It's been quite a Jekyll & Hyde 4 games for our defense - absolutely dominant in the first 3 quarters of a game, and absolutely terrible in the 4th quarter.
While I think their performance is somewhat lacking, I can't hold them as closely to the fire as I do the offense. I actually think Babich has done a great job calling this defense, he's been much more creative and strategic in his calls than Rivera ever was.
But the combination of injuries, lack of secondary depth, and too much time on the field have led to poor performances late in the games by the defense. While some argue that defense can 'make its own rest' by making stops & getting off the field, it is imperative that the ofense is bale to hold onto the ball, move the ball, and score some points for any defense to have sustainable success. Playing 35-40 minutes in a game DOES wear out even the most well-conditioned defense, and fatigue compounds the possibility of injury for the members of that defense.
I think the D has done a dcent job considering the injuries & the amount of time they have spent on the field, and I am confident that the returns of Briggs, Tillman, Vasher, and Tommie Harris (who only played as a situational rusher against Detroit) will right the D's ship.
It would be easy to go off on Jerry Angelo for trading away Dante Wesley & Chris Harris, both of whom would provide some much needed relief in the secondary right about now, but I still think he made the right football decision. We had a surplus of guys in those positions at the time, we had no indication that guys would get hurt to the extent they have (Mike Brown excluded), and Harris & Wesley were the 2 guys who were not locked up for the long term, and for whom we could get something of value in return. I do think that our DB coach has a very important role throughout the rest of this year and before the 2008 season begins...to develop all these young draft picks into serviceable DBs. Kevin Payne at safety, and McBride & Graham at CB, are going to be our secondary depth/special teams guys for the next 2-3 years by virtue of their draft standing (and possibly potential starter for Payne), so it is imperative that these guys are brought up to speed ASAP so we don't see such a hug drop-off in the event of future injuries to our CBs.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Monday, October 1, 2007
Game 4 - Bears/Lions
Most depressing game in quite some time. I feel worse after this game than I did last week, and even worse than I did after we lost the Super Bowl. Not only did we lose a game, not only did our offense play like it was 2004 and our defense give up an NFL RECORD 34 points in the 4th quarter, but this game exposed serious flaws that will almost certainly doom this team and keep us out of the playof hunt. Quite a wet blanket, coming off a Super Bowl season.
While I thought Griese looked better than Rex has this year, he still made too many mistakes. 2 of his interceptions appeared to be due to being off in the timing of his throws, which can be corrected. Nonetheless, he didn't inspire anyone.
The o-line sucks. They couldn't open any holes for the running game, and they couldn't kleep Griese on his feet. The entire right side of our line stinks. Angelo is gonna need to draft a tackle on the first day this offseason, and better pray that Beekman develops into a starting caliber guard sooner than later.
Ditto for our WRs. Moose Muhammad is a fraud with slow feet and average hands. He is paid like a #1 receiver, performs like a #4. Berrian is IMO a potentially great #2, but he's playing way too inconsistently. Hester is way too much of a project to count on, and Davis simply isn't talented enough to make a consistent impact. Mark Badley is my 1 hope, as he is talented as hell and has performed well in every opporuntity he's been given, but for whatever reason Lovie & Turner refuse to give him any opportunities. At this point I don't care what he did or who he pissed off, we are desperate for production at that position and he is our best chance for that.
And shame on Ron Turner. We have a 'thunder & lightning' potential combo at the TE position in Clark & Olsen...Olsen the lightning fast rookie with upside through the roof, and Clark the tough vet who's coming off a career year and playing at a high level once again. Ditto for the RBs...Benson & Wolfe could be an electrifying combination, but Turner's unimaginative gameplans and insistence on calling the same highschool level plays time after time have damned this offense. The hallmark of a successful offensive coordinator is the ability to make game plans which take advantgae of your talent, and make adjustments when the defense is keyed in on your gameplan. Just look at guys like Ken Whisenant, Charlie Weis, Bill Walsh, Tom Moore, Mike Martz. No matter where they go, who their RB/QB/WR are, they find a way to move the ball and score points.
And it's not like the Bears don't have talented guys. Benson is a horse when he gets 25 touches up the gut, but Turner is throwing him pitches to the outside. Wolfe is a great open field runner, but barely gets the ball. Olsen & Clark could be a nightmare with Olsen stretching the field down the seam and Clark maneuvering underneath, but neither has been used particularly effectively. Berrian is a great downfield threat, but is being used on 12-15 yard 'posession receiver' type routes. And Bradley is the most talented WR on this team hands down, and he's riding the pine.
While I will maintain the Bears o-line is the biggest problem on that side of the ball, Turner has not made any adjustments in his blocking scheme or play calling to open holes for the runners, or creating time in the pocket for our QBs. If this offense doesn't turn around significantly by the bye week (conveniently located in the dead center of our schedule), I think Lovie's got a big decision as to whether Turner is really the guy to lead this offense into the future.
On a final note, while I have admittedly been a huge Jerry Angelo fan, he must also be held accountable. His offensive line is old and withering, and while with Metcalfe & Beekman he has a promising pair of backups, our tackle position is in need of an influx of young talent fast, and we have no one waiting in the wings. Also, the WR position needs a complete overhaul. Berrian is fine - as a #2. Davis is fine - as a #4 or 5. Hester is fine, if you can incorporate him into the offense without gimmicks that opposing defenses can easily stop (ie right now). Bradley should get an opportunity to start, and Moose should be gone. Either a big free agent pick-up or a high draft pick is a must at this position this off-season.
More on the defense tomorrow.
While I thought Griese looked better than Rex has this year, he still made too many mistakes. 2 of his interceptions appeared to be due to being off in the timing of his throws, which can be corrected. Nonetheless, he didn't inspire anyone.
The o-line sucks. They couldn't open any holes for the running game, and they couldn't kleep Griese on his feet. The entire right side of our line stinks. Angelo is gonna need to draft a tackle on the first day this offseason, and better pray that Beekman develops into a starting caliber guard sooner than later.
Ditto for our WRs. Moose Muhammad is a fraud with slow feet and average hands. He is paid like a #1 receiver, performs like a #4. Berrian is IMO a potentially great #2, but he's playing way too inconsistently. Hester is way too much of a project to count on, and Davis simply isn't talented enough to make a consistent impact. Mark Badley is my 1 hope, as he is talented as hell and has performed well in every opporuntity he's been given, but for whatever reason Lovie & Turner refuse to give him any opportunities. At this point I don't care what he did or who he pissed off, we are desperate for production at that position and he is our best chance for that.
And shame on Ron Turner. We have a 'thunder & lightning' potential combo at the TE position in Clark & Olsen...Olsen the lightning fast rookie with upside through the roof, and Clark the tough vet who's coming off a career year and playing at a high level once again. Ditto for the RBs...Benson & Wolfe could be an electrifying combination, but Turner's unimaginative gameplans and insistence on calling the same highschool level plays time after time have damned this offense. The hallmark of a successful offensive coordinator is the ability to make game plans which take advantgae of your talent, and make adjustments when the defense is keyed in on your gameplan. Just look at guys like Ken Whisenant, Charlie Weis, Bill Walsh, Tom Moore, Mike Martz. No matter where they go, who their RB/QB/WR are, they find a way to move the ball and score points.
And it's not like the Bears don't have talented guys. Benson is a horse when he gets 25 touches up the gut, but Turner is throwing him pitches to the outside. Wolfe is a great open field runner, but barely gets the ball. Olsen & Clark could be a nightmare with Olsen stretching the field down the seam and Clark maneuvering underneath, but neither has been used particularly effectively. Berrian is a great downfield threat, but is being used on 12-15 yard 'posession receiver' type routes. And Bradley is the most talented WR on this team hands down, and he's riding the pine.
While I will maintain the Bears o-line is the biggest problem on that side of the ball, Turner has not made any adjustments in his blocking scheme or play calling to open holes for the runners, or creating time in the pocket for our QBs. If this offense doesn't turn around significantly by the bye week (conveniently located in the dead center of our schedule), I think Lovie's got a big decision as to whether Turner is really the guy to lead this offense into the future.
On a final note, while I have admittedly been a huge Jerry Angelo fan, he must also be held accountable. His offensive line is old and withering, and while with Metcalfe & Beekman he has a promising pair of backups, our tackle position is in need of an influx of young talent fast, and we have no one waiting in the wings. Also, the WR position needs a complete overhaul. Berrian is fine - as a #2. Davis is fine - as a #4 or 5. Hester is fine, if you can incorporate him into the offense without gimmicks that opposing defenses can easily stop (ie right now). Bradley should get an opportunity to start, and Moose should be gone. Either a big free agent pick-up or a high draft pick is a must at this position this off-season.
More on the defense tomorrow.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Bears/Boys - Game 3
Football Night in America on NBC and the Bears drop game 3 to the Cowboys by a score of 34-10.
There's not much good to say here. The play of our TEs was encouraging. We didn't miss any field goals or extra points. Benson scored a TD.
Rather than write a 10,000 word post on all the horrible things Grossman did, I'll make it really simple: everyone's got him figured out. Those great games last year? He sneaked up on people. Now defenses know: he doesn't step up, you can pressure him, and when you do he loses his vision and telegraphs passes. Or throws them into triple coverage. And yes, the offensive line shares some blame for the sacks, but the Bears had a hand on Romo easily a half a dozen times that he got away from. Rex has had something like 25 runs in his professional career - a staggering 22 of them have been taking a knee. He won't run and teams know that.
And folks, when the offense was doing its job (check out the first half time-of-possession), the Bears D shut down arguably the best offense in the league. This loss rests squarely on the shoulders of the offense. By the way, has anyone seen Cedric Benson? Last I saw him, he was scoring. I still don't understand how he goes missing in games.
So now we're off to Detroit next week. We're banged up and need a gut-check.
I think T.O. just caught another pass.
There's not much good to say here. The play of our TEs was encouraging. We didn't miss any field goals or extra points. Benson scored a TD.
Rather than write a 10,000 word post on all the horrible things Grossman did, I'll make it really simple: everyone's got him figured out. Those great games last year? He sneaked up on people. Now defenses know: he doesn't step up, you can pressure him, and when you do he loses his vision and telegraphs passes. Or throws them into triple coverage. And yes, the offensive line shares some blame for the sacks, but the Bears had a hand on Romo easily a half a dozen times that he got away from. Rex has had something like 25 runs in his professional career - a staggering 22 of them have been taking a knee. He won't run and teams know that.
And folks, when the offense was doing its job (check out the first half time-of-possession), the Bears D shut down arguably the best offense in the league. This loss rests squarely on the shoulders of the offense. By the way, has anyone seen Cedric Benson? Last I saw him, he was scoring. I still don't understand how he goes missing in games.
So now we're off to Detroit next week. We're banged up and need a gut-check.
I think T.O. just caught another pass.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Bears/Chiefs - Game 2
So KC rolled into town this past weekend, and the Bears sent them home still winless. Final: Bears 20-10.
Highs and Lows:
Highs: From the get-go, Lance Briggs was playing out of his head. He was in on seemingly every play. The defense as a whole played strong, with the exception of a Chiefs drive right before the half that resulted in points. There was a lot of crisp hitting; again, these guys already look like they're in mid-season form. Walker and Manning stepped up in starting roles, with no noticeable drop off from the injuries of Week 1. The offense started out OK. The first half wasn't spectacular, but it also wasn't plagued by poor quarterback play (more on that in a minute). Benson ran the ball with some authority and finished with a 100-yard game. And Devin Hester, let's not forget him. What can you say about this guy? He's probably the most electrifying player in the league. And lastly, we got in the "win" column.
Lows: Well, I mentioned that drive before the half. Not pretty. Turnovers continue to be a problem. The only offensive points scored so far this year are to a reserve offensive lineman. Not good. And Grossman? When he's bad, he's horrid. Those two picks were just beyond awful. And the timing of his implosion - hanging on to a lead late in a game, when you should be trying to grind out the clock as much as possible - couldn't have come at a worse time (well, unless you consider that pick against Indy when they were only down by 5 points in a game they should have been getting blown out of because of how crappy the offense was playing. Not that I'm bitter.). What else? Oh, yeah, hopefully we get Maynard back from injury this week - watching Gould punt made me a little nervous. That's our second most valuable offensive player.
Most Valuable Bears? I'd say Hester, Briggs, and Benson. Most Likely To Get Run Out Of Town If He Keeps Turning The Ball Over? Tough call.
Highs and Lows:
Highs: From the get-go, Lance Briggs was playing out of his head. He was in on seemingly every play. The defense as a whole played strong, with the exception of a Chiefs drive right before the half that resulted in points. There was a lot of crisp hitting; again, these guys already look like they're in mid-season form. Walker and Manning stepped up in starting roles, with no noticeable drop off from the injuries of Week 1. The offense started out OK. The first half wasn't spectacular, but it also wasn't plagued by poor quarterback play (more on that in a minute). Benson ran the ball with some authority and finished with a 100-yard game. And Devin Hester, let's not forget him. What can you say about this guy? He's probably the most electrifying player in the league. And lastly, we got in the "win" column.
Lows: Well, I mentioned that drive before the half. Not pretty. Turnovers continue to be a problem. The only offensive points scored so far this year are to a reserve offensive lineman. Not good. And Grossman? When he's bad, he's horrid. Those two picks were just beyond awful. And the timing of his implosion - hanging on to a lead late in a game, when you should be trying to grind out the clock as much as possible - couldn't have come at a worse time (well, unless you consider that pick against Indy when they were only down by 5 points in a game they should have been getting blown out of because of how crappy the offense was playing. Not that I'm bitter.). What else? Oh, yeah, hopefully we get Maynard back from injury this week - watching Gould punt made me a little nervous. That's our second most valuable offensive player.
Most Valuable Bears? I'd say Hester, Briggs, and Benson. Most Likely To Get Run Out Of Town If He Keeps Turning The Ball Over? Tough call.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
#30
I would be remiss if I didn't dedicate a post to one of my favorite, and for my money one of the greatest, Bears of all-time: Mike Brown.
Confirmation came today that he tore an ACL and will be out for the rest of the year. Make no misktake - NO ONE was surpised by this. Not the Bears...they had already planned for this by drafting Danieal Manning, Kevin Payne, and signing Adam Archuleta. Not the fans...we've seen this happen each of the past 3 years. Not even Brown himself...the tears and frustration in his voice the other night had nothing to do with physical pain, or disappointment for missing this season...it had to do with him realizing this was the 4th season in a row ended prematurely (extremely prematurely in 3 of the 4 seasons) due to a lower leg injury, and that 30 year old safeties with 1 year left on a contract who have missed the majority of the prior 4 seasons aren't exactly coveted commodities in the N(ot)F(or)L(long) these days.
All that considered, it's still a crushing blow. This guys is the captain of the defense, on and off the field. All his coaches and teammates swear by him. He has made more impact plays in his 8 year career than every other Bears defender combined during said timeframe. The defense has been at the top of the league in the times he's played, and remained good but not great in the times he's missed. There is no way Reggie Wayne gets so open for a 50 yard touchdown in the Super Bowl if Mike Brown was playing center field. None. Something like that might've changed the complexion of that whole game. We should still win our division, and contend for a spot in the Super Bowl, but anyone who thinks our chances didn't take a MAJOR hit losing Brown & Dusty on Sunday is fooling themself.
As a Mike Brown fan, I hope his surgery/rehab goes perfectly, and he's 100% by May 1 for minicamps and OTAs.
As a Bears fan, I hope Archuleta plays like it's 2001, Danieal Manning plays up to his physical talent, and that Jerry Angelo is savvy enough to convince Brown to come back for a minimum contract next year to compete for a roster spot. While I firmly believe Brown is one of the 5 greatest Bears I've seen (since I was old enough to start understanding football...say from early 90s on), from a non-emotional standpoint, the Bears can not allow themselves to get burned by another one of his injuries, and I have a feeling we may have seen the last of him in the blue and orange.
That said, I've always thought Angelo is a hell of a GM, and Brown is a hell of a guy who loves this franchise, so I don't consider him gone just yet, but it's hard to imagine they'll bring him back after 4 straight years of dashed expectations. Then again, it's hard to picture him in anything but blue and orange.
Confirmation came today that he tore an ACL and will be out for the rest of the year. Make no misktake - NO ONE was surpised by this. Not the Bears...they had already planned for this by drafting Danieal Manning, Kevin Payne, and signing Adam Archuleta. Not the fans...we've seen this happen each of the past 3 years. Not even Brown himself...the tears and frustration in his voice the other night had nothing to do with physical pain, or disappointment for missing this season...it had to do with him realizing this was the 4th season in a row ended prematurely (extremely prematurely in 3 of the 4 seasons) due to a lower leg injury, and that 30 year old safeties with 1 year left on a contract who have missed the majority of the prior 4 seasons aren't exactly coveted commodities in the N(ot)F(or)L(long) these days.
All that considered, it's still a crushing blow. This guys is the captain of the defense, on and off the field. All his coaches and teammates swear by him. He has made more impact plays in his 8 year career than every other Bears defender combined during said timeframe. The defense has been at the top of the league in the times he's played, and remained good but not great in the times he's missed. There is no way Reggie Wayne gets so open for a 50 yard touchdown in the Super Bowl if Mike Brown was playing center field. None. Something like that might've changed the complexion of that whole game. We should still win our division, and contend for a spot in the Super Bowl, but anyone who thinks our chances didn't take a MAJOR hit losing Brown & Dusty on Sunday is fooling themself.
As a Mike Brown fan, I hope his surgery/rehab goes perfectly, and he's 100% by May 1 for minicamps and OTAs.
As a Bears fan, I hope Archuleta plays like it's 2001, Danieal Manning plays up to his physical talent, and that Jerry Angelo is savvy enough to convince Brown to come back for a minimum contract next year to compete for a roster spot. While I firmly believe Brown is one of the 5 greatest Bears I've seen (since I was old enough to start understanding football...say from early 90s on), from a non-emotional standpoint, the Bears can not allow themselves to get burned by another one of his injuries, and I have a feeling we may have seen the last of him in the blue and orange.
That said, I've always thought Angelo is a hell of a GM, and Brown is a hell of a guy who loves this franchise, so I don't consider him gone just yet, but it's hard to imagine they'll bring him back after 4 straight years of dashed expectations. Then again, it's hard to picture him in anything but blue and orange.
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Bears/Bolts - Game 1
So the Bears travelled to San Diego for the season opener and dropped the ball a few times. Final score: Bolts 14, Bears 3.
This felt suspiciously like the Bears last meaningful game, when they lost to the Colts in the Super Bowl. Namely: if they could just NOT turn the ball over, they could beat anybody. Heck, they turn the ball over and the beat a heck of a lot of teams, but they can't afford to do that against teams like the Chargers or the Colts.
Pros: the defense looked mid-season good. They held all-universe stud RB LT to 25 yards on the ground. The only Charger scores came on turnovers - the defense blanked them the rest of the game. Rex hooked up with Berrian for some pretty passes. Tommie Harris is back in a big way.
Cons: well, they lost for one. The running game was non-existent, and notable only for turning the ball over. McGowan was involved in a couple of boneheaded plays. Looked like Mike Brown sprained a knee on an uncalled hold/takedown.
Overall, I was pleased with how the defense played, but Lovie's got to get these guys to hold on to the ball.
This felt suspiciously like the Bears last meaningful game, when they lost to the Colts in the Super Bowl. Namely: if they could just NOT turn the ball over, they could beat anybody. Heck, they turn the ball over and the beat a heck of a lot of teams, but they can't afford to do that against teams like the Chargers or the Colts.
Pros: the defense looked mid-season good. They held all-universe stud RB LT to 25 yards on the ground. The only Charger scores came on turnovers - the defense blanked them the rest of the game. Rex hooked up with Berrian for some pretty passes. Tommie Harris is back in a big way.
Cons: well, they lost for one. The running game was non-existent, and notable only for turning the ball over. McGowan was involved in a couple of boneheaded plays. Looked like Mike Brown sprained a knee on an uncalled hold/takedown.
Overall, I was pleased with how the defense played, but Lovie's got to get these guys to hold on to the ball.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
19 Days Left
I have to apologize for the lack of recent updates, but I know we've both been busy, and I'm seeing this past month as a sort of 'calm before the storm' type of period. Nothing too major has happened in August (yet) but the season is right around the corner so I'm sure the pace here will get furious in the coming weeks.
Mini camps are over, training camp is over, pre-season is halfway over, and only 2 weekends remain before our Sundays are taken over by the Bears mission to bring NFL glory back to Soldier Field. That said, here are my thoughts on the team at this point:
The offense should be improved from last year, if (this is a big if) the O-line & Benson can stay healthy all year. Rex should be improved (I am giving him the benefit of the doubt for his turnovers yesterday...he's been solid throughout camp & game 1, and aside from the fumbles had a pretty decent game...hopefully he gets his head back on straight & gives us a 3200-25-15 type season). We are deeper at WR & TE than we've ever been in the years I've followed this team.
I believe Benson is a better back than Thomas Jones, but at this point I don't see Garrett Wolfe as an upgrade to Thomas Jones. So, while our starting RB should be better, the overall position has declined, since essentially we replaced Jones with Wolfe. Hopefully Wolfe can develop into a Warrick Dunn-like player, but for now this is the position that most concerns me on offense.
Specail teams we will be excellent just like last year. We lost guys like Worrell & Todd Johnson, but guys like Jamar Williams, the Ayanbadejo brothers, and Adrian Peterson will keep them strong. Plus, the addition of Archuleta & re-signing of our starting CBs means D. Manning & R. Manning get more time on special teams, which is always good. Our skill guys (Maynard, Mannelly, Gould, Hester) are the best in the league bar-none.
Defensively, I am pumped. This D has been very good for 2 years...they now have 1 more year of experience, but remain a young D.
Look at the D-line...a more experienced Mark Anderson, a slimmed-down Wale, and a pissed-off Alex Brown? I'll take that. If someone in March had offered me a trade of Ian Scott & Tank Johnson for Anthony Adams & Darwin Walker straight up? I'd have jumped on it, and thats essentially what we got. If Tommie Harris comes back 100%, look out.
LBs should remain outstanding as always, and as a unit they're even better now that Jamar Williams has stepped up as the #4 LB. Last year we had no truly reliable #4 LB, and now Williams has proven he's starting caliber material...not to mention 3rd round pick Mike Okwo, who will probably get a chance eventually.
DBs should also remain excellent. Tillman, Vasher, & R. Manning all locked up here for the long haul is as good a CB situation as we could ever hope to get. Archuleta will be an upgrade against the run, and can cover short well enough. As long as Mike Brown stays healthy I like him as a free safety...while he doesn't have the blazing speed of D Manning, he also doesn't get out of position & allow 60 yard TDs in the Super Bowl. The guy makes big plays and doesn't allow big plays, and really that's just what you want from your FS. Manning is a talent & should be improved with the year under his belt. McGowan & Payne both look to be decent special teams contributors and at least competent players in spot duty.
This team should walk away with the NFC North, and most likely get 1 of the 2 first-round byes. With a team as talented & well-coached as the Bears, they need to stay healthy & get through the regular season with an eye towards getting in the best position possible to win the Super Bowl, as anything short of that would be a failure this year.
Sorry for the long post, had alot of thoughts built up over the past month :-). I wanted to lay a basic groundwork for my optimism about the season. Before the 1st game again San Diego I'll probably write a post about my concerns for this team, and what could derail this potentially great season.
After that things will get much mroe direct & specific, once the live action begins.
Bear Down.
Mini camps are over, training camp is over, pre-season is halfway over, and only 2 weekends remain before our Sundays are taken over by the Bears mission to bring NFL glory back to Soldier Field. That said, here are my thoughts on the team at this point:
The offense should be improved from last year, if (this is a big if) the O-line & Benson can stay healthy all year. Rex should be improved (I am giving him the benefit of the doubt for his turnovers yesterday...he's been solid throughout camp & game 1, and aside from the fumbles had a pretty decent game...hopefully he gets his head back on straight & gives us a 3200-25-15 type season). We are deeper at WR & TE than we've ever been in the years I've followed this team.
I believe Benson is a better back than Thomas Jones, but at this point I don't see Garrett Wolfe as an upgrade to Thomas Jones. So, while our starting RB should be better, the overall position has declined, since essentially we replaced Jones with Wolfe. Hopefully Wolfe can develop into a Warrick Dunn-like player, but for now this is the position that most concerns me on offense.
Specail teams we will be excellent just like last year. We lost guys like Worrell & Todd Johnson, but guys like Jamar Williams, the Ayanbadejo brothers, and Adrian Peterson will keep them strong. Plus, the addition of Archuleta & re-signing of our starting CBs means D. Manning & R. Manning get more time on special teams, which is always good. Our skill guys (Maynard, Mannelly, Gould, Hester) are the best in the league bar-none.
Defensively, I am pumped. This D has been very good for 2 years...they now have 1 more year of experience, but remain a young D.
Look at the D-line...a more experienced Mark Anderson, a slimmed-down Wale, and a pissed-off Alex Brown? I'll take that. If someone in March had offered me a trade of Ian Scott & Tank Johnson for Anthony Adams & Darwin Walker straight up? I'd have jumped on it, and thats essentially what we got. If Tommie Harris comes back 100%, look out.
LBs should remain outstanding as always, and as a unit they're even better now that Jamar Williams has stepped up as the #4 LB. Last year we had no truly reliable #4 LB, and now Williams has proven he's starting caliber material...not to mention 3rd round pick Mike Okwo, who will probably get a chance eventually.
DBs should also remain excellent. Tillman, Vasher, & R. Manning all locked up here for the long haul is as good a CB situation as we could ever hope to get. Archuleta will be an upgrade against the run, and can cover short well enough. As long as Mike Brown stays healthy I like him as a free safety...while he doesn't have the blazing speed of D Manning, he also doesn't get out of position & allow 60 yard TDs in the Super Bowl. The guy makes big plays and doesn't allow big plays, and really that's just what you want from your FS. Manning is a talent & should be improved with the year under his belt. McGowan & Payne both look to be decent special teams contributors and at least competent players in spot duty.
This team should walk away with the NFC North, and most likely get 1 of the 2 first-round byes. With a team as talented & well-coached as the Bears, they need to stay healthy & get through the regular season with an eye towards getting in the best position possible to win the Super Bowl, as anything short of that would be a failure this year.
Sorry for the long post, had alot of thoughts built up over the past month :-). I wanted to lay a basic groundwork for my optimism about the season. Before the 1st game again San Diego I'll probably write a post about my concerns for this team, and what could derail this potentially great season.
After that things will get much mroe direct & specific, once the live action begins.
Bear Down.
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