Apr 25 2008
Back to Methods
Alright, so here’s an article I wrote back in January, just randomly approaching people in Chicago:
Bears look to rebound after sub-par ‘07 campaign
So what do the Bears need to make it back to – and more importantly, win – next year’s Super Bowl XLIII? Well, Chicago’s finest have spoken, and the consensus is: offense.
Just one year removed from their Super Bowl XLI loss to the Indianapolis Colts, the Bears posted a 7-9 record and failed to make the playoffs – the fifth team in the past six years to do so (2006 Seahawks).
“I don’t think they can make it back in one year,” said George Hopson, 54, a lifelong resident of Illinois. “The quarterback situation is iffy at best, and the running game is even more suspect.” The Bears ranked 27th in total offense this season, averaging a mere 293.2 yards per game.
The quarterback position was volatile for the Bears due to inconsistent play from (and injury to) five-year veteran Rex Grossman. Backups Brian Griese and Kyle Orton fared better, winning a combined five games this year.
“We haven’t had a good quarterback since Jim McMahon,” remarked Craig Lee, 44, a South Side resident. “He had guts and attitude.” In 2007, Grossman posted a quarterback rating of 66.4, a mark superior to only New York Jets quarterback Kellen Clemens (Based on quarterbacks who threw an average of 14 passes per game).
While many point the finger in the direction of the man under center, others were quick to point to an aging offensive line. Anchored by six-time Pro Bowler Olin Kreutz, the offensive line has a median age of 30.
“They need younger guys with more fight in them in the trenches,” said Justin Horner, 25, a Tennessee native who has followed the Bears closely since moving to Chicago. “That’s why Grossman can’t do what is expected of him.” Northwestern offensive lineman Alex Rucks agreed with Horner, saying that the offense relies on a solid front five to move the ball.
While the passing game was clearly suspect, the running game wasn’t much better. After losing Thomas Jones to the New York Jets via free agency in 2006, the Bears averaged a league-worst 3.1 yards per carry this season with Cedric Benson and Adrian Peterson splitting time in the backfield.
With the departure of Thomas, Benson was effectively tabbed to lead the running game. Benson, however, mustered only 674 yards in 11 games before injuring his left ankle in a week 12 game against the Denver Broncos.
After an impressive college career at Texas University (sixth-leading rusher in NCAA Division I-A history), Benson is yet to register back-to-back 100-yard rushing games since his 2005 NFL debut. “Benson isn’t doing anything like he was in college,” remarked Texas native Kenneoth McCalister, 23. The Bears selected Benson in the first round, 4th overall, in the 2005 draft.
This has some questioning the Bears’ front office. “I don’t really think that the Bears are trying to win the championship,” said Craig Lee, voicing his displeasure with the McCaskey family, the Bears’ majority owners. “If you want to win a championship, you have to spend money.”
With about $20 million in cap space, the Bears will get that opportunity in what promises to be a busy offseason. Three-time Pro Bowl selection Lance Briggs will look to cash in on a lucrative long-term deal this offseason – something the Bears were unwilling to give him last year when they gave him the franchise player tag.
Wide receiver Bernard Berrian, who has said that he wishes to remain with the Bears, will also be an unrestricted free agent. Incumbent starting quarterback Grossman will also be an unrestricted free agent. General Manager Jerry Angelo has told reporters recently not to count him out, saying that he could be back with the Bears next season. Grossman has also voiced a desire to stay in Chicago.
Nonetheless, mock draft Websites such as nfldraftcountdown.com show the Bears drafting Kentucky quarterback Andre Woodson with the 14th pick in this year’s college draft. Louisville quarterback Brian Brohm and Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan are projected to be drafted prior to Woodson.
So while Chicagoans hope the Bears begin their quest to plug offensive holes this offseason, they leave one question unanswered:
What do they do about their 28th-ranked defense?
Oh, how the mighty have fallen. Since January, Brian Brohm and Andre Woodson have been dropped entirely from Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay’s 1st round prospects.
According to both, Boston College QB Matt Ryan is the only quarterback worthy of a 1st Round pick. On the whole, this year’s crop is weak offensively, lacking at skill positions such as WR, QB, and RB.
Mario Manningham, considered the best wide receiver despite some of the baggage he carries, only ran a 4.6 in the 40-yard-dash at the combine. Arkansas RB Darren McFadden also has had critics question his character with some of the issues he has, too.
Despite the lack of talent at skill positions, the Bears can still come through this draft looking pretty good by shoring up its offensive line issues, and still coming away with a steal of a QB in the 2nd round with Brohm (if available), or Delaware’s Joe Flacco.
Either way, it should be very interesting to see what Jerry Angelo does tomorrow.
PS Check this video out - Bears draft history!
http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d807f4373
[...] as was expected in the “Back to Methods” post, the Bears picked up a solid offensive lineman in the first round with Chris Williams. [...]
[...] very stubborn, sticking with his go-to guy Grossman. The people spoke earlier this year in that man on the street article I did, but Jerry Angelo obviously doesn’t need their help doing his job. But the Bears [...]