Chicago Bears "Bearing Down" for 2009

Make no mistake, there is a window for the Bears to get back to the Super Bowl form two years ago, and it is closing fast. As a Bears fan, it is exciting to think about the quality of players that the Bears possess. It is equally disheartening to see the holes that exist in the bridge to get them to the promised land. 

First, let's deal with the positives. 

RB- Finally the bears have drafted a player worthy of some praise. A rookie set the record for rushing and receptions and accounting for close to 37 percent of the total offense are reasons to look forward to seeing this rookie run for years to come in Soldiers Field. 

TE-Greg Olsen has discovered what it means to block well. While he may not be a dominating blocker, his ability keeps him on the field where they need his play-making ability.

C-Olin Kruetz seems to be the only lineman year in and year out that can perform at a level that will carry the Bears to any heights.

K- Robbie Gould needs only to improve his leg strength and reliability over 50 yards to become the greatest kicker since Butt-head Kevin Butler.

Defense-  On defense, there are not as many holes as many would suggest and a lot to  be pleased with especially knowing that they will be intact for next year.

OLB-Lance Briggs once again performs up to his potential, and even though the defense is predicated on leading the opposing team to him, he rarely loses track of his assignment.

ILB-Brian Urlacher has problems shedding some blocks but remains the NFLs rangiest defender. Together with Briggs they are one of the NFLs best backer one-two punches.

CB-Yes believe it or not there is a lot to be pleased with here. Charles Tillman makes a better name for himself every year as a very physical defender and quality CB. Needs a better rush by the front four to live up to his full potential.

Corey Graham is a great young prospect that will blossom in his second year and with a defensive line that can take some of the pressure off him.

DT-Tommy Harris, nuff said!  He is the games fastest DT and can slash through the line on any given play.  His stats and impact were up and down this year but you can't keep a player like this down for long.

Notice that I didn't mention Devin Hester in the Bears strengths? Read on...

The Bears are a team that "runs off the bus" but this year they did nothing to perpetuate Lovie's tenet.  The QB neither took the pressure off him, nor did the line open the holes as they needed.

Much of what the line needs is a QB that will put some fear onto opposing defenses.  That and a true number one WR. 

This leads into the Bears' needs.

QB-Kyle Orton hasn't proven that he is the answer, although he certainly isn't out of the race for that responsibility. He needs to improve his ability to go through his progressions and check downs. Currently looks confused when his No. 1 option isn't open. 

There are a few vets on the free market next year that might vie for starter or guide Kyle to being a more accurate QB. I am looking at you Kurt Warner. Not the long-term solution, but he is the NFL's nice guy and will do all he can to help the younger QBs on the roster.

WR-Devin Hester is a slot receiver, No. 2 receiver at best. Wouldn't he be best put to use getting back to the returners mindset that made him the greatest returner in history? His impact on offense is greatest when he is not ON offense but on special teams. That being said, the bears need a true No. 1 receiver. T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Marques Colston will be free agents next year. Just a thought.

Offensive line-The only steady performers were Olin Kreutz and Williams when he finally played. The rest of the line is getting older and clearly has neither the chemistry nor the drive to run block in any dominant fashion. If this offense is to run as Lovie intends it to, the line must become a dominant run blocking line, allowing Matt Forte to rush for 1500+ yards and making him a legitimate goal-line threat.

Here is the major point for all readers to absorb. More than depth at QB or talent at WR or getting our history making returner back, is the need for pressure from the front four.  An elite pass rusher MUST be added to the mix.

This will take the pressure off the CB to stay on an island with WRs, it will take blockers off Urlacher allowing him to do what he does best, and our safeties to concentrate on run support more often. 

Pressure from the front four will open the defense to greatness like the 2001 Bears had. Remember that the 2001 Bears didn't have the offense that the 2008 Bears have, and they won the division.  Imagine what our offense could do with an equal D.

So while there are a few holes that could be filled to help the Bears regain the dominance of teams or yore, greatness, it would seem, is only a pass rusher away.

J