Chicago Bears 2005 Preview

By John Onan  |   Tuesday, August 02, 2005  |  Comments( 0 )

Chicago Bears
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Lovie Smith begins his second season with the Chicago Bears, hoping he can keep his quarterback and key pieces of his defense healthy in 2005. Starting QB Rex Grossman's season ended in Week 3 last season when he tore his ACL. Grossman will once again be expected to learn a new offense, as Former Illinois Head Coach Ron Turner begins his second tour of duty as Bears offensive coordinator.

Strengths:
Obviously, the strength of the Chicago Bears lies in its hard-hitting defense led by middle linebacker Brian Urlacher and Safety Mike Brown, who both hope to return from serious injuries. The supporting cast did an admirable job in the absence of their two star players, even though they finished the season ranked 21st in the NFL. Those numbers were misleading though, as a result of the offense putting them in such bad field-position situations because of turnovers and lack of ball control.

Defensive end Adewale Ogunleye came over from the Miami Dolphins shortly before the 2004 season, and teamed with felloe End Alex Brown to give the team its best pass rushing duo in decades. Corners Charles Tillman and Jerry Azumah also missed time in 2004 due to injury, but return healthy to form an impressive duo, which will be of utmost importance in what should be a pass-happy NFC North.

On offense, wide receiver Mushin Muhammad was signed from Carolina in the off-season to give Grossman a true #1 receiver. Muhammad led the league in receiving yards (1,405) in 2004. If they can come to terms with their first round pick, Cedric Benson, the running game should be vastly improved.

The kicking game is led by PK Doug Brien and punter Brad Maynard. Despite his failure in the playoffs with the Jets against the Steelers, Brien was solid last season. The Bears may be in plenty of close, low scoring games this year, and Brien may be in a position to win games late.

Weaknesses:
Until he shows he can stay healthy and be productive every week, Grossman remains a question mark for the team. How quickly he learns Turner's new west coast offense will be the key to the Bears offensive success.

The Chicago Bears drafted Texas RB Cedric Benson to become the franchise back they've lacked since Walter Payton, but if Benson remains unsigned holdover Thomas Jones will be called upon to improve on his 2004 numbers (948 yards 7 TDs). The Bears must control the ball and convert on third down better to take some of the pressure off the defense. There were way too many three and out drives in 2004.

Another receiver must step up, so that opposing defenses can't constantly double-team Mushin Muhammad. WRs Bobby Wade, Eddie Berlin (Free agent Tennessee) and Bernard Berrian must play key roles if this new offense is to work. TEs Desmond Clark and Dustin Lyman must also step up with blocking and pass catching in the short passing game.

The offensive line was below average in 2004, must become more consistent opening holes for the runners and protecting the fragile Grossman must become top priority.

Overview:
These Bears play hard for Lovie Smith and the return of Turner as coordinator should help Grossman, if he can stay on the field. If Grossman gets hurt again, the season will once again be lost. Also, the Bears must get Benson signed and in camp ASAP.

The defense will once again be the strength and the best in the NFC North, especially with the return of Urlacher and Brown.

This team could challenge for a Wild Card birth if the offense develops quickly, but that would be a big stretch. Like I've stated earlier, a lot rests on the health of Grossman.
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