Bears Blitz

Published by Dustin Brown on February 5, 2010
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears

After reading several articles bringing shade on the fading light that is the Chicago Bears, I would like to open the curtains. After finalizing our coaching staff today, it’s time to start the predictions. 

First off, let us start with the 2009 season, for those who missed the horror film. The preseason displayed a great show of blocking, Forte’s similarity to 2008, and defense. Not to mention Chicago’s “Savior” in Jay Cutler showing what he could do.

2009 Season | a.k.a. The Roller Coaster

Coming into Sunday Night Football against the Green Bay Packers under a national spotlight, Cutler threw four picks, but still the Bears almost pulled it off. Losing 21-15, Cutler still threw for 277 yards and controlled the deep ball by completing passes to Pro Bowl rookie Johnny Knox and the agile Devin Hester.

Following the disappointment was a ride of emotions. Bouncing back to beat the defending Super Bowl Champs; the Steelers, and grinding out victories against Seattle and Detroit, the Bears cruised to a 3-1 start.

After the ride to a good start, the Bears slowly dissipated, as did the record. Coming off a bye week, Chicago faced Matt Ryan‘s Falcons for another Sunday Night Football. Cutler had another interception-friendly game, throwing picks in the red zone. Despite throwing for 300 yards and two touchdowns, Cutler and company lost 21-14.

It was a tough loss for Jay and the Bears, but there were many more to come. 

Chicago suffered their first blowout to the Bengals, in which the defense was picked apart in a 45-10 spanking. The offense struggled and seemed to look disoriented. “The Monsters Of The Midway” soon became the opposite. In fact, there was nothing relating to a Bear in Chicago’s defense in that game. Coach Lovie Smith vowed to get the Bears on track.

The Bears came to play the following week, although it was opposing a sorrowful Browns team. After winning 30-6, some hoped their Bears were back on track. While many, including myself, saw that the Bears should have played much better. The D was on the right track, the offense looked baffled and not prepared against the sorry defense within the Cleveland organization. 

Lovie Smith’s statement of making sure his team was prepared each and every week, including the cease of blowout losses, was soon lost as in week 9, Chicago was soon back into the blowout column. Kurt Warner‘s high powered offense in Arizona took command of the Bears’ defense, putting up 31 points in the first half. The Chicago Bears fought a valiant battle in a losing effort, falling 41-21. Smith said later in a post game interview that he “had no answer” for why our Bears played so bad.

The Bears haven’t showed their worst yet, the next week, Chicago displayed a horrific offensive battle in the first Thursday Night Football of the ’09 season. After throwing four interceptions and zero touchdowns the entire game, Cutler and the Bears had one final chance to win it in the final moments of the fourth quarter. Jay Cutler mimicked the Bears’ season by getting fan’s hopes up, then throwing it down the drain. He tossed his fifth pick of the game in the end zone to wrap up virtually the Bears’ playoff hopes.

Chicago went 3-4 since that game, finishing strong against the Vikings with a thrilling overtime victory and the Lions to become 7-9. Cutler showed signs of greatness throughout the final seven games, therefore giving fans hope for the young gunslinger. 

2010 : A New Hope?

Now, lets get to what next year’s Chicago Bears bring us. As many know, after acquiring Cutler from Denver, we gave away two first round picks and a second in the process. With many gaping holes in the aging defense and an inconsistent offensive line, there aren’t many options. 

With 2011 NFL football not guaranteed, you wonder how much the cheap organization that is the Bears will put out to spend. With limited draft options, they may have to turn to free agency to solve their problems. Since Julius Peppers is most likely going to be let go, it would make sense to sign him to a short term deal as the Cover 2 has to apply pressure with the front four to be successful. 

The defense also needs some help in man and zone coverage. With the emergence of Danieal Manning at the free safety position, that leaves the strong safety position to be filled. Although Kevin Payne has played well at that position, we need a playmaker. Payne only plays well against the run, and not so much the pass. 

Zackary Bowman is a young, talented corner. Nathan Vasher used to be an amazing playmaker, but his level of play has decreased very steadily. With Vasher probably going to be let go due to his contract being so high, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to draft a younger corner.

If the defensive holes are filled with the additions above, that will leave only the offense. 

The main focus is the offensive line. After a preseason of giving seams for Forte to burst through and protecting Cutler, the line hardly blocked. Ranking 19th in offensive line blocking for rushing statistics throughout the 16 games, it seemed much worse than what’s on paper. 

The Bears’ star running back went from the “rookie sensation” that was Matt Forte, to averaging only 3.5 yards per carry in a 900-yard rushing season. Although it wasn’t Forte’s fault, he seemed to become slower and not contain the explosiveness that we saw in 2008. After being hit behind the line on most carries, I could see why. Come to find out, the young running back from Tulane had MCL problems throughout the season.

If we could get our hands on a young, athletic right tackle and left guard, our line would be revamped and we may have time to make plays. Many people and even analysts criticize Chicago’s receiving core. After the young wideouts proved many critics wrong, there are still questions. 

Devin Aromashodu, a name many Bears fans have come to love, may become an answer for Cutler. Jay has wanted a tall, physical receiver since he has come to Chicago, and has also rallied for Aromashodu at the beginning of the season. 

Other than the line and possibly an experienced receiver, the offensive side of the ball should be secure. If the Bears add these much needed position fills, we could possibly see a brand new Chicago Bears team.

After all, the 2006 Bears made it to the Super Bowl without a great offense, right?

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