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Chicago Bears Football Preview

Contributor: Mark SouthSideHitMan Last Year Record: 13-3 Last Year Summary: The Bears were arguably one of the best teams in the NFC last year at the start of the season. Chicago didn't disappoint by starting off strong and reaching 6-0 before suffering their first loss against the Dolphins. This proved to only be a blip on the radar as the Bears finished 5-1 in their division and 11-1 in conference. Their only conference and division loss was a meaningless game to the Packers late in the season. The Bears were able to beat last years super bowl runner up the Seahawks and then spanked the Saints at home to reach the Super Bowl for the first time since the 1985-1986 season. However the Colts proved to be too much for the Bears and lost in the Super bowl.
Key Losses: Thomas Jones, Chris Harris, Cameron Worrell, Todd Johnson Key Additions: Darvin Walker, Adam Archuleta Team Strength: Defense and Special Teams Da Bears are lead by their solid defense and Special Teams. Let's start with defense. This team which runs the classic cover two has playmakers at every level. Their defense will feature many of the same players. The secondary should be slightly upgraded with Adam Archuleta in the fold. Archuleta had a bad season in Washington but look for him to fit in seamlessly with this unit, and reunite with his former defensive coach Lovie Smith. Both starting corners got paid this off season and look for them to improve on a stellar year last year. Of course the biggest question mark in the secondary is Mike Brown, but Browns appears ready to stay on the field this season and still remains the leader and playmaker of this group. The linebacking core in anchored by superstar Brian Urlacher. Expect Brian to play with the same intensity and skill set that he has since he broke into the league as a rookie. This group starts and ends with his play on the field. Now that Lance Briggs has 7.2 million reasons to play this year expect him to play at the same level he played at last year. Hillenmeyer, Hunter returns for another season and the Bears can expect another solid season out of one of the teams most under rated players. Also in the fold will be 2nd year player Jamar Williams who was drafted as an insurance policy for Lance, but has impressed coachs since being drafted 2 years ago. Defensive line is the biggest question mark on this defense. Tommie Harris returns from a serious injury. Tank Johnsons former position will be filled by Harris former Oklahoma teammate Dvoracek, Dusty and Darvin Walker. I personally expect big things out of Dvoracek and I am looking forward to seeing him have an outstanding "rookie" season. Having seen him play in college he's definitely a motor guy with a mean streak. I like what he brings to the table as a defensive tackle. The Bears return all three ends from last year. However I expect that Alex Brown may be moved before the season begins with the emergence of Mark Anderson. Browns salary and lack of production have allow the emergence of Mark Anderson. Anderson will be hard pressed to repeat last years amazing numbers but expect another solid season out of him. As far as special teams is concerned Robbie Gould has looked good this preseason and has shown that he has above average leg strength. All NFL fans know explosive special teamer Devin "hurricane" Hester, will lead this special teams unit. However, Devin Hester will have a special package in the offense this year. The Bears should be able to spread defenses out with Hester on the field. Hester has looked explosive on offense and special teams so far. Team Weakness: Offense and Quarterback This season will again be defined by the play of quarterback Rex Grossman. Gross starts the season healthy and is looking to provide consistency, last year he started every game for the first time in his career. This offense will only go as far as Rex Grossman will be able to lead them. If he is able to improve on last years up and down performances the bears offense will be much improved, as the organization has done a good job surrounding him with play makers

2007 Projected Team MVP: Rex Grossman

Rex Grossman as I mentioned before will need to lead this team, and now takes a years worth of game experience into the season. The Bears should again be solid in the running game with former number #4 overall pick Cedric Benson as the featured back. This should allow Grossman to execute off of play action which is Grossman's strength. Grossman has also spent a lot of time in the offseason working on his footwork and decision making two areas he needs improvement in. Lovie Smith and Jerry Angelo have done an excellent job surrounding Rex with playmakers. Bernard Berrian should be equally as impressive during the 2007 season, expect over 1,200 yards and 10 Touchdown for his break out year. Also look for Rookies Greg Olsen and Garrett Wolfe to help Grossman put up career numbers. Also, Devin "The Hurricane" Hester should get between 5-10 touches each game not to mention his touches on special teams. As long as his special teams numbers don't fall this should open things up for the offense considerably.

2007 Projected Record: 11-5

The Bears are a much improved team from the one that went to the Super bowl last year, however look for 11-5 season out of the Bears as they play a very difficult schedule.

They start the season in San Diego, and finish against the Saints, two playoff teams from last year. They also play the Chiefs, Cowboys, Eagles and Seahawks. However another division title should be in their future.

2007 Season Projection Summary:

The Bears are without a doubt the team to beat in this division. Chicago is home to the best defense and special teams in the division and possibly the conference. With the offense up coming I'll be surprised if they don't have this division wrapped up by week 12. Expect this team to make another Super bowl trip and take home the Lombardi Trophy, however, this maybe more difficult than last year if the Bears fail to clinch home field advantage through the playoffs. Final prediction Super bowl Champs!