2008 Season Preview

Here we go, another new season. A season of the highest expectations for the Bears since, well, maybe 1986. Going into last season, some people thought the Bears might be able to go to the Super Bowl. This year, anything less than a return trip would be a big disappointment. The defense is there, and looks even better than last year's unit. The special teams lost good contributors like Todd Johnson and Cameron Worrell, but the main key players (Devin Hester, Robbie Gould, and Brad Maynard) are still there. Going into training camp, I said that this season hinged on one player: Cedric Benson. After Rex Grossman's occasional preseason misadventures, I'm more concerned about Grossman than I was a few weeks ago, but I still think he will show improvement. Even if Grossman regresses, Brian Griese is waiting in the wings. If Benson doesn't have a great year or gets injured again, the Bears would be in big trouble. Questions about Adrian Peterson's ability to carry a full load and rookie Garrett Wolfe's size make runningback the Bears' most vulnerable position. Media types around the country are looking for reasons why the Bears won't make it back to the Super Bowl, but if key players on both sides of the ball stay healthy and Grossman and Benson play to their capabilities, the Bears will be playing in Glendale, AZ on February 3rd, 2008.