2010 Chicago Bears preview

The good news is the Chicago Bears play in the NFL North and that division looks to be up fro grabs. The bad news is I am unconvinced they have improved their team. Sure Mike Martz was brought in to liven up the offense, and sure he has done very well with very average QB’s in the past. I don’t think the Bears have the right mix yet, they should be better than they were in 2009, but that isn’t saying a whole lot.

Jay Cutler will lead the offense, and Bears fans hope Martz can work some of his magic on him. They added TE Brandon Manumaleuna, but I have serious questions about their wide outs. Matt Forte and Chester Taylor will be the primary RB’s and they look to be a very productive duo. The offensive line is largely in tact with only a training camp battle left to determine the starting RT.

The defense of this team use to be its strength, but I don’t know how they will fare in 2010. They will run a base 4-3 scheme, and be led on the field by MLB Brian Urlacher. The big news is they added Julius Peppers to play DE, and he will need to have a big impact. This team faces questions at both safety positions and recently drafted Major Wright may end up winning the job at Free Safety.

The Special Teams unit is above average. Robbie Gould will be the kicker, with Brad Maynard as the punter. Daniel Manning will return kicks, and Devin Hester will handle punt return duties.

Related Links:

•Chicago Bears news and notes
•The Business of the NFL
•MTR Football