Positive Press - Bears Superbowl contender
Posted: Thu Jun 25, 2009 3:00 pm
Saw this on Foxsports. A nice change up from the normal NFC East orgasms that the national press normally prints.
More non-Bears stuff at the link:
http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/9722 ... d-bear-it-
The Bears receivers are better than you think.
I think it's OK if a quarterback not in the top five is the highest-paid player in the NFL.
Is Larry Johnson actually thinking clearly?
Does Chad Johnson ever think?
And my head hurts thinking about the Seahawks.
Think about that, and more, with the latest SCHEIN 9.
1. Bear it
I am not remotely concerned that Chicago doesn't have enough weapons in the passing attack. It's more than enough for the Bears to win the competitive NFC North and be a legit Super Bowl contender.
End the Plaxico Burress talk. And while Brandon Marshall is a great talent, he comes with baggage in every way — off the field issues, wanting a new contract, not 100 percent healthy.
And the Bears receivers will be vastly improved this year, aided by the presence of finally having a big time QB in Chicago.
# Tight end Greg Olsen caught 54 balls last year. The way Cutler uses the tight end, especially on third downs and in the red zone, put him closer to 75 (as a low estimate) with at least nine touchdowns.
# Devin Hester caught 51 passes from Rex Grossman and Kyle Orton. He's an exceptional talent who is only getting better. The explosive Hester hits the 70 mark and takes a major step forward.
# I don't expect Jay Cutler to dump down to Matt Forte like the former Bears quarterbacks. But while the number of catches will dip from 63, Forte has excellent hands and will be counted on.
# Rashied Davis is a solid player. Mark him down for 40 receptions.
# Rookie Juaquin Iglesias was a third-round steal. He's a polished neophyte. Offensive coordinator Ron Turner was gushing about him when we talked after the draft. I don't think 40 catches is a remote stretch.
# And the Bears love the big-play ability (and they should) of fellow rook Johnny Knox.
Plus, the offensive line is stronger and deeper with Orlando Pace and Kevin Shaffer coming to town. And a healthy Chris Williams would be a huge bonus.
Big picture, it's more than enough when you have a budding star in Forte at running back and a defense that will be improved in all facets with the most disruptive defensive lineman in football, Mr. Tommie Harris, healthy.
Chicago could be in the mix for a Super Bowl fueled by its passing attack. Imagine that.
More non-Bears stuff at the link:
http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/9722 ... d-bear-it-