2011 NFL Offseason Report: The Chicago Bears
Published by Ryan Frye on March 9, 2011
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
This idea originated from ESPN’s Mike & Mike:
5. What is QB Jay Cutler’s standing with the team?
The media looks at him as though he is a whiny guy. Whether that’s true or not—and I’ve never been a Jay Cutler fan—his teammates have backed him up on this:
His standing with the Bears is that he’s the starting quarterback.
4. Who was the best coach in 2010: Lovie Smith, Mike Martz, or Rod Marinelli?
Lovie Smith, like Cutler, has had the support of his team.
Jullius Peppers and Brian Urlacher both spoke out, saying Smith should get an extension, and he received just that.
Mike Martz should get credit for adjusting his style and actually running the ball. He also seemed to help Jay Cutler this past season.
It seems like Lovie Smith is getting more of the credit than Rod Marinelli for the defensive play of the Bears, so I’ll go with Smith as well.
3. Who was Chicago’s most important defensive player: Jullius Peppers or Brian Urlacher?
Brian Urlacher led the team in tackles, while Jullius Peppers led the team in sacks.
I’m not going to pick one guy over the other because it’s not really fair to do that. Instead, I’ll just say that they are both crucial to Chicago’s defense.
2. What is the Bears’ top priority in the NFL Draft and/or free agency?
Although Frank Omiyale did a decent job of filling in, the Bears may be looking for a permanent left tackle. Center Olin Kreutz is also a free agent and isn’t getting any younger.
After Tommie Harris’ release, the Bears are in need of a defensive tackle. Illinois’ Cory Liuget is a good fit here.
1. Stock: rising or falling?
We know that the Packers aren’t going anywhere for sure.
Despite being the oldest team in the NFL, the Vikings are a quarterback away from competing for the division once again, and the Lions are an improving team.
You get the point—the division is improving. While I doubt the Bears will fall on their collective face in 2011, they will take a step back.
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