2010 Chicago Bears: Disappointing Fantasy Numbers

When Mike Martz became the offensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears, many thought that the weapons the Bears had in 2009 would flourish and put up big numbers from a fantasy standpoint.

During training camp, fans were shouting from the hilltops that Matt Forte would put up Marshall Faulk like stats, due in fact that the screen game would boost his numbers even more than in 2009.

Others were very optimistic about Jay Cutler. In 2009, he threw 26 interceptions and 27 touchdowns. Those 27 touchdowns basically count as one touchdown collectively because INTs knock out the points made from touchdowns. Many fantasy football experts were skeptical that Jay could change his reputation of making mistakes, especially in the redzone.

At the beginning of the 2010 season, many picked Devin Aromashodu as a sleeper pick. He had a total of 298 yards and 24 receptions in 2009.

Also, Devin Hester was supposed to be a No. 1 receiver and put up 1,000 yard season.

Greg Olsen scored eight touchdowns and had 60 receptions in 2009. Numerous fantasy owners had no problem picking him over many productive tight ends. Olsen was ready for a career year.

While the beginning of the season brought so much hype to Chicago Bear's players, the stats show that picking a Chicago Bear on your fantasy team brought inconsistency, disappointment and just plain frustration.

Jay Cutler Same Old Situation

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CHICAGO - OCTOBER 24: Jay Cutler #6 of the Chicago Bears walks off the field after throwing an interception against the Washington Redskins at Soldier Field on October 24, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Redskins defeated the Bears 17-14. (Photo by Jonatha

Jay Cutler has had a season that has been highlighted by being a human pinata. With the offensive line trying to find themselves throughout the season, Cutler has been brutalized in the pocket. While the offensive line has to take some of the blame as well as the route running of his receivers, Cutler has made mistakes as well. Jay has already thrown 12 interceptions to 17 touchdowns since the game against the Patriots.

Cutler has thrown six interceptions when the Bears are in the last two minutes of the first half. He has thrown 11 interceptions when the Bears are playing from behind. So when the team needs him most, he has made the most mistakes.

In 2009, Cutler had a total of nine fumbles, which stem from botched snaps, defensive pressures and a lack of execution. This season, Cutler already has 10 fumbles and look for that number to increase before season's end.

The Mike Martz offense was supposed to make Cutler a passing juggernaut. That is not the case because he has averaged even less yards per game (224.8) than in 2009 (229.1).

Jay Cutler has a total of a 153 fantasy points (11.8 points/week) in ESPN leagues. He is currently the 20th ranked QB in total points.

Carson Palmer, Donovan McNabb, Sam Bradford, Ryan Fitzpatrick and Mark Sanchez are all above Cutler in total fantasy points. That is not the company that Jay Cutler was projected to be with.

Matt Forte Lacks Consistency

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CHICAGO - SEPTEMBER 27: Matt Forte #22 of the Chicago Bears runs the ball against the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field on September 27, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Matt Forte has been inconsistent from a fantasy outlook. He has put up in numbers that are great against lesser teams, but has lacked production against stronger defensive teams.

He had his biggest days against the woeful Detroit Lions and Carolina Panthers. He put up 30 fantasy points in those games and 15 points in the second meeting with the Lions.

Against the teams with better defenses, he didn't even score in the double digits. He put up two points against the New York Giants, three points against the Green Bay Packers, six points against the Minnesota Vikings and five points against the New England Patriots.

Matt Forte has improved his skills, but the numbers show that he is getting less rushing attempts. In 2009, Forte had 258 carries and in 2010 he has 186 carries. He might of raised his average from 3.6 yard to 4.2 yards with fewer fumbles, but less touches lead to less points.

Forte has a total of 153 fantasy points (11.8 avg.) in ESPN leagues and averages less than 60 rush yards per game.

That ranks him 12th in the NFL. During fantasy drafts, he was projected be a top ten running back.

Greg Olsen: Stud To Dud

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CHICAGO - OCTOBER 24: Greg Olsen #82 of the Chicago Bears sits on the bench with teammates at the end of a game against the Washington Redskins at Soldier Field on October 24, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Redskins defeated the Bears 17-14. (Photo by Jo

When Greg Olsen was drafted, the Chicago Bears actually had a receiving tight end. While other teams use the tight end as a queen on the chessboard, the Martz offense doesn't exploit the tight end position.

In 2009, Olsen was one of Cutler's favorite targets. He recorded 60 receptions, 612 yards and eight TDs.

In 2010, he has plummeted to 31 receptions, 342 yards and five TDs.

Trying to make Olsen a blocker has killed his fantasy production.

Olsen has an abysmal 56 fantasy points, which currently ranks him 20th in the NFL among tight ends.

He has only had one double-digit fantasy day (12 points) against the Green Bay Packers back in Week 3.

The NFL as a whole is using the tight end with great success, but the Bears seem to be too stubborn to get Olsen in the mix.

Devin Hester: Returner Or Reciever?

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CHICAGO - OCTOBER 17: Devin Hester #23 of the Chicago Bears returns a punt 89 years for a touchdown in the 4th quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at Soldier Field on October 17, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Seahawks defeated the Bears 23-20. (Photo by

Will Devin Hester ever develop into a true wide receiver or is he a return specialist?

The Bears have tried to make him both, which kills his fantasy value.

His numbers were projected to rise, but his production has fallen since 2009 as a receiver.

In 2009, Hester had a 57 receptions, 757 yards and three touchdowns. Fantasy owners thought that in 2010 Hester would put up even bigger numbers, but that hasn't been the case.

In 2010, he currently has 34 receptions, 388 yards and two touchdowns.

He has been more involved in kick and punt returns this year, which may be the reason for his falling numbers at the wide receiver position.

He has a total of 59 (4.5 points/week) this year in ESPN leagues. That puts him at third on his own team behind Johnny Knox (83 points) and Earl Bennett (64 points). He currently is ranked 63rd in the NFL.

Fantasy players are more unwilling every year to waste a roster spot on Devin Hester.

Bears Defense: Only Fantasy Standout In Chicago

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CHICAGO - AUGUST 28: Head coach Lovie Smith of the Chicago Bears (C) watches along with defensive coorindator Rod Marinelli (L) and special teams coordinator Dave Toub (R) as their team takes on the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason game at Soldier Fie

Once again, Lovie Smith, Rod Marinelli and Dave Toub have made the Bears' Defense/Special Teams a viable spot on any fantasy roster.

There are many aspects as to why they improved on last years production:

The addition of Julius Peppers has made everybody's job easier.

Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs are both playing at a Pro Bowl level.

Devin Hester is a focal point of the return game.

The Defense/Special Teams have a total of 118 fantasy points (9.1 points/week) in ESPN leagues.

That ranks them third in the NFL, only behind the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Green Bay Packers.