By Pedro Gonzalez (Guest writer)

Sometime during the past decade the Bears ‘D stopped being a force in the league and when this happened the mediocre offense looked awful. Of course everybody put the blame on the QB, first on Rex Grossman and then on Kyle Orton.

We thought we had the answer on Jay Cutler but then the other flaws of the offense showed.

The Bears need to replace the veterans with some fresh players.

Offseason need #3: Wide Receivers

If the O-Line had to take some blame for Cutler’s 26 interceptions the receivers had to take some to; the had a lot of trouble getting open and just couldn’t separate from the DB, at the end of the season some of them showed flashes of greatness but there’s still some work to do.

In the ’09 Draft they chose 3 WR (one of them being Pro Bowler Johnny Knox) so they have some young talent but they need a veteran who can be a mentor for these young players.

If I was the Bears front office: I would get an experienced player, probably Derrick Mason, Antonio Bryant, Nate Burleson or even bring back Muhsin Muhammad.

Offseason need #3: Linebackers

The Bears have always been known for their fierce linebackers but lately it just hasn’t been like those fearless teams of ‘60s, ‘80s and ‘90s even at the start of the millennium things were okay with a young Brian Urlacher and a underrated star in Lance Briggs.

But then injuries took over Urlacher’s career and even though Nick Roach and Hillenmeyer filled in the role pretty nicely. The team still needs some young backup players that can step up to the plate when asked to.

If I was the Bears front office: I would pick a solid player on free agency and an OLB in the Draft probably in the 4^th or 5^th round. But it’s important that the rookie has to have speed so he can cover tight ends and wide receiver besides getting to the QB on blitzing packages.

Other Needs: HB (3^rd down-back) and S (backup)