Chicago Bears Predictions
June 18, 2008
The Bears thought their running game was going to be their backbone in 2007. But that was far from the case as Cedric Benson failed to live up expectations. Now Benson has been released from the team after two drinking incidents in the offseason and the Bears’ running game is in more trouble than it has ever been. With an inconsistent passing game, the Bears really have nothing to fall back on offensively. Their defense is going to have to carry more weight than ever if they are to compete in the NFC North. Info Plays gives you our 2008 Chicago Bears predictions along with a team preview below.
Offense:
The Bears once again have quarterback issues they will have to deal with. Rex Grossman started in Super Bowl XLI despite being one of the most inconsistent quarterbacks in the league. Backup Kyle Orton went 10-5 as a starter as an emergency rookie starter in 2005’s playoff run. This came despite a 59.7 passer rating in a run-first offense. Orton didn’t play for the next two years before starting the last three games of the season in 2007 in which he played well enough to be guaranteed a shot at the starting job heading into this season. Once again, the Bears didn’t do anything in free agency or via draft to upgrade this position. So they are stuck with Grossman or Orton to lead the team in 2008.
Cedric Benson is out at running back. This leave Adrian Peterson as the leading candidate to start in the backfield this season. 2007 third-round pick Garrett Wolfe may be too small to factor as a runner, but he can be a dangerous receiver out of the backfield. At wide receiver the Bears traded Bernard Berrian to the Vikings and over-the-hill Muhsin Muhhammad was cut. The Bears did bring back 10-year veteran Marty Booker to be the go-to guy by default. Chicago wants Devin Hester to become their No. 1 receiver after he got some much needed experience last year at wideout. He’s a threat every time he touches the ball.
Tight end Greg Olsen flashed start potential as a rookie last year, but he’s mainly just a target in the passing game and lacks the ability to block on the line. First-round pick Chris Williams will take the left tackkle job, making room for 33-year-old John Tait to move to the right side to replace the released miller. This would give the Bears an upgrade at both all-important tackle positions. Eleven-year-vet center Olin Kreutz has made six Pro Bowls and is still one of the game’s best. Right guart Roberto Garza is a solid starter, but he guard spot on the left side will be up for grabs heading into the preseason.
Defense:
The Bears’ defensive line was plagued by injuries last year as Tommie Harris played most of the ‘07 season hurt. High hopes for nose tackle Dusty Dvoracek were washed away when he suffered a torn ACL in the season-opener. If Harris and Dvoracek can come back healthy, this defense will once again be one of the best in all of the NFC. The Bears feel they have three capable starting ends. Left end Adewale Ogunleye is coming off his best season in Chicago, right end Alex Brown is solid against the run and pass, and Mark Anderson is a gifted pass rusher who had a down year last season.
Brian Urlacher is still an impact player and he just needs to get his contract issue under wraps so the Bears can move on. On the week side, Lance Briggs got his six-year, $36 million deal to stay. He’s still in his prime and three years younger than Urlacher. Strong-side backer Hunter Hillenmeyer is underrated and underappreciated. Versatile Jamar Williams is the best of the young group of backups at linebacker.
Chicago’s pass defense suffered when Nate Vasher missed 12 games because of a torn groin muscle. But when he and Charles Tillman are healthy, the Bears have a quality cornerback tandem. Ricky Manning Jr. has been a very valuable nickel back for this team. The safety position is crowded but with question marks. Mike Brown’s history of injury and the failure of Adam Archuleta to hang on to a starting job last season have many doubters questioning whether or not these two can get their act together. But young talent at free safety in Danieal Manning, Brandon McGown, Kevin Payne and rookie Craig Steltz give the Bears plenty of options to fill in gaps that injuries and ineffectiveness may cause.
Info Plays 2008 Chicago Bears Predictions:
Defense does win Championships as proven by the
New York Giants last season. But this defense will have to shoulder far too much of the load for the Bears to have any chance of winning the NFC North. As good as this defensive unit is, they can’t be as effective when they are on the field for most of the game. The Bears have too many questions at quarterback, running back and wide receiver to win this division. Chicago finishes 3rd in the NFC North Division and likely misses the playoffs with no better than a .500 record.