Kidding aside, great comment. This is the kind of cogent, thoughtful response that will make me re-visit my arguments and reconsider my position.

Has the team improved over last season? It sure looks like it. Is it good enough to compete for a playoff spot? Doubt it.

The point is, don’t confuse an overabundance of depth at some positions, like linebacker and tight end, for having real depth. If nothing else, it shows how many holes last year’s squad had.

BEAR DOWN!

But that’s where the depth ends. I’m not as scared for the secondary anymore with Wright and Harris in the fold, but realistically Harris is the only legit starter at Safety. I liked Afalava last year, but I’m disappointed that he hasn’t seemed to improve from that. None of the others really stand out to me. At Corner, we’ve got an All Pro in Peanut who can cover anybody 6-4 or shorter, and at least one other legit starter between Bowman, Graham, Jennings, and Moore. I think they’ll miss Vasher back there, as I think he’ll break out again this season finally being healthy and all.

The lines are in horrendous shape. On the DL, there’s really only one legitimate starter currently playing in position, and that’s Peppers. Izzy is a DT, not a DE. Anderson isn’t a starter, and probably is a borderline roster player on most teams. Harris will never again be healthy or productive. None of the others have done anything at the professional level. We will miss Wale and especially Brown this year. Wale is clearly on the downside of his career, but can still be productive. Brown was the steadiest player on this Bears DL for years and years. Never great, but never bad either. To just dump him and get nothing in return is a massive mistake. On the offensive side, three spots are secure. Kreutz is old, no doubt, but he was still decent enough to 1-on-1 or help on a combo block against most 4-3 DTs. Garza is good, not great, and has solidified his spot at RG. Williams is our LT, sink or swim at the position. LG and RT are complete mysteries to me. None of the players other than the 3 starters already identified have either much experience or much success at their spots on the line.

This team does have depth at certain positions. But the key ones where having depth really matters (like the lines), they are sorely missing players.

The Bears have added Brian Urlacher, Pisa Tinoisiamoa, Chester Taylor, Julius Peppers, Brandon Malumaluna, Chris Harris, Major Wright and a slew of other draft choices.

While lacking a first and second round pick we still managed to shore up some weaker fronts on the team.

Cornerback is an area of concern, offensive line as well.

Cornerback is a bigger scare then safety for me with the rash of injuries that Peanut and Bowman have had. I have no doubt they will excel this year, especially with help of better safety play and more importantly a better pass rush.

Offensive line is a fear as it was clearly a weak link last year. While most believe that outside sources were and still are needed to remedy this there is potential in either Johan or Louis, it is not uncommon for decent linemen to be found in later rounds as most out of school are undersized or simply not strong enough yet. Last year during the final four games line play was better and that was largely due to moving Williams in at left tackle instantly adding more credibility to the entire side. For most fans the concept of the importance for the line to be one as a team vs individual performance is hard to understand. I am confident that Tice will get the most out of this line, even if it isnt that best in the league.

Overall I feel confident in this team simply because I feel we will be able to adjust to situations better. Last year our threat of running was considered zero, it was easy to stop and even easier to predict. With the development of the receivers clicking with Cutler this promises to be a high speed offense.

This team is now geared to score a lot, often, and quickly. The defense will no longer have to win games for us. Cutler will be used on a lot of roll outs, some threatening deep play while others will be diversions to get the RB’s the ball in space.

While I am not predicting a superbowl trip just yet, I feel confident we get 12 wins and even if not I would be willing to bet my Armani contract that my Bears will be far more entertaining to watch then in recent years.

One of the main reasons why I love coming to Bear Goggles is because Boomer actually says what needs to be said. Everything he said is absolutely true. The Bears are so full of problems that I’ll be amazed if we make wild card this year.

Hell, I’d be happy if we went 8-8 as long as Martz’s system makes the offense more interesting to watch then Ron Turners boring ass offense.

You know when Bears fans get crazy when Chicagobears.com holds a vote on how many games the bears will win and like 60% say they’ll go better then 12-4.