Chicago Bears: Predicting 2011 Statistics for Chicago Bears' Offensive Players

2010 was an odd year for Mike Martz and his offense in several ways.

First, Martz actually used a tight end for something other than blocking. Second, he actually embraced (or at least accepted) the idea of balancing the offense between the run and the pass.

Now, this was all needed due to the way the Bears offensive line was getting Jay Cutler killed before the bye week. After the bye, they became a much more balanced team and "The Greatest Show on Turf" became "The 10 Yard Pass a a Couple of Dust Clouds."

Meanwhile, predicting what lies next for the Bears is a little sketchy at this point. Will the young receivers take a step forward and having a full year in this offense, begin to actually run the precise routes that a Martz offense is predicated upon?

Will the new offensive line, bolstered by first round draft pick Gabe Carimi, and hopefully at least one more player, allow Cutler the time he needs to throw downfield?

Well, I say that yes, the offense will be better, although with Matt Forte in the backfield and catching passes he will remain a vital cog in this offense if he's healthy and productive again.

With that said, I predict the stats for the offense for 2011. Let's go! 

QB Jay Cutler

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CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 23: Quarterback Jay Cutler #6 of the Chicago Bears runs the ball ahead of Clay Matthews #52 of the Green Bay Packers in the second quarter of the NFC Championship Game at Soldier Field on January 23, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. (Pho

Cutler's second year in the Martz system will prove to be a very good one for the Bears signal caller.

In fact, Cutler will continue to throw a few more interceptions that we'd all like, but he throws for touchdowns and for more yardage.

His new offensive line blocks better for him, which allows him more time in the pocket to spot open receivers downfield.

Meanwhile, the receivers take a step forward as they grow more accustomed to the system and they mature as players. I'd still like to see a solid veteran wideout added to the mix, however.

 CMP    ATT    YDS    CMP%    TD    INT    RAT

RB Matt Forte

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 23: Matt Forte #22 of the Chicago Bears runs the ball against the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship Game at Soldier Field on January 23, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

Forte proves once again that his sophomore season was a fluke or due to injury, as he continues to run well and the Bears line makes bigger holes for him to run through in 2011.

He continues to be an effective weapon catching balls out of the backfield, too.

With more passing attempts by Cutler, his receiving yards go up while his running yardage is even more effective and he increases the number of times he hits paydirt.

Rushing

ATT    YDS    AVG    TD    FUM

Receiving

REC    YDS    AVG    TD

WR Johnny Knox

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)

Knox takes a big step forward in his second year in the Martz offense, and he stays healthy. That combination, along with Cutler's improved season with better blocking, results in a great year for Knox.

Knox runs better routes, improving his ability to separate and just as importantly, goes for the ball more. In other words, he needs to be more aggressive and fight for the ball like he wants it more than the d-back.

I say he is successful in accomplishing all those things in 2011.

REC    YDS       AVG    TD

WR Earl Bennett

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CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 23: Earl Bennett #80 of the Chicago Bears has the ball fly over his head while taking on the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship Game at Soldier Field on January 23, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty I

Bennett is a favorite target for Cutler, and even with the huge season from Knox, gets more balls thrown his way in 2011.

Bennett becomes the underneath slot-type of possession guy and he continues to improve as Devin Hester unfortunately does not.

REC    YDS       AVG    TD

WR Devin Hester

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 16: Devin Hester #23 of the Chicago Bears returns a kick against the Seattle Seahawks in the 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Soldier Field on January 16, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

As Hester continues his assault on the punt and kick return record books, his days dreaming of becoming a true premium wide receiver in the NFL are dwindling.

Hester piles up some yardage due to Cutler's big year, but overall, he is not as much a part of the passing game as the Bears once envisioned. 

REC    YDS       AVG    TD

RB Chester Taylor

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CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 23: Running back Chester Taylor #29 of the Chicago Bears reacts after scoring a one-yard fourth quarter touchdown against the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship Game at Soldier Field on January 23, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois.

Taylor had a miserable season in 2010. In fact, it was the statistically worst year for any back with more than 100 carries in the history of the NFL.

You read that right, folks.

Despite his dismal performance, don't believe the rumors of his being released. The majority of his contract was front loaded, so it makes sense to bring him back for another season.

With an improved line, and despite being another year older, I see Taylor having a much better season. But not great by any means.

But he does move closer to his career averages.

ATT    YDS    AVG    TD    FUM

TE Greg Olsen

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 16: Tight end Greg Olsen #82 of the Chicago Bears catches a 58-yard touchdown in the first quarter in front of Lawyer Milloy #36 of the Seattle Seahawks in the 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Soldier Field on January 16, 2011 in

Olsen's situation is difficult to determine. If the line blocks better than Martz goes back to being Martz, then I wouldn't expect Olsen to get more opportunities than he did in 2010.

However, if Cutler has the big season I predict, the catches have to come from somewhere other than the three wideouts I've listed.

I don't think any of the other tight ends do much more than block, even though I do like Kellen Davis, so let's give Olsen a few more catches and TDs in 2011, shall we?

Yes we shall. Hey, it's my article.

REC    YDS       AVG    TD