BetUS $500 Match Bonus
Sign up for a new account with BetUS and deposit $500 or more to get a $500 match bonus!

$20 Free Play at Sportsbook.com
Your first bet is free when you open a new account at sportsbook.com!

2008 Chicago Bears

Written August 11, 2008 by Jason Lowry

We are fast approaching another NFL season, and its time for Jason Lowry to bring you his 2008 Chicago Bears season predictions. The Bears failed to come back in 2007 and put a season together that matched the success they had in 2006 when they went to the Super Bowl. Last year the defense was hampered by injuries, while the offense really struggled. What it all added up to was a 7-9 record, good enough to tie the Lions for last in the NFC North. To see what the Bears have done to get them back near the top of the North, lets take a look at all sides of the ball

Offense:
The offense still has some questions at quarterback, as its unclear who the starting quarterback is going to be. Since the Bears really didn’t do anything in the offseason or the draft to sure up the position it looks like it will again be down to Rex Grossman and Kyle Orton to lead this team. Not helping matters is the team did way with two of their top receivers from a year ago, and now Marty Booker and Mark Bradley along with tight ends Desmond Clark and Greg Olsen have to be the go to guys. The running game really took a hit when Thomas Jones left town for the Jets last season, but it looks like the Bears might of fixed up that spot, as they landed Matt Forte in the draft. The offensive line is likely just as much at fault as the rest of these units on why this team really struggles to put points on the board. The line could be much better this season if rookie tackle Chris Williams can come in and take over at the open left tackle spot.
Bears +1500 odds to win NFC Championship at Sportsbook.com

Defense:
Its likely going to be up to this unit to carry this team again, like it did back in 2006. It looks as though they are going to come into the season pretty healthy, and if that stays true for the course of a season, this unit could make this team a 10 game winner yet again. The defensive line is led by Tommie Harris in the middle, as he is one of the best when healthy. Ends Alex Brown and Adewale Ogunleye have really started to come on and could really use the guys inside to stay healthy. At linebacker there is no question the Bears are loaded with Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs, both of whom are near the top in their respected positions. In the secondary the team has really been slowed by injuries at safety in Mike Brown, who has had a serious injury in each of the past 4 seasons, and at corner in Nathan Vasher, who when injured really hurt this teams chances of winning games. It all comes down to health for this unit, if they can find a way to stay healthy, they should be primed to compete again this season.
Bears +3500 odds to win Super Bowl at Sportsbook.com

Special Teams:
This unit doesn’t need to much of an introduction in the return game, as Devin Hester is simply one of the best we have ever seen. If this guy touches the ball there is a chance he can take it to the house, and at times was the only offense the Bears had last season. Robbie Gould should remain the teams kicker, while Brad Maynard handles the punting duties.
Bears Over/Under 8 wins in 2008 at Sportsbook.com

Prediction: 3rd in the NFC North
There are just too many questions surrounding this team, to predict them in the top two of this division. While we aren’t saying that this team can’t do it, we just think that finding a solid quarterback, finding a running game, and staying healthy are just too much to ask. We think this team finishes up right around 8-8 this season.

If you are looking to get a bet in on the Bears or any other teams odds to win the Super Bowl this year, head over to Sportsbook.com and get an account started today. Also, those of you looking for a little more on the Bears upcoming season, check out these great Bears predictions.

If you liked this article, you may also be interested in:

No comments yet, but your thoughts are welcome!

Comments

Got something to say?