Chicago Bears: 7 Things We've Learned This Offseason

Bears fans understood that if Chicago had even a halfway decent backup to Jay Cutler last season, the team would have made the playoffs. So, with good health and solid backups in place, optimism reigns at Halas Hall this spring.

And with good reason. There is every reason to expect this team to have a good, long run this season. The defense may be getting a little long in the tooth, but they can still play. I'd venture to say that the Bears defense is still the best in the division.

As for the offense, it should be improved, despite the question marks along the offensive line. The acquisition of Brandon Marshall gives the Bears their first true No. 1 wideout in...well...a long time.

In short, the arrow is pointing up for this franchise. So let's take a look at the things we've learned this offseason.

Jay Cutler Is the Boss

And rightfully so. After all, when you have a so-called franchise QB (or at least the best one the Bears have had since Sid Luckman), he should have some say in how the team builds the offense.

And judging from what happened this offseason, the Bears are catering to him. That's a good thing, because anything that makes Cutler feel more comfortable removes all excuses and allows him to be the best he can be.

They finally brought in a true No. 1 receiver and he just happens to be the guy he had great success with in Denver, Brandon Marshall. The Bears also fired Mike Martz and it's no secret the two of them we're getting along. To add to the reunion, the Bears brought in Jeremy Bates to be Cutler's QB coach.

Meanwhile, who else besides Cutler can criticize the offensive line and not get into trouble? Of course, if Olin Kreutz was still here, that probably wouldn't be tolerated. Of course, it helps that Cutler's concerns with the line are justified.

In short, the Bears are finally doing what they should have done all along: giving Jay what he needs to succeed. They actually should have a good offense for once—assuming everyone stays healthy, that is.

Phil Emery Is off to a Good Start

Concerns about the draft aside, it has been a terrific offseason for Emery, who took over as GM following the firing of Jerry Angelo.

Emery addressed depth issues at key positions. He made a lot of under-the-radar moves that could pay off huge for the Bears. And we have to trust that his scouting background will pay off with the draft, despite some questionable choices.

Of course, only time will tell if Emery ends up being a better GM that his predecessor. But at least so far, I'm impressed.

This Is Probably the Final Year for Matt Forte

...in a Bears uniform, that is. Unless Forte signs an extension, I highly doubt the Bears will use the franchise tag again on him after this season. So we could very well be watching Forte in a Bears uniform for the last time.

But it's a business; we must remember that. If Forte signs his tag sheet, and he will, he will be making a lot of money this season. And remember, he turned down the Bears' long-term offer, which reportedly contained about $13 million in guarantees.

He wants more, and that is his right. But it's also fair for the Bears to say that, with the injury risk that is always present, as well as the fact that running backs just aren't valued as highly as they used to be (even though the good ones still make big coin), they aren't going to break the bank to sign the man.

Bears Learned from Their Mistakes

The lack of a competent backup at key positions, especially quarterback, doomed Chicago last season. Along with his spotty draft record, that alone probably cost Angelo his job.

So Emery went out and addressed the backup QB position by signing former Raiders QB Jason Campbell, who is starting material. Let's keep our fingers crossed that Cutler stays healthy, but if he does get hurt, we won't be in a situation where we have to resort to Caleb Hanie.

Even the Bears third-string QB is better than the Bears backup from last season, so we can say the Bears have learned form that mistake.

But Emery did not stop there. He also went out and acquired a good backup to Forte. In the unlikely event that Forte holds out, Michael Bush is a competent replacement. And third-string option Kahlil Bell looks promising as well.

The Offensive Line and Defensive Tackle Positions Are Still a Concern

The Bears surprisingly did nothing to address concerns along the offensive line and at defensive tackle in the draft. Cutler has expressed his concern about the line, so this isn't just fans talking here.

Statistically, J'Marcus Webb was the worst left tackle in football in 2011. The Bears are considering trying Chris Williams at tackle again, to provide some competition for Webb on the blind side or on the right side in case Gabe Carimi isn't ready to go.

Roberto Garza could become a cap casualty, too. Keep in mind that Angelo was the one who signed him, not Emery. If Chris Spencer can play the position, the Bears can still save some cap space if they release Garza, who did not play exceptionally well at center last season.

So there are lots of uncertainties along the line, though many are hopeful that with Mike Tice taking over the offensive play-calling, there will be more max protect and no more seven-step drops. That alone should help the line.

As for the DT position, the Bears lost Amobi Okoye to free agency and released Anthony Adams, so they lack experienced depth at the position. I hope and expect that second-year man Stephen Paea takes a big step forward and claims the starting role, though he's more of a nose as opposed to a three technique.

The Secondary Has Some Unanswered Questions Remaining

Anyone who follows the Bears closely understands that the secondary is also a concern. Emery brought in some depth, but it is depth that either has injury concerns or is only there to provide depth.

In other words, they are players who cannot be trusted to be starters in the league.

And that's where the Bears are in my opinion, especially with the cornerback position. Yes, they went out and signed free agents and drafted players, but there is no sure starter opposite Charles Tillman. And that is a problem, especially when you play in a division that contains Green Bay and Detroit.

As it stands right now, you'd have to think that Tim Jennings will be the other CB, but while he played decently last season, there were times, such as the Denver game, where he was awful. He is a tough little guy, but doesn't give you the size you truly need.

The secondary position also carries with it some uncertainty. I like Chris Conte at the free safety position, but he is still largely unproven. And the strong safety position is up for grabs. Major Wright still has coverage issues.

Craig Steltz may end up winning the job outright. He played surprisingly well down the stretch.

The Offense May Lead This Team for a Change

It sounds crazy, I know, but instead of the defense, it could be the offense that leads this team to victory this season. The defense is still the best in the division, in my opinion, but it's getting a bit long in the tooth. Plus, the changes made to the offense, combined with good health (hopefully) should allow the Bears to outscore their opponents.

While Brian Urlacher, Julius Peppers, Charles Tillman and Lance Briggs are on the other side of 30, they are still good players. But with a real No. 1 receiver and a strong backup to both Cutler and Forte, this offense should be able to put some points on the board.

At the time of Cutler's injury last season, the Bears were on a five-game winning streak and the offense was rolling, averaging 27 points per game.

This year, things not only could be better, but injuries shouldn't spell doom for the Bears. Campbell and Bush (sounds like a law firm, doesn't it?) should be able to hold down the fort temporarily if another injury happens.

Keep in mind that last season, even with the injuries, if they could have scored just a few more points here and there, they would have made the playoffs.