Fantasy Football Notes: Chicago Bears
Published by Michael Whooley on July 12, 2009
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
Just two years removed from being named NFC Champions, the 2008 Chicago Bears looked forward to leaving a disappointing 7-9 record behind them. At the start of the season, it appeared they were ready to do just that, upsetting the mighty Indianapolis Colts in a Super Bowl XLI rematch.
The addition of rookie Matt Forte’s powerful running style and ability to catch the ball out of the backfield, along with a (surprisingly) solid performance by quarterback Kyle Orton, gave Chicago’s offense a new identity. Paired with what seemed to be the resurgence of one of the league’s best defenses, Chicago fans held hope that 2007 was a fluke and the Bears would be in Tampa Bay come February.
Unfortunately, a good start and a few bright spots wasn’t enough. The Bears finished the year with an uninspired 9-7 record, failing to make the playoffs for a second consecutive season.
Inconsistencies on both sides had analysts wondering which Bears team was going to show up each week—the Bears that defeated the Philadelphia Eagles with an impressive goal line stand in Week 4, or the team that let the Atlanta Falcons steal a win in week 6, with 11 seconds left in the 4th?
The good news for Chicago fans is that despite the up-and-down 2008 season, there are lots of things to be excited about in 2009.
KEY ADDITIONS
Jay Cutler (QB)—It’s not every day a young Pro Bowl quarterback with a rocket for an arm ends up on the market. Thanks to some questionable decisions by Denver Broncos first year head coach Josh McDaniels, that’s just what happened, landing the Bears their franchise quarterback for the next decade.
Cutler threw for 4,526 yards, 25 TD and 18 interceptions in 2008, and if not for a 28th ranked defense (allowing an average of 25.6 points per game) could have taken his team a lot further that season. Expect some growing pains at the start of 2009; Cutler still needs get fully acclimated to the new offense, and lacks the kind of wide receivers he had in Denver.
KEY DEPARTURES
Mike Brown (S)—Primarily due to leg injuries which caused Brown to miss 44 games over the last 5 seasons, the Bears made the difficult decision not to re-sign the veteran safety.
The franchise’s all-time leader in defensive touchdowns, and one of the most popular players in the team’s history, Brown registered 629 tackles, five sacks, and 17 interceptions over his 9 seasons with the Bears.
What can’t be quantified—and what the coaches, players, and fans will no doubt miss most—is the leadership and the passion he brought to the field. It’s hard to say whether Josh Bullocks will be able to fill that void.
ROOKIE TO WATCH
Jarron Gilbert (DL)—Anyone who’s seen the video of Jarron jumping out of a pool can attest to his great strength and athleticism. Let’s be honest—it was pretty sick.
The Bears didn’t draft him to perform pool tricks, though. Selected in the third round, this 6’5″ 288-lb. defensive lineman from San Jose State is expected to help strengthen the interior line.
Gilbert has the potential to be great; however, some question his work ethic. Still, no one can question his senior year at San Jose, recording 52 tackles, leading the nation with 22 stops for losses of 116 yards, and ranking second in the league with 9.5 sacks. His talents should help keep Chicago in the top tier of defenses, and he is definitely someone you’ll want to keep an eye on in IDP fantasy football leagues.
BRUNO BOYS SPOTLIGHT
Matt Forte (RB)—If it weren’t for Matt Ryan and Chris Johnson, Matt Forte would have been a lock for rookie of the year.
Going into the draft, some experts considered him more suited as a fullback. Forte quickly proved them all wrong, rushing for 1238 yards and eight touchdowns on the ground, while netting 477 yards and four touchdowns through the air. He led all running backs with 63 receptions.
With the recent addition of Jay Cutler, Forte’s numbers should get even better making a very strong case for drafting him No. 1 overall in your fantasy football draft.
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