Looking Ahead: The Chicago Bears

It's been a tough off-season so far for Bear fans, but it's not too hard to find some optimism  in Chicago.  However, this comfort can be found mostly in the Chicago defense.

Thursday night, Tommie Harris inked a four-year contract extension at Halas hall, which will secure one of the NFL's best interior men in Chicago through his prime.  Harris was a standout player last year, even while enduring an injury he sustained in week three against Dallas.  A Tommie Harris who is both healthy and happy will be an incredible part of the infamous Chicago defense.

Brian Urlacher has also started to come around.  Showing up for the mandatory minicamp, Urlacher was there doing what he should be: leading his defense.  Many Bears players have expressed relief in having number 54 back in the fold, and Brian Urlacher seems to have realized his importance not just in ability, but also in morale.  Many will argue that this is just a way to gain leverage in negotiating his contract, but even if it is, it is certainly much smarter than dealing with the media to meet his goals.

Many may also find comfort in the return of Mike Brown.  A notorious player, Mike Brown currently holds the record for most defensive touchdowns in Chicago.  However, Brown has struggled to stay healthy, missing much of 2006, only to return in 2007 to sustain a torn ACL during Week one versus San Diego.  Mike Brown looked sharp during the minicamp, and perhaps he will catch a second wind.

With the return of Tommie Harris, Brian Urlacher, Mike Brown, and not to mention Nathan Vasher and Lance Briggs, the Bears are set to unleash a juggernaut defense, perhaps even surpassing their 2006 form. The Bears defense will enter 2008 with a chip on their shoulder (remember that guy who plays for Minnesota..you know..Adrian Peterson?  How about when the Lions put up an ungodly number of fourth quarter points??) They are set to regain their title of "Monsters of the Midway", but unfortunately, that title may just stick with the D.

Pessimists, lick your lips.

Chicago has long struggled with a weak offense, and only a few key changes have been made to fix this broken system.  Chris Williams, a Vandy product, was taken with the first round pick to help stabilize the horrible offensive line.  Now with him in place, players will return to original positions and relief will hopefully be bestowed upon the run game.  And speaking of the run game...

Cedric Benson being dumped is possibly the biggest news in the NFL besides the Favre and Strahan retirement.  A former early-round pick, Cedric Benson has officially joined the "Bust" hall of fame- and not a moment too soon.  His piss-poor performance in 2007 coupled with back-to-back arrests for public intoxication have done nothing but sour the name of the franchise.  Adios Cedric.  Hello Matt.

I was personally gunning on Rashard Mendenhall during the draft in April, and couldn't help feel a little hostile toward Matt Forte for taking the position I so wanted for Mendenhall.  Now, I can't help but feel excited for Forte, and the Tulane product definitely has his work cut out for him.  He's not alone, however.  Adrian Peterson (ours) was a stable back who took over after Benson exited the game late in the season due to injury.  Garret Wolfe will also be a player to watch, who displays tremendous speed, but may lack the size to run up the middle and truck defenders.  Simply put, Wolfe is an awesome back, but maybe not an every-down one.

Another hotly debated position is quarterback.  Everyone is familiar with the Good Rex / Bad Rex issue, and so far not too much has changed.  Kyle Orton picked up the ball for the first time since 2005 last season, and led Chicago to back-to-back wins for the only time in 2007.  Orton may lack true "play-making" ability that Grossman may occasionally possess, but never last year did he display the low level of performance that Grossman reached several times. 

Both quarterback and running back positions are truly riddled with question marks, but during the off season receiver was labeled with a big, fat question mark as well.  With the departure of Bernard Berrian and Muhsin Muhammad, the receiver corps is now in the hands of either the too old or too young. Marty Booker is arguably past his Pro Bowl days, and minus Rashied Davis and Devin Hester, you're left with Earl Bennett and Marcus Monk, both rookies from Vanderbilt and Arkansas, respectively.  Mark Bradley is another receiver, yet he recently underwent surgery that may keep him on the bench.  Brandon Lloyd was also acquired, yet his poor hands may keep him on the sideline. 

Devin Hester has the makings of becoming a top receiver, yet his implementation at receiver may remove his threat on special teams. 

Desmond Clark will continue to be an outstanding tight end, while Greg Olsen is currently one of the most watched players in the fantasy leagues, and is sure to truly have a break-out season.  

Overall when it comes to the offense, Chicago is putting a lot of faith into the rookie class.  Starting rookie offensive lineman, receivers, and most likely running back will fill the depth chart this year, and little will be there to influence and guide them.  Chicago has made it clear they are satisfied with their run game (but why not attempt to get Shaun Alexander?) but their receiver corps may still get a new addition (Terry Glenn, maybe?)  Either way, Chicago will have to hit the ground running against the Colts in Week One.  Here's to a great season.

Oh. God Bless Devin Hester.