With the regime change from Lovie Smith to Marc Trestman, it is believed that the Chicago Bears will go from being a rush first to passing foremost offense. Smith, a coach with a career record of 81-63, was fired on New Year’s Eve, following a 10-win season in which the Bears choked away their playoff chances. A 7-1 start went for nothing. However, you won’t be hearing the dry Smith soundbite “we get off the bus running” anymore.
Matt Forte will still be extremely important to the Chicago Bears, but he won’t have to be the primary focal point.
Chicago Bears Linebackers
Checking out these NFL spread picks, the Bears are at +1400 to win the NFC. Obviously, the end of the “Brian Urlacher Era” has a lot to do with setting those odds. Despite Urlacher, an 8-time Pro Bowler, not being especially great last year. #54 certainly was not himself, and no other NFL team was interested in giving Urlacher a similar or better offer than what the Chicago Bears pitched him. So Brian announced his retirement in May and starts his broadcast career with Fox Sports 1, which launches tomorrow.
Of course, the Bears official Pro Shop at Solider Field still seems to think Urlacher is actually with the team.
The storyline of Jon Bostic replacing Urlacher will be one of the most scrutinized, and talked about the entire season; so I’ll leave that alone for now. As to not make you nauseated. Bostic, the rookie out of Florida is the projected starter at Middle right now only because D.J. Williams is hurt right now.
He’s week to week with a calf injury that could be somewhat serious. At the weak side outside linebacker spot you have Lance Briggs. And you know what he is, annual Pro Bowler, a very special player. The hallmark of consistency; he’s the face of the Bears defense now. James Anderson holds down the strongside, replacing the departed Nick Roach. Other linebackers likely to see significant playing time include Khaseem Greene and Blake Costanzo.
Chicago Bears Running Backs
Forte is Forte, you know what you get from him. Great pass catching, solid running down-hill. A fantastic north-south runner who looked in midseason form last night in the preseason game. Michael Bush is a great second string. You definitely need two tailbacks in today’s NFL, and Forte and Bush are as solid a one and two as you’ll find in the league. Michael Ford probably beat out Armando Allen for the third spot last night with his 100 yard return. The LSU product adds more to the table on special teams than the Notre Dame alum, so apologies to the many Domers within the Chicago Bears fan base, but Allen will probably get beat out.
Fullbacks won’t be featured much in this offense. Sorry, this isn’t Ron Turner who runs a full back screen pass every three plays. Tony Fiammetta is the starter with Harvey Unga the back up.
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Paul M. Banks is the owner of The Sports Bank.net, an affiliate of Fox Sports. An analyst for 95.7 The Fan, he also writes on Chicago sports media for Chicago Now. President Obama follows him on Twitter (@paulmbanks)