I really like what head coach Lovie Smith has accomplished in three years at the helm of the Bears. Not only did Smith manage to deal with the loss of the Bears’ mindset prior to his arrival, but he also turned the Bears into legitimate contenders in the NFC — with a competent quarterback.
Having said that, I’m already out of memory to say that Smith made a huge mistake by starting at quarterback, ahead of free agent acquisition Rex Grossman and former Pro Bowler, Brian Griese, who has outplayed Grossman all preseason.
However, the Bears, who have developed into an excellent defensive team under Smith, should be a legitimate contender again in the NFC. Here’s my 2006 preview of Ark of the Ark.
QB
I recently wrote a scathing column ripping Smith to begin his opinion of Grossman over Griese, and until further notice, or should I say, until Grossman starts playing Griese, I’m sticking with the guns. Griese is an experienced starter who has started nearly six games for Grossman. Maybe it’s me, but I don’t get it, Grossman has been tested all preseason, but remains unstarted. If the bears were trembling under Grossman, I would simply send a copy of this column to Smith instead of the proverbial, ‘I told you so.’
Running Backs
The Bears drafted Cedric Benson with the fifth overall pick in last season’s draft, but Benson couldn’t shake incumbent starter Thomas Jones, who just keeps going and going. If Benson can ever get his act together, the Bears will have one of the best running backs in the league. Hitherto the Bears continued to watch the Ionians running through and around the stunned defenders. The fullback, Bryan Johnson, is a capable lead blocker and the backup, Adrian Peterson, is the slick type who is going to carry more than five yards per season.
Wide receiver/tight end
The Bears could use a serious upgrade at wide receiver. Muhsin Muhammad will be 33 on opening day, although he is still very capable. Mark Bradley, Justin Gage and Eddie Berlin make up the trio of receivers who fall in line behind Muhammad, though in what order is anyone’s guess. Personally, I don’t think it would matter if Jerry Rice was on his first list. Remember the Bears have Grossman starting at QB – duh.
Heavy line
Center Olin Kreutz, left tackle John Tait, right tackle Fred Miller and guards Ruben Brown and Robert Garza form more than A hall of horrors for the Bears. Kruetz is a Pro Bowler and the rest of the Bears offensive line is doing a more than decent job. One of Chicago’s concerns, however, is that the members of this unit are starting to age. Otherwise, Chi-Town is fine with their O-line.
Defensive Linemen
The defensive line may not get as much recognition as it probably should, but Chicago’s front four is about as good as any in the entire league. Former Miami Dolphin, Adewale Ogunleye was the best defensive lineman for the Bears and had 10 sacks last season. Right defensive end, Alex Brown had six sacks – and more importantly – showed improvement with each successive game. Defensive tackle Tommie Harris made his first Pro Bowl appearance and is only going to continue to get better. Another tackle, Ian Scott is a stuffer and space eater who allows others to create highlight reel stories. Tank Johnson is an extremely effective pass rusher in tight end situations.
Linebackers
It’s no secret that the monster medium Brian Urlacher is an absolute monster that should be considered for every story. What most people don’t know is that Urlacher’s fellow linebackers are pretty damn good, too. Lance Briggs and Hunter Hillenmeyer are both very talented linebackers who are just a step or two away from playing at the Pro Bowl level. Youngster, Jamar Williams will fill in, possibly in three relief spots.
Defensive Backs
Cornerback Nathan Vasher is arguably the best cornerback in the entire league right now. What Vasher lacks in size, he more than makes up for with an innate ball nose. Unfortunately for Chicago, their other corner wasn’t too much to write home about. Charles Tillman showed glimpses of his potential, but was unable to play at a sustained level. If he can become a little more consistent, then the Bears could have a big cornerback.
Mike Brown’s safety has been an excellent player for Chicago – when he’s healthy – and unfortunately, he missed two games in half of the Bears’ last season. If Brown can stay healthy, the Bears’ defensive signal caller will be a huge addition. Welcome safety Chris Harris is a competent free safety, but needs more consistency to enter the class of elite NFL safeties. The best thing about Harris is that he’s young and he’s only going to get better. The Bears also signed cornerback Ricky Manning Jr. to a five-year deal that gives Chicago its second best cornerback.
Special Teams
The single box set is average at best. Second-year kicker Robbie Gould didn’t have much hope for the Bears, despite what he had last season, although punter Brad Maynard was downright mediocre last year. It’s one more thing for the Bears that solving-skills”>solving punts and returning kickoffs they’ve experienced all season. Last year, Manning and rookie cornerback Devin Hester are both outstanding returners.
Coaching
Once again, during the eighth season, we will truly be in awe of what Lovie Smith has accomplished since his arrival in Windy City. However, I’d like to call things as I see them and for Smith to stick with Rege Grossman, even after being thoroughly outwitted by Brian Griese throughout the preseason, he’s sending a bad message to his players – who says, ‘T’ works if you work hard and perform better than the guy in front of you. I call the shots and play what I want.’
I’m hoping Smith’s decision works out for the best for him because I genuinely like him, but I am going on record to say that this is the greatest mistake to date of his head-coaching career.
