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

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.