Grading the Bears

by Dane Noble on Dec 30, 2008 10:52 AM CST

Here's a link to espn.com's grading of the NFC North teams:

http://myespn.go.com/blogs/nfcnorth/0-6-496/NFC-North-team-evaluations.html

Kevin Seifert's eval of the Bears:

Chicago Bears (9-7)

The Bears took early control of the NFC North but missed a chance to create a deep cushion after giving up leads against Carolina, Tampa Bay and Atlanta.

And yet even with those missed opportunities and a 1-3 stretch in late November, the Bears could have earned a wild-card berth had they won their season finale at Houston. That failure should jump-start a number of self-scouting exercises, especially to figure out why their defense slipped in nearly every area two years after leading the team to the Super Bowl. Grade: B-

Biggest surprise: There was a general consensus that Matt Forte could be a 1,000-yard back in the NFL. But Forte not only rushed for 1,238 yards, but he also led the team with 63 receptions. Those weren't all dump passes into the flat, either. Forte showed a natural ability to position his body for red zone receptions and was by far the most important player on the Bears' offense this season.

Biggest disappointment: The Bears finished the season ranked No. 30 against the pass, failing to mount much of a pass rush from its defensive line and displaying little coverage savvy in the back end. Cornerback Nate Vasher was a complete non-factor and might not return next season, while multiple other players alluded to frustration with defensive coordinator Bob Babich's schemes. The Bears blitzed more than any team in the NFL, according to STATS, an approach that too often left the secondary exposed for big plays.

Biggest need: Fantasy players need the Bears to upgrade their receiver position, which boasts no one who should be considered a No. 1 or No. 2 receiver. But until they get their defense rectified, it's not going to matter how many offensive weapons they add. The Bears should look for defensive game changers -- no matter what position they play -- this offseason. No position, other than that of Pro Bowl linebacker Lance Briggs, should be considered untouchable.

Second-guessing: Was Devin Hester's performance as a receiver -- 51 receptions, 665 yards and three touchdown -- worth reducing his threat as a returner? There was no way Hester would have kept up the scoring pace of his first two seasons (11 touchdowns). But he never came close to returning a kickoff or punt for a touchdown this season. There has to be some connection. Right?

I personally would have said grade C, but I think that a 9-7 record looks better on paper than the season actually went.

What do you think?

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Comments

That Hester bit is scary

If somebody would have told me he would have less than 200 yards on punt returns this year— I would have called them crazy. He had 600+ each of his first 2 seasons and only 198 this season.

I really would prefer having real WR’s and have Hester back to normal. It’s great he’s developed as a receiver, but I miss the old Devin.

Another icky stat, our receivers’ total yardage.
Davis: 445
Booker: 211
Hester: 665
Lloyd: 364

I’ll give the team a C as well. Sure, the record improved. But how much did the team really improve? Can’t let the record fool us into thinking “We’re close”. Close to what? The playoffs, sure. Close to a .500 record, as well. The Browns thought they were “close” last year, look what happened to them! Management can’t sit on their hands all offseason and think we’re “close”

"I like to use 'I Can't Believe it's Not Butter' on my toast in the morning, because sometimes when I eat breakfast, I like to be incredulous.

How was breakfast? Unbelievable."

by chibullsfan03 on Dec 30, 2008 12:16 PM CST reply actions

But no returner, ever,

has lasted more that a few seasons.

Did playing WR full time affect his return production – yes.
Was it in the best long term interests of the Bears – I think yes as well.

He wasn’t going to continue producing 5 return touchdowns a year, even if he was a full time returner, so finding somewhere else to be productive is a good thing.

--Torch

by torch on Dec 31, 2008 9:25 AM CST up reply actions

Bob Babich gets an F

has in get the “F” outta here

by SamuraiMike50 on Dec 30, 2008 12:17 PM CST reply actions

Seifert is an idiot

I mean, I realize that Hester was God at returning, but Danieal Manning has provided a similar type of spark. He was great at getting us good field position this year.

Otherwise, yeah, I would’ve said C. I’m continually shocked to see all the stats from this year pour in and to find out we were so bad. We ended up 9-7, but yikes.

I'M A MAN! I'M 22!

by ChiFan13 on Dec 30, 2008 10:59 PM CST reply actions

QB effect

hester is a down the field threat and kyle is a dump off passer. even with randy moss kyle orton will never have a thousand yard reciever because he refuses to chuck the ball down the field do to lack of confiedence and accuracy.

by WavyGravy on Jan 2, 2009 5:19 PM CST reply actions

Tommie Harris Gets an "F"

For a supposedly huge talent and a guy they just invested a ton MORE money and years in, he sure stunk. Seems to be constantly not practicing because he’s hurt every week, makes a great play then disappears for the next 3 weeks, and outs when his all-world underachieving friend Mark Bradley gets cut.
He is the new Jim McMahon: Supremely overrated, big mouth and bad attitude. I’d feel great if they released him.

by mjw54 on Jan 8, 2009 7:59 PM CST reply actions