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2010 National Football League Predictions: The Bears
Jay Cutler’s first season in Chicago did not go as he had planned. While he passed for a career-high 27 touchdown strikes, he also led the league with 26 interceptions. With Jay Cutler not playing up to his Pro Bowl status, the Chicago Bears managed only seven wins.
Following last season, it was evident that the Chicago Bears needed more upgrades. So they brought in defensive end Julius Peppers and RB Chester Taylor. They also added Mike Martz and Mike Tice to the coaching staff.
With these additions, Chicago is optimistic that they can contend for an NFC North title. That is, as long as Cutler has a come back back year.
Offense: While Jay Cutler took a ton of heat for Chicago’s offensive woes, he wasn’t the only one to blame. His job was not easy playing behind a disappointing offensive line, and he received no help from the running game.
If Tice can get more out of the boys up front, Chicago should be able to do better than the 93.2 yards per game it gained rushing last season, especially now that Taylor has been brought in to aid Matt Forte.
Forte was not able to build on the 1,238 yards he gained in his first season. Forte most likely won’t run for that many yards this season either, but the Bears’ running game is in better shape after adding another versatile running back.
Cutler did not start to jell with the receiving unit until late last year. Once he did, Chicago started to play much better football. While Chicago does not have a true No. 1 wideout, Devin Hester, Earl Bennett, Johnny Knox and Devin Aromashodu are all capable of big games. Martz should also be able to look more ways to get tight end Greg Olsen involved.
If the rushing game is better, Cutler will be better. He forced way too many passes last year because the offense was not able to find a way to move the ball.
Defense: Chicago’s pass rush has been inconsistent the last few seasons, but Peppers should instantly shore things up. We’re speaking about a freakish athlete who has made 10.5 or more sacks in five of the last six years. His presence up front should also revitalize former Pro Bowler Tommy Harris.
Lance Briggs may now be the Bears’ best linebacker, but Brian Urlacher is still the heart and soul of this defense. The Bears missed his leadership and big play ability a lot when he missed nearly all of 2009 with a wrist injury. If Pisa Tinoisamoa could avoid the injury bug, the Bears’ have as good a linebacker group as any team in the NFL.
Charles Tillman and Zack Bowman are good cornerbacks, but the Bears need better play from their safeties. They are hoping that third round pick Major Wright will be able to help the safety unit from day one.
Prediction: 3rd NFC North – After adding guys like Peppers and Taylor, the Bears will be a better football team then they were last year. The question now is if they can put it all together. Jay Cutler did not seem to settle in up until late last season, and Chicago can’t afford their new guys to take that long. Chicago should be better in 2010, but it might be asking to much for them to overtake Minnesota and the Packers. NFL odds makers currently have listed the Chicago Bears at +350 to win the NFC North.
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