NFL Preview: Chicago Bears

Who are the Chicago Bears these days? Three long years have passed since their last Superbowl appearance that, despite starting the best possible way with a kickoff return for a touchdown from league-lacerating return man Devin Hester, ended in a loss to the machine-like Colts.

Since then the Bears have suffered a slide, while being forced to contend with two division dance-partners - the Vikings and the Packers - leaping from obscurity to become members of the league's elite. The Bears should whip the Detroit Lions twice this year, but aside from that brace of victories, glory will be hard to come by for a team that is struggling to regain its identity.

Chicago's always been known for two things: a run-first offence and a stifling D. Their offense will rely heavily on the prolificacy of Matt Forte, who will be expected to carry the load this season. Chicago have always been thin at receiver, and their desperation to use Hester in whatever way they can has perhaps blinkered them to their great need at wideout. The appointment of Mike Martz to act as guru to under-performing QB Jay Cutler is an inspired move, though. Cutler was pro-bowl calibre in Denver but struggled with the weight of expectation and the lack of talent to throw to. Martz has a great track-record with vital young gunslingers. He has been known to turn a tempestuous character into a title-winning temprement. Let's hope he can ressurect Jay's career so that he might find a place in heart of the windy city akin to that of his idol, Jim McMahon.


But here's the real clincher: Chicago's D is NOT what it was. The heartbeat of their Tampa 2 scheme, Brian Urlacher, hasn't been fully fit for two seasons now, and he isn't getting younger. Tampa 2, devised by former Colts coach Tony Dungy during his time at Tampa, is the best way to defend on paper but is churlsihly hard to execute due to the necessary personnel requirements. The middle linebacker position in Tampa 2 is the glue that holds the whole package together. Lose that, you lose the game. Without a solid presence over the middle, teams like Minnesota, Green Bay and even Detorit now Stafford's at the helm, will gash you down the gut.

In short, Chicago should not expect to be playing deep into January. With the rise of the Falcons, increased strength of the 49ers, Seahawks, Redskins and Giants, there won't be much room for error if a Wild Card spot is the goal. I think they finish third, Lovie Smith gets the boot and the fans are left scratching their heads when Urlacher leaves.


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