It's official, the 2010-11 NFL season is over. The Green Bay Packers are 'World Champions' which is indisputable because there are no teams from Canada, (yeah Canada actually has a league) Brazil, or Pakistan that dare to challenge the caliber of play found in the NFL. Aaron Rodgers can devote his time to reading the bible (every day) again while healing the sick and curing the blind without the obligation of football obscuring his path. As a (insanely jealous) Chicago Bears fan married to a Packer fan, I'm still left picturing what could have been if the Bears had taken advantage of the two, count 'em, two chances to knock the Packers out of the playoffs! Either way, it just didn't happen and we are left looking forward to next year, if there is one, pending the outcome of the looming labor dispute. We can take solace in the fact that although the NFC championship game was a real stinker of a loss, it was still infinitely more entertaining than the half time show! Dubbed by my wife as the 'Black Eyed Please Stop Singing' it was just awful to watch. Like driving past a twisted smoking car wreck I just couldn't look away. What a mess.
Looking back at the Bears 2010 season, I have alot of good feelings about how it turned out especially after the miserable pre-season. ( 0-4) We as a group weren't expecting very much out of the Bears this season; most likely an 8-8 or a 9-7 record, no playoffs, and a pending coaching change. I still wouldn't mind a more aggressive coach, but I do give Lovie Smith alot of credit for getting the most miles per gallon out of the Bears-mobile this year. Somehow he got his team to the doorstep of the Superbowl with an average team. Yes, our defense was solid week in and week out, but our offense was an absolute crapshoot. The Bears 'O' was like the El train in Chicago, often on time, relaible, giving you a thrifty ride to your destination, other times nowhere to be seen for 15 minute chunks of time. The offensive line was held together with a collection of sticky things often found in a craft drawer. (Nice work Mike Tice!) Our most effective aspect of our game was special teams. Robbie Gould was rock solid once again as was Brad Maynard, especially against Seattle in the divisional playoff game, and Devin Hester was Devin Hester again with 3 special teams scores! Jay Cutler's lack of a personality aside, is arguably the best quarterback we've had in 50 years and still gives us the best shot to win next year. We Bear fans need to look forward to next season with optomism; the Bears will fix the 'O' line problem, trade for or draft a quality wideout, and re-sign the veteran free agents needed to be successful. Cutler and the entire offense have the first season of 'Mad Mike' Martz's offensive scheme under their belts and will perform better having had time to get to know it better. I would like to see Martz utilize his tight ends more consistently as they can slip into the zone pockets creating havoc for opposing defenses. Plus if Matt Forte can replicate what he did this year he will be an absolute terror out of the backfield. The Bears defense has some fixable spots, most notably Tommie Harris (see ya, Tommie!) and Tim Jennings at corner. Anthony Adams and Major Wright should be ready to step up and assume starting roles at these spots. Brian Urlacher, who might just live and play forever, will be back with perennial Pro Bowl selection, Lance Briggs. These two were a fierce run stopping tandem once again and will be again next year. Defensive ends Julius Peppers and Israel "Izzy" Idonije who combined for 16 sacks, 6 forced fumbles and 2 interceptions will only be better. Lastly the coaching staff is solid and knows each other very well. Good chemistry among the caoching staff cannot be under rated.
(Look, it's a bird, it's a plane, it's Aaron Rodgers.......)
The 2011 Bears will have their work cut out for them though. The NFC North will have at least 3 very competitive teams next year and if Minnesota's defense is solid there may be 4. It may well be the best division in the NFL. The Pack will be back for another run and will most likely endure far fewer injuries along the way. Mike McCarthy should get coach of the year for pulling off what he did with so much attrition. Detroit, as a sleeper, concerns me the most, should be ready for their seat at the grown ups table after a furious finish to 2010. I see a great year ahead for the 2011 Chicago Bears as 2010 will be seen as the year the Bears jelled and came together as a team. Congratulations to the Green Bay Packers on an amazing season as well as to all my Packer fan relatives!! I can just see all the "Superbowl Champion Green Bay Packers" gear I'll endure this summer. One request, please leave the striped Zubaz pants in your closet!! Dave Kuhlman bullsbearscubssoxhoxx dave@onyerleft.com
Looking back at the Bears 2010 season, I have alot of good feelings about how it turned out especially after the miserable pre-season. ( 0-4) We as a group weren't expecting very much out of the Bears this season; most likely an 8-8 or a 9-7 record, no playoffs, and a pending coaching change. I still wouldn't mind a more aggressive coach, but I do give Lovie Smith alot of credit for getting the most miles per gallon out of the Bears-mobile this year. Somehow he got his team to the doorstep of the Superbowl with an average team. Yes, our defense was solid week in and week out, but our offense was an absolute crapshoot. The Bears 'O' was like the El train in Chicago, often on time, relaible, giving you a thrifty ride to your destination, other times nowhere to be seen for 15 minute chunks of time. The offensive line was held together with a collection of sticky things often found in a craft drawer. (Nice work Mike Tice!) Our most effective aspect of our game was special teams. Robbie Gould was rock solid once again as was Brad Maynard, especially against Seattle in the divisional playoff game, and Devin Hester was Devin Hester again with 3 special teams scores! Jay Cutler's lack of a personality aside, is arguably the best quarterback we've had in 50 years and still gives us the best shot to win next year. We Bear fans need to look forward to next season with optomism; the Bears will fix the 'O' line problem, trade for or draft a quality wideout, and re-sign the veteran free agents needed to be successful. Cutler and the entire offense have the first season of 'Mad Mike' Martz's offensive scheme under their belts and will perform better having had time to get to know it better. I would like to see Martz utilize his tight ends more consistently as they can slip into the zone pockets creating havoc for opposing defenses. Plus if Matt Forte can replicate what he did this year he will be an absolute terror out of the backfield. The Bears defense has some fixable spots, most notably Tommie Harris (see ya, Tommie!) and Tim Jennings at corner. Anthony Adams and Major Wright should be ready to step up and assume starting roles at these spots. Brian Urlacher, who might just live and play forever, will be back with perennial Pro Bowl selection, Lance Briggs. These two were a fierce run stopping tandem once again and will be again next year. Defensive ends Julius Peppers and Israel "Izzy" Idonije who combined for 16 sacks, 6 forced fumbles and 2 interceptions will only be better. Lastly the coaching staff is solid and knows each other very well. Good chemistry among the caoching staff cannot be under rated.
(Look, it's a bird, it's a plane, it's Aaron Rodgers.......)
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