In years past, the Chicago Bears defense would be depended on to win games for the team. In a few of head coach Lovie Smith’s most successful seasons (2005, 2006, and 2010 to be exact); the defense was the main driving force, with the offense being along for the ride. This year might be a different story when you think about the fire power new G.M. Phil Emery acquired this off-season; factor in some glaring concerns on defense.
Assessing the Bears roster, Emery might have come to a conclusion that the defense is not capable of dominating each and every week, deciding to surround franchise quarterback Jay Cutler with an arsenal of weapons on offense.
Three of the decision that points to that is the acquisition of wide receiver Brandon Marshall, who is arguably a top five talent at his position. The re-signing of Matt Forte brings back the Bears best playmaker, and also another player that’s arguably top five at his position. Last but not least, Michael Bush gives the team a starting caliber back-up Running Back, who should give the Bears a great compliment to Forte.
Emery didn’t stop there, drafting WR Alshon Jeffery and giving the Bears another big target in the aerial attack. Fourth round pick Evan Rodriguez gives the team a potential Aaron Hernandez type weapon at the hybrid tight end position. The new additions on offense (specifically at WR) push down WR’s like Earl Bennett and Devin Hester to more comfortable complementary roles.
So is the offense capable of carrying the defense? Even with a sketchy offensive line, I don’t see why not. The Bears have added enough playmakers on offense to counter a defense that won’t be dominate often, but you could still win with. Some fans compare the potential of this Bears team to the 2008 Denver Broncos team; a team that had a high-powered offense, but poorest defense.
While the Bears defense might be in for a drop off, the Bears have better talent overall on defense than that Broncos team. However, the defense can’t be relied on heavy this year to win games, and the offense will have to carry the defense at times this season if it wants to reach its ultimate goal.
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