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2009 Chicago Bears NFL Predictions

Written August 24, 2009 by InfoPlays

2009 Chicago Bears NFL Predictions The Chicago Bears have been yearning for a top-tier quarterback for decades, and they finally have one in Jay Cutler. He had one Pro Bowl appearance by the time he turned 26, while the Bears have had just one Pro Bowl quarterback in the last 44 years. Cutler’s addition means the Bears won’t have to win in spite of their quarterback, now they can win because of him. This team fell one game short of the playoffs last season and now they consider themselves ready to make a Super Bowl run. The Bears are listed at +180 to win the NFC North at Sportsbook.com where they already have their NFL lines posted.

Offense: The Bears have changed quarterbacks 37 times in their last 171 games. General manager Jerry Angelo made it a priority in the offseason to end the madness by getting someone who could come in and get the job done right away. That’s what they have in Jay Cutler, who has 8,023 passing yards over the last two seasons. His backups will be Brett Basanez and Caleb Hanie, both whom are untested. Matt Forte accumulated a league-best 35 percent of Chicago’s yards from scrimmage last season. He rushed for 1,238 yards and led the team with 63 receptions, which was tops in the league among running backs. He should get some help this season from the likes of backups Kevin Jones, Adrian Peterson and Gerrett Wolfe.

Devin Hester is steadily improving as a receiver, and he’s the deep threat that Cutler needs to stretch opposing defenses, something the Bears haven’t been able to do for years. But he isn’t a No. 1 receiver, and beyond Hester there’s not much proven experience at receiver. Rashied Davis is serviceable as a No. 3, while Earl Bennett needs to step up after being drafted in the third round in 2008. Bennett is a former teammate of Cutler’s at Vanderbilt so there is some chemistry there. Hester and Davis are the only two receivers on the roster who caught an NFL pass in 2008. So they drafted three in Juaquin Iglesias, Johnny Knox and Derek Kinder. The tight end position is in good hands with Greg Olsen and Desmond Clark. Olsen will catch the bulk of Cutler’s passes while Clark is clearly the better blocker. The offensive line took a hit when John Tait retired and left tackle John St. Clair left in free agency. So they went out and signed Orlando Pace, a seven-time Pro Bowler at left tackle. At right tackle, the Bears are hoping 2008 first-round pick Chris Williams can replace Tait. Josh Beekman is listed as the starting left guard, but he will be challenged by Frank Omiyale. Center Olin Kreutz is no longer a Pro Bowl-caliber player but he is a good leader in the middle. Roberto Garza starts at right guard, but he isn’t spectacular. There is plenty of young, talented depth behind these starters incase of injury.

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Defense: Rod Marinelli wasn’t a good fit as head coach of the Lions, but he is still considered one of the best defensive line coaches in the business. Tommie Harris is the horse at defensive tackle, but he was injured last year after making three straight trips to the Pro Bowl. A healthy return is key, but in his absence Dusty Dvoracek, Anthony Adams and Marcus Harrison all got plenty of work at nosetackle last season so there is solid depth here. The Bears use a rotation of six or seven players up front, which means that third-round pick Jarron Gilbert should see immediate action. Left end Adewale Ogunleye has recorded nine or more sacks in four seasons and he’s their top pass-rusher. Mark Anderson emerged onto the scene with 12 sacks as a rookie in 2006, but he’s had just six in the past two seasons. So this group has proven experience, now Marinelli just needs to make it all come together this season.

Brian Urlacher is slowing down, failing to make the Pro Bowl each of the last two seasons. Lance Briggs is the Bears’ best linebacker and he has made four straight Pro Bowls. The strong side position is in good hands with Nick Roach and Hunter Hillenmeyer, both experienced players. Charles Tillman represents the best cornerback on the roster with his ability to cover big receivers and help in run support. Nate Vasher is the other starting corner, but he has missed 20 games in the past two seasons due to injury. Corey Graham saw time in his place last year, but he isn’t the best in coverage though he’s more physical. Fourth-round pick D.J. Moore was a stud in college and should at least become the starting nickel back in his rookie season. There is a nice battle at safety heading into the season, but there’s not much talent here. Kevin Payne started 16 games at strong safety last year and should retain his position. Free agent Josh Bullocks will compete with Craig Steltz for starting free safety duties. Daniel Manning started at free safety in his first two seasons with the team but was demoted to nickelback last year.

InfoPlays Prediction: 2nd in the NFC North – The Jay Cutler acquisition instantly makes the Bears a contender in the NFC North. The reason they won’t overtake the Vikings is because they lack proven receivers on the outside for Cutler to target. He put up big numbers in Denver, but look at the receivers he had to work with. But Cutler will make opposing defenses respect the passing game, which should open up even bigger holes for Forte to run through this season. The defense is in good hands up front, but their secondary has a lot to prove. The Bears finish in second place in this division come season’s end.

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