2011 Playoff Preview: Chicago Bears
Regular Season Record: 11-5
Seed: 2, NFC
2010 Team Leaders: Passing: Jay Cutler (3274 YDS, 8th NFC); Rushing: Matt Forte (1069 YDS, 6th NFC); Receiving: Johnny Knox (960 YDS, 20th NFC)
With an apparent Green Bay Packer team stocked and ready to take the NFC North, no one outside of the Windy City gave the Bears much of a chance to do much this year. Nobody told their 5th-ranked defense, which stopped every team’s running attack (2nd overall running defense), and quarterback Jay Cutler, who dropped his interception total to the lowest he’s had in four years. That’s tough to do in your first season under Mike Martz. The Bears hope to continue that trend and not have to rely on Devin Hester, the best return man in the history of the NFL, to add to his record-breaking 14career kick return touchdowns to win.
2010 Chicago Bears Football Preview:
The Chicago offense will need to improve their running game, which ranked averaged only 93.3 yards a game last year and landed them 27th in the league. However, they certainly have the talent to do so, as Matt Forte is capable of carrying the load and former Minnesota Viking's running back Chester Taylor has been added to help out, and the pair has the potential to be one of the best one-two combos in the NFL. The Bears also brought in former St. Louis Rams head coach Mike Martz as offensive coordinator in an attempt to add a dynamic layer to a stagnant offense.
The Chicago defense added a few key parts this offseason as well, most notably signing free agent Juilus Peppers to play defensive end. One of the biggest question marks on defense will be the health of Pro Bowl linebacker Brian Urlacher, who only played in one game last season before being injured. Urlacher claims to be fully healed from wrist surgery and ready to contribute.
2009 Chicago Bears Football Preview:
Chicago Bears fans have to be excited about the 2009 NFL season. The Bears answered some important questions about their team in 2008, so now it is time for Chicago to build on those successes. A bright spot for Da Bears is always their defense, but they have also now found a reliable running game. 2008 rookie running back Matt Forte burst on to the scene and never let up. Forte proved he could be the every down back the Bears need to get back to the Super Bowl. With the offense in better shape, it is up to Lovie Smith to press every button on his stellar defense to try to max out their potential. The Chicago defense is led by Brian Urlacher, Nathan Vasher and Tommie Harris. If those three have big years, Chicago fans might be escaping the February cold in 2010 for a trip to the Super Bowl in Miami.
2008 Chicago Bears Football Preview:
The Chicago Bears have proven themselves to be one of the hardest teams in the NFL to predict. With a trip to the Super Bowl in 2006, a young head coach, serious problems at quarterback and not being able to make the 2007 playoffs, the Bears look like they can go either way this coming season. This makes for excitement in the NFL. The Bears have proven they can beat practically any team and that their defense is something to be feared. Look for the team to try to fix its QB issues either through the draft or free agency and potentially have a big run at the 2008 playoffs. Venerable Soldier Field will rock this coming year as the Chicago Bears try to play themselves back into championship form.
Last offseason, the Chicago Bears made waves by trading for talented quarterback Jay Cutler. Unfortunately, Cutler had a sub-par 2009 and the Bears stumbled to a disappointing 7-9 finish. This year, fans will be looking for increased production from their quarterback if they are to compete in the difficult NFC North.