Bears Blitz

Published by Midwest Sports Fans on August 17, 2009
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears

Chicago Bears fans finally had their chance to see the ‘09 Bears in action Saturday, August 15, against the Buffalo Bills. It was the first preseason game for the Bears, and the first game with new QB Jay Cutler. While preseason games don’t mean that much, they do give the fans a chance to see how the team has changed, and hopefully, improved.

While most of the first string players do start, most of them don’t play for very long. Starters don’t begin having a lot of playing time until the third or fourth preseason games. That is not a reason to not watch the first two games, however.

Bears fans should tune in to see how the team has done over the offseason. Not only should you watch Cutler, but watch the offensive line and the passing defense, the two weakest parts of the Bears last season. Rod Marinelli was brought into the Bears’ coaching staff January 10, 2009, to help the defensive line go back to being a dominating force.

Don’t think Marinelli is a bad coach just because his team last year didn’t win a game, because that is far from the truth. Marinelli is a very smart and highly respected coach. I have no doubt he will help the defensive line become one of the best in the league. We have the players to do so, and now we have the great coaching those great players need.

Another thing to watch is the receivers, who are always a big question mark for the Bears. Chicago has been coined the place where receivers go to die, and really that is true most of the time.

But this year could be different.

They have the potential to have a very effective, young receiving corps this year. Devin Hester has shown a lot of improvement in becoming a great first-string receiver. Now that he is devoting all his time to becoming a better receiver, rather than a kick returner, he will improve faster and become better sooner.

Watch how Lovie Smith calls the defense. He will be taking the reins and calling the plays for the defense this season. Bob Babich will go back to focusing on the linebackers. I never liked Babich. The defense has been terrible since he came here. I didn’t like that they let go of Ron Rivera. I liked him as a defense coordinator, and thought that his play calling was way better than Babich’s.

Ron Turner has new a new offense at his hands, and it will be interesting to see what he will do with it. I usually question his play calling, especially on third downs. The Bears seem to play it safe on third down. They throw it in front of the first down line, and that really makes me mad. Now having a QB that can thrown down field, and a receiver that can be a threat down field, I expect to see more long passes. It should be an exciting offensive season from the Bears, and I can’t wait to see it.

So be sure to not miss the Bears remaining preseason games. Get out your Bears jersey, your black and navy blue paint, and bring all your friends. Chicago Bears football is back!!!!