Chicago Bears vs. Chicago Bears: How Does Super Bowl Squad Compare to 2010s?
At the beginning of this season, I projected that the Bears would finish 10-6, win the NFC North and make a miraculous Super Bowl run.
Now, if you assume I'm an amazing guru who saw it from the start, you're wrong. My prediction was illogical and backed up with virtually no facts.
However, as the season goes on, my ridiculous prediction is becoming more and more realistic.
Everyone knew that the Bears were destined to improve this season. With the addition of Julius Peppers, the recovery of former All-Pro Brian Urlacher and the return of Pro Bowler Lance Briggs, there was no doubt that the defense would bounce back from 2009's subpar squad.
The return of Pro Bowl kick returner/wide receiver Johnny Knox wouldn't hurt offensive efforts, either.
But nobody expected this.
The Bears are currently 8-3, leading the NFC North and are No. 2 in the NFC.
Many have theories on how such a low-ranked offense could accomplish such a feat.
Most say it's their defense that propels them.
Some blame it on a soft schedule.
Some claim it's sheer luck.
I think the reasons for the Bears' success are rooted in their 2006 Super Bowl squad. The more I look into it, the more it seems that the Bears are exactly like the 2006 team.
Allow me to elaborate on the similarities (and the categories in which they surpass the 2006 squad).
"Devin Hester, You Are Ridiculous!"
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He's back, and he's badder than ever!
After two years of mediocrity, the legendary kick returner, Devin Hester, has had a resurgence in his abilities that seem to have been missing since his spectacular rookie and sophomore seasons.
Although he is no longer a primary kick returner, on the occasions he does run back kicks, he averages a whopping 35.6 yards per return.
His real resurgence, however, has come from his punt-returning duties. He averages an impressive 14.8 yards per return.
Alongside this are two returns for touchdowns, six returns of 20 or more yards and two returns of 40 or more yards.
He isn't necessarily as dominant as he was in 2006, but he is still pretty spectacular.
Equal, Better or Lesser?
Lesser, but not by much.
"He Drops Back To Throw...OH! AND IT GETS PICKED OFF!"
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Where have we heard this story before?
Young quarterback, great potential, great arm, way too many picks.
Hey, remember that Grossman dude? Yeah, he was pretty bad.
And now we have Jay Cutler. A lot better, but yeah, still too many picks.
But in reality, Cutler has had tremendous improvement from his 2009 season, where he threw a whopping 26 interceptions. Thus far, Cutler has 16 touchdowns and only 10 interceptions.
However, we've still gone through the roller-coaster ride that we got so used to under an offense run by Rex Grossman.
The good (vs. Detroit, Philadelphia, Dallas), the bad (vs. Washington, New York, Miami) and the...meh (vs. Green Bay, Minnesota).
Can Cutler pull it together better than Grossman and actually hoist the Lombardi Trophy?
Only time will tell.
Equal, Greater or Lesser?
Lesser.
Author's Note
By "Lesser" I meant how much interceptions will be a factor. Cutler is much better than Grossman.
"The Bears Are Exactly Who We Thought They Were! AND THEY GOT AWAY WITH IT!"
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The Bears still aren't fooling anybody.
Don't think for a second that they are.
Everyone knows their weaknesses and their strengths. Everyone knows every aspect of their offense and defense that can be exploited.
Yet somehow, the Bears win anyway.
Is it because of luck (Detroit Lions game)?
Is it because Jesus was throwing away a bucket of yellow tissues, and they happened to fall on the field while the opposing team was on offense (Green Bay Packers game)?
Or are we just that good?
Equal, Greater or Lesser?
By far, greater.
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"The Monsters of the Midway"
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The Chicago Bears' strongest aspect this year is undoubtedly their dominant defense.
With an All-Star cast of Charles Tillman in the backfield, Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs as linebackers and Julius Peppers as a defensive lineman, alongside promising young players such as Tim Jennings in the backfield and Matt Toeaina as a defensive tackle, the Bears were counted on to be rock solid.
And boy, did they produce.
The Bears are currently ranked fourth in the league in total defense and second in run stopping. They will likely only improve from there.
Equal, Greater or Lesser?
Equal.
"Good As Gould!"
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Robbie Gould has been a clutch kicker ever since he was picked up as a UFA out of Penn State in 2005.
In the Bears' 2006 Super Bowl run, Robbie Gould booted in 32 out of 36 field goals, earning him a spot in his first and only Pro Bowl.
He's only gotten better from there. So far, he has kicked 18 out of 22 through the uprights, including two 50-yarders, a feat he wasn't able to accomplish once during his Pro Bowl season.
Equal, Greater or Lesser?
Greater.
Can They Do It?
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In conclusion, it must be noted that as striking as these resemblances are, we have to remember how the Bears' 2006 season ended.
Grossman threw two interceptions in a 29-17 loss to the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLI.
Are these Bears truly better than the 2006 team?
Are they even equal to the 2006 team?
Only time will tell.
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