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CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 12: Brian Urlacher #54 of the Chicago Bears calls a defensive play as teammate Lance Briggs #55 moves into position against the New England Patriots at Soldier Field on December 12, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Patriots defeated t
CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 12: Brian Urlacher #54 of the Chicago Bears calls a defensive play as teammate Lance Briggs #55 moves into position against the New England Patriots at Soldier Field on December 12, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Patriots defeated tJonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Chicago Bears: 10 Reasons the Chicago Bears Will Shuffle to the Super Bowl

Eric BowmanJan 15, 2011

The Chicago Bears have what it takes to get to the Super Bowl.

They'll need great play from a few certain guys, but the talent and skill level is there.The question is, can these Bears dominate on both sides of the ball for all four quarters? 

The Bears won the NFC North and received a first-round bye. Will their time off be just what they need to make a run for a championship? 

Here are 10 reasons the Bears will make it all the way. 

10. Receiver Depth

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CHICAGO - NOVEMBER 28: Johnny Knox #13 of the Chicago Bears runs for a first down against the Philadelphia Eagles at Soldier Field on November 28, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Eagles 31-26. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO - NOVEMBER 28: Johnny Knox #13 of the Chicago Bears runs for a first down against the Philadelphia Eagles at Soldier Field on November 28, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Eagles 31-26. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

The Chicago Bears have six players averaging enough yards per catch for a first down. On any pass play, Jay Cutler has the option of throwing it deep to Johnny Knox or Devin Hester, in the flats to Greg Olsen, or checking it down to Matt Forte.

These choices allow Cutler to spread the ball around and move down the field with ease. He just has to make the throw, and his guys can make the plays. 

9. Robbie Gould

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GREEN BAY, WI - JANUARY 02:  Robbie Gould #9 of the Chicago Bears kicks a field goal against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on January 2, 2011 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.  (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, WI - JANUARY 02: Robbie Gould #9 of the Chicago Bears kicks a field goal against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on January 2, 2011 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Gould is a true clutch kicker. His longest kick on the year was for 54 yards, so you know he’s got the leg. Time and time again, Gould has put the Bears on top, and if called upon, he will get it done.

He has the experience of kicking outdoors in terrible weather. Chicago is called the windy city, you know, and Gould is productive year after year.

He was in the top 15 in league for scoring and made 83.3% of his field goals. Four-of-four from 50 yards or more this year is an excellent stat for the kicker from Jersey Shore…Pennsylvania, that is.         

8. Mike Martz

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CHICAGO - NOVEMBER 28: Offensive coordinator Mike Martz of the Chicago Bears watches as the Bears take on the Philadelphia Eagles at Soldier Field on November 28, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Eagles 31-26. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Ge
CHICAGO - NOVEMBER 28: Offensive coordinator Mike Martz of the Chicago Bears watches as the Bears take on the Philadelphia Eagles at Soldier Field on November 28, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Eagles 31-26. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Ge

The hiring of Mike Martz has propelled this offense from a decent team vying for success to a Super Bowl contender. 

He has transformed Jay Cutler’s game to new heights. Martz calls the plays, and has been the reason why the Bears are winning more. 

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7. Home Field Advantage

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The Bears obtained the No. 2 seed and a first-round bye. They have the pleasure of hosting the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.

They were 5-3 at home this season, and you'd better believe Soldier Field will be rocking.

And if the Packers beat the Falcons, they will travel to Soldier Field. Home field advantage is crucial in the playoffs. 

6. Defensive Line

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CHICAGO - NOVEMBER 28: LeSean McCoy #25 of the Philadelphia Eagles tries to escape Julius Peppers #90 and Israel Idonije #71 of the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on November 28, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Eagles 31-26. (Photo by Jo
CHICAGO - NOVEMBER 28: LeSean McCoy #25 of the Philadelphia Eagles tries to escape Julius Peppers #90 and Israel Idonije #71 of the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on November 28, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Eagles 31-26. (Photo by Jo

The addition of Julius Peppers this year has given new life to the Bears defensive front. Peppers and Israel Idonije had eight sacks this season.

The 4-3 defense is powered by some big boys up front. It will disrupt the opposing lineman and get after the quarterback. The Bears ranked second in opponents rushing yards, only giving up 90 yards per game.  

5. Brian Urlacher

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CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 26: Brian Urlacher #54 of the Chicago Bears awaits the start of play against the New York Jets at Soldier Field on December 26, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Jets 38-34. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 26: Brian Urlacher #54 of the Chicago Bears awaits the start of play against the New York Jets at Soldier Field on December 26, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Jets 38-34. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Having Urlacher back for the whole season has been the difference maker. Being healthy this year, he was able to lead the team on the field and not from the sidelines.

He led the team in tackles with 125. He is the defense’s quarterback. Urlacher has the ability and intelligence to guide his defense into the Super Bowl. 

4. Matt Forte

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GREEN BAY, WI - JANUARY 02:  Matt Forte #22 of the Chicago Bears carries the ball after making a catch against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on January 2, 2011 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.  (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, WI - JANUARY 02: Matt Forte #22 of the Chicago Bears carries the ball after making a catch against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on January 2, 2011 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

After a bit of a sophomore slump last year, Forte came back with a vengeance. He rushed for over 1,000 yards and had nine total touchdowns.

He may have only rushed for over 100 yards three times this season, but one of those was against a tough Jets defense.

Forte averages 4.5 yards per carry, exactly what you want from your running back. Hand it off to him, play after play after play, and you’ll get that first down and move the chains.

Forte will be a huge factor in the Bears' success in these playoffs. 

3. Jay Cutler

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CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 12: Jay Cutler #6 of the Chicago Bears looks for a receiver against the New England Patriots at Soldier Field on December 12, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Patriots defeated the Bears 36-7. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 12: Jay Cutler #6 of the Chicago Bears looks for a receiver against the New England Patriots at Soldier Field on December 12, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Patriots defeated the Bears 36-7. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Cutler has thrown 23 touchdowns this year and over 3,200 yards. He is making better decisions and is growing with each game.

Cutler will determine how far the Bears go in the playoffs.  He has what it takes to take them all the way, but he will need to be smart with the ball. 

2. Devin Hester

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CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 26: Devin Hester #23 of the Chicago Bears celebrates a touchdown catch against the New York Jets at Soldier Field on December 26, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Jets 38-34. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 26: Devin Hester #23 of the Chicago Bears celebrates a touchdown catch against the New York Jets at Soldier Field on December 26, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Jets 38-34. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

A true playmaker. Devin Hester is dangerous with the football. When a team kicks to him, he has the ability to take it to the house. And Hester does it often.

Hester owns the all time record for combined kickoff and punt returns for touchdowns with 14. He can burn anyone on the field, and definitely will this post season. 

1. Defense Wins Championships

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CHICAGO - NOVEMBER 14: Members of the Chicago Bear defense including (L-R) Julius Peppers #90, Lance Briggs #55, Marcus Harrison #99, Matt Toeaina #75 and Israel Idonije #71 await the start of play against the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field on Novembe
CHICAGO - NOVEMBER 14: Members of the Chicago Bear defense including (L-R) Julius Peppers #90, Lance Briggs #55, Marcus Harrison #99, Matt Toeaina #75 and Israel Idonije #71 await the start of play against the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field on Novembe

If you can keep the opposing team's offense off the field, you can win the game. It’s a simple as that. The Bears know how to shut down any team and will wreak havoc on whomever they play.

They ranked in the top five in points scored against them ,only allowing 17.9 points per game and 286 total points on the year. 

Defense wins championships, and the Bears have one of the best in league. Their outstanding play is what will allow them to shuffle to the Super Bowl. 

EPIC NFL Thanksgiving Slate 🙌

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