How the Chicago Bears Can Meet Lofty Expectations in 2009

(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Expectations are a funny thing when it comes to the Chicago Bears. Since I became a devoted fan in 2001, things have often gone the opposite way of what I envisioned.

When I expect the team to be awful, the Bears pleasantly surprise (2001, 2005, and 2008 seasons come to mind).  If I have high hopes for a season, the Bears have done their best to disappoint (2002 and 2007 especially).

So what should we expect from the Bears in 2009?  With a legitimate quarterback for the first time in decades, it is hard not to shoot for the stars. 

When you compare the 2008 Bears with the 2009 Bears, they have made improvements or remained the same at the majority of the positions, the exceptions being wide receiver and safety. The potential addition of linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa would add to an already strong and deep defensive unit.

The defensive unit will also be improved by the change in play calling responsibilities.  Head coach Lovie Smith will take over this job from defensive coordinator Bob Babich, which will hopefully remedy many of the issues the defense has dealt with over the last two seasons.

With an improvement at the most important position on the field and the easiest strength of schedule in the NFL (thank you Detroit), the Bears should most certainly improve upon last season's 9-7 finish. 

Missing the playoffs in the NFC North would be a massive disappointment. With arguably the second-weakest division in the conference behind the West, it is also reasonable for fans to dream of a top-two seed and first-round bye in the playoffs.

It is fun to imagine winning a Super Bowl victory during the summer; it is another thing to expect it.  If Jay Cutler leads the Bears to a championship in his first season in Chicago, he will be a legend in the Windy City forever.  But to go into a season with expectations of winning a title is only setting yourself up for disappointment.

For the Bears to exceed all expectations and bring home a ring, a few things need to happen.  Certain key areas on offense, defense, and special teams will need to be addressed.  If the Bears do not get the necessary production in the following areas, it will be another long winter by the lake.

First, Cutler will need production out of his wide receivers.  If no veteran is signed between now and the start of the season, Rashied Davis will be the team's leader in receptions at the position with a whopping 74 for his career.

The team is currently penciling Devin Hester at No. 1 on the depth chart, with Earl Bennett as the No. 2.  Hester is talented but his receiver skills are still raw.  Bennett has yet to make his first catch as a pro, as issues learning the playbook limited his playing time last season. 

The Bears took three receivers in this year's draft, but it is likely that only one third-round choice Juaquin Iglesias will be ready to produce in '09.

The wideouts will have help from Desmond Clark and Greg Olsen at the tight end position but will need to develop a rapport with Cutler during training camp for the Bears to be successful on offense.  The Bears may "get off the bus running," but without wide receivers it won't be enough to win a championship.

Another crucial aspect of the Bears' success this season is a strong pass rush.  The Monsters of the Midway recorded just 28 sacks last year, good for 22nd in the league.  A successful pass rush is vital to the Bears' Cover Two system working as designed and 28 sacks just do not cut it. 

Despite his struggles due to battles with injury last season, Tommie Harris will remain a fixture on the defensive line this year (if he can stay healthy).  The Bears have a plethora of options for Harris' partner on the line.  Dusty Dvoracek, Marcus Harrison, Anthony Adams and potentially rookie Jarron Gilbert all will be vying for playing time. 

Having depth at tackle is important, but the Bears also need better production from their ends.  Alex Brown was great last season, but Adewale Ogunleye left something to be desired. Ogunleye had a career-high 62 tackles, but just five of them were sacks. 

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