Bears Blitz

Published by Bryan Dietzler on August 13, 2011
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears

The 2011 preseason has been a busy one for the Bears, and fans can expect to see a lot of change on the team as they head into the 2011 season.  Gone are such familiar faces as center Olin Kreutz, defensive tackle Tommie Harris and wide receiver/special teams standout Rashied Davis.  In are guys like center Chris Spencer, defensive tackle Amobi Okoye and running back Marion Barber. 

The Bears made a surprising move by not re-signing long-time center Olin Kreutz (who has since signed with the Saints), and Chicago could to be ready to hand the job over to newly acquired center Chris Spencer.  Just how will the Bears cope with the loss of someone who was not only one of the smartest players on the offensive line (and in all of the NFL) but an offensive leader also?

In a move that surprised some but perhaps not that many, the Bears traded their pass catching tight end Greg Olsen, giving them limited pass catching talent at that position.  They did re-sign Desmond Clark, and he will be a valuable blocker and can catch passes in many situations. But he doesn’t have the speed or ability that Olsen does.  Will this be a move that the Bear’s regret?

The Bears brought in some talent on the defensive line that could end up being a huge asset to them in the future.  They brought in defensive tackle Amobi Okoye and defensive end Vernon Gholston, and will give them a shot at trying to make the active roster.  Both are former starters.  Okoye has played pretty well during his NFL career while Gholston, a former first-round selection, has struggled to live up to his lofty expectations.

If just one of these two players works out, then the Bears will have an improved defensive line going into the 2011 season (thanks also in addition to Paea), and these moves may have been some of the best that they have made this offseason.

The signing of wide receiver Roy Williams is an interesting one.  There are those that feel that this was the piece that they needed to help make their wide receiving corps complete, but Williams hasn’t shined during his career in the NFL and has been regressing.  Will the third team (he has previously played with the Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys) finally be the charm for Williams?

The Bears certainly hope that it will.

To help fix their issues at the outside linebacker position, they re-signed Brian Iwuh and Nick Roach.  Roach seems to have designs on being the starter opposite Lance Briggs and Brian Urlacher.  It appears as if he should be able to lock up that job.

Other notable signings and re-signings that the Bears have had include bringing back Corey Graham, Caleb Hanie, guard Edwin William and running back Kahlil Bell.  Some of the players that they brought in from other teams include running back Marion Barber (Dallas), wide receiver Sam Hurd, tight end Matt Spaeth and punter Adam Podlesh.

Podlesh appears to be the guy that the Bears are going to rely on as a punter since they let Brad Maynard and Richmond McGee walk.  Marion Barber is an interesting pickup and may be able to give the Bears another option at the running back position.

The Bears also appear to be high on undrafted free agent wide receiver Dane Sanzenbacher.  He’s had a strong training camp and could almost easily make the roster. 

Finally, the Bears let massive offensive guard Herman Johnson go, as well as tight end Brandon Manumaleuna.  Both losses shouldn’t have much, if any, effect on the team.

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