Bleacher Report - Articles by Seth Boster

Bears Breakdown: Grading Chicago's Preseason Week Two

Seth Boster — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 19:22:33 -0400

Electricity was in the air at the jam-packed Soldier Field Saturday night as the Bears made their home field debut facing a formidable opponent in the New York Giants.

Any lingering disappointment from last week's performance was quickly forgotten in this second preseason contest.

By unit, let's take a look at what we saw from the Bears.

Offense—Grade: A-

"Offensively, Jay and the rest of the crew really picked it up," said head coach Lovie Smith.

Quarterback Jay Cutler showcased his premier ability in the first three series of play. In those three drives, Cutler anchored the team to three scores. Demonstrating exceptional arm strength and precise accuracy, Cutler reminded Bear faithful that he is a true Pro Bowl player.

Receiver Earl Bennett rebounded from a silent week one and hauled in two receptions for 42 yards. Bennett looked like the route runner we've heard about in training camp, and it will be interesting to see if he can prove consistent heading into next week.

Unlike Bennett, Devin Hester looked as if he was on a different page with Cutler. Hester once had an opportunity to grab a bomb from the gunslinger, but failed to do so after slowing down on the pattern.

Another Devin, named Aromashadu, stepped in with the starting offense and made a diving 38-yard catch.

Tight end Greg Olsen returned to action after sitting last week and had a 17-yard reception. He also had a dropped ball. Olsen's return was anticipated to be more productive after hearing reports over the offseason that listed him as Cutler's favorite target.

Also returning to the playing field was running back Matt Forte. Forte looked as if he was in midseason form after ripping a 32-yard touchdown. His vision was superb on nearly every one of his nine carries that totaled to 58 yards, and it sure doesn't look like he has any bit of "sophomore slump" in him.

Paving the way for him was another solid performance from the offensive line. Guard Frank Omiyale executed nicely and threw a major block for Forte on that 32-yard breakaway.

Throughout the game, the line only gave up two sacks against a strong Giants' defense.

Defense—Grade: B+

The first Bears' defense against powerful running back Brandon Jacobs almost resembled a game of bowling. The defense represented the pins, and Jacobs, the destructive ball.

Players left and right seemed to abandon their tackling fundamentals, failing to drop low and wrap up. Players including linebacker Brian Urlacher.

However, despite it seeming as though Jacobs could go on forever, it was impressive to see the defensive unit come together and hold the Giants to zero TDs. The only score came off a fumble by Kevin Jones, which converted into a field goal.

Linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa played well, providing effort on almost every play he was in for and was there on a lot of tackles.

Up front, the D-line produced five sacks. One of those sacks came from end Alex Brown, who also forced a fumble.

Defensive tackle Tommie Harris caused reason to worry after returning and failing to make an impact.

In the backfield, safety Kevin Payne made three tackles and even made an impressive effort to bat a crucial pass away in his time in.

Special Teams—Grade: A

Coordinator Dave Toub once again shifted players in and out of the special teams unit.

And once again, the unit came to play mistake-free.

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Don't forget to check out next week's Bears Breakdown!

Bears Breakdown: Grading Chicago's Preseason Week One

Seth Boster — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 12:15:02 -0400

Lofty expectations were in place as quarterback Jay Cutler and the rest of the Chicago Bears donned their game uniforms for the first time entering the highly anticipated 2009 season.

In the first preseason contest in Buffalo's Ralph Wilson Stadium, Bears fans got to see the offense operate with the debut of Chicago's golden boy—Cutler—and the return of a defense that had many questions surrounding it.

By unit, let's take a look at what we saw from the Bears Saturday night.

Offense—Grade: C

All eyes were, of course, on Cutler. And to some, Cutler disappointed. With a 30.8 passer rating, consisting of an interception and another pass that should have been picked off, Cutler didn't exactly look sharp.

Of the 10 passes he threw, six of them regrettably were intended for Devin Hester. Hester caught two of those balls, but if anyone was disappointing on offense, it was Hester himself.

When some thought that Hester was finally developing as a polished receiver, Hester still showed a lack of possessing "receiver instincts." On that deep pass that Cutler bombed to Hester—although it was a bad decision by Cutler to throw to double coverage—Hester didn't even attempt to bat the ball away from defenders.

As many times Cutler tried to connect with Hester, there seemed to be some sort of miscommunication.

Cutler, however, did connect with the reliable Desmond Clark on a pretty 30-yard completion.

Strangely, Earl Bennett, who did indeed start across from Hester on the first offense, was practically invisible. One reception for a measly six yards is not very convincing that he is trustworthy of being a starter.

The offensive line was most impressive Saturday night. Especially in pass situations, the line was rock solid. Chris Williams looks suddenly reliable after sitting out the majority of his rookie season last year. Players like Josh Beekman, Frank Omiyale, and Kevin Shaffer give the line plenty of depth also.

Behind the line was a seemingly rejuvenated Kevin Jones. It seems that Jones is running stronger and more swiftly than he has in a while. His field vision will surely improve as he gets more reps throughout the offseason.

Running back Matt Forte and tight end Greg Olsen were out of action in this preseason matchup. Cutler and Olsen have built a strong rapport over the offseason and will allegedly be Cutler's go-to man this season. It will be interesting to see the offense operate once these players return, considering they are potentially the key players in it.

Defense—Grade: B

Fans were hoping to see a more fierce Bears defense in this preseason opener after an offseason that saw Rod Marinelli come in to coach the line and head coach Lovie Smith take over the play-calling.

Marinelli's line looked fired up, at times, and put considerable pressure on Bills quarterback, Trent Edwards. Edwards, however, was able to complete all 10 of his passes during his stint of playing time, without his No. 1 target—Terrell Owens.

In the backfield, where there are plenty of players competing for a role, the Bears struggled to defend against short passes.

One standout safety had to be Al Afalava. The sixth round draft choice shockingly started in Daniel Manning's absence and made plays, including two back-to-back tackles on a powerful runner in Marshawn Lynch.

Craig Steltz also stood out recording five tackles, a forced fumble and an interception that converted into a touchdown. Steltz did play against the Bills' second and third string, however.

It will be interesting to see how much of a difference defensive tackle, Tommie Harris can make once he returns to play.

Special Teams—Grade: A-

As always, the Bears' special teams unit came to play.

Twice we saw Bears hustle to the goal line and create bad field position for the Bills.

The Bears also recovered a muffed punt.

Rookie Juaquin Iglesias had an impressive return, taking it deep into Bills territory. The other rookie receiver, Johnny Knox, dropped one punt.

Don't forget to check out next week's Bears Breakdown!

Chicago Bears' 2009 Outlook: The Time Is Now

Seth Boster — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 10:01:20 -0400

After a solid—but not impressive—9-7 record last season, where they barely missed the playoffs, the Chicago Bears have no reason to be worse heading into the 2009 campaign.

Yes, Jay Cutler makes the Bears a better team. He is the same guy who turned late-round draft choices Brandon Marshall (fourth round in 2006) and Eddie Royal (second round in 2008) into stars. And that is what he will look to do with Devin Hester and Earl Bennett.

Hester has improved ever since his transition to the receiver position in 2007. Just last season, with only a year's experience at the position, he garnered 665 yards with a mediocre quarterback. In 2009, the NFL will see what happens when you pair one of the league's biggest arms with one of the league's most threatening field-stretchers.

According to Chicago Bears accounts, Hester was either overthrown or underthrown twelve times when he was free heading to the promised land.

Don't expect Cutler to miss those looks.

Cutler will also not miss a great target in tight end, Greg Olsen. Olsen will be a big part of the passing game this year. He may be used similar to the way Tony Gonzalez was used in the Kansas City offense, where the passing game was primarily set up around him.

This will be Olsen's breakout season as he builds a strong tandem with Cutler.

Cutler recorded 23 points last season in a Denver offense that really never had a reliable running back.

Matt Forte is more than reliable.

Last season, the rookie standout put the offense on his shoulders, rushing for 1,238 yards on the ground and receiving 477 through the air. He was third in the league for all purpose yards after facing eight-man fronts keen on stopping him. Cutler will take away those threatening boxes, and open up some space for Forte.

Also opening up space for the runner is the bolstered offensive line.

The addition of the eight-time Pro Bowl tackle Orlando Pace will bring mammoth size and experience to the line. Also, a versatile Frank Omiyale will improve any part of the line that needs to be. Likely, he will bring a solid fill to the left guard position.

Signing tackle Kevin Shaffer will add even more depth to the offensive line. Shaffer has played the majority of his NFL career as a starter, and he will compete with an emerging Chris Williams this year for the job at right tackle.

Nearly all components of the Bears' offense have been improved over the offseason.

Now, let's take a look at the defensive side of the ball.

Last year, the defense underperformed as they were plagued with injuries from the line to the defensive backfield.

But, cornerback Charles Tillman is reportedly 100 percent after taking part in full speed drills at OTAs. Defensive tackle Tommie Harris is on the mend and not too far behind Tillman in recovering. He has said that he plans to be ready for training camp.

Injuries are not a complete excuse for the defense's poor performance in 2008. The eminent problem for Chicago's defense was the lack of determination it showed. When the defensive line continued to take plays off and not get to the quarterback, the whole unit collapsed.

Bringing in Rod Marinelli to coach the defensive line was one of the greatest moves the Bears made, out of the many, this offseason.

Sure, he may not have been such a successful head coach in Detroit. But, Marinelli is reputed for being one of the best defensive line coaches in the business who instills motivation to his pupils.

"He took me on the path to greatness," said Warren Sapp on Chicago's 670 The Score, "and he wouldn't let me deter off it one bit."

The Bears' defensive line has always had the talent. With Marinelli beside them, thay could be great.

The play calling of defensive coordinator Bob Babich was also an issue in the under performance of the defense last year.

Head coach Lovie Smith will now take over the play calling.

According to Smith's resume, defense is what he knows best.

In 2001-03, Smith brought his St.Louis defense to a Super Bowl.

Before that, he was a linebackers coach for the Tampa defense that never ranked lower than 11th for the five years he contributed.

This was the same Tampa defense that had Marinelli as its defensive line coach. The two, Smith and Marinelli, seem thrilled to be reunited.

The offense and defense have improved this offseason in ways that fans could never have imagined. Also unimaginable is the weakness of the Bears' schedule heading into 2009.

The Bears will indeed face four conference finalists next season: the Steelers, Cardinals, Eagles and Ravens. But based on the Bears' opponents' winning percentage, it is the weakest schedule in the NFL (.410).

The Bears have plenty of cupcake opponents in 2009, including the Lions twice, Rams, Seahawks, Browns and Bengals.

There are plenty of reasons why the Chicago Bears could find plenty of success in 2009, and it is up to them to seize the opportunity .

Their time is now.

Fantasy Football: Top Players in the NFC-South

Seth Boster — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 20:38:56 -0400

Wondering what players hold the most fantasy value on your team? Wondering where it is safe for you to draft those players in your fantasy draft? Maybe you're are just a die-hard fantasy football fan who is looking for another list of top ranked players in 2009. This series is for you. Breaking it down by division, we'll take a look at all 32 teams, and the top fantasy players on those teams. Everyday up until Saturday (June 27), a new division will be featured. Today we will take a look at players in the NFC-South. ENJOY! (Note: the following will list offensive position players and team defenses, as is the usual make-up of most fantasy football leagues.)

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Fantasy Football: Top Players in the AFC-South

Seth Boster — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 19:43:06 -0400

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Fantasy Football: Top players in the AFC-North

Seth Boster — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 23:14:55 -0400

You may be the one who enters your fantasy football draft thinking only of your personal favorite team. You think of your favorite player on your team and when it comes your turn to draft, you see that player available on the board. You know he's not the best player available, but you go ahead and pick him up as fellow members of the draft chuckle at your decision. Using your fan bias is a sin when you draft your fantasy football team. This guide will entail your teams top fantasy players heading into 2009 and will even provide insight on where it is safe for you to draft those players on your favorite team. Today we will take a look at teams in the AFC-North You may be the one who enters your fantasy football draft thinking only of your personal favorite team. You think of your favorite player on your team and when it comes your turn to draft, you see that player available on the board. You know he's not the best player available, but you go ahead and pick him up as fellow members of the draft chuckle at your decision. Using your fan bias is a sin when you draft your fantasy football team. This guide will entail your teams top fantasy players heading into 2009 and will even provide insight on where it is safe for you to draft those players on your favorite team. Today we will take a look at teams in the AFC-North. ENJOY! (Note: the following will list offensive position players and team defenses, as is the usual make-up of most fantasy football leagues.)

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The Final Piece For The Bears' Offense: Burress Or Marshall?

Seth Boster — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 15:50:50 -0400

If you're a Bears fan, you are looking at the Chicago Bears' roster and undoubtedly questioning the receiver position. And you have a reason to.

You have a reason to be concerned with the No. 1 receiver being Devin Hester. Hester showed us last season that he is far too raw to be considered a solid No. 1 option.

You must be fearful that Earl Bennett will head into 2009 being Chicago's No. 2 option. He never caught one pass in his rookie season in the NFL last season. 'Nuff said.

Now, I personally feel that Jay Cutler's electrifying talent throwing to these players will make them better. But, in no way, will Cutler make the Bears' passing game something to be considered great with these receivers.

The Chicago Bears have done some truly magnificent things this offseason by bringing in Cutler, bolstering the offensive line, and making the necessary moves to bring the defense back to where it needs to be.

In many ways, the Bears have a chance to compete in the postseason. But that chance could become foreseeable if the Bears make one more offseason move.

If the Bears sign a quality receiver, the offense will thrive. So, is it destiny that two class receivers are available for the Bears to acquire?

Let's take a look at these two names who could answer any questions Bears fans have about the Bears' receiver dilemma.

Plaxico Burress

We've all heard the story. Plaxico Burress went out to a Manhattan nightclub and ended up shooting himself in the leg with a concealed gun. Burress was charged with felony counts of possessing this concealed weapon. Later, the New York Giants released Burress.

This court case is now adjourned until Sept. 23 and it seems likely that Burress will have the opportunity to play in 2009.

It is disputed that Burress causes problems between GM's and coaches. But if the Bears have the chance to sign him, it is a no-brainer move to do so.

Really, it seems Burress' legal issue right now is a little over the top. In reality, who, in the NFL isn't hiding a gun somewhere? It seems Burress has just been the NFL player that was caught after ironically shooting himself with his hidden gun.

Nonetheless, it is illegal. Burress should not have been carrying this gun and he did legitimately commit a crime by possessing it.

Perhaps I'm a little sentimental, but I believe Burress has learned his lesson and will cause less problems to which ever team he plays for next.

If he does land with the Bears and has not learned his lesson, General Manager Jerry Angelo, will know how to take care of him. Look at what he did with Cedric Benson. One little mistake, and he was released.

The difference with Benson and Burress is that Burress will actually provide a strong asset for the Bears.

The 6'5" Burress would provide the receiver who could create separation from defenses and be the No. 1 guy for Cutler.

It has been reported that the Chicago Bears are one of the four teams that have shown interest in Burress. When considering the likelihood of him coming to Chicago, the chances are relatively positive.

Who wouldn't want to step into a situation where he is the No. 1 guy with a young and skilled quarterback? Also, the Bears could probably match any contract deal with Burress that any other team could offer.

Easy now, don't get too excited.

Burress still must get through a court case that potentially could sentence him to years in jail. Then again, now that the court case has been delayed, Burress' attorney, Benjamin Brafman, says that it would be "inconceivable" that he face charges until 2010.

Signing Burress would be a good move for the Bears albeit his personal issues in the past. Burress is a very talented receiver that could work nicely with the very talented Cutler.

Brandon Marshall

The Denver Broncos continue dismantling their franchise as they have allegedly agreed to accommodate the wishes of their star receiver, Brandon Marshall's request to be traded.

A blog posted on bmarshall15.com, Marshall's official website reads:

"Life is filled with change, and where I am in my life now change is probably best. It’s hard leaving an organization ran by one of the best owners in all of sports, and someone who’s been there for me through my ups and downs. The hardest thing was hearing Mr. B wish me luck in the future, but we both came to the conclusion that this is probably the best thing for me to grow on and off the field.

I thank the Denver fans who embraced my emotion and play on the field and showing me love every time I step outside my door."

The fishy thing about this situation is that Head Coach Josh McDaniels, has said that he expected Marshall to be at training camp.

From what we know, however, that does not seem to be the case after Marshall and his agent, Kennard McGuire, met with Broncos General Manager, Pat Bowlen on Friday.

The situation is relatively new and team interests have not quite made it to the public eye quite yet. But many teams would be interested in a 25-year-old talent such as Marshall's.

One of those teams would definitely be the Chicago Bears, the same team that snatched Denver's franchise QB, Cutler.

Most likely, the Broncos will trade Marshall to a NFC team to avoid trading an elite wide receiver to the competition in their own division. You can't throw out the chances of the Bears acquiring Marshall. But, Angelo would be performing another miracle by doing so.

The Bears might have to bid against other teams who still have a first round pick in 2010's draft. The Bears already dealt that pick to the Broncos when they traded for Cutler.

It would make sense for the Broncos to ask for a defensive player to assist a defense that performed poorly last season. If that were the case, the Bears could offer tackle, Tommie Harris. Harris has recovered from an injury that plagued him in last year's campaign.

Like Burress, Marshall does not have the cleanest resume. And like Burress, the Bears' organization would know how to handle any character problems he may have. Also like Burress, the Bears would profit greatly from Marshall's talent.

Marshall could reunite with the quarterback that got him the third most receiving yards in the league over the past two years with 2,590 yards. Cutler and "The Beast" could continue their hot streak in Chicago.

Cutler and Marshall were a part of the second best offense in the NFL in 2008. Now ask yourself, "How different would the Bears' offense be than the Broncos' if they had Marshall?"

The answer is not much different. Cutler and Marshall would still have a great offensive line in Chicago, and they would actually have a more potent running back in Matt Forte.

Marshall could be the final piece for a Chicago Bears offense that could make it to a Super Bowl appearance.

Matt Forte Primed for Monster Season with Chicago Bears

Seth Boster — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 18:10:50 -0400

Forte (noun)—an asset of special worth or utility.

How fitting that this was the name of Chicago's second-round rookie running back—Matt Forte

Immediately, in Week One, Forte showed the nation he was not to be overlooked as he carried the ball 23 times for 123 yards and a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts. This was a franchise record for most yards in a rookie debut.

As the season continued, Forte showed no signs of slowing down.

He became a fan favorite in Chicago as he was seemingly the only offense the team had.

At the end of the season, Forte was not only a force in the ground attack for Chicago as he rushed for 1,238 yards, but he also played a key role in the aerial assault, racking up 477 yards receiving.

He finished seventh in the league in rushing yards and led all running backs with 63 receptions.

Just as a rookie, Forte was third in the league this year for all-purpose yards, and passed Hall of Famer Gale Sayer's record by 341 yards with 1,715.

Forte was a work horse in 2008, and he will continue to be in 2009.

General Manager Jerry Angelo said he would like to see Forte's work load decrease. Angelo will soon discover that Forte's talent at running, receiving, and blocking will need to be present on the field nearly at all times.

Head Coach Lovie Smith has clearly stated that even with Jay Cutler's arrival to the team, Chicago still "gets off the bus running."

In 2009, don't assume the Bears will only achieve success through the new quarterback in town, Cutler.

The Bears will achieve success through Forte and the bolstered offensive line, which are still the pedestals of Chicago's offense.

Speaking of Cutler and the offensive line, have you ever considered what their presence will do to increase Forte's success?

Last year, with a quarterback like Kyle Orton, defenses ignored any threat of the passing game. This year, if those defenses do not respect Cutler's vertical passing threat, they will surely pay for it.

Forte will feel a little more comfortable running behind a seasoned 6'7", 325-pound mammoth in Orlando Pace.The versatile offensive line, as a whole, should work very nicely with Forte.

In 2008, Forte played against four of the NFL's top 10 defenses who, once again, had all eyes on Forte.

This year Forte will face six of the NFL's weakest defenses.

Forte is capable of posting some pretty unreal stats. Just take a look at his senior year in college, when the man rushed for 2,127 yards and 23 touchdowns, in just 12 games.

Now, I'm not saying he will produce those colossal numbers this year, but, there's a reason why, on NFL.com, Forte is the No. 2 player in the top 100 list of best fantasy players heading in to 2009.

Matt Forte is primed for a monster season.

The Unheralded: Meet the Bears' Receivers

Seth Boster — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 21:39:45 -0400

"Chicago is where receivers go to die," said former Bear receiver, Muhsin Muhammed. After acquiring Pro Bowl quarterback, Jay Cutler, fans asked, "Who's he going to throw to?" Fans are looking at a group of guys who have plenty of question marks. But let's remember who will be throwing to them this year. No longer will the Bears' receivers have a mediocre quarterback throwing to them. They will finally catch from a golden arm stud. Maybe, just maybe, a golden arm passer is all these receivers needed. Remember, we're talking about Jay Cutler here. This is the guy who made 2nd round rookie, Eddie Royal, a star. This is the guy who turned 4th round pick, Brandon Marshall, into an elite NFL receiver. Cutler knows how to work with unheralded receivers. Let's inform ourselves about Chicago's unheralded, who are looking to show the NFL what they're made of. (The following players are listed in alphabetical order.)

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Chicago Bears: The Five Players to Watch This Year

Seth Boster — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 11:24:15 -0400

Expectations are high this year for the Chicago Bears. After a miraculous off season, the Bears find themselves in place to hopefully win their division and make an appearance in the postseason. According to early power rankings, they may do just that. Rankings from WalterFootball.com, Espn.com, and SI.com rank the Bears 7th, 12th and 4th, respectively, in the NFL. Of course, in the Windy City, fans shout jubilant cries; "Bears #1!" "Bears all the way!" But fans have questions as well about their beloved; "Is Jay Cutler the savior?" "Who's he going to throw to?" "Will our defense perform this year?" Personnel will need to answer those questions for this team to live up to those high expectations in 2009. And you can bet all eyes will be on those players. Let's take a look at some of those in the spotlight.

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Resurrecting 'The Monsters': Why Bears 'D' Will Bounce Back

Seth Boster — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 20:18:58 -0400

Most think of the Chicago Bears and remember the "Monsters of the Midway"; the ferocious 1985 defense that was arguably the best ever. They remember the relentless 2006 defense that carried the team to a Super Bowl.

But recently that has changed.

The Bears have finished in the bottom tier of defenses in the league ever since defensive coordinator, Ron Rivera, left the team in 2006. Replacing him was Bob Babich in 2007.

In '07 the defense ranked 28th in yards per game. In '08 the team finished 21st.

Over the past couple of seasons people have not witnessed a "Monster of the Midway"-esque defense.

In '09, that will change.

Head coach, Lovie Smith, will now replace Babich calling the shots on "D". Babich will now coach linebackers.

What a no-brainer move. Look at Smith's resume.

Before coming to Chicago, Smith was the defensive coordinator in St Louis. In 2001-03 Smith repaired a struggling defense that allowed the most points by any team, at the time, to a Super Bowl appearance.

Before being the coordinator in St. Louis, Smith was a part of the successful Tampa, too. Smith was the linebackers coach during the rise of this successful defensive scheme. The defense never ranked below 11th overall in the five years Smith contributed.

A large part of this defense's success was it's defensive line which consisted of perennial defensive linemen: Warren Sapp and Simeon Rice. The man in charge of this success was defensive line coach, Rod Marinelli.

Marinelli will now be coaching the Bears defensive line in 2009 and reuniting with roommate, Smith.

So he wasn't such a success as a head coach for the Detroit Lions, but there are great head coaches, and then there are great defensive line coaches. Marinelli is reputed for being one of the best defensive line coaches in the business. He also knows how to motivate and inspire.

"He took me on the path to greatness," said Warren Sapp on Chicago's 670 The Score, "and wouldn't let me deter off it one bit."

If any defensive line needs this kind of motivation it is the Chicago Bears'. The line was the problem for the defense last year as it had trouble getting to the quarterback. This line has the talent and now Marinelli can provide the push for them to be great.

Smith and Marinelli have been around great defenses. They have seen them fall and then rise.

They know what it takes to resurrect and then form an elite defense.

This is exactly what they will do, together, for the "Monsters of the Midway".

Chicago Bears: The Five Best Offseason Moves This Year

Seth Boster — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 19:47:50 -0400

Halas Hall has been busy this off season. As General Manager, Jerry Angelo watched his team slide to a 9-7 record this season, missing the playoffs, he knew something had to be done. Okay, a lot had to be done. On offense he watched a mediocre passing game. And on defense he watched a once-dominant unit underperform. It didn't seem likely that Jerry Angelo would craft a productive off season though. He never had the reputation of really pursuing the necessary free-agents. Instead, he had the philosophy that "free-agency begins at home", by extending contracts of veteren players. Likely, he would do nothing to bolster his old offensive line. Likely, he would act oblivious to his un-inspired defense, and hope they come back better next year. Likely, Angelo would stick with the modest QB already in place; Kyle Orton. But not this year. Fans got a glimpse of a new, fired-up Jerry Angelo at the beginning of the post-season. "We need to get the quarterback position right," he said. Finally, after a couple of decades? (depending on how you feel about Jim McMahon) Really? The pieces finally fell into place this year, and Angelo's reputation as a GM has positively been changed. Let's look at the top 5 reasons that defined this year's off season as the best that bears fans can remember.

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