| The Chicago Bears had a great season in 2005. They | | | | The receiving core is a bit lackluster. Sure, there's |
| finished 11-6 and went to the playoffs. Their one | | | | Muhsin Muhammad, but he's not getting any younger. |
| problem was scoring. Many in the media have touted | | | | Aside from Muhammad, there's not too much to be |
| the Bears as the NFC North champions. Are they | | | | excited about-yet. The young Bears receivers do |
| correct? Let's take a look at the 2006 Chicago Bears. | | | | have talent and could blossom into solid contributors on |
| Fortunately for them, their division is not that tough. | | | | the field. Right now, the receiving core is just average. |
| Key Moves | | | | Defense and Special Teams |
| One major move by the Bears was the addition of | | | | Last season it was all about the defense. The Bears |
| Brian Griese. The offense was up and down last | | | | defense constantly made critical plays and kept their |
| season. Griese will be fighting for a job. He comes in | | | | team in the game. The 2006 Bears defense is above |
| as a backup, but if Grossman fails to impress, Griese | | | | average again. The best component of the defense is |
| could take the reins. Their defense loses a good player | | | | the linebacker unit. They are off the charts. The weak |
| in Jerry Azumah. Despite being only 28, he had to call it | | | | part of the defense is the secondary. Losing Jerry |
| quits. His body got the best of him. | | | | Azumah didn't help any. The Bears did pick up |
| Quarterbacks | | | | cornerbacks Ricky Manning and Dante Wesley. The |
| One of the issues last season was the health of Rex | | | | secondary will have to step it up in 2006. The special |
| Grossman. He's expected to be healthy this season. | | | | teams unit has its ups and downs. Punter Brad |
| Grossman could help the Bears offense soar. The | | | | Maynard needs to have a better season. The Bears |
| signing of Brian Griese gives the Bears a solid backup. | | | | hope that Robbie Gould, kicker, was not just a one |
| Even is Grossman goes down, they won't experience | | | | year wonder. On the plus side, the Bears did add a |
| a horrendous drop. Neither quarterback is upper | | | | couple return men that could be home run type of |
| echelon. The Bears QB situation is just above average. | | | | guys. |
| Running Backs | | | | 2006 Prediction |
| The Bears are sitting pretty in the running game. | | | | It's possible that the Bears win their division, because |
| Thomas Jones should have another great year. They | | | | the division is weak. However, I believe they will be an |
| also have Cedric Benson in the wings. The running | | | | 8-8 team. The schedule is not too tough, but it's not the |
| game of the Bears is the offense's strong point. | | | | walk in the park it was in 2005. In 2005, the Bears had |
| Throw in the tough blocking Bryan Johnson and you | | | | a 2-4 record against really good teams. This is why |
| have a ground attack that will eat up yards. Thomas | | | | they faltered in the playoffs. They were not as good |
| Jones had 1,335 yards last season. As nice as that is, | | | | as their record indicated. In 2006, they have 8 games |
| Cedric Benson is expected to be better when he's | | | | that look to be pretty tough, 2 that are middle ground |
| ready. | | | | and 6 that are against lower tier teams. |
| Receivers | | | | |