2006 NFL Preview: The Chicago Bears
Quarterback- The Chicago Bears have had troubles at the quarterback position over the last decade, with a revolving door of journeymen (i.e. Jim Miller) and first round busts (i.e. Peter Tom Willis) leading the Bears toward the bottom of the division. In the 2006 NFL season, the Bears have a quarterback controversy with recovered Rex Grossman attempting to keep his starting quarterback position away from upstart quarterback Kyle Orton. Orton played admirably for most of the 2005 NFL season and Grossman needs to prove that he can stay healthy and return to form in the 2006 NFL season, or Lovie Smith will go to Orton to keep the team in games. The Bears have a solid fallback option with third string quarterback Brian Griese, who can keep a team together in a pinch. Look for Grossman to return to form, though another season-ending injury may knock him out of the league.
2006 NFL Grade: B+
Running Back/Full Back- The Bears have an overload of talent at the running back position, but no one back has been able to really distinguish themselves over the last year as a standout. In 2006, look for rookie Tony Hollings or veteran Thomas Jones to be the primary back. Cedric Benson got off to a slow start in 2005 due to his holdout but was given enough opportunities to get rolling and just never got to a 1st round draft pick level. Benson needs to prove he can run 25 to 30 times a game in 2006 or he will be considered a bust. Veteran Adrian Peterson will continue to provide solid running and blocking from the bench. At fullback, Bryan Johnson will develop into a solid fullback over 2006 and when the Bears decide on a full time starter at running back, Johnson will develop a comfort level with that back and the Bears should be able to get the running game going.
2006 NFL Grade: B
Wide Receiver/Tight End- The receiving corps for the Bears in 2005 was a weak point, with no one receiver stepping up to take leadership in the passing game. Muhsin Muhammad should be that guy, but with Orton at quarterback for much of the season he couldn’t get his game going. Look more towards Justin Gage or Mark Bradley to become the premier receiver with Grossman in the game, as they are more athletic and younger than Muhammad. Muhammad and Bernard Berrian should give the Bears two solid possession receivers to compliment Gage and Bradley.
2006 NFL Grade: B
Offensive Line- The Bears offensive line in the 2006 NFL season will be a solid group that should give Grossman time to make plays. Center Olin Kreutz is one of the best in the league, guards Terrence Metcalfe and Ruben Brown give a veteran presence on the offensive interior, and tackles John Tait and Fred Miller will keep the rush off of Grossman’s back. Overall, this line is as hardworking and experienced as any in the league and few questions linger over how well they will play in the 2006 NFL season.
2006 NFL Grade: A
Defensive Line- Each part of the Bears’ defense is going to be great in the 2006 NFL season, but the defensive line should develop into the best in the league. Defensive ends Alex Brown and Adewale Ogunleye are a menace to quarterbacks throughout the league and their athleticism gives them the opportunity to make plays on every down in 2006. The defensive tackle spot is also well taken care of, with outstanding defensive tackle Tommie Harris paired with either Tank Johnson or rookie Dusty Dvoracek to stuff the middle. While the tackles may not be as prolific to start the 2006 NFL season as the ends are, look for Harris to emerge as a great defensive tackle and either Johnson or Dvoracek to benefit from their surrounding talent in 2006.
2006 NFL Grade: A+
Linebacker- The Bears got richer in 2006 by drafting linebacker Jamar Williams, who has great raw talent and will flourish behind a solid linebacking corps in Chicago. Starters Lance Briggs, Brian Urlacher, and Hunter Hillenmayer are going to continue gelling into one of the best NFL linebacking groups and will dominate opposing teams at the line of scrimmage in 2006. Look for Hillenmayer to emerge as a hardworking grinder who will compete with Urlacher for team lead in tackles.
2006 NFL Grade: A
Defensive Back- The Chicago Bears’ defense is impressive and when the first and second levels fail in 2006, they have a great defensive backfield to rely upon. Veteran safety Mike Brown and solid youngster Chris Harris not only stop receivers from going deep but will put a hit on a receiver that sends a message to the opposing team. Look for Harris to surpass Brown in 2006 as a play maker. At corner back, Lovie Smith has several options for his rotation, with Nathan Vasher, Charles Tillman, and Ricky Manning Jr. all vying for time at corner. Vasher and Manning Jr. Will more than likely be the starting corners, but any of the three can make plays and provide coverage in 2006.
2006 NFL Grade: A
Kicker/Punter- Kicker Robbie Gould took advantage of his opportunity to place in 2006, earning himself the kicker’s spot for the upcoming season. Gould should provide steady kicking and kickoffs and may start to develop into a clutch kicker as the Bears get into some close contests in the 2006 NFL season. Punter Brad Maynard will continue his usual stellar performances in the 2006 NFL season, heading his way toward the Pro Bowl and helping the great Bears defense keep opposing offenses at bay.
2006 NFL Grade: A-
2006 NFL Projection- The Bears will wipe out the rest of the NFC North competition, heading their way toward home field advantage with a 12-4 or 13-3 record in 2006.
