 Bears 2008 Outlook
Bears 2008 Outlook
by Jimmors
June and early July are traditionally the slooooooowwwwest month for news and activity in the NFL, so I will use this time to give a recap of what lies in store for the Bears with their schedule and how the additions and subtractions will impact them going into training camp and the 2008 season.
Lets start with individual positions, and the most controversial one to boot:
Quarterbacks
(-)Brian Griese
(+)Nick Hill
(+)Caleb Hanie
Rex Grossman
Kyle Orton
QB is a revolving door in Chicago, and the trend continues this year. When 2006 began, Rex Grossman appeared to be the franchise QB we had all been hoping for. Unfortunately his inconsistencies caught up with him in 2007, and both Griese and Orton were given starts in an attempt to work out the QB position. The Bears typically like to keep 3 QBs, a starter, a 2nd stringer and a journeyman (Rex, Kyle and Griese respectively in 06), but with the departure of Griese, it leaves only Rex and kyle (who are on one year contracts), and 2 undrafted rookies. 2008 will be a tumultous season for the QB position, since both Rex and Kyle will be fighting for their jobs, and I would expect the Bears to pursue their next QB project in the 09 draft. Since its a make-or-break season for both Kyle and Rex, hopefully one or both can step up and perform.
08 QB Outlook: Not very good, but miracles happen.
Runningbacks
(-)Cedric Benson
(+)Matt Forte
(+)Matt Lawrence
Adrian Peterson
Garrett Wolfe
Jason McKie (FB)
Lousaka Polite (FB)
JD Runnels (FB)
RB, the other controversial topic concerning the Bears. In 2006, the 2/3 to 1/3 split tandem of Thomas Jones and Cedric Benson seemed to work pretty good. Then TJ was released on mutual terms so he can pursue better deals for himself, leaving the running game up to Benson, who underperformed in 2007. Thanks to some off field troubles, Benson got his pink slip, which could be seen as a good thing for the team, as he was not very popular in the locker room either. Unfortunately, this means the running game now rests on 2nd round pick rookie out of Tulane, Matt Forte. The kid brings potential, but is an unknown quantity at this point. Adrian Peterson has been admirable as a 3rd down back, and can sub in adequately, and Wolfe provides a speed threat when utilized properly (i.e. not up the gut Mr. Turner). There is a decent mix of skill, speed and experience at the RB position, but only if it is utilized properly.
08 RB Outlook: Definite potential, and better then 07.
Wide Receiver
(-)Muhsin Muhhamed
(-)Bernard Berrian
(+)Marty Booker
(+)Brandon Lloyd
(+)Earl Bennett
(+)Marcus Monk
Rashid Davis
Mark Bradley
Mike Hass
Brandon Rideau
Ah, WR, part 3 of this 3-headed dragon of issues this offseason with the Bears. Losing Bernard Berrian was a huge loss, but he followed the money and cant be blamed for that (just wish it wasnt to a division rival). Marty Booker is home, and is an improvement over Moose, so thats a good thing. Bradley has skills to be a solid receiver, when he's healthy, which is not very often, so that's a problem. Brandon Lloyd can emerge as a #1 receiver for us, or not. It's pretty much a toss up for now. Earl Bennett was a solid pick up in the draft, and will probably see some playing time this year. Davis was locked up with an extension and is valuable to our special teams. Overall, there could be a decent corps of receivers here, but most of them are unknown at this point, so it will take a few games to see how this experiment will pan out.
08 WR Outlook: Unknown, but time will tell.
Tight End
(-)John Gilmore(+)Marcus Stone
(+)Kellen Davis
Desmond Clark
Greg Olsen
Fontel Mines
Hooray, an easy position to discuss. Bears have a solid duo at tight end with the veteran Dez Clark, and sensational rookie Greg Olsen. Clark's skills at TE have been widely established in his career with the Bears, and Olsen showed flashes of his potential last season with 39 receptions for 391 yards and 2 TDs. Olsen's size causes mismatches and can be a definite threat in the receiving game, especially in the Red Zone. Combined with Dez Clark's experience and blocking skills, this is a very formidable TE duo. Kellen Davis is also a solid draft pickup for the Bears.
08 TE Outlook: Rosy, but needs to be in tandem with solid passing
Offensive Line
(-)Reuben Brown
(-)Fred Miller
(+)Chris Williams
(+)Chester Adams
(+)Kirk Barton
(+)Cody Balogh
Olin Kreutz
John Tait
Roberto Garza
Terrance Metcalf
Anthony Oakley
John St. ClairIn 2007, the Bears Offensive Line was downright offensive. The Bears have cleared out a couple aging players and injected some youth into the line in hopes of revamping the OL for 08. It will be on the shoulders of the #1 pick for the Bears, Chris Williams out of Vanderbilt. If Williams can anchor the LT spot, it will move Tait over to RT which is his natural position. With perennial pro-bowler Kreutz at center, and Garza and Metcalf at G, this might be a quick fix to the aging OL of 2007. An improved OL will also help improve the passing and running games, so there is much riding on the line. Pun intended.
08 OL Outlook: Dust some cobwebs, reveal some new polish
Defensive Line
(-)Darwin Walker
(+)Marcus Harrison
(+)Ervin Baldwin
(+)Joe Clemond
(+)Nick Osborn
Tommie Harris
Dusty Dvoracek
Matt Toeina
Adewale Ogunleye
Mark Anderson
Alex Brown
Anthony Adams
Dan Bazuin
Israel Idonije
Thats alot of players to fill up 4 spots on the field. But alas, this is a good thing. Tommie Harris returns from a career year (despite a shortened one due to injury) with a new 4 year contract in tow. The biggest question is who will line up next to him? Dusty Dvoracek was his partner in crime at Oklahoma, and now that he is back from injury should fill up that spot. Matt Toeina showed much promise late last year as a solid Run Stuffer against the Vike's AP, and Anthony Adams can fill in if needed. Alex Brown returned to his starter spot, leaving Mark Anderson to fill in as a pass rushing DE on 3rd downs. The rotation on the D-Line should benefit everyone, and there's plenty of spots to go around. Idonije has bulked up to make a push to start on the line as opposed to his special teamer status, and there are plenty of other players here to fill in the ST spots and still leave solid depth on the line.
08 DL Outlook: Fantabulous, if everyone can remain healthy.
Linebackers
(-)Brendan Ayanbadejo
(+)Joey LaRocque
Lance Briggs
Hunter Hillenmeyer
Brian Urlacher
Darrell McClover
Jamaar Williams
Michael Okwo
Rod Wilson
The loss of Ayanbadejo is a loss for Special Teams, but other than that, the linebacking corps is a solid group, especially to Lance Briggs new contract ensuring he remains in Chicago for the time being. Paired up with Urlacher and often under-rated Hillenmeyer, this forms one of the better LB trios in the league. There have been concerns regarding Urlacher's health following his injury, but everyone involved with the situation claims he is just fine. This still makes it a question mark for the season, but I do not believe it is of much concern. There is plenty of depth here with Williams and Okwo in case either Hillenmeyer or Briggs gets injured this season.
08 Linebackers Outlook: Solid pro-bowl caliber unit, plus depth. Good to go.
Defensive Backs
(-)Adam Archuleta
(+)Craig Steltz
(+)Zack Bowman
(+)Trey Brown
(+)Leslie Majors
Mike Brown
Danieal Manning
Nathan Vasher
Charles Tillman
Trumaine McBride
Ricky Manning Jr.
Josh Gattis
Corey Graham
Brandon McGowan
Kevin Payne
Leonard Peters
Bears gave up alot of big plays in 07, and much of the blame was laid upon the poor secondary. injuries played a huge role in this, with a season ender for Mike Brown, and lesser ones for Tillman and Vasher. Mike Brown will remain the key to the success of this unit, as he provides both leadership on the defense, as well as instinct, hard hits, and intelligence. The Adam Archuleta experiment has failed, and hopefully Steltz can become a better version of AA. Vasher and Tillman return as the ideal cover-2 CB tandem, and if they remain healthy will both have solid performances. There is some depth here should injuries plague the secondary again, but they wont perform up to the standards of the starting unit.
08 DB Outlook: Great, if they can remain healthy (particularly M.Brown)
Special Teams:
(+)Shane Longest
(+)Matt Purvis
(+)Glenn Pakuluk
Patrick Mannely
Robbie Gould
Devin Hester
Brad Maynard
Despite a poor overall season, the Bears special teams unit shined once again. Mannelly provides the experience and consistency at long snapper, Brad Maynard is an accurate punter who makes few mistakes, and Robbie Gould is an excellent kicker, who does not have the distance of some kickers, but makes up for it with his accuracy, particularly within the windy confines of Soldier Field. And well, Devin Hester is Devin Hester. The coverage teams suffered a blow with the loss of Ayanbadejo, but there is plenty of speed and size on the team to make up for that. Dave Toub should receive credit for keeping this unit performing well week in and week out.
08 ST Outlook: Best in the league. Yet again.
That covers the outlook of the 2008 Bears team, and as you can see, there are some different faces on the team, and some missing. This team is NOT the 2007 team, so you shouldnt expect 2007 results. Hopefully they will do better in 2008, but to do so they will have to face these opponents:
2008 Schedule:
9/7 @ Indianapolis Colts: This will be a tough game against a tough opponent on their turf. Luckily, it will be right off the bat, when everyone is healthy and ready to go. This will be a proverbial litmus test to determine what this team will capable of this season
9/14 @ Carolina Panthers: This game will be a perfect time to exact revenge on the cats for the 2005 playoff game. If the Bears beat the Colts, they will look to continue making a statement with this game. If the Bears lose to the Colts, then this will be their revenge game.
9/21 vs Tampa Bay Bucs: The Bucs are shadow of their former self, and have more QBs on their roster then the rest of the league combined I think. Since its the home opener, this should be a win.
9/28 vs Philadelphia Eagles: The Eagles will be a dangerous team this year, especially with the acquisition of Asante Samuel. It will be up to the Bears defense and Special Teams to win this game, and being a game at home may help.
10/5 @ Detroit Lions: Lions are still the Lions. It will be a sad day if the Bears can't win this one, but weirder things have happened.
10/12 @ Atlanta Falcons: The Falcons are at the bottom of the barrel. To be the worst, you have to be beaten by the worst. Bears better not get beaten this week.
10/19 vs Minnesota Vikings: The Vikes are the trendy pick to win the NFC this year, thanks to their explosive running game and improved defense. This will be another challenge for the Bears, but hopefully being a home game will improve their chances.
11/2 vs Detroit Lions: Bears are coming off a bye week. Face the Lions. In Chicago. This has "Must Win" written all over it. If they dont, the sky shall be falling in Chicago.
11/9 vs Tennessee Titans: The Titans are a very dangerous team, and will be fighting the Colts for the AFC South, and the Bears are simply another stone in their path. This will be a hard fought game for both sides, hopefully the Bears will emerge victorious.
11/16 @ Green Bay Packers: No Favre? No problem. In Lambeau? Bring it on. Bears swept the Packers last year, and twice at Lambeau the past 2 years. And that was WITH Favre under center. Rodgers is in trouble.
11/23 @ St. Louis: Rams are a pretty bad team as well, so this could be another win for the Bears. If it isn't, then either the Rams suddenly improved in a year (it happens quite frequently), or the Bears have slipped.
11/30 @ Minnesota: A 3 week roadtrip culminating in the Dome up north? This is a tough one for the Bears, definitely gonna be hard to win this one.
12/7 vs Jacksonville: Jaguars always seem to stumble out of the gates, but get their act together around playoff time, too little too late. Unfortunately this puts the Bears right on their bullseye late in the season. Key to winning is solid special teams work, and the defense shutting down their running game
12/11 vs New Orleans Saints: Oh man, I could hear the collective grown emanating out of Nawlins when the schedule was released: "December in chicago? aww damn not again!" Well, Bears should make this 3 in a row.
12/22 vs Green Bay Packers: Merry Christmas. Bears sweep Packers. Again.
12/28 @ Houston Texans: The Texans are a much improved team since they joined the league, but they still have issues at QB and on defense. This should be a good matchup for the Bears, and hopefully one that leads to the playoffs.
Well, there ya have it. Outlook for 2008. now enjoy your summer, and get ready for training camp.
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