Chicago Bears Moves Must Start Paying Off
Ever since the era of Mike Ditka ended in Chicago, the Bears have experienced ongoing problems. To be more specific, the team has been inconsistent on defence and their offence has been dreadful.
One glaring weakness the team always showed was the lack of a franchise quarterback. That missing ingredient was the primary reason why the Bears couldn’t finish the job four years ago and win Super Bowl XLI over the Indianapolis Colts. The game came down to Rex Grossman versus Peyton Manning. Who wins that battle?
The Bears last offseason had appeared to finally address that weakness when they pulled a blockbuster deal to land an unhappy Jay Cutler from the Broncos. It didn’t pan out last year as Cutler threw a league-high 26 interceptions. The Bears improved in December last season but still finished 7-9 and have failed to make the playoffs since that 2006 season, in which they went to the Super Bowl.
Coach Lovie Smith and general manager (GM) Jerry Angelo know that ownership is getting impatient and hired Mike Martz as the offensive coordinator. Martz coached the greatest show on turf with the legendary offence of the 2001 St. Louis Rams and could help Cutler and the defensive-minded Smith.
However, Martz’s aerial system didn’t pan out in Detroit or San Francisco and the Bears are missing some key weapons in order for Martz’s system to work, like say a number one receiver.
On offence, Cutler simply has to cut down on his turnovers. Martz’s system works for Cutler, as the quarterback has the strongest arm in football. Once he gets into a rhythm, his accuracy is deadly. His problem is seeing the field well and he forces many bad throws, which resulted in his 26 interceptions last season.
Martz is confident that the team’s wide receivers will be a team-strength this year. The team’s most dangerous weapon is Devin Hester. However, it was foolish of the team to make perhaps the league’s best return-specialist into a number one receiver. Sure, once the ball’s in his hands, Hester’s electrifying and a thrill to watch, but he doesn’t run good routes and is outsmarted by defenders. His decline in special-teams production is attributed to the fact that he’s now a receiver.
Elsewhere, the team is left with Johnny Knox and Earl Bennett. Knox is a speedy receiver who’s suited for a home-run play, while Bennett is a solid possession receiver.
Tight end (TE) Greg Olsen will likely be counted on to bring his weakest part of his game; blocking in Martz’s system. No tight end has ever showed tremendous success in Martz’s system, but Olsen is a great receiving tight end when called on.
Martz’ system also calls for production in the passing game by running backs. The team added Chester Taylor in free agency, who is one of the leagues’s best receiving running backs. Matt Forte is the starting back, but he is indecisive and has developed a fumbling habit, causing him to share carries with the Bears’ own Adrian Peterson.
The Bears traditional spooky defence will have to be the team’s greatest asset this season. The team signed perhaps the most coveted free agent in defensive end (DE) Julius Peppers. Peppers is a feared pass-rusher who draws double-teams and is the most athletically gifted end in the league.
Joining Peppers on the line will be defensive tackle (DT) Tommie Harris, whose job will now be a lot easier with Peppers attracting much attention. He could have a stellar season.
Also on the line are DT Anthony Adams, who is looking to bounce back, and DE Israel Idonije, who is solid against the run.
The team’s spirited leader, linebacker (LB) Brian Urlacher is returning after missing all of the 2009 season. If he’s healthy and has some great football left in him, he is a huge plus.
Lance Briggs and Nick Roach will fill the other two spots with Briggs on the weak side allowing the speedy Roach to play in space.
The Bears will likely have Chris Harris at strong safety and Al Afalava at free safety. Those spots are still up for grabs though and it's anyone’s guess how well the Bears secondary will be this year.
Cornerback (CB) Charles Tillman provides the Bears with a physical, savvy presence on the left side. CB Zachary Bowman, meanwhile, lacks speed and offences have figured him out.
On special teams, kicker (K) Robbie Gould has made over 85% of his field goals in the last four seasons, proving that his last name may lead fans to omit the ‘u’.
Punter (P) Brad Maynard has experience and wits.
In the return game, Devin Hester’s production has declined since he was moved to wide receiver. Teams are still afraid of him touching the ball though but the Bears will have Hester share return duties with Johnny Knox or Danieal Manning, who can break a big play at any given time.
The Bears have their fair share of talent, but the team has too many weaknesses across the board on offensive line and the secondary. They’re capable of competing for a playoff spot, but their weaknesses may be too much to overcome in the end.
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