NFL Predictions for 2010 Season: Chicago Bears
Published by Jimmy Boyd on August 23, 2010
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
Jay Cutler’s first season in Chicago did not go as planned. While he threw a career-high 27 touchdown strikes, he also led the league with 26 interceptions. With Cutler not playing up to his Pro Bowl status, the Bears managed only seven wins.
Following last season, it was clear that the Bears needed more upgrades. So they brought in defensive end Julius Peppers and running back Chester Taylor. They also added Mike Martz and Mike Tice to the coaching staff.
With these additions, Chicago is optimistic that it can contend for an NFC North title. That is, as long as Cutler has a bounce back year.
Offense: While Cutler took a lot of heat for Chicago’s offensive woes, he wasn’t solely to blame. His job was not easy playing behind an underachieving offensive line, and he received no help from the running game.
If Tice can get more out of the boys up front, Chicago should be able to do better than the 93.2 yards per game it gained on the ground last season, especially now that Taylor has been brought in to aide Matt Forte.
Forte was not able to build on the 1,238 rushing yards he gained in his rookie season. Forte likely won’t rush for that many yards this season either, but the Bears’ running game is in better shape after adding another versatile back.
Cutler didn’t start to jell with the receiving unit until late last season. Once he did, the Bears started playing much better football. While Chicago doesn’t have a true No. 1 wideout, Devin Hester, Earl Bennett, Johnny Knox, and Devin Aromashodu are all capable of big games. Martz should also be able to find more ways to get tight end Greg Olsen involved.
If the running game is better, Cutler will be better. He forced way too many throws last season because the offense was struggling to move the football.
Defense: Chicago’s pass rush has been inconsistent the last couple seasons, but Peppers should instantly shore things up. We’re talking about a freakish athlete who has recorded 10.5 or more sacks in five of the last six seasons. His presence up front should also revitalize former Pro Bowler Tommy Harris.
Lance Briggs may now be the Bears’ best linebacker, but Brian Urlacher is still the heart and soul of this defense. The Bears missed his leadership and big play ability greatly when he missed nearly all of 2009 with a wrist injury. If Pisa Tinoisamoa can also avoid the injury bug, the Bears’ have as good a linebacker unit as any team in the NFL.
Charles Tillman and Zack Bowman are reliable corner backs, but the Bears need better play from their safeties. They are hoping that third round draft pick Major Wright will be able to improve the safety play from day one.
Prediction: 3rd NFC North – After adding guys like Peppers and Taylor, the Bears will be a more talented football team than they were a season ago. The question now is if they can put it all together. Cutler didn’t seem to settle in until late last season, and the Bears can’t afford their new guys to take that long. Chicago should be better in 2010, but it may be asking too much for them to overtake Minnesota and Green Bay.
NFL lines makers have listed the Chicago Bears at +350 to win the NFC North. Find out which team I have winning the division in my 2010 NFL predictions article.
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