[CBFF] Why the Bears will be better

[Michael Halatek]

Looking forward to the 2006 "Championship" season as I believe the Bears will contend for a trip to Miami this season.
   
  The offense will be better by virtue of another year under Turner's Offense.  The first time in three or four years that Chicago is not gearing up for a season with a new OC.  The last time Grossman had two seasons with the same OC, he put up his best numbers at Florida.  IIRC he finished 2nd in the Heisman voting that year (his Sophomore season).
   
  That means the QB's are all learning how to attack defenses rather than just executing a new system.  That should equate to more possession time resulting in a fresher defense, not to mention more scoring from a better offense in 2006.  Understanding what defenses are trying to do rather than struggling with a first year system will do wonders for the offense.
   
  With the offense staying on the field longer and scoring only a few more points, the team is vastly improved over last year.  Imagine the Cleveland game if we had one more TD and had just 2 minutes more in TOP...  Would have won the game handily!  
   
  Just a few more points on the board and a fresher defense means more leads and takes offenses out of their game plan against our Defense.  More opportunities for sacks and INT's.... That said I expect at least 10 more sacks and at least 5 more take aways from the defense in 2006.
   
  Traditionally (since the 60's) the Bears have been a defense first team.  There have been rare occasions of offense...  1965, 1985 and 1995.  Soldier Field will be an exciting place this year.
   
  The Bears team of 2006 is in good shape to contend for the Superbowl, and I am content with that.  They also are in good shape CAP-wise and I am content with that as well.
   
  I expect a lot from the Sophomore class this year:  Benson, Bradley and (Air) Currie.
  The Bears may have more talent on offense (yes, still unproven) collectively than any time I can remember.  Their running game should be one of the best in the NFC.   Depth at QB is probably the best I have seen.  
   
  The receiving corps is the key element that I believe will surprise a lot of people, on this board as well as around the league.  Muhammad will most likely still be the go to guy at first, but Berrian surprised many with his gutsy play in the playoff loss last year, plus he has speed that we have been lacking.  If you look back on Grossman's first play against Atlanta, although the play was designed to go to MM, Berrian would have been open deep.  
   
  Bradley and Currie will contribute greatly to the offense this year. Order your number 17 (and have it personalized to read "AIR CURRIE) jerseys early!!   Justin Gage knows he will have trouble finding playing time and has shown a determination thus far in camp and OTA's catching almost everything thrown his way.  The Tight End position was simply not used last year.  Des Clark has come to OTA's slimmed down and has impressed.  The Free agent signings will make the TE a battle to watch during training camp. 
   
  Most importantly (IMHO), as I stated earlier, this will be the second year under the same OC in a very long time.  Understanding the offense and the ability to attack what the defense is doing rather than just executing a first year offense will create more big plays and more scoring chances.
   
  Finally, adding what the Bears have done to address Special Teams on both sides of the ball, I look for the Bears to put a lot more points on the scoreboard in 2006.  
   
  The talking heads at ESPN have the Bears reaching the playoffs but not receiving a first round bye.  They predict the Bears getting ousted in the first round, losing at home to Dallas.  I hope that is posted in the locker room all year!!!
   
  Apologizing to Pat for not having the Bears at 16-0 (or should I say 19-0!!) I say 12-4, Home field advantage throughout the playoffs and the Bears beat Carolina in the NFC title game!!!
   
  Miami in February.... Has a great sound to it!! 
   
  Michael Halatek
  


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