The Top Five Story Lines at Bears Training Camp

While the trade for Jay Cutler grabbed most of the headlines this spring and summer, there are some other interesting things getting ready to happen during training camp this summer.  Here are five things to look out for as the Bears get ready to head to training camp this week.

1.  Who will be the number two wide receiver-We all know that Devin Hester is the Bears number one wide receiver and will be unless the Bears decide to bring in a proven veteran but there is some question as to who will step up and be the number two wide receiver on offense.  Two names come to mind when considering who will step in and take over.  Earl Bennett, just a second year player and someone who has never caught an NFL pass has the edge right now with Rashied Davis coming in as the second possibility.  But with Bennett untested and Davis having trouble holding onto the ball, do the Bears really have a true solid second receiver?  It will be interesting to see how comes out on top in the battle for the number two spot.

2.  Will the pass rush improve-The Bears brought in former Detroit Lions head coach Rod Marinelli to help improve a pass rush that was virtually non-existent in 2008 and hopes are high that he will be able to get the most out their defensive line.  Some players have to perform very well this season (or stand getting cut after 2009) and those players include Mark Anderson and Adewale Ogunleye.  However, if the success that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive line had with Marinelli coaching them then the Bears should have great success as well.

3.  Will Nathan Vasher revitalize his career in 2009-After signing a big contract just two seasons ago, cornerback Nathan Vasher has struggled ever since.  Injury and ineffective play have left many to wonder if Vasher is on the downside of his career.  If he doesn’t get better in 2009, he will probably be gone in 2010.

4.  How long will Orlando Pace hold up?-The second biggest acquisition of the offseason for the Bears was the signing of former St. Louis Rams offensive tackle Orlando Pace.  Pace comes in to help shore up a weak left tackle spot and if he can stay healthy, he could be the best player the Bears have had at that position in over twenty years.  However, in the past two years, Pace has had some problems staying healthy and if he goes down at any point this season, the Bears could be in a lot of trouble at the left tackle position.  He has to remain healthy if the Bears are to remain successful.

5.  What about the defense? The Bears defense was a mere shadow of its 2006 self in 2008 and hopes are high that the defense will get back to normal in 2009.  There have been a few players signed on defense during the offseason and hopes are high that the team will get the most out of their defensive players.  The pass rush will be key as will the health of the secondary, two things that ended up failing them last season.  If they want to win this season, they have to ensure that those two things don’t let them down. 

While these may just be a few of the questions surrounding the Bears as they head into training camp, they are the most important.  Many in the media are guaranteeing at least ten wins for the Bears in 2009 but if things don’t shape up right for them at the wide receiver position and on defense, it could be a long season for the Bears.