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2008 Chicago Bears NFL Predictions

It was the offensive side of the football that kept the Bears from winning a Super Bowl in 2006. In 2007, the Bears had the 30th ranked running game and were ranked 27th in total yards. It's going to take major improvement on the offensive side of the ball for Chicago to get back in the hunt for an NFC North title. Find out if they can make the necessary improvement in Jimmy Boyd's 2008 Chicago Bears predictions and season preview.
 

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Offense

Rex Grossman may have led the Bears to the Super Bowl in 2006 and Kyle Orton may have taken them to a NFC North title and playoffs berth in 2005, but neither appears to be the long term answer.

The Bears released Thomas Jones after the 2006 season in favor of Cedric Benson who is the latest high draft pick running back bust for the Bears. Chicago drafted Matt Forte from Tulane with the 44th overall pick. The Bears are expecting this kid to be a workhorse. He's been described as a big back with the speed to get to the outside. The dependable Adrian Peterson, not to be confused with last year's rookie sensation in Minnesota, will be Forte's backup.

The receiving corps appeared to be in major trouble with leading deep threat Bernard Berrian moving to Minnesota via free agency and with the over-the-hill Muhammad being cut. The Bears will took a page right out of their own book by bringing in 10-year veteran Marty Booker. The Bears did the same thing when they brought in Muhammad for several productive seasons. Booker had back-to-back 1,000 yard seasons for Chicago back in 2001 and 2002 before being traded to the Dolphins. The Bears believe that return specialist Devin Hester can be a number one receiver in time, but I always seen him as a spot-play guy. It will do the Bears good to try to get him the ball as often as possible. The Bears are also hoping for big things from third round draft pick Earl Bennett.

The Bears hope that first round pick Chris Williams will be ready to step right into the left tackle position so that John Tait can move to the right side. 11-year veteran center and six-time Pro Bowler, Olin Kreutz, is still one of the best. Roberto Garza is a solid right guard option while the left guard spot is still up for grabs. The Bears have a solid line, but likely not enough playmakers to show much improvement on offense.

Defense

It's going to be up to the Monsters of the Midway if Chicago hopes to surprise in the North this season. Three-time Pro Bowler Tommie Harris, nose tackle Dusty Dvoracek, and tackle Anthony Adams should all return healthy and ready to win the battle of the trenches.

Middle linebacker Brian Urlacher remains the leader of the defense and a major impact player. With Lance Briggs getting a nice paycheck to stick around, and with the solid Hunter Hillenmeyer on the strong side, the Bears have one of the best linebackers corps in football.

The secondary is solid at the corners with Nate Vasher and Charles Tillman. The safety position may or may not hold up on its end of the bargain. This always depends on the health of Mike Brown.

Special Teams

Devin Hester is the best return man in football and one of the best we have ever seen. Place kicker Robbie Gould is also one of the best in the business.

Prediction – 3rd NFC North

The Bears had no excuse for struggling on the defensive side of the ball as much as they did at times in 2007 except that they spent way too much time on the field because of an inconsistent offense. The offense will be the major downfall again in '08.

Check out all of Jimmy Boyd's NFL predictions articles to see who he likes to come out on top in the Black and Blue Division. Jimmy Boyd has been among the best in the business each of the past two season on the NFL gridiron and his NFL picks will continue to bury your man alive this year. Make sure you're on board for the profitable ride beating the NFL odds.

Check out the official site of the Chicago Bears and for more information.

June 19th, 2008