Chicago Bears: 4 Reasons for Optimism

Negativity abounds in the media and among fans about the Chicago Bears. After dropping three of their last four games, due mostly to serious offensive lapses, this negativity, for the most part, is justified.

However, there are signs this team can make a playoff run. Here are four reasons for optimism.

Weak Competition in the NFC North

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FOXBORO, MA - OCTOBER 31: Brett Favre #4 of the Minnesota Vikings throws the ball but is hit by Dane Fletcher #52 of the New England Patriots in the fourth quarter at Gillette Stadium on October 31, 2010 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. Favre was injured on th

The Packers, Vikings and Lions are struggling to win games. The Packers are injury-riddled, and the Vikings cannot seem to get their act together on offense or defense.

Meanwhile, the Lions, despite improving significantly since last season, still find ways to lose winnable games.

At this point, it seems the Bears could win their division at 9-7 or 10-6.

Bears' Offensive Line Showing Signs of Improvement

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CHICAGO - OCTOBER 17: (L-R) Chris Williams #74, Olin Kreutz #57 and J'Marcus Webb #73 of the Chicago Bears wait in the huddle against the Seattle Seahawks at Soldier Field on October 17, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Seahawks defeated the Bears 23-20. (P

Battered and, deservedly, disrespected, the Bears' offensive line has shown signs of improvement since the debacle against the Giants earlier this season. As history has demonstrated, the longer an offensive line plays together, the better it gets (think of the Packers last season).

For instance, at right tackle, J'Marcus Webb has improved significantly these last two weeks. Bears analyst Tom Thayer and the Bears coaching staff have gone out of their way to praise the seventh-round rookie for handling the blitz against the Redskins.

Look for the rest of this young group to improve as the season progresses.

Bears Defense Playing at 2006 Levels

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CHICAGO - OCTOBER 17: Justin Forsett #20 of the Seattle Seahawks is tackled by (L-R) Pia Tinoisamoa #59, Julius Peppers #90 and Brian Urlacher #54 of the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on October 17, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Seahawks defeated the Be

Not since the 2006 season have the Bears played this well defensively. This unit has kept the Bears competitive, even as the offense continues to sputter.

The biggest improvement this year is in the pass rush and pass defense. In the previous two seasons, other teams carved up the Bears through the air. With the newly acquired Julius Peppers generating heat on opposing quarterbacks, this is no longer the case.

The run defense has also been stout, as the linebackers, led by a healthy Brian Urlacher, are containing opposing running backs.

Special Teams Are Special Again

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CHICAGO - SEPTEMBER 27: Devin Hester #23 of the Chicago Bears returns a punt against Sam Shields #37 of the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field on September 27, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

The Bears' special teams unit is special again. After falling into a slump in 2008, Devin Hester has reemerged as a return threat and revitalized the Bears' special teams with two punt returns for touchdowns this season.

Opposing teams are already punting away from the dangerous return man, giving the Bears excellent field position.