10 Things I Would Do If I Was The Chicago Bears Head Coach

Ever had that moment as a kid, or in junior high, or high school, when you had a dream about what you wanted to do as a career? I certainly did when I played football in high school—and I talked a lot about how I would become a wide receiver for the Chicago Bears.

Since then, things never went well enough for that to happen (a lack of physical talent and desire to play this game is a big reason why). However, once I was switched over to defense, I was able to learn the game a little bit more completely, as I understood both offense and defense on a fundamental level.

That's why this article is about 10 things I would do if I was their head coach (gotta dream a little, right?).

I decided to break these off into sections. Feel free to make note of the areas I pay more attention to.

Offense

1. Bench Kyle Orton until he's completely healthy.

Look, I really like what Kyle Orton has done this season and I understand that he is the quarterback the Bears (and fans) want on the field...That's why I think he needs to take a seat until his ankle is fully ready.

Besides, Rex Grossman (here comes the groans) is still capable of playing. Sure, he didn't play very well against Detroit or Tennessee, but neither did Orton until the first meeting at Ford field (which was the fifth game of the season).

Quarterbacks, probably more-so than other positions, need a couple of games to dust off the rust from their shoes before they can run without problems. Game-time speed is a very hard thing to replicate in practice...and the only way you can see game-time speed is during a game (brilliant, isn't it?).

I'd rather deal with some tough games from Rex than Kyle coming in early and potentially getting hurt worse than what he is now.

2. Get Kevin Jones more carries.

I understand that Matt Forte has become a huge bright spot for the Bears' offense this year by leading the team in receptions, rushing yards, and is second in the NFL among rookie running backs in yards rushing (777).

But Kevin Jones is an excellent athlete who has the quick burst that the Bears have  been looking for in a change-of-pace-back.

Sure, Jones' 3.2 rushing average is probably not very attractive, but just think of what the Bears offense could be if both Forte and Jones start to excel together...in the same game. Or the same season. They could be something like what Carolina's DeAngelo Williams and Jonathon Stewart or the New York Giants' with Brandon Jacobs and Derrick Ward.

Defense

3. Bench Nathan Vasher.

This is a really hard move because Nathan Vasher makes a lot of big plays on the defense. Or at least he did in 2005 (46 total tackles and eight interceptions with one touchdown). In the past two seasons, he has had four inteceptions—one interception this season—and has had problems staying healthy.

In games this season, he's either not tackling someone or getting beat by a slant play. He got beat by former Bear Justin Gage a couple of weeks ago against Tennessee. That's not acceptable, at all. Corey Graham has fared much better this season, with 54 total tackles (even though he only has one interception) and, thus, should start in Vasher's place.

4. Bench Tommie Harris.

This isn't hard for me at all. Harris is the highest-paid defensive tackle in the NFL and has been a force for the Bears the past couple of years, but he doesn't really look like he's playing that well this season (like much of the Bears defense).

What really doesn't help his case, though, is all of the trash he talks about how good he is when he only has 16 tackles, two sacks, and a fumble that was lost on the season. He needs to just shut up and play or Marcus Harrison needs to start in his place. Either way, it sounds like a good solution.

5. Start Hunter Hillenmeyer.

I have no idea what is up with Hunter, but he needs to be on the field. Unlike Urlacher and Briggs, I really think Hunter is a big part of holding this defense (the line-backing corps, anyways) together.

Last year, he had 78 total tackles, and while that's not anywhere near the team lead, Hillenmeyer was in on stopping a lot of plays because of his intelligence in playing his position.

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