Improved Offense, Tested Defense Have Us Feeling Bullish On Bears In 2012
By Benjy Lipsman in News on Sep 7, 2012 6:00PM
Last year, the Bears surprised many during the first half of the season as they appeared to be cruising toward the postseason with a 6-3 record.
Then the wheels fell off. Quarterback Jay Cutler broke his thumb against the San Diego Chargers in week 11. Without Cutler, the Bears lost their next five games. Running back Matt Forte and wideout Johnny Knox also suffered season-ending injuries. A season-ending victory against the weak Minnesota Vikings allowed the Bears to finish the 2011 campaign with an 8-8 record.
Key Departures:
Roy Williams - WR
Marion Barber - RB
Caleb Hanie - QB
Brandon Meriweather - FS
Corey Graham - CB
Zackary Bowman - CB
Anthony Adams - DT
Key Additions:
Brandon Marshall - WR
Michael Bush - RB
Jason Campbell - QB
Shea McClellin - DL
Alshon Jeffery - WR
On paper, the Bears in 2012 is clearly a better team that that 2011 squad that collapsed under the weight of all those key injuries. The offense in particular should be greatly improved... in fact it might just be the team's best offense since the great '85 team. Cutler and Forte are back at 100 percent and each has a more capable back-up. Jason Campbell, an eight-year veteran who was the Redskins' starter for a couple of years, could be better suited to take over should Cutler get injured again. With Forte locked in a contract battle with the Bears for much of the offseason, the team brought in Oakland's Michael Bush. The Raiders' leading rusher a year ago, he and Forte give the Bears a formidable one-two punch in the backfield.
But the most important addition on offense is wide receiver Brandon Marshall. Cutler's favorite target when both were in Denver, the 6-foot, 4-inch wideout caught 81 passes for 1,214 yards with Miami in 2011. Rookie Alshon Jeffery has also impressed so far, and adds another big target to Cutler's arsenal. Look for these two to be Cutler's go-to receivers this season as Roy Williams is gone and Johnny Knox remains off the field following a devastating back injury suffered in week 15. And don't forget about Earl Bennett and Devin Hester, who can also expect to see action at wideout.
Mike Martz, the once great offensive genius whose complicated playbook and inability to adapt to the personnel he was given, is gone. Mike Tice moves up from offensive line coach to helm the entire offense. We're certain that will mean big improvements when the Bears have the ball, especially given the upgrades made to personnel. But will the greater responsibilities hinder improvements on the offensive line, which remains the team's Achilles heel? In spite of injuries to some key contributors, his O-line actually did show signs of improvement as last season moved on. But it's now Tim Holt who is coaching the line on a daily basis. The big question mark that remains at left tackle—the most critical position on the line—is a source for concern. For now, J'Marcus Webb has the job. But nobody seems sold on him protecting Cutler's blind side just yet.
Long the team's signature unit, the Bears' defense seems poised to take back seat to the offense. The biggest question mark on defense is the health of middle linebacker Brian Urlacher. He says he's ready to go following an injury in the season finale that resulted in treatments overseas and a recent scoping. His play impacts the entire defense, as the 2009 season can attest. Alongside Urlacher, Lance Briggs remains one of the league's best linebackers. Up front, Julius Peppers is still among the most feared linemen in the NFL and he'll line up with Israel Idonije, Henry Melton and Stephen Paea.
Shea McClellin, the team's first round draft pick, is an intriguing addition to the front line and it'll be fun to see how he gets incorporated into the schemes. The Bears secondary saw the biggest turnover with the departures of Brandon Merriweather, Corey Graham, Zack Bowman and Chris Harris. Peanut Tillman and Tim Jennings will start at cornerback while Major Wright and Chris Conte get the call at safety. They, along with Craig Steltz, have all dealt with injuries over the years so health is a major concern with the secondary.
The loss of Graham and Bowman also impacts special teams. But it seems that every year the team loses top special teams performers and new guys step up. We'll hope Dave Toub can work his magic yet again. Devin Hester remains among the feared returners in the league and he'll be the Bears primary kick and punt returner again in 2012. Robbie Gould is one of the league's better kickers. Punter Adam Podlesh, who injured his hip in pre-season, remains questionable for week 1. Ryan Quigley may get the call if Podlesh isn't ready.
With a vastly improved offense to pair with a solid defense, the Bears have a chance to rank among the NFL's elite teams in 2012. While injuries derailed the team's playoff hopes last year, the team invested in insurance policies this season—at least on offense. If the defense can remain healthy, we see no reason that the Bears' win total won't reach double digits. The Green Bay Packers will remain their fiercest rival in the NFC North and may end up winning the division. But we expect the Bears will hang tight in the standings all season long, and that week 15 match-up might determine who wins the division. Regardless of whether the Bears win the division or a wild card spot, Super Bowl aspirations aren't so crazy for the 2012 team.
Week-by-Week Predictions:
Week 1: Indianapolis Colts - W
Week 2: @ Green Bay Packers - L
Week 3: St. Louis Rams - W
Week 4 @ Dallas Cowboys - L
Week 5: @ Jacksonville Jaguars - W
Week 6: Bye
Week 7: Detroit Lions - W
Week 8: Carolina Panthers - W
Week 9: @Tennessee Titans - W
Week 10: Houston Texans - L
Week 11: @ San Francisco 49ers - L
Week 12: Minnesota Vikings - W
Week 13: Seattle Seahawks - W
Week 14: @ Minnesota Vikings - W
Week 15: Green Bay Packers - W
Week 16: @ Arizona Cardinals - W
Week 17: @ Detroit Lions - L
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Final Record: 11-5