2007 Outlook:

The Bears will look to make a return appearance to Super Bowl XLII with the hopes of a different result. They dominated the weak NFC last season and return most of their key personnel. Chicago relied on its defense much of the season last year, however their offense began to take form which is what bolstered them into the NFLs elite. While Thomas Jones was never an appreciated player in his time with Chicago, he was their best offensive weapon. It will be up to Cedric Benson and Adrian Peterson to shoulder the load out of the backfield now. Much of the Bears success this season will be dependent on how the two young runners perform. The return of Tommie Harris from injury makes this defense elite once again.

2007 Draft Review:

1st round pick Greg Olsen should become a vital part of the Bears offense. While Desmond Clark played very well last season, Olsen gives this club a weapon down the middle of the field that has the athletic ability to burn linebackers and safeties. Other than Olsen, most of their picks are marginal and will look to provide some depth. Their fifth round choice, OG Beekman, could be in the mix for a starting position in the O-line. Their draft grade comes in at a C+.

Key Acquisition:

The Bears acquired Anthony Adams from the San Francisco 49ers and the free agent could be an important piece of the Bears defense as Tank Johnson has now been released from the team despite the fact that he was arrested on a suspicion and later cleared. Bears personnel reported that the team was simply fed up with Tank and wishes him all the best. Adams will now be expected to come in and provide a stop-gap option for the Bears. While he will provide no fantasy benefit alone, he will have an effect on the Bears defense as a unit.

Key Departure:

The Bears traded away their leading rusher, Thomas Jones, from 2006 in hopes that former 1st round pick Cedric Benson is prepared to take the reigns. Benson showed flashes of brilliance last season, but seems to be more of the grind and pound it out back, lacking the break away ability. If backers are allowed to drop back into coverage more, it could be a long season for young Rex Grossman and the Bears offense.

Offensive Preview:

Ron Turner will look to continue the strides he made in 2006. The Bears offense improved last season to finish the year as the 16th ranked squad in the NFL. The loss of Thomas Jones will hurt, but if Cedric Benson can come in and provide a young spark, it could be a blessing. Coach Lovie Smith feels like Benson is ready and he should warrant a low to mid-grade 2nd back come fantasy draft day. The receiving corps is marginal at best, but with Grossman improving, Berrian should continue his improvements from last season. Grossman must work to keep the turnovers down or the capable Griese may see some playing time by mid-season.

Defensive/Special Teams Preview:

It does not get much better than the Bears defense and special teams. Robbie Gould had a phenomenal season connecting on 32 of 36 FGs, Devin Hester returned 5 kicks for TDs, and the Bears defense finished 5th in the NFL despite dealing with some injuries to key personnel. The return of Pro Bowl defensive tackle, Tommie Harris, will bolster this unit, however the recent loss of Tank Johnson will be felt accordingly. The squad must find a way to appease Lance Briggs as well. The Pro-Bowl caliber backer will be a huge loss if he holds out until game 10 of the season. The Bears will have to rely on their defense to help out once again due to the ever-present turnover from Grossman and Co.

Season Prediction:

The Bears return a quality football team from their Super Bowl run. Being in the NFC North will provide them with some easy wins. Their schedule is more difficult this season, so don't expect another 13 win campaign. If Grossman can get on track early and show some consistency, this could be a very dangerous team. But with the loss of Jones, dismissal of Tank, holdout by Briggs, and the lack of consistency on the offensive side of the ball, the Bears will struggle against the NFL Elite.

Projected Finish

10 Wins, 6 Losses (1st NFC North)

Got a comment about the preview? Let your voice be heard! There's an active topic going on in the forum. Click here to get in the action!