<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>2007 season recap Underachievers: Expectations were high for the defending NFC champs, but the team had a revolving door at QB and the injury-plaugued defense faltered, finishing the season ranked No. 28. The Bears also struggled to find consistancy in their running game, which ranked 30th in the league. The team finished 7-9 and in the basement of the NFC North. Training camp Location: Olivet Nazarene University, Bourbonnais, IL Dates: July 22-Aug. 14 Official Site: www.bears.com For more: Training camp dates 2008 preseason schedule Date Opponent Time Aug. 7 Kansas City 8 p.m. ET Aug. 16 at Seattle 9 p.m. ET Aug. 21 San Francisco 8 p.m. ET Aug. 28 at Cleveland 7:30 p.m. ET Key comings and goings Veteran additions Marty Booker, WR Chris Williams, OT Veteran departures Cedric Benson, RB Bernard Berrian, WR Muhsin Muhammad, WR Ruben Brown, G Fred Miller, OT » Free agency tracker | Transactions 2008 NFL Draft class Rd No. Player Pos. Ht. Wt. School 1 14 Chris Williams OT 6-6 315 Vanderbilt 2 44 Matt Forte RB 6-2 222 Tulane 3 70 Earl Bennett WR 6-0 209 Vanderbilt 3 97 Andre Caldwell WR 6-1 200 Florida 3 90 Marcus Harrison DT 6-3 310 Arkansas 4 120 Craig Steltz S 6-1 210 LSU 7 142 Zackary Bowman CB 6-1 197 Nebraska 5 158 Kellen Davis TE 6-7 262 Michigan State 7 208 Ervin Baldwin DE 6-2 258 Michigan State 7 222 Chester Adams OG 6-4 331 Georgia 7 243 Joey LaRocque LB 6-2 226 Oregon State 7 247 Kirk Barton OT 6-5 310 Ohio State 7 248 Marcus Monk WR 6-4 222 Arkansas Key camp questions Is the Bears offense retooling or rebuilding? With so many positions up for grabs coming off a disappointing season, it would seem that the Bears are overhauling the lineup. The truth is the core of their Super Bowl XLI team is intact and the Bears have to find the right combination of quarterback (Rex Grossman or Kyle Orton), running back (Matt Forte or Adrian Peterson) and wide receiver (Marty Booker or Mark Bradley or Devin Hester). Could this be a breakout year for Project WR Hester? Every time he steps on the field, Hester has special teams coaches from opposing teams sweating. Now he wants the chance to force defensive coordinators to wear extra deodorant. Last year's top reciever Bernard Berrian left in the offseason and the Bears released Mushin Muhammad. Hester had 20 receptions and two touchdowns in 2007, and with some improved timing, he could develop into the Bears' best deep threat. Does QB matter as much as finding a steady offensive line? The aging O-line gave up 40 sacks last year, but should get a shot of youthful energy from first-round draft pick Chris Williams, who will likely start at left tackle. That will enable T John Tait to anchor the right side, while someone will have to step up and win the starting left guard spot in camp. Key position battle QB Grossman vs. Orton: The QB battle continues from last season, without Brian Griese in the mix, who became part of Jon Gruden's QB collection in Tampa Bay. Oft-injured Grossman has been inconsistent and started just seven games last year. Orton started the final three games in 2007 and the four-year veteran has a chance in training camp to begin the season at the top of the depth chart. Rookie spotlight RB Matt Forte: The Bears drafted Forte to be the back Cedric Benson (whom they released following two offseason arrests) never was -- an effective workhorse. With a strong O-line Forte could be dangerous once he sees an opening. Player on the spot Coach Lovie Smith: Smith has said that his team is not rebuilding, but the team fell far last season and the Bears faithful will expect to see more consistency. Smith can appease them with a strong start, as the Bears get a Super Bowl XLI rematch with the Colts in Week 1. Fantasy focus TE Greg Olsen: With Bernard Berrian and Muhsin Muhammad out of the mix, Olsen should see more opportunities in Chicago’s passing game. He’ll be seen as a No. 2 fantasy tight end in most drafts, but Olsen has the skills to develop into a starter in leagues with 12-plus teams.</div> http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d8...mp;confirm=true
With questions at QB and RB, this team is in trouble IMO. I can see them being dead last in the conference and one of the worst NFC teams. If any team should be chasing after Brett Favre.. this is the team..
I can see this team playing pretty darn well this year. Their defense seems to be back. Remember, they got to the Super Bowl a few years back with Rex at the QB spot.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (tim @ Jul 18 2008, 01:48 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>I can see this team playing pretty darn well this year. Their defense seems to be back. Remember, they got to the Super Bowl a few years back with Rex at the QB spot.</div> I think he's 1/2 the QB he was then and he wasn't that great at the time either. They need a change, and Rex needs a fresh start too.
