Chicago Bears season preview

Last years record: 13-3 (lost super bowl)
Coach: Lovie Smith


Key Addition: The Bears didn't really add any free agents this season except for a overpaid safety in Adam Archuleta. He could start but he won't have that much of an impact.

Key Loss: Thomas Jones RB: Jones was always reliable when needed and helped lead a strong Bears rushing attack. Either way though Cedric Benson a former top 5 pick would have taken his job.


Draft: The Bears' draft has potential to be a good one as the first three picks should all make an impact this season. Greg Olsen is a great pass catching tight end who could start by the end of the year. Dan Bazuin of Central Michigan could be a solid situational pass rusher and become a goo d player. Garrett Wolfe the running back out of Northern Illinois could be a great 3rd down running back as he is a threat to score every time he touches the ball.

Offense: The main thing for the Bears is can Rex Grossman be consistent for a whole season? If he is it could be another good season for the Bears. Cedric Benson who is now the starting running back could have a solid season as he had 650 yards last year on 150 carries. Bernard Berrian should become a number one receiver as Mushin Muhammed is getting older. Berrian is a great deep threat and could have 1000 yards this year. The tight ends should also get involved as Desmond Clark had over 600 yards and Olsen should contribute immediately. Plus the explosive Devin Hester is going to get involved and could score a couple touchdowns and be a great decoy at times.


Defense: If Lance Briggs returns after his contract situation and doesn't hold out, the Bears defense could be just as good as last year. The only departure is Tank Johnson who had so many criminal problems they didn't want him on the team. Brian Urlacher should have another pro bowl season while corners Nathan Vasher and Charles Tillman continue to improve. Plus second year defensive end Mark Anderson could have another double digit sack season. If all of that happens with the Bears, you could be seeing them in the NFC Championship come January.

Fantasy Studs:
Cedric Benson RB: Benson could have an 1000 yard season as he gets to breakout in the starting role. Plus playing the Lions and Packers doesn't hurt. He should be a no.2 running back for your team.

Bernard Berrian WR: Berrian had a breakout season last year but this one could be even better. He should have 1000 yards and maybe 6 touchdowns which would make him a very solid no.3 receiver and a low no.2.

Prediction: The Bears are still the class of the division and none of the other teams did that much to get better. My prediction is 11-5 and first place in the division.