Chicago Bears: What Are the Reasonable Expectations for Mike Martz' Offense?

There may be a lot of questions surrounding the 2011 season for the Bears, but the million dollar question has to be how the Mike Martz offense will look this year. 

Will they execute crisp passes into timed routes by a deadly accurate Jay Cutler and receivers who are at the exact spot they need to be, or will the offense once again be an epic fail?

After a full season, we're still waiting to see the real Martz offense. No wait, let me restate that. We don't want to see the true Martz offense, because the "Greatest Show on Sod" just won't cut it given the awful field conditions at Soldier Field.

Jay Cutler

The Bears QB came into camp having shed some baby fat and has looked good this preseason. He has good zip on the ball, improved footwork and has even taken on a more vocal leadership role thus far.

This bodes well for the leader of the Martz offense. Now, if Jay can just eliminate that tendency to throw interceptions in the red zone, we'll be cooking with gas.

I actually do expect a real solid season from Cutler. He seems more dedicated and confident. As Jay goes, so goes the offense.

Play Calling

A variation of the Martz traditional high-flying offense would be fine by me. But I'm just looking for something a bit more exciting than 2010, when Chicago ranked 30th in the league in offense and consistently struggled in the red zone.

Don't get me wrong, I still favor a balanced attack. We all noticed the improvement following the bye week last season when the Bears, in an attempt to save Cutler's life, started running the ball more.

But if the offensive line is better than last year, and the early showings are optimistic, a less predictable and more explosive offense should be in the offing.

The Receiver Corps

Again, I still stress that the Bears need to run the ball. However, taking those long shots downfield will spread the defense and keep the opposing defense from stacking the box against the Bears.

I really like Earl Bennett and Dane Sanzenbacher in a controlled, slot/seam passing attack, complemented by speedy wideouts Devin Hester and Johnny Knox.

Hopefully, with better pass protection and another year in Martz's system, Cutler and the receivers should start to click.

Where that leaves Roy Williams is anybody's guess. If he's motivated and in game shape, I suppose his height could make him a candidate to go and get balls that would elude the shorter receivers.

But I actually have hope for this offense. No, it's not going to be a high-flying style like Martz had in St. Louis, but it should be better than last season.

The Running Game

In addition to the improvements in the passing game, the rushing attack should be better. They still have Matt Forte, who should be primed for an even bigger season as he does a dash for the cash.

But I especially like the combination of Marion Barber and Kahlil Bell over Chester Taylor.

Taylor was awful last year, though he was placed into a role which didn't fit his skills. Barber is a much stronger, more punishing back, capable of carrying the load of the third down and short yardage conversions.

Of course, he needs to stay healthy and that may be a problem with all the hits he has taken in hi career. He's currently nursing an injury right now, though he's supposed to be ready for opening day.

The Offensive Line

Once again, it all goes back to the blocking. Without a strong and effective line, this offense isn't going anywhere.

Gabe Carimi, the rookie first rounder out of Wisconsin, will make his share of mistakes, but looks like he can hold his own.

And perhaps the biggest surprise of camp has been the play of Chris Williams. Nobody has been harder than I have on the kid, but so far, so good.

How the Roberto Garza under center experiment will work and whether J'Marcus Webb can protect the blind side are huge questions.

But if Lance Louis continues playing better, along with the improved showing by Williams and the addition of Carimi, this could be a plus for the Bears in 2011.

Intangibles

Another year in the complicated Martz system should help these guys to better position themselves and understand the nuances and finer points of the schemes.

Also, not having Todd Collins as the backup QB if something happens to Cutler is a plus. He should not have been listed a second on the depth chart, as we found out so painfully during the NFC championship game.

It's not that Caleb Hanie is so good, it's just that saying goodbye to Collins equals addition by subtraction.

Conclusion

I expect this offense to take a step forward this year, with better blocking and another year of knowledge in the system.

I'd still think our running game will be used quite a bit, but I'm hoping that the offense takes more chances and goes for the home run once in awhile.

I definitely think Cutler can amass close to 5,000 yards while Forte can still get his 1,000 yards rushing. And I like the possibility of having dependable possession targets to throw to.

All in all, this should be a more exciting brand of football in 2011.