http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football/bears/1178429,lovie092208.article I do agree with Lovie, the Bears are a much better team than their record currently indicates.
The problem they'll have is (again) no passing offense to alleviate some of the pressure on their run game. Teams can stack the box. Chicago is going to have to be opportunistic on special teams, defense to generate some points.
3 games won, though, huh? We'll see. You should be able to sweep the Lions. And then... no wins from there, right? I think you get closer to 6 or 7.
I can easily see the Bears still making the playoffs. Minnesota's already changed QBs, and Green Bay is only one game up, early in the season.
Green Bay could have been dealt a blow with Harris potentially out for the season. But the Packers defense is very solid and they have a better offense. Much better. They are still the favorites in that division IMO.
Forgot about Harris, that's also a potentially huge issue (spleen injury = year, i would bet on it). Out of the Bears and Packers I could easily see the 2nd place team making the playoffs as a wildcard.
My take is that the Bears can win if they rush 40 times per game. They need to control the clock and keep the defense fresh. If the defense pitches a shutout, the offense doesn't need many points. It also keeps the defense fresh and makes them feel like the game plan is about them. But Lovie, or whoever the Bears QB is, seem to fall in love with the pass and they pass at all the wrong times with not much of a passing game to start with. 3-13 is truly my expectation, though 6-7 wins is probably doable.
