2011 Bears Regular Season Prediction

Now that the NFL lockout has finally come to an end, and baseball season is over (in Chicago at least) it is about time to start thinking about football.  I'm excited for the football season to start, but have some concerns about da Bears.  Yes, they made it to the NFC championship last season, but they made it there with a lot question marks that will carry through to this season.  My opinion of the Bears' strengths & weaknesses heading in to the 2011-2012 campaign.

Why I'm Optimistic

Veteran Leadership

This team is full of veterans who have performed at an elite level for a number of years.  Becuase they have so many veterans, the window to win a superbbowl is closing.  Guys like Urlacher, Briggs, Peppers, and Tillman should bring that intangable "veteran leadership" to the clubhouse.

Special Teams

The bears have had one of the best special teams units in the NFL for quite some time.  The Bears have one of the best special teams coaches in the NFL, and the most electrifying return man in NFL history.  Even if their offense can't move the ball, Devin Hester is bound to super soak a ho or two this year.

Defense

Yes, the core of this defense is aging, but they are still the backbone of this team.  This defense is very athletic, and has the most dominant pass rusher in the NFL.   Barring injuries, I think they will be a top 10 defense this year.  

Forte

In my opinion, Matt Forte will be one of the best backs in the NFL this year.  He doesn't have the flash that AP or Chris Johnson, but he is the definition of a complete back.  He's a great pass catcher, blocker, and can run da ball.  In his 2nd year in the Martz offense, don't be surprised if he draws comparisons to Marshall Faulk.  If this offense is going to be successful, Forte will have to carry the load of the offense.  

What Concerns Me

O-Line

The departure of Kreutz was a huge blow to an already terrible offensive line.  I'm guessing that this will (again) be the Bears achilles heel.  If they can't somehow gel together, expect Cutler to come off the field in a body bag.

Wide receivers

They're just meh.  Our big free agent splash Roy Williams was the 3rd best wide receiver on a 6-10 team.  I'm also not a huge fan of trading Greg "3rd leg" Olsen.  This guy was our touchdown reception leader last year, and is in the prime of his career.  Knox, and Hester are fast, but Knox has had route running issues, and Hester may be mildly retarded. He really should stick to "special" teams.  I expect Earl Bennett to have a breakout year, and I could see him developing into a great "move the chains" receiver.  

NFC North

For the 1st time in a long time, the NFC North may be the toughest division in football.  As much as I hate to admit it, the Packers are defending superbowl champs, and have actually gotten better this offseason by virtue of getting healthy.  The Vikings have the most dominating RB in football, and are two years removed from the NFC championship.  They still have the pieces in place to put together a playoff run.  Believe it or not, I think the Lions will contend for the NFC North crown .  They have great offensive talent, and probably the best D-Line in the NFL.  The Bears really have their work cut out for them to win this division.

Wild Cards

Jay Cutler

In his 2 years in Chicago, we've seen pro-bowl caliber games from Cutler and we've seen Grossman-esque games.  If pro bowl Jay Cutler consistently shows up this year, the Bears can make a Superbowl run.  If not, I don't see them making the playoffs.  This team's destiny is in the hands of our pouty faced franchise quarterback.

Luck 

Let's be honest, the bears NFC championship run had a lot of luck involved.  A lot of things fell into place for the Bears last season.  Their only playoff win came against a below .500 football team.  Also, barring the 2nd half of the NFC championship, I don't think I've ever seen a healthier Bears team.  The Bears will likely suffer injuries that they didn't have to overcome last year. If the Bears are going to make a playoff run, things will have to fall their way for the second year in a row.


My Bold Prediction:  Bears go 10-6 to clinch wild card playoff spot.  Lose in 1st round of the playoffs.

1	Sun, Sep 11	vs Atlanta	L	Matt Ryan and the Falcons are too much for the Bears.
2	Sun, Sep 18	@ New Orleans	L	Bears secondary can't contain the pass happy Saints
3	Sun, Sep 25	vs Green Bay	L	for the 3rd week in a row, Bears can't handle pro bowl caliber QB.
4	Sun, Oct 2	vs Carolina	W	Ron Rivera will need time to fix the Panthers.  They're just not that good.
5	Mon, Oct 10	@ Detroit	L	Bears hit their low point after losing to the one-time lowly Lions.
6	Sun, Oct 16	vs Minnesota	W	McNabb and the Vikes offense need some more time to gel. Bears win.
7	Sun, Oct 23	@ Tampa Bay	W	Bears pull off a close one in Tampa.
8	BYE WEEK
9	Mon, Nov 7	@ Philadelphia	L	Philly doesn't forget loss from last year.  Give the Bears payback.
10	Sun, Nov 13	vs Detroit	W	Home field advantage gives bears victory against Lions.
11	Sun, Nov 20	vs San Diego	L	The Chargers always seem to hit stride this time of year.
12	Sun, Nov 27	@ Oakland	W	Although Oakland wasn't bad last year,  I don't see them contending in 2011.
13	Sun, Dec 4	vs Kansas City	W	Bears overcome tough atmosphere to bear the Chiefs.
14	Sun, Dec 11	@ Denver	W	Cutler gets a big W in his 1st game against his former team.
15	Sun, Dec 18	vs Seattle	W	Repeat of last years playoff game.  Bears win big.
16	Sun, Dec 25	@ Green Bay	W	Even though the Pack are a better team, Bears find a way to win at Lambeu and split season series.
17	Sun, Jan 1	@ Minnesota	W	Bears with to clinch wild ward playoff birth.