Chicago Bears 2008 Season Preview

After falling short of expectations in 2007, the Chicago Bears return with something to prove to themselves, Bears fans and the rest of the NFC.

Chicago Bears Preview: Overview

After a Super Bowl loss to the Indianapolis Colts at the end of the 2006 season, the Chicago Bears made many questionable changes, setting the stage for an inconsistent and unstable 2007 season. Even so, the Chicago Bears entered 2007 as a favorite to return to the Super Bowl and to continue their dominance of the NFC North division. Instead, the Chicago Bears ended with a 7-9 record. Going from Super Bowl favorites to dead last in the NFC North the Chicago Bears failed to make the playoffs. Suffering from instability at numerous positions on offense and defense, the silver lining of the Chicago Bears’ cloud is the exceptional play of their special teams. Though the special teams have played well, the Chicago Bears understand that they must improve on offense and defense to have a chance of winning in the NFL.

Chicago Bears Preview: Offseason

In hopes of stabilizing the offense, the Chicago Bears created competition for skill players through the draft and actively pursuing free agents. At the running back position, the Chicago Bears finally released problem-child RB Cedric Benson after a string of legal issues. First round draft pick Matt Forte is expected to step into the starting spot this season. Matt Forte is a versatile running back who can produce yards in a number of different ways. The Chicago Bears also re-signed Rashied Davis and added wide receivers Marty Booker and Brandon Lloyd. The Chicago Bears released S Adam Archuleta after drafting a possible replacement, Craig Steltz. The Chicago Bears also drafted DT Marcus Harrison whose experience as a defensive end and balance will allow him to make plays outside of the box. Marcus Harrison also has the speed to make plays at the line of scrimmage. The Chicago Bears will need the full arsenal of Marcus Harrison to be successful in 2008.

Chicago Bears Preview: Offense

Rookie RB Matt Forte has drawn comparisons to Edgerrin James for his balance, control and ability to gain yards after contact. A sturdy back with great awareness and excellent blocking ability, Matt Forte is expected to make a sudden impact on the Chicago Bears offense. Kick returner Devin Hester is expected to play a bigger role in the Chicago Bears offense, lining up at wide receiver. Devin Hester began his career as a cornerback which could help him in his transition. The Chicago Bears coaches are enthusiastic about Devin Hester’s expanded role and think that he will bolster the Chicago Bears offense.

The coaching staff of the Chicago Bears has no favorite for starting quarterback. It appears that Rex Grossman and Kyle Orton will compete for the position until a favorite arises. Rex Grossman started last season before losing his starting spot to Brian Griese who has since been released. Though Rex Grossman regained his spot due to an injury to Brian Griese, a Rex Grossman injury put Kyle Orton into the starting spot. Rex Grossman has the physical tools for the job but is not known as a smart player, while Kyle Orton is an intelligent player who lacks the physical skills to be a top QB. The battle for the starting QB spot will be an interesting development to watch as the Chicago Bears move into training camp.

Chicago Bears Preview: Defense

The Chicago Bears defense was decimated by injuries to DT Tommie Harris and both their starting cornerbacks in 2007. The Chicago Bears will have to stabilize the safety position to have a chance at defending passes in the NFC. Big hitting Kevin Payne is expected to compete for a starting spot returning from an injury in 2007. FS Danieal Manning is expected to play a big role in the Chicago Bears defense in 2008. S Brandon McGowan was signed to a one year tender offer after a career season in 2007. Brandon McGowan is not expected to start but is a solid backup. LB Lance Briggs has been re-signed and will anchor the Chicago Bears defensive charge.

The Chicago Bears defense is in trouble, especially in the secondary. It is going to take time to see if the defense can show and prove. The Chicago Bears defensive success will depend on avoiding injuries and how young players, especially DT Marcus Harrison, will step up to the plate in 2008.

Chicago Bears: Special Teams

One bright spot for the Chicago Bears last season was their spectacular special teams play. The Chicago Bears blocked a total of eight kicks in 2007, over twice as many as any other team in the NFL. The excellent play placed the Chicago Bears atop special teams rankings.

Special team standout Devin Hester is expected to see less time on special teams as he makes the move to wide receiver but will remain a go-to guy in close games. Devin Hester has spent the off season working on preparing his hands for his new role. For K Robbie Gould to be effective, the Chicago Bears offense will have to put him in position to do so. If the Chicago Bears offense sees an improvement in 2008, expect K Robbie Gould to have another solid season. P Brad Maynard had a solid showing in 2001, placing 27 of 88 punts inside of the 20-yard line but his efforts were lost due to poor defensive play.

Chicago Bears Preview: Outlook

The Chicago Bears are hoping to make the turnaround from dead last to first place as easily as they made the transition from Super Bowl favorite to dead last. With a quarterback battle between Rex Grossman and Kyle Orton that may last through the end of the preseason and an entirely new corps of receivers, the Chicago Bears offense is fighting an uphill battle. The Chicago Bears are also playing with a young defensive team. Health concerns and the off-the-field behavior of players will also affect the success of the Chicago Bears this season. One thing is certain, the Chicago Bears will claw their way through the 2008 season. Fans can catch the Chicago Bears in action at Soldier Field.