Chicago Bears 2009: Offseason Makeover Sparks Playoff Talk

(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

When the Bears walked off the field at Houston’s Reliant Stadium last December 28^th, following a disappointing season-ending loss that left them 9-7 and out of the playoffs, little did they know what the offseason had in store for them.

Despite their usual low-key approach to free agency, the Bears reeled in arguably the biggest catch with the acquisition of Pro Bowl quarterback Jay Cutler, a move that both shocked NFL insiders and delighted Bears fans. The bold trade, engineered by Jerry Angelo forced Chicago to part with coveted first round picks this year and next, along with this year’s third rounder and starting quarterback Kyle Orton.  

While seemingly wearing out his welcome in Denver and with new Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels, Cutler brings immediate hope for offensive improvement and breathes new life into a position Chicago has struggled with since the franchises’ early glory days of the 1940’s.

Fresh from a Pro Bowl season where he threw for over 4,000 yards, Cutler’s arm strength, competitiveness, and penchant for big plays should complement the power running of Matt Forte and open up the passing attack. Forte put together an outstanding rookie campaign, contributing as both a runner and receiver. In fact, the former Tulane product amassed 37 percent of the Bears total offense in ’08.

Not content to stop there, Angelo signed former Pro Bowler Orlando Pace to anchor the offensive left tackle spot, following earlier attempts to bolster the line with the additions of Frank Omiyale and ex-Brown Kevin Schaffer. The signing of Pace will allow the Bears to shift last year’s top pick, Chris Williams, to the right offensive tackle spot vacated by the retirement of John Tait. Chicago hopes the shuffling will not only protect their franchise quarterback in Cutler, but also produce better results in short-yardage situations, which stymied several drives last season.

While the Bears have retooled the front line and quarterback position, major question marks still dot the receiving corps where the game breaking, but still unfinished, Devin Hester headlines an inexperienced group. Chicago hopes that Hester continues to make strides in improving his consistency and route running, yet also regains his form as a returner. 

The other receiver positions are up for grabs between Earl Bennett, last year’s third-round choice who rarely saw the field, but clicked with Cutler at Vanderbilt, Rashied Davis, the former arena league player who struggled in ’08, and the unproven Brandon Rideau. Chicago added depth by grabbing three receivers in the draft, including third rounder Juaquin Iglesias of Oklahoma, fifth-round speedster Johnny Knox from Abilene Christian, and Pittsburgh’s Derek Kinder in the seventh round.   

The Bears do boast a quality tandem at tight end however, with former first rounder Greg Olsen, an emerging talent, and solid veteran Desmond Clark.

Defensively, the big hope is that Chicago will regain the swagger from the Super Bowl season. Enter ex-Lions coach Rod Marinelli, who will try to motivate and increase the production from a veteran defensive line that seldom produced consistent pass rush pressure. Alex Brown and Adewale Ogunleye will once again anchor the defensive end spots, with Ogunleye especially needing an impressive bounce back campaign.

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