2009 Chicago Bears: Five Things to Watch For

The big news this off-season in Chicago was the acquisition of former Denver quarterback Jay Cutler, as well as a sound NFL Draft.

The Bears added depth and competition to their receiving corps, and also added a few players on defense that bring youth and versatility to an aging defense.

There are many questions surrounding the Bears that could be answered by the end of August, as well as a few others that may take the entire season to answer.

5. Greg Olsen as the New Starting Tight End

It has recently been reported than Greg Olsen will officially take over in Chicago as the top tight end, relegating the veteran blocking tight end, Desmond Clark, to the bench.

While Clark will still be used a lot, and quite possibly just as much as Olsen, he will not be featured in the passing game as often.

Olsen’s tremendous size and speed should provide a big target for Jay Cutler, which should potentially open up a lethargic passing offense.

From a fantasy perspective, look for Olsen’s numbers to improve greatly, with 70 catches and over 800 yards being fairly realistic.

4. Will the Offensive Line Be Better?

Only a few years removed from having one of the better line’s in the NFL, Chicago is slowly but surely working it’s way back to the NFL’s elite.

They have some aging players, as well as a few young, raw prospects.

While they have made strides in the rush offense, pass protection continues to be their Achilles’ heel.

An established Pro Bowl quarterback like Jay Cutler could take some of the pressure off of this growing offensive line.

3. Can the Defense Still Be Elite?

Brian Urlacher had an off year, the Bears said good-bye to Mike Brown, and the few defensive rookies they did draft aren’t projected for immediate impacts.

Throw in an injury to Charles Tillman, and there are suddenly enough questions regarding this defense, that it’s difficult to call them elite anymore.

If Urlacher can bounce back and show he’s still a prime-time performer, he could take up enough space and garner enough attention over the middle to allow Lance Briggs and others to roam free and make plays.

Craig Stelz stepping up at safety will also be a huge issue to be watched. Stelz has a great cerebral game with goo instincts, while receiving knocks in regards to his speed and explosiveness.

His development, as well as the improvement of Chicago’s overall defense chemistry, could have a huge impact on how the defense plays out.

Still, even if there aren’t as many changes as Chicago fans would like, the defense as it stands is still easily the second-best defense in the NFC North, which won’t keep them from being competitive.

2. Who Will Step-Up at Receiver?

While Jay Cutler is a substantial improvement under center, his mere presence alone doesn’t guarantee any change of production out of the receiving corps.

The rookies and veterans will have to put their own effort in to make a successful transition to an above-average squad.

Devin Hester’s speed, explosiveness, and improved route-running keeps him s the number one option, while Earl Bennett and Rashied Davis are the early favorites to round out the top three spots.

Rookies Juaquin Iglesias and Johnny Knox are definitely going to be a part of the offense, but only their preseason play will guarantee one way or another just how much of a role they will play.

Iglesias is in a mold much like Bennett, while Knox is a flat-out burner who would potentially work as Chicago’s best slot receiver.

1. Is Jay Cutler Chicago’s Savior?

He’s not Jim McMahon, and there’s no guaranteed Super Bowl.

Then again, he’s not Cade McNown, Rex Grossman, or Kyle Orton, either.

He’s much better.

Cutler may not have won more than eight games in a season yet, but he’s young and hasn’t had much help in the form of solid defense in his two and a half seasons as a starter.

While his weapons regress to a return man-turned-receiver and a fast tight end (Greg Olsen), Cutler still has a big arm and the moxie and confidence to guide a dramatic offensive turn around.

If Kyle Orton could toss nearly 3,000 yards and 18 touchdowns with these weapons, just imagine what Cutler could be capable of.

Don’t expect a huge drop-off from 2008’s numbers.

I can’t believe the Bears Betting Odds this year. I think there is some value there.