2010 RECORD: 11-5-0
(1st in NFC North)
HEAD COACH: Lovie Smith
Offense: Jay Cutler.
As far as quarterback Jay Cutler goes, so goes the Bears offense it seems.
Cutler threw for 3,274 yards last season and had 23 touchdown passes along with 16 interceptions. A huge improvement from his disappointing debut 2009 season in Chicago.
The running backs include Matt Forte, who ran for 1,069 yards in 2010 and averaged 4.5 yards per carry while scoring six rushing touchdowns. In addition, Forte led the Bears with 51 receptions for 547 yards and three touchdowns.
Newly arrived Marion Barber (374 yards rushing and four TD with Dallas in '10) and Chester Taylor (267 rushing yards and three TD) provide depth at this position.
The wide receivers include Johnny Knox (51 receptions in 2010 for 960 yards and five TD), Earl Bennett (46 catches for 561 yards and three scores), Devin Hester (40 catches, four touchdowns) and new arrivals Roy Williams and Sam Hurd, both from the Cowboys.
Williams, who may be a starter by the opener, grabbed 37 passes for Dallas a year ago for 530 yards and five touchdowns. Hurd saw limited action in Dallas.
The tight ends include Matt Spaeth, who backed up Heath Miller in Pittsburgh, Kellen Davis and Desmond Clark, who was recently re-signed after Greg Olson was dealt to Carolina after the lockout ended last month.
The offensive line has work to do after 13-year veteran center Olin Kreutz was not retained and is now with the New Orleans Saints.
It appears as if Roberto Garza or Edwin Williams could anchor the line at center. The guards are Chris Williams and Garza, with rookie pick from Wisconsin Gabe Carimi at left tackle and J'Marcus Webb at right tackle.
Defense: This was a strong point for the Bears in 2010, finishing fourth in points allowed (286) and ninth overall, allowing 314 yards per game.
The run defense allowed 90 yards, good for second in the NFL while the pass defense struggled somewhat, allowing 224 yards per game.
Veteran linebackers Brian Urlacher (four quarterback sacks) and Lance Briggs (two QB sacks) anchor the defense along with defensive linemen Julius Peppers and Israel Idonije, who each had eight sacks to lead the Bears in that category a year ago.
Piso Tinoisamoa and Nick Roach also are available at linebacker.
Anthony Adams and Matt Toeaina are the Defensive Tackles to go with Peppers and Idonije at the ends.
The secondary was a weak link despite 21 interceptions a year ago.
Charles Tillman (cornerback) and free safety Chris Harris led Chicago with five interceptions and D.J. Moore (backup CB) also had four picks, including one returned for a touchdown.
Tillman and Tim Jennings are the corners while Harris and either Major Wright or Chris Conte will be the other safety in 2011 for the Bears.
OUTLOOK: The Bears surprised many people last season by finishing 11-5 and winning the NFC North division before eventually losing to arch rival Green Bay in the NFC Championship Game.
For the Bears to repeat this in 2011, the offense must be more consistent under the guide of Offensive Coordinator Mike Martz.
Cutler took a lot of heat from fans and media alike for sitting after a knee injury in the playoff loss to Green Bay. But Cutler had a decent regular season and if the offensive front can protect him better (Chicago allowed a league high 56 sacks a year ago) look for more output from the offense in 2011.
The running game is solid and Barber (if he stays healthy) provides good depth for the Bears' backfield.
The receiving corps must step up in 2011, as Knox led the way with 51 catches for 960 yards while providing at least one deep threat to go with Hester, who continued to add to his kick return resume' with three punt return TD to lead the NFL in 2010.
The defense is solid and barring injury, should be good again and keep the Bears in games.
A much tougher schedule looms large this year and no teams around the league will be taking the Bears lightly after their showing last season.
Look for the Bears to battle Green Bay for the division once again, but fall short this time around as the division they play in has the potential to be the NFL's toughest this season.
A 9-7 finish is likely for the Bears and possibly a wild card berth in 2011 as questions remain on the offensive side of the ball, in particular the O-line.
TEAM SCHEDULE:
Week 1- vs. Atlanta
Week 2- at New Orleans
Week 3- vs. Green Bay
Week 4- vs. Carolina
Week 5- at Detroit
Week 6- vs. Minnesota
Week 7- at Tampa Bay (in London, England)
Week 8- BYE WEEK
Week 9- at Philadelphia
Week 10- vs. Detroit
Week 11- vs. San Diego
Week 12- at Oakland
Week 13- vs. Kansas City
Week 14- at Denver
Week 15- vs. Seattle
Week 16- at Green Bay
Week 17- at Minnesota
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