Bears Look For Key Contributors In 09

This was truly an offseason to remember for the Chicago Bears. They did the unthinkable and made the trade of all trades in acquiring Pro Bowl quarterback Jay Cutler. In addition, they gave him three new bodyguards in Orlando Pace, Frank Omiyale and Kevin Shaffer to add to the offensive line. However, there still remains a couple holes the Bears need to fill if they want to reclaim the NFC North title.

#1. RECIEVER

There's no doubt the arrival of Cutler in Chicago improves the team in a major way. The Bears are hoping the 26year-old improves the play of their unproven receiver corps. Former All-Pro return man Devin Hester heads into the 2009-10 campaign as the number one wideout on the squad for the second consecutive season. Cutler's ability to throw the deep ball will be a gift to Hester this season. That was recently displayed in last week's mini-camp. Second-year pro Earl Bennett looks to rebound from a disappointing rookie year. The former Vanderbilt star is currently the number two receiver and hopes to rekindle some of the magic he had with Cutler in college. Bennett was Cutler's favorite target during the one season they played together. According to several sources, he is having stellar offseason and has caught everything thrown to him thus far. The Bears addressed the position in a major way in this years' NFL Draft. Chicago used three of their nine picks on receivers. Oklahoma stand-out Juaquin Iglesias, Abilene Christians' Johnny Knox, and Pittsburgh wideout Derek Kinder all look to make their mark in this upcoming training camp. In addition to Hester,Bennett, and the three rookies, other Bears recievers include Rashied Davis, Brandon Rideau, John Brussard, Devin Aromashodu, and Northwestern rookie free-agent Eric Peterman. General Manager Jerry Angelo remains confident in this current group of pass catchers. However, look for him to keep an eye out for another veteran during the string of training camp cuts The receiving competition may arguably be the most competitive and compelling one to unfold in camp “Bearbounnais” this summer. With Cutler on board, offensive coordinator Ron Turner plans on taking the passing game to a whole new level. Who will be up for the challenge?

#2. SAFETY

Another intriguing battle during training camp will be the battle for spots in the secondary. There's one familiar name that definitely will not be a part of this years' competition. The Bears said goodbye to a longtime fan favorite in not re-signing Mike Brown after missing 44 games over the last five years. Chicago signed New Orleans free-agent safety Josh Bullocks to make an immediate impact. Last year's fourth rounder Craig Steltz is line to get the first opportunity to lock up he free safety position. Three-year pro Kevin Payne will head back to playing his natural position at strong safety. After missing a myriad of tackles last season, Payne will have to improve technique if he wants to remain on the field this time around. Quarterbacks around the league simply dismantled the secondary in 2008. Will this weakness be exposed yet again this season?