and his presence is the key to their D. Urlacher is the cog that makes everything work. Briggs is much better in support when the opposing offenses are running from Urlacher. The secondary is better with him being able to drop into coverage.

They also have a new weapon this year. Five time pro bowler Julius Peppers should make the CB’s look much better than they did last year. He will reduce the amount of time they have to cover. He will give opposing QB’s 10-12 more chances to be acquainted with Soldier Field’s grass. Look for Mike Anderson to be more effective with Peppers taking more of the attention. The same applies to inconsistent, but fantastically talented, DT Tommie Harris.

The weak spots here are CB depth, rushing defense and safety production.

If Chris Harris can take his share of the load, and Charles Tillman can both stay healthy and keep his fumble forcing ways, the secondary will not be the problem. If Tillman goes down, then the defense may crumble under the pressure of a weak depth chart. The defense is not built to stop the run. They are built to create turnovers. If Tillman goes down, and opponents can rack up yards in the air and on the ground, turnovers will be harder to come by and be easier for teams to recover from as the Bears will always be playing on their heels.

4 keys to success :

Urlacher’s health: He makes the defense fearsome. His sideline to sideline ability gives them another dimension.

Tommie Harris: Which Tommie shows up? All world speed gap rusher? Or oft disappearing non-factor?

Julius Peppers: Does he find himself invigorated and motivated? Or does he play as he sometimes does and make people shake their heads as they watch the most talented DE in the league play half heartedly?

Charles Tillman: Can he stay healthy to keep the depth chart off the field?

The Chicago Bears have it all going for them this year. However, it is easy to see how precarious their chances are and how easily it could all fall apart.

They have the potential to win 10 games and a wild card birth. But will the stars align and stay healthy enough for them to do so?

This is a lot of IF’s.

IF I were Lovie, I might be nervous.

The fact is, I am not Lovie.

I am a Bears fan. This gives me more reason to be excited than we have had in a while.

Prediction: 10-6

So for 2010, Go Bears!