Countdown to Kickoff… 83 Days Until Chicago Bears Season Opener

I decided to do a countdown to the Chicago Bears season opener on September 8th versus the Cincinnati Bengals.  Thanks to one of my followers on Twitter @Beneiserle, I decided to combine the countdown with a roster preview of sorts.

We’re Martellus Bennett days away from kickoff!  If you don’t know who Bennett is, welcome back from your hibernation. Bennett is one of the big fish that Bears GM Phil Emery hauled in during free agency this offseason.  The tight end comes to Chicago via the New York Giants after starting his career sitting behind Jason Witten for the Dallas Cowboys.

To say that Bennett is quirky is like saying Lovie Smith is boring.  If you haven’t gotten a handle on Bennett, follow him on Twitter @MartysaurusRex.

Bennett will be expected to step in and be an immediate producer on the Bears and prove that his one season with the Giants wasn’t a fluke and that he’s the real deal.  The tight end will be a valuable addition for Jay Cutler, especially in Marc Trestman’s West Coast offense.  He’s spent his offseason since signing with the Bears training with Brandon Marshall, so he’s keeping good company.

There’s been a lot of talk about Bennett’s contributions to the passing game, but his ability as a blocking tight end seems to be flying under the radar.  All reports on Bennett indicate that he’s a willing and capable blocker and that will definitely help in the running game and to take some pressure of the re-building offensive line.

Other notable Bears donning the #83 include first round bust-out David Terrell and Willie Gault.  Here’s a little “Speedy Willie” for ya:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgjbitfac6M

It’s 83 days until kickoff.  Are you ready???