2011 Chicago Bears Football: Why the Bears Are Contenders

The Bears needed to have a statement game to start the season, and boy did they get it. With opening the 2011 season with a game at home vs. the very talented Atlanta Falcons in week one, followed by a contest at the Saints game two; it was imperative for a fast start.

The Bears clicked on all cylinders both offensively and defensively. The Defense racked up 5 sacks on the day, and Urlacher looked like the player from several seasons ago. Here are my keys to the 30-12 beat down of the Falcons.

Brian Urlacher Came Up Big

Brian Urlacher was all over the field on Sunday, and he made Matt Ryan’s day a very difficult one as a result. The captain registered 10 tackles, an interception and a fumble recovery for a TD.

Not bad for a guy 33 years old. If this future hall of famer can come up with big games like Sundays performance all season, the Bears will be a force once again in the NFC.

More importantly the defense rallied around Urlacher, and played an outstanding all-around game; holding a very tough ATL offense to four field goals.

Matt Forte Was Dynamic

Matt Forte had a huge game on Sunday. He led the team in rushing with 68 yards, and receiving with 90 yards and a TD. Hey Bears management, will you please pay the man.

Forte is well worth the money, and he is proving it with his play on the field. When 22 plays to his potential, the Bears offense is very dangerous.

Jay Cutler Played Well

Jay Cutler bounced back after an offseason in which he took shots from several media outlets and fellow NFL players. I have to give Cutler his props, he came to camp in great shape and played very well in the season opener.

The man from Santa Claus, Indiana tossed for 322 yards and two TDs while completing just shy of 70 percent of his passes. If Jay can play at this level consistently, Bears fans will be ecstatic this season.

The Receivers Stepped Up

There was a lot of negativity surrounding the Chicago receiving core in recent weeks, however the group played very well vs. the Falcons. Devin Hester, Johnny Knox, and Roy Williams combined for 175 yards receiving and they consistently got open for Cutler; a statement that was not made many times last season.

With the addition of Roy Williams to the fold, the offense finally has a possession receiver that they have lacked in past seasons.

Julius Peppers Dominated the Falcon O-Line

Julius Peppers was dominant vs. the Falcons. The DE registered three tackles, two sacks, and forced one fumble. For the Bears to make another playoff run this season, the Bears defense has to be tough.

If opposing offenses can’t block number 90, Coach Lovie Smith’s notorious stout defense will be great in 2011.