In typical Lovie fashion, we all gaze on, without much to say. There isn’t much to say about these Bears that most the nation doesn’t already know. After all they have been the star in one nationally televised debacle after another.

There aren’t any excuses for this organization. They are just terrible from the top down, no one can escape this one. DeAngelo, Lovie, Turner, Babich, get rid of them all. Without leadership these players are dried up fruit in and otherwise good trail mix, pointless and disgusting. They have the potential, but I think we are all a little tired of what could be. We are who we think we are, and this year that’s not much.

We can make excuses for why the O-line is old, we can pretend that we have a Hall of Fame QB and we can fantasize about our ‘85 defense and running game. Bottom line is that this 2009 Chicago Bears team has taken a few notches out of this franchise’s belt. Sure, Chicago has seen worse records for their Bears teams, and they may not be setting all the wrong records, but I have never witnessed a more humiliating season. Not in stats and record, but in pride and the way they lose.

It’s the impending doom that looms in all Chicago fans, even when things are going so well. We can never seem to enjoy a good season, for we know it is only a matter of time. So for that, I am appreciative of this 2009 team. There is no false delusions of greatness. There will not be any playoff hopes hinging on the final drive of week 17. It’s over now. I can finally just watch every weekend without ruining my entire week. The Bears have become the Cubs. No hope, and yet so much more relaxing to watch. Thank you and I apologize to all who have made it this far in the article. I really am proud and happy to be a fan, I have just learned to lower my expectations. Until next week…

On that note, welcome to the team, Cato June. I hope your Bears’ tenure is better than most…

If this is the kind of play that we are going to see from the Bears from here on out, I have some suggestions, since Lovie isn’t making any changes…

Let the defensive line play both sides. They can’t be nearly as weak as the O-line, it isn’t possible. Start Haney, not because Cutler isn’t cutting it, but so we can protect our investment until we have a worthy line that can protect him. Give the guy a chance to make a play. He was sacked 11 times all of last season with the Broncos, and here it is HALF-WAY and he has already been sacked 19 times!

While we’re on the subject, let’s give Matt Forte some slack. He had a great season last year because 1. we were a running team, and 2. our offensive line was a year younger. Don’t think it’s our O-Line? How’s Cedric Benson doing this year? Yeah…

Where to turn? Lovie and his coaches. The guy has control of his coaches and the team. He fired the man that got them to the Super Bowl, Ron Rivera. The Bears D has been a shadow of what it was ever since, not to mention that they have more holes than Wisconsin Swiss cheese. No secondary. No pass rush. No threat at all. The only thing more perplexing than how bad the Bears D is, is how the hell does Lovie coach without opening his mouth. We must have a ventriloquist for a coach.

Before you think I am one of those, “love it when their winning, kick’em while their down” guys, slow down. I have never been a Lovie fan. His calm demeanor has always been a little unsettling to me. I was never a Rex fan and I was a skeptic about the Cutler trade from the start. Lovie has proven me wrong in games, Rex had his moments, and Jay will shine with the right team in front of him. I love the Bears no matter what their record. There is something about turning on the tube every Sunday and seeing that Navy and Burnt Orange. I wouldn’t trade that for any Super Bowl. But it sure as hell hurts to watch a capable team flounder.

I am a realist. I am from Chicago, I was born a realist. When Lovie, Babich and Turner are the masterminds, we are in trouble.

After a disappointing performance against the Bills last week, Cutler and the Bears offense looked much better on Saturday against the Giants. Cutler completed 8 of 13 passes for 121 yards and a touchdown with no interceptions, and a 117.8 passer rating. Matt Forte looked to be back at his regular season status rushing for 58 yards on 9 carries including a 32 yard run for a touchdown after being held out of the preseason opener against the Bills. Devin Hester made a key catch converting on third down but struggled on 2 occasions to haul in 2 passes down the field. On one occasion there seemed to me some confusion between the young receiver and Pro Bowl quarterback, and the second looked like Hester hesitated a little and slowed down while the ball was in the air leading to Cutler over throwing the wide open receiver. Wide receiver Devin Aromashodu, certainly helped himself trying to make the final 53-man roster by making an impressive diving catch for 38 yards moving the sticks to the Giants 2 yard line. The Bears look like they are trying to squash everyone’s disbelief that they need a #1 receiver by mixing up the passes to several different targets. Cutler threw to 6 different targets in the 17-3 victory over the Giants. Overall the offense looked very in sync on Saturday I hope that continues.

I was also impressed with the starting defense holding the Giants to only a field goal. Rod Marinelli’s defensive line looked aggressive getting after the quarterback. The defense registered 4 sacks and 1 forced fumble. After a fumble by Bears running back Kevin Jones on their own 28 yard line, the defense was able to hold the Giants to only a field goal, their only points of the game. Dusty Dvoracek injured his knee which is rumored to be one that could keep him out of several games this year. Dvoracek is to have more tests to see how serious the injury is. This isn’t the first time the defensive tackle has gone down to injury. Dusty has suffered season ending injuries the last three seasons in a row. Let’s hope this isn’t his fourth

As for the rest of the NFC north, this is going to be a heck of a year for this division. I can honestly say probably the most exciting division in the league this year. Green Bay has looked impressive thus far in their 2 preseason games with their transition to the 3-4 defense. Their offense looks destined to put up good offensive numbers again with Aaron Rodgers under center and talented receivers. Minnesota has picked up what is believed to be the final piece of the puzzle for their quest for the Lombardi trophy in future HOF quarterback Brett Favre, however questions remain with his overall health. Even with Brett Favre under centre for the Vikings, I don’t believe they are sure favorites to win this division. The Lions have made significant improvement, but still will likely fall short of competing for the NFC north title this year, but the team should be improved and could play that spoiler role later in the season. With how competitive this division is now, the NFC north could send two teams to the playoffs this year, especially since Chicago, Green Bay and Minnesota are considered to have some of the easier schedules in the league. But I would say, if its up to the Lions, they would have no problem taking the wild card away from the north.

The most obvious point is the addition of Jay Cutler. Enough has been said about him this offseason, so I won’t belabor the point. However, it can’t be repeated enough that the Bears believe they’ve found the solution at Quarterback. The days of training camp battles and coin-flip starters are hopefully put to rest. At 26 years old, Jay Cutler is effectively penciled in the start at Quarterback for the next decade.

However, the Bears have also begun to manufacture a nice, young core around the centerpiece of Cutler.

Matt Forte is only 23 and, should he take another step forward this year, could be a franchise running back in the mold of Philadelphia’s Brian Westbrook. The Bears should, however, take steps to preserve him. Giving more carries to backup Kevin Jones (only 26 himself) is a step in that direction.

As for the receivers, Devin Hester is the aging vet of the group at 26. Should he finally take the step toward becoming a legitimate #1 receiver this year, it should help open the field for the likes of Earl Bennett (22), Juaquin Iglesias (21), and Johnny Knox (22). Should one or two of those options turn into viable pass catchers, the Bears should count their blessings. Also, don’t forget that Tight End Greg Olsen is only 24, and should be one of the best in the league.

The offensive line finally got younger as well. 2008 first-round pick Chris Williams (23) essentially red shirted last year and should finally begin to fulfill his promise as the premier tackle of the future. 26 year-old Josh Beekman showed some promise at left guard last year, but it seems the team is grooming him to take over for Center Olin Kreutz when his deal is up following the 2010 campaign. The Bears also found some versatile depth with free-agent signings Frank Omiyale (26) and Kevin Shaffer (29).

The offense is set up very well, in my opinion. And with the rate that the Bears replenish their defense through the draft, we should be very optimistic about this team’s future. I’m high on several young defenseman including cornerbacks D.J. Moore (22), Zackary Bowman (24) and Corey Graham (23); defensive linemen Henry Melton (22), Jarron Gilbert (22), and Marcus Harrison (25); as well as linebackers Marcus Freeman (23), Nick Roach (24), and Jamar Williams (25).

Don’t be surprised if five years from now several of these players have worked their way into the starting lineup.

Not literally “sit around” of course, at least if you’re the likes of Brian Urlacher and Co.

There’s work to be done. This is a big year. The chips are on the figurative table. Jerry Angelo has made big moves this season, making it obvious that the Bears are out to win it. Going 9-7 isn’t going to cut it this year. I want double-digit wins, I want to beat the Vikings for the division, and I want to make a run in the playoffs. Anything less might be a step in the right direction, but it will still leave me wanting more.

And guess what? It’s going to take more than Jay Cutler to get the job done. The defense has to rebound and regain its dominance, the wide receivers need to grow up fast and make an impact, and Matt Forte has to again carry the load and be the focal point of the offense (yes, over Cutler).

More than anything though, I’m just anxious for camp to start.

Defensive End: Adewale Ogunleye

Defensive Tackle: Tommie Harris

Defensive Tackle: Anthony Adams

Defensive End: Alex Brown

Strong-side Linebacker: Pisa Tinoisamoa

Middle Linebacker: Brian Urlacher

Weak-side Linebacker: Lance Briggs

Cornerback: Charles Tillman

Cornerback: Nathan Vasher

Free Safety: Craig Steltz???

Strong Safety: Kevin Payne???

As you can see, Da Bears have a pretty solid defense on paper. However, they also have some question marks (literally!) at the safety positions.

In my opinion, the Bears have two strong safeties playing in their defensive backfield. I really liked what I saw from Kevin Payne last year; he’s a strong kid and hits hard, though he had some trouble wrapping up last year. And Craig Steltz, though the Bears have talked a lot about his “smarts” and other B.S… I just don’t think he’s fast enough to cover space as a free safety.

The guy I think has the best chance to make an impact at free safety is converted Cornerback Corey Graham. He has size (6′0″, 198 pounds), coverage skills, and a willingless to tackle. He played safety his senior year in high school and for two games in college at New Hampshire, so if he can pick up the skills again he should have a good chance at making the starting roster.

But damn… I miss football. The Jay Cutler signing was the biggest offseason news in my Chicago sports memory. It was a great move and has really helped increase the morale of both the team and their fans. However, it’s brought along with it the added negative component of making me really antsy for the season to begin. I feel like a kid on Christmas Eve; except instead of visions of sugar plums, I can’t stop fantasizing about sixty-yard frozen ropes from the hand of an Actual Quarterback.

And yet it’s so very far away. Hell, it’s over a month until training camp starts!

I think there’s a lot to be excited about this year. Firstly: Cutler. ‘Nuff said. Also, we have a young star in Matt Forte that should only continue to play better in his second year in the league. We have a young crop of Wide Receivers that will hopefully show some flashes. The defense looks to return to dominance, headlined by the additions of Defensive Line Coach Rod Marinelli and Linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa.

If the Vikings add Brett Favre, it should only improve the budding rivalry we have with them (read my thoughts on this topic here: http://bears.gearupforsports.com/blog/2009/05/i-want-brett-favre-to-join-the-vikings/). Some people expect the Packers to compete too, but I see them taking at least a year to get that defense in shape. The Lions also think they’ve found their franchise quarterback, and it should be interesting to see how many steps forward they take.

I hope you’re handling this better than I am.

It’s been a while since we’ve last spoken, hasn’t it? I last wrote to you in the midst of Cutler-mania, urging you to take a risk and pull the trigger on the talented young Quarterback.

I think we both know how that turned out.

And let me be the first to say: good job. Really, truly, I’m impressed. I didn’t think you had it in you. In fact, I was thrilled when I heard you were merely expressing interest in Jay! But to bring the big one home… That took guts. And you didn’t stop there; you improved our offensive line and even added some depth to the linebacking corps. I couldn’t be more happy with the way this offseason has gone: you’ve really turned the Bears into a quality team.

But Jerry… that brings me to my point. Quality teams are nice, don’t get me wrong. But I want more, Jerry. MORE. The weakest part of our team has been the Wide Receivers and hey, you drafted three of ‘em. Certainly there’s gonna be one in there that can step it up eventually, eh?

But Jerry… sweet, innocent Jerry… “eventually” is for 2008 Bears fans. We’ve evolved. We’re hungry for more. We want to be successful now, if not sooner. And the only way to do that is to find a productive, veteran Wide Receiver. Sort of like…:

- Anquan Boldin: The Cardinals star has been a legitimate presence in this league for years. He caught 89 balls in 2008 for 1038 yards in only twelve games! He’s a big, strong, complete receiver. He can catch over the middle, run down the deep ball, and even block. He’s asked for a trade due to contract issues and might get his wish, if you’re willing to blow the Cards away with an offer.

- Plaxico Burress: Yes, the guy is a troublemaker. But he also happens to be a fine Wide Receiver. He recently got a continuation on his court date for shooting himself with an unlicensed firearm… but other than that he’s pretty much been an okay guy. And let’s be honest: that’s more of a ‘dumb mistake’ than a ‘pattern of trouble.’ You could probably sign him cheap to a one-year deal.

- Brandon Marshall: This one’s getting interesting, eh? Marshall wants a new deal, and has now officially asked for a trade from Denver. Could he follow Cutler to Chicago? Maybe, but do the Bears have anything left to offer after sacrificing two straight first-round draft picks? Marshall also does fall into the ‘pattern of trouble’ group, with DUIs, assault… the whole shebang. But Marshall probably took one look at tape of Kyle Orton throwing the deep ball and said “thanks but no thanks.”

- Street Receivers: Matt Jones, Drew Bennett, Brandon Lloyd, Marvin Harrison: Somebody! Anybody!

The Bears Quarterbacks do their best scary pose to intimidate the defense at a recent OTA.

This past season, the Bears discovered a dependable Quarterback (he was right here, behind this clipboard!) in Kyle Orton. “Dependable” should be stressed, because Orton isn’t going to be making any Pro Bowls, but he was effective and able to do the little things necessary to win games. However GM Jerry Angelo, stressing how important the QB position was to the long-term success of a team, pulled the trigger on a blockbuster deal for Jay Cutler to give the Bears a huge upgrade.

The very same day, recognizing the need to protect his new investment, Jerry signed Left Tackle Orlando Pace. The line was decent the previous year, but Jerry realized that improved depth was necessary and made a deal.

Weeks went by, and Linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa was released by the Rams. Now, Pisa’s a good linebacker, but the Bears were pretty much already set at the strong-side position. They had a nice training camp battle brewing between savvy veteran Hunter Hillenmeyer and the talented youngster, Nick Roach. Despite all that, they brought Pisa in for a visit and inked him to a deal, at the very least greatly improving their depth and options at the position.

Like I said, the Bears didn’t need to make these moves. They were, at least by Bears standards, okay at Left Tackle, Quarterback, and Strong-Side Linebacker. Granted it’s always wise to grab some depth or competition, but they didn’t need to make moves to nab perennial pro-bowlers like they found in Pace, Cutler, and Tinoisamoa… but hey, I’m glad they did! And this is what makes me think the Bears are going to grab a veteran Wide Receiver.

Follow my logic here: receiver was, before, during, and after this past season, the weakest part of the Bears. They’re currently planning to trot out Devin Hester and Earl Bennett (zero career receptions) as their starting receivers. Behind them will be Rookies Juaquin Iglesias and Johnny Knox, sir-drops-a-lot Rashied Davis, and practice sqaud-er Brandon Rideau. That certainly isn’t an average squad, even if one or both of the rookies step up more than we expect them to. Why would the Bears make moves to upgrade themselves at positions that are already average or better, and not address their weak-spot? If the Bears new grab-the-bull-by-the-horns technique is to be believed, it’s all too obvious that Wide Receiver is their next move.

Expect a forthcoming post on some veteran options at WR.

Frame that pass, Johnny!

- Free Agent acquisition Pisa Tinoisamoa was working with the second team during Wednesday’s open-to-the-media workout. Last year’s starter, Nick Roach, was getting work with the first team. Pisa will take over the starting role

eventually, but for now this is the right way to go about it. Roach played well enough last year, make the new guy earn his role. One thing the Pisa addition brings to the team is depth. Jamar Williams, Hunter Hillenmeyer, and Nick Roach are all starters on almost any other NFL team. Hunter and Roach will fight it out to be the backup to the strong side, but Jamar would need an injury to Brian Urlacher or Lance Briggs to see the field. I love Jamar but I hope we don’t need him.

- Matt Forte hobbled off the practice field yesterday with “leg tightness.” It’s never good to see a cornerstone of your team limp off the field, but they’re probably just being overly cautious. If it was a Sunday in November, Forte would be in there.

- The receivers continue to adjust to Cutler-as-Quarterback. We all know he has a rocket arm when he needs to fit the rock into a tight place, but he’s also shown a nice touch on mid-range throws, especially to the slot receiver and tight ends. But no one wants to hear about that, so I’ll instead mention the way Cutler took a seven-step drop and fired a bomb down the right sideline to Devin Hester, which hit him perfectly in stride for six. I can’t wait to watch him unleash the dragon for real.

- Rookie Wide Receiver Johnny Knox, out of tiny Abilene Christian, has also been impressive. He’s arguably the fastest player on the field, but what’s been a nice surprise has been the quality of his hands. He catches everything away from his body and tucks it in before scampering past defenders. It’ll be a nice change of pace from Rashied Davis to have a guy who doesn’t even bobble passes, let alone drops them. Granted, no one’s trying to smear Knox’s organs all over the field yet, but it’s a good sign. Yet to be seen is if Knox has the size and strength to gain separation with NFL defenders.