Bears’ Busy Offseason May Be Just Enough to Get Them Back on Track
Published by Alexa Jenner on May 12, 2009
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
After a mediocre 2008-09 season that left them with a 9-7 record but without a seed in the playoffs, the Bears released wide receiver Marty Booker and veteran safety Mike Brown, and failed to reach a deal with offensive tackle John St. Clair. They also lost offensive tackle John Tait to retirement.
Starting the offseason this way had many Bears fans questioning General Manager Jerry Angelo’s motives.
But everything changed when the Bears succeeded in getting Pro Bowl quarterback Jay Cutler who, unlike Rex Grossman and Kyle Orton, can throw the ball. Fans in Chicago were rejuvenated with the hope that the Bears may not be that bad after all.
Now that they have a quarterback, they need someone to throw the ball to. Devin Hester is still in training when it comes to WR but he has the speed to succeed in this role. However, Lovie Smith is insisting that he also continue returning punts, which may prove to again be too much for the kid.
While he gained fame in 2006 and set franchise records with the most kicks returned for touchdowns in a season, last year he did not record a single return. Hester is focused on his routes and averaged only 6.2 yards per punt return.
If the Bears truly want to groom him to succeed in his new position as WR, they should leave the returns up to Danieal Manning.
So as far as WR goes, it’s out with the old and in with the new. Booker is gone but Angelo may have filled the WR hole by drafting Juaquin Iglesias. The 6′ 1″, 210-pound WR from Oklahoma may be just what Cutler needs to get the ball in the end zone.
Pittsburgh’s WR Derek Kinder, who the Bears picked up in the seventh round of the draft, will also have a chance to show off his skills. If his torn ACL doesn’t come back to haunt him, he may prove to be the Bears best rookie this year. Let’s not forget his key play in 2006 when he leveled two West Virginia defenders to clear a 73-yard path for his teammate to get to the end zone.
If all else fails, there’s always Matt Forte. The running back from Tulane brought speed back to the position left vacant by Cedric Benson, becoming the first running back in Bears history to rush more than 1,000 yards in their rookie season since Anthony Thomas in 2001.
If his sophomore year proves to be as successful as last, the Bears have all the speed they need in front but shouldn’t give up on securing a deal with another veteran receiver like Anquan Boldin.
The offensive line was also beefed up this offseason when the Bears picked up veteran left tackle Orlando Pace. If the seven-time Pro Bowler can avoid the injuries he’s had over the last three years, the Bears have a lot to look forward to.
Angelo didn’t stop there though.
Most recently, the Bears signed TE Michael Gaines from Detroit. While the Lions set new records with their 0-16 season, Gaines pushed on and managed 23 receptions with a personal high of 260 yards in a season his teammates would otherwise like to forget.
Gaines will see a familiar face in the locker room as his former head coach Rod Marinelli will join forces this season with Lovie Smith as the defensive line coach. And while changes are being made to the front line, Angelo has not forgotten about the defensive holes he needs to fill. New plays and new players might be just the right formula for the Bears.
The future is looking bright for draft pick Jarron Gilbert at DT or DE. The 6’5″, 288-pound lineman from San Jose State has the strength to fit right in with the Bears defense—but it may take a year.
The Bears will have to adjust to new players in all areas of the field, including coaches. There may still be moves to be made but in the end it comes down to the first game of the season. If the Bears can go into Lambeau and destroy their biggest rival on national television during Sunday night football it will set the tone and momentum for the rest of the season.
Until then, lines will continue to be reconfigured, coaches will attempt various play strategies and Jerry Angelo (Chicago hopes) will continue to make moves that will put this team back in the Super Bowl.
