Bears Blitz

Published by Bryan Dietzler on June 20, 2011
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears

The Bears have the potential to go a long ways again next season but there are a few problem areas that could hold them back from having success.  There are still some holes to fill on the offensive line and nothing is going to happen if that offensive line doesn’t get fixed. 

The Bears have also failed to add a true No. 1 wide receiver to their roster so far this offseason but they haven’t had much of chance to do so because of the lockout.

Can the Bears offense actually perform well enough without a No. 1 wide receiver in the lineup?  Do they actually already have that player on the roster?  Is there a chance that they could end up getting a No. 1 wide receiver in the offseason?

It’s clear to see that there is not one single wide receiver on this team that is or ever will be a No. 1 wide receiver.  They tried to put Hester in that role but it’s clear that he isn’t going to be a true No. 1 receiver.  There was some thought that Johnny Knox could step into that role but that’s not going to happen.  Earl Bennett is not going to a No. 1 wide receiver ever.

So there is no one receiver on the team that can be considered a No. 1 wide receiver.

But can the Bears go out and find that guy in the offseason if there is one?  Hopefully free agency rules are friendly to the Bears when and if the free agency period for this season opens.  If they are, you can expect Chicago to go after a No. 1 wide receiver and be just as aggressive about it as they were when they went all out to get Julius Peppers.  They will realize that an important part of their ability to succeed on offense and win games will come through having a top of the line wide receiver.

So they will do what it takes to get that No. 1 wide receiver in house and make their offense better.  It’s clear to see that having one is going to be the key to making their offense work and without one this could be a long and unsuccessful season for the Bears in 2011.

There are some options out there and the Bears could take advantage of some of those players if they are able to.  Of course we have to see just how free agency will be structured under the new deal that has yet to be created.  If the Bears are able to go out and get good free agent wide receiver then they will go out and get one.  If not they could be in trouble.

There is always the option of going after someone like former New York Giant’s wide receiver Plaxico Burress.  He would still have something left in the tank and despite all the baggage that he brings he might give the Bears what they want for a season or two.  The question here is would the Bears take a risk with him and see if he’s going to work out?  Or would they try to go for someone they know doesn’t have the issues that he has and hasn’t been out of football for as long as he has been.

Getting someone they know won’t have any problems would be a plus as would getting someone who they know is in football shape and could contribute right away.

Simply put, if the Bears don’t have a true No. 1 wide receiver as part of their offense next season then you can bet that they won’t do as well as they did last season.  The best way for them to win is to take care of their biggest need on offense and give themselves a viable weapon to move the ball down the field with. 

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