We definitely have question marks, but question marks can be looked at optimistically or pessimistically as well. I choose to look at the question marks as opportunities for guys to prove themselves. Sure some of them will let us down, but not all of them.
A lot of fans in Chicago, and on talk radio in Chicago KILL me with their assumption that question marks mean holes. This is entirely untrue in this great league of parity. Question marks mean just that, question marks. Some guys will step in and surprise us and some will disappoint. I just believe that the guys who might disappoint will not have a big enough impact to cause our team as a whole to fail.
I am not sure how it is fun to be a fan and be so pessimistic. Looking at the bright side (while still being “realistic”) is a lot more fun than thinking that your team is going to suck because there is open competition at some of the positions.
Right now, we have one the most proven solid defenses in the NFL with everyone healthy and ready to go.
We have a reworked offensive line where we have moved guys around to where they are better suited (John Tait). We have a rookie who has been hurt, but when he comes in is going to be an upgrade to some of the guys who left on the O-line.
We have a running back that IS (this is not even debatable in my mind) better than the uncommitted Cedric Benson.
We have 2 QBs that have been in this system for a while now, and are getting more and more comfortable with every snap (I like our chance with either one of them under center).
We have serviceable WRs who will get the job done, and one guy who has potential that is out the roof in Devin Hester. Some say Booker is old, but he just had his 32nd b-day. lets look at who all in the NFL is around the same age or older than he is: Terrell Owens 34, Torry Holt 32, Marvin Harrison 35, Plaxico Burress 31 (in 10 days), Randy Moss 31. Brandon Lloyd had one off year in a place that never really gave him a chance (unfortunately this is similar to Adam Archaletta, but I think he was done long before he got here).
If Devin Hester continues to return punts and kicks, we have AUTOMATIC field position advantage in every game, even if they just kick it out of bounds. Aside from Hester we have one of the best special teams units in the NFL.
We have a very accurate kicker who is working on his distance. Not too hopeful with that, but inside 45-50 yards he is money.
We have a head coach that has turned this into a hard working, team that has been to the playoffs 2 out of the 4 years he has been here, and 1 super bowl. We have guys who are now happy with their contracts and ready to play football. There are some teams (and ours has been one of them in the past at times) that are NOT focused on winning, and neither is their front office. You can’t say that about this team. They are obviously willing to pay to get the best players, and keep the ones they have.
This is a freakin long post so some of you might not ever read it, but some of you will and STILL will not be optimistic about this year, and nothing will change your mind. I don’t understand that, and I don’t see how that is fun. I am looking forward to this year, and have high hopes.
GO BEARS.
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