Chicago Bears' Offseason Review Thus Far

The Chicago Bears have not been known for making big moves, but everything changes at some point.  What seemed to have started out as another slow offseason for the Monsters of the Midway featured the biggest move in the NFL, and possibly in Bears' history, with the Jay Cutler trade. 

Here is a breakdown by position of where the team stands.

Offense          

QB – A long term franchise player is locked in place for the first time in a long time.  This position was definitely upgraded this offseason with Jay Cutler.  My only concern here is the experience of the depth. 

I like having a young kid to develop in Caleb Hanie, but I’m not sold on having Brett Basanez.  I feel finding a veteran with some experience would really lock up this position.

RB – This position has a lot of depth.  Matt Forte is a stud, but the question is do the Bears have someone they are comfortable with giving some carries, because if they keep using Forte the way they did last year he’s going to be run into the ground.

I like them bringing back Kevin Jones, I believe he has a lot of talent and is more than a capable backup. 

The question here is how they will utilize everyone, because I think Garrett Wolfe is the definition of a change of pace back, and should get a few touches every game, and Adrian Peterson has been solid when asked to carry the ball.

WR – I think this position is way ahead of where the corps was sitting last year, however that isn’t saying much.  A lot of that improvement hinges on potential, as opposed to proven commodities though.

Earl Bennett should see the field opposite of Devin Hester, while the rookies will compete to unhorse Rashied Davis who seemed to so struggle last year.  This team could still use some improvement however; I would expect Jerry Angelo and company to keep an eye out for the veteran receivers and camp cuts.

TE – This position doesn’t really need much. Desmond Clark is the veteran, but I expect him to be surpassed by Greg Olson. This is the deepest position on the team, and will have to be an intricate part of the offense this year. 

The depth is good behind these two with Kellen Davis, Michael Gaines, and Fontel Mines. Competition for the third tight end spot ought to make things interesting.

OL – I would consider this unit the most improved from last year.  I believe this unit will see three new starters this year.  My prediction is from left to right it’ll be Orlando Pace, Frank Ominyale, Olin Kreutz, Roberto Garza, and Chris Williams. 

The offensive line has finally seen an infusion of some youth.  I like the signings the Bears made.  Besides the youth, the line should be bigger and be able to maul for Forte and provide plenty of time for Cutler.

The depth is good as well with Josh Beekman and Kevin Shaffer.  Both have starting experience; Beekman at guard for Chicago last year, as well as center in college, and Shaffer has experience at both tackle positions.  I would expect the team to look for some more depth, but go into the season with what they have. 

Defense

DL – I would say there are two things that will go a long way to determining how this group performs, health and the effect of Rod Marinelli. Tommie Harris and Dusty Dvoraek have struggled with some injuries the past few years and have really hindered what the line has been able to do. 

Also, with Mark Anderson, Adewale Ogunleye, and Israel Idonije all in the last year of their contracts I’d expect the team to sit still and see if that gets them more production as well. 

The Bears added Marcus Harrison last year, who has looked promising, and added Jarron Gilbert this year.  I would expect Gilbert to see time at both positions and try to jump start the front four.  I expect this to be Ogunleye’s last year and possibly Anderson’s, too.

LB – I would expect production of this unit to go up, but it really depends on what they get from the front four.  Lance Briggs really seems to be coming into his own, and I believe that Brian Urlacher still has a few seasons left.

This unit has quite a few kids, but Lovie Smith doesn’t seem comfortable with one of them for the strong side. I would expect the improvement of the front four to help out, but the competition at the sam side will be something to watch.

CB – This would be the deepest position on the team if it wasn’t for injuries.  This should be a big year for incumbent starters Charles Tillman and Nathan Vasher.  I’m surprised that Tillman didn’t make the move to free safety, and would expect that in the near future. 

If Vasher doesn’t perform this year I think he’s done, especially with Corey Graham behind him.

I think this kid is ready to start now.  Trumaine McBride has also been productive, although the competition with D.J. Moore may have something to say about how much he plays this year.  He’s a freak of an athlete. 

Daniel Manning also seemed to start fitting into the nickel position near the end of the year.  The biggest thing will be finding play makers, this team will need turnovers.

S – I would say that this unit has to remain the biggest question mark on the team.  I think that Kevin Payne is locked in to the strong safety position. However, the free safety position really seems to me that much hasn’t been done to solve the problem. 

They signed Glenn Earl and Josh Bullocks, but I really feel that those guys are just depth and not starters.  I’m hoping that the glimpse Zachary Bowman showed last year is real, because he’s who I’m hoping comes through.

I feel that this team is deeper than they were last year, but I’m still not sure if it’s enough. I think they could still use some depth at some positions, and a starter at the free safety and receiver position.