NFL 2006: Chicago Bears

(This is the Corners look at the upcoming NFL season. For the next 32 days we'll be previewing each team and their prospects for the 2006 season. Today we look at the Chicago Bears.)

Lovie Smith took the Chicago Bears to the NFC North division title and the playoffs in only his second year as head coach, way ahead of schedule. A powerhouse defense, coupled with a strong running game propelled the Bears to an 11-5 record.

As 2006 approaches, Smith knows the Bears need more offense this season if they expect to capture another division title and a conference championship. The passing game was atrocious last year and needs to improve dramatically if Chicago fans want to see a replay of 2005.

Offense: The passing offense was the weak link on an otherwise strong ballclub. For some reason, Smith and the Chicago front office stood pat and didn't bring in or draft any high profile offensive players.

Kyle Orton started 15 games last year and led the Bears to a 10-5 record. Not bad, but his numbers were dismal: 1,869 yards, nine touchdowns, 13 interceptions. Rex Grossman returned from injury and started the final game of the season, plus the playoffs. Throw into the mix free agent Brian Griese (1,136-7-7) and you have the makings of a three-way quarterback battle. Grossman is the favorite, but with his history of injuries, don't count out Griese coming out on top.

Another exciting battle in the making is at tailback between last seasons starter, Thomas Jones (1,335-9) and Cedric Benson (272 yards). Benson was Chicago's top pick in 2005, but a camp holdout and a knee injury sidelined him for most of the season. Despite the numbers Jones put up in 2005, the Bears were trying to trade him in the offseason. Adrian Peterson (391 yards) and rookie Tony Hollings are the backups. Bryan Johnson returns at fullback, but Jason McKie and rookie J.D. Runnells will fight for the job as well.

Muhsin Muhammad had a decent year (64-750-4), but the rest of this unit must step up in a big way. Starter Justin Gage had just 31 catches in 2006 and will be challenged by Bernard Berrian and Mark Bradley for playing time.

Desmond Clark (24 catches) returns at tight end. John Gilmore was recently arrested for drug possession and resisting arrest so his future with the club is in doubt. Rookie Tim Day may emerge as the number two man in Gilmore's absence.

The offensive line is a strong point and should be even stronger in 2006 as all five starters return. Olin Kreutz is at center, Ruben Brown and Terrence Metcalf are at guard, and John Tait and Fred Miller hold down the tackle spots. Lennie Friedman, Roberto Garza and John St. Clair are solid reserves.

Defense: The real strength of the Bears team. The defense ranked first in the NFL in scoring (12.6) and was the main reason Chicago won 11 games last season. With all 11 starters back and a draft that featured four of the top six picks go on defense, it appears this unit will once again have to carry the Bears.

Alex Brown (45 tackles, six sacks) and Adewale Ogunleye (40 tackles, 10 sacks) had monster seasons at defensive end and will be counted on to duplicate or top that feat this season. Michael Haynes, rookie Mark Anderson and Jamaal Green provide depth. Tommie Harris (32 tackles, three sacks) and Ian Scott shut down the middle, with Tank Johnson (five sacks) a key contributor. Rookie Dusty Dvoracek will see action too.

It only gets better when you move from the line to the linebackers. Brian Urlacher (121 tackles, six sacks) is arguably the best middle linebacker in the NFL today. Lance Briggs (107 tackles, two sacks, two interceptions) and Hunter Hillenmeyer (63 tackles) are solid outside backers. Leon Joe and Brandon Ayanbadejo are quality reserves.

All four starters return in the secondary, but changes may be made. If Chicago had one small weakness in its defense it was in this area. Nathan Vasher (46 tackles, eight interceptions) is a lock for one corner spot, but incumbent Charles Tillman (93 tackles, five interceptions) will be challenged by free agent Ricky Manning, brought over from Carolina. Rookie Devin Hester will be used mostly on special teams. Veteran Mike Brown (72 tackles, three interceptions) is back at strong safety and Chris Harris (58 tackles, three picks) returns at free safety, but faces stiff competition from top pick Danieal Manning. Todd Johnson returns as well.

Special Teams: Robbie Gould (82 points, 21-27 field goals, 19-20 extra points) was inconsistent last year, so Smith brought in rookie Josh Huston from Ohio State to fight for the job. Brad Maynard (41.0) returns as the punter. With Jerry Azumah retired, Hester figures to move in as punt and kickoff returner.

Outlook: Chicago will once again be led by its defense. The offense is solid on the line and in the running game, but make no mistake, if Smith wants to have another year like 2005, he needs one of the quarterbacks and a receiver besides Muhammad to step up and have a big year. This team is a playoff-caliber squad, thanks to the defense, but even great defenses have bad days. The offense managed only 16 points a game last year and must do better if the Bears are to improve and go deeper in the playoffs.

Prediction: The defense is one of the best in the NFL and if this unit can stay healthy, the Bears will be in the hunt for the North division crown. If they can't find some sort of passing game, it could be another quick playoff exit or out of the postseason all together. Chicago will fight Minnesota for the division and finish 10-6 or 11-5.

Check out the most complete guide to coaching youth football ever created!