Bleacher Report - Articles by Bryan Dietzler

The Chicago Bears Season Preview: The Cornerbacks

Bryan Dietzler — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 13:16:15 -0400

The Bears problems at the cornerback position are well known and it is safe to say that ineffective play in the secondary helped contribute to the Bears defensive demise at critical times last season (see the game against the Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers for reference).

Chicago hopes that their secondary will be much more improved this season but if how things have gone so far in training camp is any indication, it could be a long season for the Bears cornerbacks.

The following is a player by player look at all of the players at the cornerback position for the Bears heading into training camp. There is a quick look back at how they performed in 2008, how their offseason has gone so far and where they stand in 2009.

Charles Tillman

Tillman’s preseason was over before it even started as back surgery took him out for several weeks. He believes that he will be ready by the time the season starts and everyone from Bears fans to the coaching staff hopes that is prediction is accurate.

Tillman had a solid but injury filled season in 2008 and it’s hoped that he stays in one piece during the entire 2009 season. Tillman is the ideal cover 2 cornerback as his size and ability to support the run well make him an asset in that kind of system and this is why his being out of the lineup always hurts the Bears.

Look for Tillman to return to the lineup before the season starts and play well when he is not hurt but that is asking a lot these days.

Nathan Vasher

Vasher is on the hot seat this season and some experts feel that he may not even make the final cut in training camp due to his uninspired play so far. Financially, the Bears will most likely be forced to keep him on the roster at least one more season.

In addition to his poor play, Vasher has had some problems with injuries that have kept him on the bench for most of the past two seasons. If Vasher doesn’t hold up this season (staying healthy) and doesn’t perform well this season, he may not be around in 2010 but for now, he’s the starter and the potential weak link for the Bears at the cornerback position.

Zackary Bowman

Of all of the players at the cornerback position, Bowman impressed the coaching staff the most this summer but fell to a hamstring injury that kept him out of all the preseason games and a good part of training camp.

If Bowman can get back to being healthy again, he could either fill in until Tillman returns from injury or overtake Vasher who isn’t playing as well as the Bears had hoped.

If he can stay healthy, Bowman may find himself a starter at the cornerback position and could be Vasher’s eventual replacement.

Corey Graham

Graham was slated to make a switch to safety but due to injuries at the cornerback position, Graham will stay at his natural position in 2009. He played in all 16 games last season, starting nine of those contests and he managed to play pretty well.

Graham will play nickel this season at times and as needed and could crack the starting lineup in case of injury. He hasn’t had the best of offseasons but is still one of the better players at the cornerback position for the Bears.

Trumaine McBride

McBride hasn’t had a great camp either but remains a pretty viable option for the Bears at the cornerback position. McBride played in all 16 games in 2009 starting one and managed to play pretty well when he was called upon.

He played pretty well against the Buffalo Bills in the preseason but fell off a bit in their game against Denver. McBride will be used in case of injury in the secondary and if he can get on the field he could end up performing very well which would greatly help the Bears.

D.J. Moore

Moore, a rookie out of Vanderbilt, is most likely a good candidate for the practice squad this season as he really hasn’t impressed the coaching staff during the preseason. Moore is a bit smallish, something that the Bears don’t prefer in their cover 2 scheme which requires that their cornerbacks be bigger and capable of stopping the run.

The Bears did end up retaining Moore and he should help out on special teams while he learns more about playing the cornerback position.

Woodny Turenne

Of all of the undrafted free agents the Bears brought in at the cornerback position this offseason, Turenne may have had the best of all of them.

He showed up well in the preseason games and can play on special teams which is a huge asset for Turenne. Due to the talent ahead of him, Turenne was placed on the practice squad where he will continue to develop and possibly contribute at some point in the future.

The cornerback position will probably see a few changes as the season goes on thanks to injury and ineffective play. We could be seeing the last season for Vasher as a Bear as he has just one more chance to step it up or he could be stepping out.

We will also see the development of some of the younger talent on this team with players such as D.J. Moore on the active roster and ready to contribute at some point this season.

Needless to say it will be an interesting season for the Bears at the cornerback position and hopes are high that injuries don’t happen and everyone can step it up and play well this season.

The Chicago Bears' Training Camp Preview: The Safeties

Bryan Dietzler — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 20:25:39 -0400

Following an injury filled career, the Chicago Bears have allowed their defensive inspirational leader Mike Brown to sign with the Kansas City Chiefs. This has left a big hole in the secondary, that may not be filled quite as effectively as the Bears hope.

The Bears did manage to bring in some veteran help to try to fix the gaps left at the safety position, including former New Orleans Saints' safety Josh Bullocks, as well as draft pick Al Afalava, which they will hope to get some good production out of these new acquisitions.

But this group of safeties is one of the biggest question marks on the team and needs to be solidified during training camp. Do the Bears have the tools to properly address this problem?

The following is a look at each player at the safety position that the Bears will take into training camp this summer. There is a quick look back at what they did in 2008, a look at how their offseason has progressed, and a look ahead as to where each player should end up at the end of training camp.

Craig Steltz

Almost every sign this offseason pointed to Craig Steltz taking over one of the starting positions at safety.

It appears as if that will happen, thanks to some injuries in the secondary. Steltz saw some action in 2008 and played well when called upon, but he still has a lot to learn about the position.

Physically he is very capable of playing the safety position and he does well in run support, but he also has some shortcomings in the passing game. Hopes are high that Steltz will be able to become a solid starter and he could quite possibly become one of the best, if not the best, safety on the team.

Al Afalava

Al Afalava is a rookie out of Oregon State who has a chance to make the active roster this season, that is, if he can prove his worth on special teams first and then as a backup second.

Afalava is a promising talent, but with the talent ahead of him, it may be difficult for him to make it on the active roster. However, if he can prove his value as a strong special teamer, his chances of making the final roster will be much better.

Look for him to either just make or just miss making the active roster and if he does miss making it, he should wind up on the Bear's practice squad.

Josh Bullocks

Josh Bullocks signed during the offseason and will compete for a starting spot.

Hopefully, after a rough go in New Orleans, a change of scenery will do him good. He has some solid skills and ability, but he hasn’t been able to really put things together just yet.

The hopes are high that he will be able to do this in Chicago and help make up for weaknesses that may be present at the safety position in 2009. Look for Bullocks to make an impact on the team in 2009 and quite possibly end up competing with Steltz for the starting role at that safety spot.

Dahana Deletson

Dahana Deleston, a rookie out of Connecticut, is a promising prospect that has turned a few heads in offseason activities.

Deletson could have a promising future with the Bears at some point, but it may not be this season. Deleston is not going to make the active roster this year, but he could be a good candidate for the practice squad and could very well be a name seen around Chicago for the next year or two.

Kevin Payne

Kevin Payne should end up being one of the starters at the safety position, providing he can maintain the solid play that he displayed at times during the 2008 season.

He had a good season last year, starting every game and made a definitive positive impact in the secondary. Payne will remain an important part of the secondary this season too and could end up being one of the most solid and important performers of that group in 2009.

Daniel Manning

Manning has had an interesting season in 2008 and promises to be an important part of the Bears defense and special teams in 2009. Manning has gone back and forth between safety and cornerback in the past but it looks like he will stay at the safety position this season and could even earn a starting spot. However, much like what happened with Devin Hester last year in making his transition from being a kick return specialist to wide receiver, the Bears don’t want to see Manning lose his edge when having to play two positions. Right now, he is needed at safety as much as he is in kickoff returns so the Bears will want to be sure that he doesn’t get worn out playing both positions. As Manning is prone to making mistakes, he will have to be sure to keep his head on a swivel and keep an eye out for anything and everything that affects his position and the defense. If he can remain healthy, which has also been a problem for him in the past, he could have a fine year at safety and could end up the starter by the time the season starts.

The Bears are shaky at the safety position and hopes are high that Steltz will be able to come through, remain healthy, and play very well. The depth behind both Payne and Steltz is in question and the Bears may not know exactly what they have, until the end of training camp this summer.

At any rate, the safety position will be under a microscope by the coaching staff and fans alike, as the Bears need all the help on defense they can get. They don’t need any failure from this position in 2009.

Chicago Bears Training Camp Preview: Linebackers

Bryan Dietzler — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 16:35:06 -0400

Chicago is known for its linebackers. Names like Dick Butkus, Mike Singletary, and Doug Buffone remind us of the great tradition that the Bears have at the position.

Right now, the Bears have someone who may end up as a future hall of famer in middle linebacker Brian Urlacher, who, after signing a contract extension last offseason, still needs to prove that he is worth his large contract. Playing next to him, perennial Pro Bowler Lance Briggs is one of the best players at his position in the NFL, while on the opposite side, three players will battle it out for that starting spot making things interesting in training camp this summer.

The following is a look at the players at the linebacker position currently on the Bears roster as they head into training camp this summer. There is some insight into how they played in 2008, how they have looked so far this offseason, and where they stand for the 2009 season.

Lance Briggs- The only Pro Bowler in this group of linebackers last season, Briggs had his signature outstanding season with the Bears after signing a long-term deal which should keep him in Chicago for the rest of his playing career.

Briggs has had a steady and relatively uneventful offseason (save for the cut he got on his hand with a razor) and looks poised to help lead this defense to greatness in 2009. He needs to take more of a leadership role on this team in 2009, but he is poised to easily have a great season this year.

Brian Urlacher- After signing an extension during training camp last year, Urlacher managed to stay “ordinary” and some are questioning whether or not he is reaching the end of his career. He does still have some playing time left in him but he will have to bring it up a notch or two to help a Bears defense that has struggled at critical moments in the past.

He will be called upon to be an even stronger leader this year than in the past thanks to the departure of safety Mike Brown, and he is always up for this challenge (in being the leader of the defense). Look for Urlacher to have a great 2009 season and quite possibly even make the Pro Bowl in helping to lead the Bears defense to a much better season than they did last year.

Nick Roach- Along with newly acquired linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa and Hunter Hillenmeyer, Roach will battle it out for the spot that has been held by Hillenmeyer over the past few seasons. He may not have the edge in this battle however and really isn’t the best choice for the Bears at this position.

Roach did get some playing time in last season and played decent but not as well as the coaching staff would like to see a player play at that position. If Tinoisamoa stays healthy and has a good training camp, Roach will probably make the squad as his backup. Look for Roach to continue on with the Bears at the end of training camp backing up Tinoisamoa at that linebacker position.

Pisa Tinoisamoa- Tinoisamoa was signed during the offseason after being cut by the St. Louis Rams after they had decided he didn’t fit their new defensive scheme. Tinoisamoa has some experience in head coach Lovie Smith’s defense having played in it when he was in St. Louis and should be able to contribute right out of the gate. It appears as if he will most likely win the battle that he faces against Roach and Hillenmeyer and could be installed opposite Briggs and Urlacher as the starter when the season begins.

The biggest knock on Tinoisamoa is his size. He has the size of a safety more than a linebacker but he is able to get it done at linebacker and could be an improvement over what the Bears have had there the past few seasons with Hillenmeyer.

Hunter Hillenmeyer- Hillenmeyer’s career with the Bears may be coming to an end now as Chicago has made the competition for his tough. With Hillenmeyer going up against Roach and Tinoisamoa, it’s almost assured that he is going to lose the battle and could even wind up off the team in 2009.

He had an injury-filled 2008 season and may not stay healthy enough to last a full season at the position. He is also not as mechanically sound as Tinoisamoa is and will probably get beaten out in training camp. If he does, there may not be a roster spot for him at the end of training camp. Look for Hillenmeyer to be off the team at the start of the 2009 season.

Marcus Freeman- Drafted in the 2009 NFL Draft, Freeman is a promising young talent that could develop into a strong backup in the Bear’s system. In order to make the team, he is going to have to prove his value on special teams first and then prove that he is a viable backup at the linebacker position.

He will have competition as some of the other linebackers (guys like Joey LaRocque and Jamar Williams) have been there for a while and know the system but Chicago appears to be pretty high on Freeman so he has as good of a shot as any to make the team. Look for him to make the final roster as a backup and contribute heavily on special teams.

Jamar Williams- Groomed to be the replacement for Briggs, Williams found himself on the outside looking in last season as Briggs signed and he was basically out of a starting job. Williams did contribute on special teams and saw a few plays here and there on defense and he remains one of the best backups on the team. Look for Williams to remain a backup and a great special teams performer in 2009.

Joey LaRocque- LaRocque may be seeing his final few weeks in a Bears uniform as he heads into training camp this summer. The depth and talent at the linebacker position may not allow the Bears to keep LaRocque so he might be on his way out. Look for him to battle it out for a backup spot with Williams and Freeman but in the end, LaRocque will probably be the odd man out. Look for LaRocque to be looking for another job at the end of training camp this summer.

Kevin Malast- Malast, an undrafted free agent out Rutgers, gives the Bears some competition in training camp but that’s about it. He isn’t a threat to make the active roster but could find himself on the practice squad at the end of training camp.

Mike Rivera- This undrafted rookie out of Kansas will fall into the same category as Malast and become a candidate for the practice squad at the end of training camp. Rivera has a lot of talent but won’t be able to match the talent of the players ahead of him at the position.

The most interesting thing to happen to this group in the offseason, the signing of Tinoisamoa, may be the one thing that was needed to help solidify this group. Getting a productive season out of Urlacher will also be big and if he can revert back to something close to his 2005 form, this group could end up being one of the best in the NFL.

Chicago Bears Training Camp Preview: Defensive End

Bryan Dietzler — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 12:50:10 -0400

Perhaps the greatest addition to the Bear’s defensive line during the offseason was the hiring of former Detroit Lion’s head coach Rod Marinelli.

Marinelli has developed great defensive linemen in the past (see Warren Sapp) and should be able to get the most out of the 2009 Chicago Bear defensive ends.

Adding a solid defensive end or two was an offseason priority, and the Bears did it with the drafting of Jarron Gilbert (who can play end or tackle) and Henry Melton.

Both picks should contribute to the team sometime this season. (Note: For the purposes of this posting, Gilbert will not be featured as a defensive end but covered with the defensive tackles)

So let’s take a look at the defensive ends that the Bears are taking into training camp this summer. There is a brief look back at their performance in 2008, a look at what they have done so far this offseason and where they may end up at the end of training camp this summer.

Adewale Ogunleye

When Ogunleye came to Chicago, there was a lot of hope that he would be able to repeat the kind of production that he had while he was with the Miami Dolphins.

This hasn’t been the case.

While he is a pretty decent run stopper and one of the most reliable players on the defensive line, Ogunleye has failed to be productive in taking down the quarterback.

His 2008 season, while solid, was unspectacular and he didn’t really help the Bears pass rushing deficiencies that much.

His offseason has been quiet and by all accounts good but he is facing what could be his last season in Chicago.

His contract is up at the end of 2009.

Ogunleye had better have a great season or he might wind up looking for work elsewhere in 2009. Look for Ogunleye to start this season.

Alex Brown

Playing on the other side of Oguleye, Brown has proved himself to be a much better run stopper than a pass rusher.

That fact has both helped and hurt the Bears.

He had a quiet but solid season with Chicago in 2008 and is poised to have a good season this year thanks to the hiring of Marinelli (who should be able to get the most out of Brown).

Brown should have a good season in 2009 and remain the starter on the right side of the line as well as contribute to what promises to be a fierce pass rush coming from the defensive line.

Mark Anderson

Anderson has been MIA since his breakout season in 2006 and may be on his way out of Chicago if he can’t step up and regain what he once had.

With some help from Marinelli, it is hoped that Anderson will be able to regain his form. So far his offseason has been unspectacular and it looks like it may take some time for him to develop more in training camp.

If he isn’t careful, he could fall behind in the race for a backup defensive end spot and may even see himself out of a job depending on who else steps up at the position this offseason.

If Anderson doesn’t produce during training camp, he could end up being off the team before the first regular season game.

Israel Idonije

Idonije is primed to take over as a backup at one of the defensive end positions this coming season.

After dropping some weight and signing a contract extension, Idonije comes in ready to play. He had a quiet 2008 season but proved his value time and again in being one of the more solid players on the team.

His ability to play both tackle and end makes him a very valuable commodity.

Look for Idonije to remain a valuable backup on the team, and contribute not only on defense but on special teams.

Ervin Baldwin

Baldwin has shown a lot of promise in offseason workouts, and the coaching staff seems to think that he can contribute often in 2009.

Baldwin didn’t play in any games in 2008 but he has had a solid showing in the OTA’s, and looks to make a run at a backup job this season.

If Anderson falters, he could stick with the team as a backup defensive end and special teams contributor.

Joe Clermond

Clermond hasn’t played a down yet for the Bears and didn’t have a great offseason, but he comes into camp hoping to earn a backup spot at the defensive end position.

He will battle Melton who does appear to have an edge on Clermond. If Clermond loses that battle, he could wind up on the practice squad.

Henry Melton

Melton, the Bear’s second pick in the 2009 NFL Draft comes in as a bit of a project player.

He has a lot of skill, and the Bears are hoping that he could become more than a situational pass rusher sometime in the future.

Melton will battle with Clermond and Baldwin for a backup spot at defensive end and might have an edge thanks to his physical presence and ability to get up the field in a hurry.

Look for him to make the final roster and contribute as a situational pass rusher and on special teams.

Summary

Chicago desperately needs to generate a much better pass rush than they did in 2008.

Look for an extremely motivated group that will not only pick up a lot of sacks this season, but work well against the run and help make the defense a success.

It will be a much more improved group in 2009.

The Chicago Bears Training Camp Preview: Offensive Tackles and Centers

Bryan Dietzler — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:03:09 -0400

Offensive Tackles

Following the 2008 season, many people felt that the Bears offensive line was looking somewhat stable going into the offseason. Then, without much warning, right tackle Jon Tait decided to retire leaving a gaping hole at the right tackle position. The Bears also needed to get John St. Clair signed due to his versatility and starting experience. That didn’t happen.

What did happen was that the Bears signed veteran Kevin Shaffer to compete at the right tackle spot and quite possibly take over there. A few weeks later, they signed former St. Louis Rams All-Pro offensive tackle Orlando Pace. Things looked like they were really shaping up for the Bears on the O-line.

The following is a look at each player at the offensive tackle and center position that the Bears will carry into training camp this July. There is a quick look back at where they left off in 2008, how their offseason has gone so far, and how they look going into training camp this July.

Orlando Pace

If the Jay Cutler trade was Chicago’s biggest offseason acquisition, then the signing of Orlando Pace was their second biggest. Even if Kyle Orton had remained a part of the team, he would have still needed someone to protect his blind side, and with Chris Williams untested, it would have still been beneficial to bring him in.

In 2008, Pace was injured often but is coming into this season fully healthy and ready to go for probably two more seasons. His experience and ability will be vital in helping Chicago’s offense move the ball and if he stays healthy, he should help the Bears' offense excel.

Chris Williams

Williams, last year’s first-round pick comes back to fight for the starting job at right tackle now thanks to the acquisition of Pace. In training camp last year, it was discovered that Williams had a herniated disc in his back that would require surgery, so he missed half the season and didn’t see much time the remainder of it.

Williams will battle with new free-agent acquisition Kevin Shaffer for the starting right tackle spot, and if he can hold up (with his health), he will probably win and remain a fixture at that position for several years to come.

Kevin Shaffer

Before the acquisition of Pace, it was thought that Shaffer would be able to compete for and win the starting right tackle job. Now that the Bears have Pace, Williams was moved over to the right tackle position and now Shaffer must battle with Williams for the starting right tackle spot.

Who has the edge? While Shaffer might have more experience playing the position than Williams does, Williams has better intangibles and is more athletic than Shaffer. Look for Williams to win that battle and for Shaffer to end up as the backup at the right and left tackle position.

Cody Balogh

Balogh has been with the Bears for one season now, mainly as a reserve player. He will most likely make the team as a backup due to the Bears' lack of talent at the position. Balogh is a solid backup, but he doesn't have the ability to be a consistent starting tackle. He may come into a game in a pinch, but he will probably ride the pine in 2009.

The Final Outlook

As can be seen, there is a serious lack of depth at the offensive tackle position for the Bears. While newly acquired Frank Omiyale is listed as a tackle, he is gunning for a starting role as a guard (going against Josh Beekman), but he could step in at the tackle position if needed. With the age of Pace, it’s going to be vital that the Bears get some depth at the position in next year’s draft or get someone through free agency.

It is possible that Chicago could get some help with the position before the season starts by picking up some players who are cut by other teams. One injury may cause problems on this unit due to its lack of depth, but if the starters remain healthy, it could be a good year for this offensive line.

Centers

The Bears list just two people at the center position, Olin Kruetz and Josh Beekman. Beekman also plays guard and will be covered in our next segment. Here are some news and notes on Kruetz.

Olin Kruetz

The Bears longtime center showed his age last season and missed the Pro Bowl. While this is not necessarily an indication that he is in decline, his play has suffered a little the last two seasons. So, the Bears may start thinking about replacing him soon. He still has it in him, however, and he is still a leader on offense, tough, and always ready to play. He won’t have any problems making the roster, but his time with the Bears may soon be coming to an end.

The Chicago Bears Training Camp Preview: The Wide Receivers

Bryan Dietzler — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 15:37:46 -0400

Most fans and experts would agree, heading into the Bears 2009 Training Camp, the weakest unit on this team just may be their wide receivers. This unit has just two players with starting experience, Devin Hester and Rashied Davis and of these two, Hester is still developing at the position, while Davis is notorious for dropping the ball.

The Bears other receivers have never started an NFL game, leaving some gaps and unpredictability in the Bears offense. Can they make it through the season with their current group of wide receivers?

The following is a player by player look at all of the wide receivers that the Bears are taking into training camp this summer. There is a look back at where they left off in 2008, how they have looked so far in 2009 and where they stand going into training camp in July.

Devin Hester: The great experiment to convert Hester to a wide receiver continues and he will attempt to become a more complete receiver in 2009. Hester should now be helped out by having a strong-armed and accurate quarterback in Jay Cutler who should be able to connect on those deep passes.

Right now, he is the best receiver that the Bears have on their roster right but he needs to step it up in 2009 if he plans to play the position for the long term. Hester has learned a lot in the past year that he has been playing the position and the Bears, along with their fans will hope that he ends up becoming much more productive. It’s a make or break year for Hester.

Rashied Davis: Davis is the only other player at the wide receiver position aside from Hester who has real game experience. Last year wasn’t a good year for Davis as he didn’t get into games that often and when he did, he would often drop passes at critical times. Because of this and the potential of other wide receivers, Davis may end up being the odd man out at the end of training camp.

His experience is vital to this team however and he will at least help out a little bit with the development of some of the rookies and the younger players on the roster but he just may get beat out by one of these guys before the end of training camp.

Earl Bennett: One of the happiest guys on the team (when the Bears announced that they had acquired Cutler) had to be his old teammate Bennett. The two played with one another during Bennett’s freshman year at Vanderbilt and connected on a lot of passes in college.

The Bears will hope that this old magic will return and that a Cutler-to-Bennett connection will once again be something that ends up becoming very productive. Bennett didn’t see any action in the regular season last year after a pretty decent preseason but questions still abound in regards to his accuracy to run routes and learn the offense.

If he can step up, learn the position, and play well, the Bears should have a decent and reliable receiver available. However, if he falters, it could be a big set back to the Bears and their wide receiving corps.

Brandon Rideau: Rideau has been a career practice squad player, although there are many people that feel that Rideau deserves a shot as an active wide receiver on the team.

While Rideau does have good size, he doesn’t quite have the ability that you would like to see in a starting wide receiver. His role on the team will be in question heading into training camp. With the talent ahead of him, it will be difficult for Rideau to make the squad, but the coaching staff says that everyone has a shot at making the active roster. We shall see if Rideau can hang on one more season at least and make the active roster in 2009.

Derek Kinder: It’s not likely that Kinder will be part of the Bears active roster in 2009 but will sit as a developmental player and get his chance to make the roster in 2010. Kinder has good size but is still somewhat underdeveloped and wasn’t tabbed to start right away this year as it was. He will help provide some competition in training camp but that’s about all he will do in 2009. Kinder will get a much better shot at making the roster in 2010.

Johnny Knox: Following an impressive combine where he ran faster than almost any player there, the Bears drafted Knox with hopes that he would be able to develop into a top of the line speedster. The biggest “knock” on Knox is that he played at a Division II school (Abilene Christian) and hasn’t faced some of the best competition in the nation (like some of the other receivers).

However, word from training camp is that Knox not only has great speed, but also soft hands and can run routes well enough. He may have a chance to make the active roster in 2009 and play some role this season.

Joaquin Iglesias: The Bears first offensive selection in the 2009 NFL Draft may turn out to be one of their better selections. Like any other rookie wide receiver, Iglesias has a lot to learn but he may be the most NFL-ready receiver in this rookie class.

Many believe he could contribute right away and he may have to given the dearth of talent at the position. He is a strong possession receiver and someone who could become one of the more reliable receiving prospects on this team. It will be an interesting training camp for Iglesias.

Devin Aromashod: Aromashodu was signed at the end of the 2008 season to help bring in some depth at the wide receiver position and that is just about all he may provide heading into training camp. The odds on him making the team are long, but he will get his chance to compete.

John Broussard: Broussard, like Aromashodu, will probably be on the outside looking in this summer although there are some who rave about Broussard’s skills as a pass catcher. He will have to have a great training camp if he plans to stick with the team on the active roster in 2009.

Eric Peterman: Peterman, a rookie out of Northwestern, will try to make an impact in training camp this summer. With all of the other rookie talent ahead of him, unless he shows something spectacular, he many not make the active roster in 2009. Peterman may be the best of the “lower tier” of wide receivers, and could end up on the practice squad.

As of this writing, it is not out of the question that the Bears may look at signing former New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress. Thanks to a court hearing just this Monday, it looks like it may be possible that Burress could avoid serving jail time during the 2009 NFL season so this will make him a hot commodity right now.

There are three teams interested in Burress, the Bears, the New York Jets and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Let’s see if the Bears want to roll the dice with Burress and get a strong veteran presence in at the wide receiver position.

The Chicago Bears Training Camp Preview: The Running Backs

Bryan Dietzler — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 12:50:29 -0400

Prior to last season, the Bears running game had been thrown into a state of flux thanks to what some call the Great Cedric Benson Experiment.

That experiment failed, and failed miserably, so heading into the 2008 NFL Draft the Bears were faced with the task of drafting a top-of-the-line running back to help fix the void that was created.

In the second round of that year’s draft, the Bears drafted running back Matt Forte out of Tulane, and the rest is history. Now, as Chicago is ready to begin the 2009 season, there are question marks surrounding Forte’s health, as well as the validity of his backups.

The following is a quick look at the running backs currently on the Bears roster, and where they stand going into training camp at the end of July.

Matt Forte

Forte was quite a surprise for the Bears last season as he became the focal point of the offense: rushing for over 1000 yards, and leading running backs in catches.

Being a dual threat really helped Chicago’s offense, as they were able to move the ball much more effectively in 2008 compared to seasons past.

Forte has a knack for finding the open hole and plowing through it, and he doesn’t give up until the last bit of yardage can be gained. He is easy to coach, and a team player.

The only issue with Forte is his durability. Right now he may be suffering from an undisclosed injury.

Also, if the Bears continue to use him at the pace that they used him at in 2008, it may not be long before Forte is injured much more seriously than he is (or has been) before.

Kevin Jones

Chicago resigned Jones after a somewhat dismal 2008 season in which he had very few carries, and spent a lot of time deactivated. The Bears promise that Jones will see more work in 2009, and he almost has to because Forte may end up running out of gas before the end of the season.

In Jones, the Bears do have a proven backup who was a former 1000-yard rusher, and is looking to get noticed.

He is also very well rested, and should be able to come in the game in certain situations and help Forte. Look for Jones to get many more carries than he did last season, and become an important part of the Bear’s running game in 2009.

Adrian Peterson

Peterson has become a fixture on the team for the past several seasons, and with quality running backs ahead of him he shouldn’t have to worry about making an appearance running the ball too much.

Peterson’s value comes mainly on special teams where he has been a monster making tackles and helping to make the Bears special teams unit one of the best in the NFL.

He should be able to settle into his role on special teams, and, barring any injury issues from either Forte or Jones, not have to worry about running the ball so much.

Garrett Wolfe

Wolfe, an undersized and underutilized back, may have to have a stellar training camp just to survive final cuts, but his lack of production can’t be set solely on his shoulders.

Wolfe could be used as a third down back in the Bears offense, and might end up catching passes out of the backfield now that Chicago has a capable quarterback.

In 2008, Wolfe did show some value on special teams, and had a few good plays that the coaches will remember. That potential might be enough to keep him on the team this season.

Jason Davis

Davis, a fullback, was used in relief of an injured Jason McKie last year, and didn’t fare as well as the coaching staff may have hoped. He comes into training camp as the number two fullback, and could earn a roster spot if he is able to step it up and perform well.

Some wonder if the Bears will keep two fullbacks on their roster, but if they do (and unless the Bears bring someone else in during training camp) Davis should be a lock to make the roster.

Jason McKie

McKie, the starting fullback on the Bears, had some injury problems last season, but appears to be very healthy heading into training camp, and should easily remain the starter going into the 2009 NFL season.

With the arrival of Cutler, the Bears could feature McKie as a receiver coming out of the backfield, giving the Bears another option on offense.

The Chicago Bears Training Camp Preview: The Quarterbacks

Bryan Dietzler — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 11:40:57 -0400

Everyone who is a fan of the Chicago Bears, or of football for that matter, will know that the Bears are coming into the 2009 season with a new quarterback and a new chance to put up some points on offense.

The Bears have had serious issues at the quarterback position for decades and in one fell swoop, they solved these issues by trading for former Denver Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler. Gone are the days of Rex Grossman and Kyle Orton. There are no longer any temporary “stop gap” players (Brian Griese and Chad Hutchinson) or no drafted quarterbacks to fail (Cade McNown).

Chicago finally has its all star starting quarterback and can now look forward to a future of scoring more points, holding more leads and thus winning more games. In what has become the most important position in football, the Bears now have one of the better players in the game and are poised to win big very soon.

Let’s take a look at the players that the Bears currently have at the quarterback position and how they look going into training camp this summer.

Jay Cutler: Cutler is the undisputed starter heading into training camp this summer and for the first time in a long time, the Bears won’t have to worry about having a quarterback competition. Cutler is getting the offense down and will be ready to go by training camp. This meaning the Bears will be able to do some great things before the season starts. He should be able to help boost the offense and give them an option in the passing game that they haven’t had for decades.

Caleb Hanie: Last season’s pre-season “wonder” kid serves as the second string quarterback heading into training camp and should be able to retain that role throughout camp and on into the season. There is some concern that if Cutler goes down, Hanie won’t be able to carry the team forward and there would be a serious drop off in talent. So, Chicago will cross its fingers and hope that Cutler stays upright this coming season and they won’t have to see any of Hanie except in mop up duty.

Brett Basanez: Basanez was one of the first signings that they made during the offseason and right now appears to be set as the third string quarterback heading into training camp. Basanez does bring some experience to the position having been in the NFL for a couple of seasons and does have some decent intangibles. It is not out of the question to think that Basanez may end up beating Hanie for the No. 2 spot and so there just may actually just be a quarterback battle of sorts in training camp this summer.

The Bears did have Missouri’s Chase Patton, Northwestern’s C.J. Bacher, and Florida State’s Drew Weatherford, but none of these guys has stuck. So the Bears will go into training camp with Cutler, Hanie, and Basanez. This lack of depth may scare some fans, but there should only be concern if Cutler gets hurt and he has a long track record of staying healthy.

On Focus with the Bears: Lance Briggs

Bryan Dietzler — Wed, 27 May 2009 14:13:54 -0400

Chicago Bears General Manager Jerry Angelo has seemed to do wonders when picking guys in the later rounds of the NFL Draft. He found a real gem just a few seasons ago when he took linebacker Lance Briggs with the Bears third-round pick in 2003 NFL Draft, and Briggs has been a super star ever since. The Arizona product has been to three Pro Bowls so far and has been one of the most steady and consistent defenders on the team since his arrival.

What Briggs brings to the Bears is steady and consistent play game in and game out. He is always around the ball either becoming involved in the play or being close to it. He seems to be in the right place at the right time, rarely (if ever) blows an assignment and knows every single detail of the Bear’s defense. Although he might have had his issues in the past (personal and professional) he remains one of the most steady players on defense for the Bears.

The 2009 season will be an important season for the entire team and in particular their defense. With new and more powerful weapons on offense, the defense won’t have to be relied upon so much to win games. However, they will be called upon not to lose them. If the Bears can regain the form that they defense shared during the 2006 season and the offense can hold up to it’s potential, it could be a very exciting season for the Bears and their fans. Lance Briggs will be a big part of this success and will help lead the defense and the Bears to victory this coming season.

The Chicago Bears: Getting Better on Defense

Bryan Dietzler — Fri, 22 May 2009 15:21:58 -0400

Lost in all of the talk about the Jay Cutler trade is the fact that the Bears have done some things to rework their defense during the offseason, and hopes are high that the defense will be much more improved from last season. Here is a brief look at the players the Bears have brought in to help their defense out and how these players can help bring Chicago’s defense back into prominence.

Glen Earl, Safety

Earl hasn’t played a game in almost two years after suffering a serious foot injury, but Chicago felt that he still had enough left to come in and compete for a spot at the safety position. All told, with his experience and ability (providing he can come back from his injury successfully) he will be vital to the Bears, but he looks like a better fit in a backup role at safety, rather than a starting spot at the moment.

Josh Bullocks, Safety

Bullocks, a free agent acquisition who had been released by the New Orleans Saints, comes onto the team with a lot of promise and a good possibility of being a starter at one of the safety spots. He has a lot upside and may work well in the Bear’s cover two system. Look for him to be right in the thick of the competition for a starting job and most likely start at one of the safety spots this season.

Jarron Gilbert, Defensive Tackle

Gilbert, the Bears first pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, brings a ton of athleticism to the position and should help improve an anemic Bears pass rush. Gilbert may not start right away, but it’s assured that he will get a chance to rotate in at the defensive tackle position and could make a lot of plays in 2009.

Henry Melton, Defensive End

Melton, a converted running back, will be a bit of a project player, but if the Bears can get something out of him, they should be able to improve their pass rush. Melton is most likely going to compete with Mark Anderson, a player who has fizzled out since his hot rookie start in 2006 and could be the motivation that Anderson needs to get back to his rookie form.

Al Afalava, Safety

If anything, Afalava will be a pretty good special teams player in the interim while he works his way into a backup role at the safety position. Afalava was pretty solid in college but has some learning to do now that he is in the NFL. Still, he does have the skill to be a starter someday—just not in year one.

D.J. Moore, Cornerback

A lack of good size caused Moore to drop in the draft, and the Bears could have wind up with a pretty significant steal if Moore can play bigger than he is. Moore should get a chance to compete for a starting spot on the team but this season, he will most likely be a backup and a special teams player.

Dahna Deleston, Cornerback

Deleston, an undrafted free agent, will provide some competition at the cornerback position, but he is a long shot to make the final roster.

Kevin Malast, Linebacker

Malast is yet another undrafted free agent who will get a shot at making the roster this summer.

Mike Rivera, Linebacker

The Bears signed another undrafted free agent linebacker to help add some competition in training camp. Rivera has the skills to surprise a few people, but he doesn’t have enough to make the active roster this season.

Turenne Woodny, Cornerback

Chicago brought in Woodny to help with the competition at the cornerback spot. He is talented but won’t make the final roster.

Rod Marinelli

I can’t forget one other move the Bears made during the offseason to help shore up their defense. Former Detroit Lions head coach Rod Marinelli was brought in to help give the Bears defensive line a boost, and, knowing his background, he is going to get a lot out of this group. This may be the Bears most important off season acquisition yet.

So look for these new defensive players to help make this a much better defense than last season. With the new offensive firepower the Bears have, it would be a shame to see them lose games because their defense wasn’t up to par. 2009 looks to be a better year for this unit.

On Focus with the Bears: Brian Urlacher

Bryan Dietzler — Thu, 21 May 2009 15:54:17 -0400

When you hear the name Brian Urlacher, you think about a guy who has played some of the best football of anyone at his position for the past several years. He reminds you of some of the great linebackers of Bear’s teams past—players like Dick Butkus and Mike Singletary. He reminds all of us about what the Bears do best: Play defense.

Urlacher isn’t young anymore, however and there have been several questions raised about his playing ability the past three years, as there are several people who have felt that Urlacher is in decline.

He has had his share of struggles including one season in which he missed time due to a hamstring injury. Recently, he has had problems with his back and neck. Last season, Urlacher played well, but not as remarkably well as he has played in years past, leaving some to question whether or not his days in Chicago are numbered.

Despite his apparent decline, don’t look for Urlacher to be going anywhere else any time soon. He still remains one of the most popular players on the team, and is one of the Bears' biggest leaders both on and off the field. He also still has a lot left in the tank, and will help anchor a Bears defense that should return to form and play very well in 2009.

While Urlacher may be on the downside of his career, he still has plenty left to offer a team that still needs his talents. He remains one of the best players on the team and a legend still in the making.

This year, Urlacher will have to help out a defense that gave up some leads in games in 2008 and allowed a lot of yards at the wrong time (see their game against Houston last season).

With safety Mike Brown out of Chicago, it is imperative that Urlacher step up and be the leader on that defense. He needs to make sure that the players are lined up correctly at all times and that the proper defense is called. When someone makes a mistake, he needs to get on that player and correct them. He needs to be a coach on the field and in the locker room.

Urlacher’s play this season will be scrutinized by experts and fans alike. If he doesn’t perform well, Chicago may start looking for someone to replace him in the very near future. So look for this to be a big season for Urlacher, knowing that it could be what determines if he will stay in Chicago past 2009.

Jay Cutler: The Bears' New Focus

Bryan Dietzler — Wed, 20 May 2009 16:34:23 -0400

Chicago Bears fans have been nothing short of upbeat since the acquisition of Jay Cutler from the Denver Broncos in a blockbuster trade last month. Now, with organized team activities starting, we are able to take a closer look at how the Bears might fare with Cutler at the helm.

There will, of course, be a learning curve for Cutler when it comes to the playbook, although he should have it down by the time training camp starts. Bears offensive coordinator Ron Turner made several comments on this subject at the the Bears' Fan Expo earlier this month. Turner specifically mentioned that the Bears would now be able to design some plays that would work well with Cutler’s strengths.

The Bears' running game will be able to take some of the heat off of Cutler, which, in turn, will help their passing game. This will help create many play action pass opportunities and allow the Bears to move the ball down the field efficiently and effectively. This will help keep some of the pressure off of Cutler and allow his receivers to get open more often.

In the past, the Bears have made former quarterback Kyle Orton more of a game manager than anything else. This is mainly because they were a bit tentative at letting him throw the ball down the field too much for fear that he would make mistakes and turn over the ball.

In the past, the Bears have had to rely on defense and field position to win games and to avoid offense turnovers. With a guy like Cutler, Chicago can open up the offense and let it fly, similar to what Denver did last season.

Back then, however, while Denver’s offense was putting up some big numbers, its defense was allowing other teams to put some big numbers of their own. Chicago’s defense cannot allow this, and head coach Lovie Smith won’t allow it to happen. This year’s defense is sure to be better.

Bringing Cutler into Chicago will do a lot for this team on both sides of the ball. It will give the Bears something that they have been lacking for several decades: superior play making ability at the quarterback position. Now, they can have the kind of offense of which they have dreamed, one that can win games on offense instead of losing them there.

The 2009 Chicago Bears Fan Expo: A Writers View

Bryan Dietzler — Wed, 20 May 2009 12:36:42 -0400

After having missed last year’s fan expo, I decided to take my fiancé and go to the 2009 Bears Fan Expo at Soldier Field this past weekend. I like going to the Expo because they present seminars with current players, coaches, and staff and there is a lot of good information that comes out of these sit down sessions.

The autograph sessions are also very interesting and the Bears had some of their best players there to sign autographs for the over 5000 fans attending the event. I do not focus so much on the autographs, although I did get some great ones. I like to listen to what the management, coaches, and players have to say and feel that I get a lot of information from their conversations.

Of course, this was one of the more interesting Expos because the Bears had just signed quarterback Jay Cutler and the fans present were eager to hear more from the Bears new quarterback. Cutler didn’t disappoint. His interaction with the crowd was very interesting as he articulated himself in an almost comical way at some points as fans were asking him questions ranging from if he felt that the Bears could make it to the Super Bowl this season to what he thought about the women in Chicago.

Tight end Greg Olsen was almost as entertaining while running back Matt Forte was just about as low key as any of the players could get on that day. Newly drafted linebacker Marcus Freeman was as well spoken as any of the players that day and head coach Lovie Smith continued to be a master at making people really wonder what he is saying while being tactful and to the point.

General Manager Jerry Angelo and President Ted Phillips really seemed to appreciate the support that they gained from the fans especially because of the Cutler trade and while most of the questions were tame, some of them were straight to the point and left some of the players and coaches appearing frustrated.

Fans were concerned about the appearance of a lack of talent at the wide receiver position on the team and this concern was voiced to several of the coaches and players. Members of the Bears stated that they weren’t too concerned about the Bears lack of depth at the wide receiver position and felt that there was more than enough in the cupboard to cover their needs there.

There wasn’t a lot of discussion about the Bears defense, a unit that struggled at times this season but after seeing what some of the rookie defenders had to say, I am confident that this defense will be much better than last season.

I have to give a lot of credit to the people who put the expo together and feel that each part of the expo, from the vendor tables, to the autographs, and to the seminars was very well planned and very well coordinated. This was an interesting event with great guests and a great lineup of players. I am surely hooked and will be eager and ready to attend next year’s event.

Bears Sign Tight End Michael Gaines

Bryan Dietzler — Thu, 14 May 2009 09:44:16 -0400

It appears as if the Bears are putting together a solid stable of tight ends following the signing of former Carolina Panther’s tight end Michael Gaines to a one year deal this week. Gaines will compete with second year tight end Kellen Davis for the third tight end spot during training camp this summer.

Gaines is a big body guy who can block as well as catch, giving the Bears yet another solid option at the position. Adding Gaines to an already productive group of tight ends (which include Greg Olsen and Desmond Clark) will make this one of the best tight end groups in the NFL.

Not only can Gaines catch the ball, but he can block as well. This will give the Bears yet another dimension that they can add to their running game in the ability to have someone block at that position. Not only does this help the running game, but it could also help them out in the passing game.

Now that the Bears have three solid pass catching tight ends, they will be able to do a little bit more in the passing game then they did in 2008 (and give credit to the Bears with the Jay Cutler acquisition making this possible). Strengthening one of the best units on the team will only make the Bears better.

Adding another receiving option helps the Bears out and will give opposing teams someone else to have to game plan against. It will also give Cutler another option in the passing game, which is exactly what he needs.

How Jay Cutler Will Change the Chicago Bears' Offense

Bryan Dietzler — Tue, 12 May 2009 08:39:42 -0400

TThanks to the acquisition of Jay Cutler, the Bears will be able to feature different facets of their passing game from now on.

When former starting quarterback Kyle Orton was at the helm, offensive coordinator Ron Turner was a little bit restricted in what he could do with the offense. Now that they have a quarterback with a big arm, good accuracy and solid decision-making, the playbook can become wide open and the offense can air it out more often.

This should not only improve the passing game but the running game as well, because now the Bears don’t have to run the ball as often as they have in the past. Play action passes will be much more effective and the Bears should be able to throw to running back Matt Forte more often, which should serve beneficial to the offense.

Cutler should also improve the Bears wide receiving corps but there are still some questions on that unit.

Coupling Cutler’s strong arm with Devin Hester’s capable speed, the team should be able to throw the deep ball and connect on some long passes. Cutler’s accuracy will also allow the Bears to get out of those tough third down situations they have often found themselves in before.

Also, watch them get more creative on offense from now on knowing that they have someone in Cutler who is fully capable of making the big play and turning nothing into something.

The addition of Orlando Pace helps to solidify the offensive line, which means this team will be able to not only provide better protection for Cutler, but also help open up some big holes in the running game for Forte. If Forte is as effective as he was last year, this team could really click on offense.

The 2009 Chicago Bears Quick View: What's Left to Do?

Bryan Dietzler — Mon, 11 May 2009 11:39:58 -0400

Following the 2009 NFL Free Agency period as well as the 2009 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears look to be in decent shape heading into training camp in a couple of months.

Their free agent acquisitions (including offensive tackles Orlando Pace and Kevin Shaffer, guard Frank Omiyale along with safety Josh Bullocks) should help them get over some of their problems on offense and a little bit on defense but there are still depth issues to be concerned about on the offensive line.

The acquisition of quarterback Jay Cutler gives the Bears a franchise quarterback who will help them move the ball down the field through the air effectively, something that they haven’t experienced for quite some time.

The issue now lies with the current crop of wide receivers the Bears have. None of them have much experience leaving a void in the Bear’s passing game. They failed to sign a veteran wide receiver leaving a gap in that unit.

The team will most likely not look to add additional depth on the offensive line during the next few months unless some solid veterans get cut during the next few months. For the wide receiver position, ex Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Marvin Harrison is still out there and would be a viable option for this team.

A veteran wide receiver could help bring the younger receivers along by teaching them the discipline of playing the position acting sort of like a coach on the field.

If any of the starters on the offensive line go down, there could be trouble. The lack of depth and experience will show and there could be problems in both the running game and the passing game. If any of the wide receivers or even Cutler get hurt, there could be some major problems. The defense is a little bit better in terms of depth but a rash of injuries could severely damage this unit.

Some of the other possible weaknesses that may get exposed during the season, aside from depth issues, could also include the lack of experience in the wide receiving corps, the lack of stability at Nathan Vasher’s cornerback position and the lack of a solid quarterback behind Cutler if he was to get hurt. If any of these weaknesses are exposed, it could be a long season for the Bears.

The 2009 Chicago Bears: a Quick Look into the 2009 Season

Bryan Dietzler — Mon, 11 May 2009 11:12:27 -0400

The Chicago Bears, armed with a new quarterback and some additional help on offense, could very easily give the Minnesota Vikings a run for their money in 2009. If there is something that will hold this team back, it will be its lack of punch at the wide receiver position. With Devin Hester still developing, Rashied Davis having problems holding onto the ball, and a slew of younger wide receivers beneath them, this team is going to have some problems at that position. Hopefully, having Jay Cutler will help these receivers develop quicker and better. Look for this team to make the playoffs, most likely as a wild card, but getting past the Minnesota Vikings is going to be tough.

In order to exceed the goal of securing a wildcard playoff spot, the Bears are going to have to hold off the Vikings and make a play to win the division. This will only happen if they can get their passing game going well enough, and if the wide receivers they have can get up to speed quickly and be productive. The defense also needs to revert to its post-2008 form and needs to stay healthy. If these two things can be done, it’s entirely possible that the Bears could win their division.

A lack of well developed wide receiving corps will be the downfall of this team, and could make it so that the team doesn’t advance further in the playoffs this season. The defense has to return to form and hope that there aren’t a lot of injuries to its starters, because the depth on defense is somewhat untested. If the players are able to work through these potential issues, this team could be one of the better teams in the NFC.