The Bears 2010 team might be the most talented in years. Will we see a Windy City revival?

Will find out in week one when the Bears take on the Detroit Lions.

Who will be on the opening day roster you might ask. I will predict the 53 man roster, tell you who will make the team, who won’t make the team, and who might surprise some people  this year.

QB

1) Jay Cutler- Clearly the number one quarterback

2) Caleb Hanie- He is working hard to make a week one return, if he can’t Todd Collins will make the team.

Others:

Todd Collins- At age 38 he might not have much left in the tank. With the Bears signing him and giving him an $100,000 signing bonus that lets them decide easier. He is no guarantee to make the roster.

Dan LeFevour- The sixth round pick has shown why he is a project, expect for the Bears to put him on the practice squad.

RB

3) Matt Forte- Forte looks rejuvenated and ready to go, I hope he plays well because I have him on my fantasy team. In all honesty, he looks healthy and destined for a good season.

4) Chester Taylor- Taylor is one of the best backups in the NFL and he will be pair very well with Matt Forte.

5) Kahlil Bell- Bell showed last season that he has potential, but he has been disappointing to say the least this preseason.

Others:

Garrett Wolfe- Wolfe has dissapointed since he landed in the Windy City, he surprisngly has turned into a solid special teams player, but with the talk of him being traded expect him to be on another team this season.

Brandon Minor- It’s a shame Brandon didn’t get a shot because he is a very talented runner. Should earn a spot on the practice squad

FB

Will Ta’ufo’ou/Eddie Williams- I don’t expect the Bears to carry a fullback, instead they will carry four tight ends and have them switch off at H-Back during games.

WR

6) Devin Hester- In Mike Martz’s offense, Hester is destined to have a breakout year. He was doing really well last season until he suffered an injury. Expect him to be a real weapon in his third full season as a wide receiver.

7) Johnny Knox- This guy is a real player. No one thought a fifth round pick from Abilene Christian could do what he did last season. One of the fastest players in the NFL, Knox should really thrive in Mike Martz’s passing attack.

Devin Aromashodu- He didn’t really get his shot until the end of the season because of an injury he suffered during week one. Cutler loves D.A. because he is such a big target, watch out for him to be a go to guy in the redzone.

9) Rashied Davis- The veteran receiver didn’t get much playing time last season. He has thrived this training camp, he could be used a lot more than last season. He just needs to improve his catching because he has caught a lot of catchable balls in the past.

10) Earl Bennett- Bennett has been hit with the injury bug this training camp, so he is out of sync with the offense. He is a very consistent receiver, so he should get into the mix once he recovers.

11) Juaquin Iglesias- Does anyone really know what this guy can do? A third round pick last season, Iglesias is trying to earn playing time, he scored a touchdown last week against Arizona, but will he make the team. I think he will, with Mike Martz running the offense, I’m pretty sure he would like to carry a sixth receiver.

Others:

Greg Matthews- A big receiver out of Michigan could find a spot on the practice squad.

Freddie Barnes- A fast receiver out of Bowling Green could land on the practice squad.

TE

12) Greg Olsen- The fourth year tight end is very talented, expect him to do well even though analysts expect him to disappear in the Mike Martz led offense.

13) Brandon Manumaleuna- Manumaleuna, considered the best blocking tight end in the NFL, is basically another offensive lineman out there.

14) Desmond Clark- The 33 year old is probably not going to be back in Chicago next season, but if he can stay healthy he could still have a couple more seasons with another team in the NFL.

15) Kellen Davis- A big kid with lots of potential, should get some looks in red-zone plays.

Others:

Richard Angulo- The veteran spent time with offensive line coach Mike Tice in Jacksonville, but its a numbers game and Angulo doesn’t have the numbers on his side.

Offensive Line

16) Chris Williams- He needs to protect Cutler pretty well this season in order for this offense to be successful

17) Roberto Garza- The veteran makes the move to left guard, but he should be fine because he has been pretty steady for the Bears

18) Olin Kreutz- Still one of the elite centers, Kreutz is a real leader in the locker room and on the field.

19) Lance Louis- He played TE at San Diego State and was used as a tackle in training camp last season, but now he will be the starter at right guard for the Bears. The microscope will be on him all season.

20) Frank Omiyale- Frank the “Tank” makes the transition back to his natural position at right tackle. He didn’t get the job done last season at left guard, so putting him back in his comfortable spot should make him a solid player, hopefully.

21, 22, 23) Josh Beekman, Kevin Shaffer, J’Marcus Webb should all be solid backups at their offensive line positions.

Others:

Johan Asiasta, James Marten, Levi Horn, and Tim Walter- The Bears are expected to keep two offensive linemen on the practice squad, expect Asiasta and Marten to get those spots.

DE:

24) Julius Peppers- Obviously this guy is the starter on the right side of the defensive line, but he will be used on the left side as well. I’m looking for big things out of this guy.

25) Mark Anderson- Listed as the starter at right defensive end spot, should get hits on the quarterback like he was used to doing during his rookie season in 2006.

26) Israel Idonije- Idonije should get his playing time in the rotation, he is a beast on special teams and he could even be used at defensive tackle.

27, 28, 29) Corey Wootton, Henry Melton, Jarron Gilbert- Wootton should get his shot because he is so athletic and he is healthy again. Melton can play both defensive end and defensive tackle, so he should be a solid option of the bench. Gilbert hasn’t been healthy this training camp and he isn’t in great standing with GM Jerry Angelo, but his draft status should help him snag a spot on the team.

Others:

Barry Turner- An undrafted rookie from Nebraska could take up a spot on the practice squad.

DT:

30) Tommie Harris- He was surgery free this off-season and has looked like his old self. With Peppers on the line with him that could open him up for more pressure on the quarterback.

31) Anthony Adams- He has always been a solid undersized nose tackle. Expect the same out of him this season.

32) Matt Toeaina- He has drawn rave reviews from Bears coaches this training camp, he has sat on the bench for the last two seasons and it seems he might finally get the shot he deserves.

33) Marcus Harrison- A former third round pick by the Bears, Harrison has been given a shot to shine, but hasn’t done much with that. He is still in the rotation, but he won’t be in the starting lineup very much this season.

Others:

Mick Williams- An undersized rookie out of Pittsburgh might land a spot on the practice squad.

LB:

34) Brian Urlacher- Having #54 back is nice, but will he be the same Pro Bowl type player, hopefully. He looks to be in the best shape of his life, if he can’t be steady this defense won’t be very good.

35) Lance Briggs- Always a solid player, he quietly had one of his best seasons last year without Urlacher on the field. Ryan Matthews trucking during the first game of preseason worried me, but he knows he is better than that.

36) Pisa Tinoisamoa- Injuries are a big problem for Pisa, but if he can stay this line-backing could be the best in the NFL and one of the best ever in Chicago.

37) Hunter Hillenmeyer- A great backup to Brian Urlacher, expect him to be solid on special teams as well.

38) Nick Roach- He was in the race for the starting job against Pisa, but hurt his knee. He should be back for week one, but not starting instead being used on special teams.

39) Brian Iwuh- A nice backup in Jacksonville, will be the same here in Chicago.

40) Tim Shaw- One of the best special teams players in the NFL, should be even better this season for coach Toub.

Others:

Kevin Malast, Kelvin Smith- Malast spent last season on the practice squad and the Bears would like to put him there again. Smith was clearly just a camp body.

CB:

41) Zack Bowman- Has been moved to the right side to cover the number one receivers and looks to be ready for another big year.

42) Charles Tillman- Looks to be healthy, Peanut should expect a big year on the left side.

43) Corey Graham- The starting nickelback as of now, but he is being challenged by second year man D.J. Moore.

44) D.J. Moore- See Graham, Corey.

45) Josh Moore- Fourth round pick out of Kansas State, is a nice player to have for depth.

46) Tim Jennings- Once was a big part of the Colts defense, now a sixth corner for the Bears, he isn’t a lock to make the team.

Others:

Cornelius Brown and Woodny Turrene- Brown has looked solid returning kicks this preseason, but not so much in pass coverage. Turenne spent last season on the practice squad, but Brown could challenge him for that spot. I think it will be between the two for that spot.

Safety:

47) Chris Harris- He seems glad to be back and the Bears are happy he is a starter once again. Look for big things from #46.

48) Danieal Manning- Has been bumped around in the secondary, if he disappoints at safety look for the Bears to put him back at nickel-back where he played pretty well last season.

49) Major Wright- The Bears are high on the third round pick out of Florida, he has the biggest shot of taking Daniel Manning’s starting spot.

50) Craig Steltz- He has played sparingly in his time with the Bears and he seems to be a nice bench player.

Others:

Josh Bullocks, Al Afalava, Aaron Webster, Quentin Scott- Bullocks has the best shot of these four of snagging a spot on the roster, but he will likely be on the bad end of the numbers game. Afalava has been awful this preseason, kind of like he was last season. Lastly, Webster and Scott seem to be nothing more than camp bodies.

51) Robbie Gould- The starting kicker once again.

52) Brad Maynard- The starting punter once again.

53) Pat Mannelly- The starting long snapper once again.

The Bears must go from 75 players to 53 players this Saturday. That means they have to cut 22 players. Tomorrow night’s game against the Browns  for those players who are on the fringe.

Check out Bush League Tees where you can find awesome vintage tees of the Sweetness and Ditka.

The Chicago Bears didn’t really look like a team ready to compete with NFC North powers Green Bay and Minnesota last night.

The defense allowed Raiders QB Jason Campbell to complete his first five passes for 89 yards. Campbell threw for another 81 in the first half.

The offensive line gave up five sacks, four given up by left tackle Chris Williams. Williams, who came into the season with high exceptions didn’t look like the player, who shut down All-Pro DE Jared Allen in week 17 last season.

The offensive line seemed to give Jay Cutler plenty of time on most of the plays because Cutler completed seven of 15 passes for 99 yards and one touchdown. But Chris Williams just got out played by DE Kamerion Wimbley who brought Cutler down four times.

The receivers and tight ends seemed to be in sync with Cutler. Johnny Knox caught a 22 yard touchdown pass in the 2nd quarter from Cutler on a fourth down. Greg Olsen had three catches, Devin Hester, Kellen Davis, and Desmond Clark all had one catch.

Chester Taylor looked very good catches balls out of the backfield.

Lowlights:

Clark took the role of snapper on punts and field goals and didn’t look like he could be in the role ever again. Lets just thank goodness this was preseason.

WR Eric Peterman fumbled a punt return and the ball took a Raider roll where they scooped it up for a touchdown.

RG Lance Louis allowed DT Tommy Kelley to sack Jay Cutler, but if he held up his block their could of been lots of yards gained.

Brian Urlacher left the game after the first series with a calf strain and he didn’t return. Just precautionary but you would like to see 54 on the field obviously.

Highlights:

RB Matt Forte five carries for 109 yards, but he broke away for an 89 yard touchdown run in the second quarter. Forte made one move and was on his way to the endzone with his apparent blazing speed.

TE Desmond Clark caught a beautiful throw from backup QB Dan LeFevour in the second half.

CB Charles Tillman had three tackles and intercepted a pass. Seems like Charles could be back to his old form on the right side.

Defensive ends Israel Idonije, Julius Peppers and Mark Anderson all looked sharp. Peppers had a sack, Anderson had a sack and Idonije had a fumble recovery.

Rookie QB Dan LeFevour struggled completing only three of ten passes for 39 yards and an interception.

Next Game:

The Bears play Arizona next Saturday night at 8:30 ET.

Hopefully they can fix some mental errors they seemed to make against Oakland.

WR Johnny Knox riding Chris Harris’s segway

RB Kahlil Bell dressed like a geek

Charles Tillman came into the NFL in 2003 as a second round pick out of Louisiana-Lafayette. Tillman had a pretty solid rookie season, appearing in all 16 games, making 86 tackles, one sack and four interceptions.

Tillman was named NFL Rookie-of-the-Year and an All-Pro by Sports Illustrated while receiving NFL Defensive Rookie-of-the-Year honor from Football Digest.

In 2004, Tillman only appeared in 8 games suffering an injury in week three. 2005 and 2006 were perhaps Tillman’s best seasons, where he posted 80 plus tackles, five interceptions and forced fumbles left and right.

The last three seasons Tillman has combined for eight interceptions, 247 tackles, two interceptions for touchdowns and 14 forced fumbles. Six of those forced fumbles came last season. Tillman forced a career high three fumbles in a game against Philadelphia last season.

Tillman has been playing through injuries the last couple of seasons, but he is still an elite cornerback in the NFL.

I had the chance to catch up with Charles this week and I asked him about how he got his nickname, “Peanut”, where he likes to dine in Chicago and much more.

Here’s the interview, exclusively on Bearsbacker.com:

Q: First of all how are you doing Charles?

A: I’m doing fine

Q: Was it always your dream to play in the NFL?

A: I’ve always wanted to play in the NFL since I was a kid.

Q: How did you get the nickname Peanut?

A: My aunt gave me the nickname when I was a little baby and it just stuck. I was a small kid growing up.

Q: I know your known as the strip king, when it comes to taking away fumbles. How did you become so good at it?

A: It was something I started doing in college. Our coached preached turnovers…

Q: What is your pregame ritual consist of?

A: Going through warm-ups with Lance, playing this throwing game, getting taped by same trainer, stretching at a certain time… things like that.

Q: What kind of drills do the cornerbacks get put through?

A: Lots of hip and foot work drills.

Q: Is it tough moving from the left cornerback position to the right cornerback position? And what have you taught Zack Bowman?

A: Its not tough it just takes a few days to get use to it. I just tell Zack that he is good and keep making plays.

Q: What is your ultimate goal that you want to get from the NFL?

A: I want to make a name for myself… so far I think I’m doing ok.

Q: What is your ultimate goal in life?

A: Live life to the fullest, grow old with the wife, see my kids have kids and just relax

Q: Who is your role model? Who is the person who helped you get to this point?

A: My parents. They did a really good job of raising me and my brother and taught of life lessons.

Q: What kind of music do you listen to? What TV shows do you like to watch?

A:I’m a Drake fan, I also like Lil Wayne, mix with some Norah Jones and John Mayer. NCIS, Criminal Minds, The Unit, East bound and Down, and True Blood.

Q: What is your favorite food? Where do you go to eat in Chicago?

A: I love soul food. like to eat at steak houses all over, especially Morton’s.

Q: What is favorite vacation spot?

A: Anywhere in Europe

Q: What kind of feeling did you have when the team got to Miami for the Super Bowl and then when you came up short?

A: Good feeling when the game started, but after game was over, I was sick to my stomach.

Q: I’ve watched you play at the top of your game, but the last couple of seasons you have been hit with the injury bug. What do you have to do to avoid it this season?

A: Ask God to keep my healthy. I’ve only miss 6 games in last 4 years with all my injuries though… I will play through pain.

Q: Do your friends and family ever come to the games?

A: Yes they do… all the time

Q: What is your favorite part of football?

A: The feeling i get when i make a good play, the friendships you make along the way

Q: Who are you’re closest friends on the team or in the NFL?

A: I would say 55.

Q: Who are the beneficiaries of the Charles Tillman Cornerstone Foundation?

A: The mission of the Charles Tillman Cornerstone Foundation is to provide opportunities and resources to children or their families who are in need.

Q: How did you get involved in the foundation?

A: I wanted to start a foundation that helps families in tough times. I am truly blessed with great support from the entire Chicagoland community and corporate sponsors, like Meijer and Fifth Third Bank. They make it possible for us to continue to help more and more families each year.

Q: Why did you get involved in the foundation?

A: Our daughter got sick and that’s what started the foundation.

Q: Thank you Charles for your time, have a great season.

A: Thank you no problem anytime.

You can follow Charles Tillman on Facebook or check out his foundation, www.charlestillman.org.

Check it out: Here is a link to perhaps the best play of Charles Tillman’s career.

TE Greg Olsen, WR/KR Devin Hester and RB Matt Forte are all key parts in the Bears offense, but will they fit in Mike Martz’s scheme.

Will Matt Forte return to his rookie form? Will Greg Olsen be more than just a blocking tight end? Will Devin Hester and the other young wide receivers fit the bill?

These questions plus many more will be answered very soon. Jay Cutler is a smart QB when it comes to understanding plays, he knows what he has to fix, but he makes some big mistakes similar to former Bears QB Rex Grossman. I’m not going to say Mike Martz is going to bring the best out of Cutler, but he should. Martz’s offense is a high risk/high reward offense.

With a big armed QB in Cutler, a nice RB tandem in Matt Forte and Chester Taylor, a bunch of young speedy receivers and a nice group of tight ends this offense sure has what it takes.

The one big problem comes at the offensive line position where the line is basically the same group as last year. Chris Williams, Josh Beekman, Olin Kreutz, Roberto Garza and Frank Omiyale should be the starters come opening day. If the offensive line is bad the whole team will be bad. Mike Tice needs to bring the best out of this group, which is mixed with young guys and veterans. The offensive line will be under watch all training camp and pre-season.

The defense was pretty disappointing last season, but they were without Brian Urlacher last season, Tommie Harris was playing injured, Charles Tillman wasn’t himself and the secondary just stunk. There are  a lot of questions about this defense that people want to know, but not as many as on the offensive side.

Will Brian Urlacher return to form at age 32? Will Julius Peppers be the pass rusher that the Bears envisioned him to be and will he bring the best out of Tommie Harris and Mark Anderson? Will cornerbacks Charles Tillman and Zackary Bowman stay healthy? Will Danieal Manning and Chris Harris be a good combo at safety?

Brian Urlacher is always in great shape, but he isn’t getting any younger and he has been fading the last couple of seasons. The cover two defense basically depends on good play from the defensive line and the MLB, who covers the middle of the field and drops back in coverage. Good play from Peppers, Harris and Urlacher will make the secondary that much better.

The Bears have the talent on both sides of the ball, but will they play up to there talent and step in front of the Packers and Vikings in the NFC North. These season will either be a great success or it will be a complete disappointment. There isn’t much time before the first game on September 12th versus Detroit. The time is now for the Bears to come together as a team.

Training camp starts July 30th in Bourbonnais, IL.

The Bears were 0-3 last year when Jay Cutler passed for at least 300 yards, losing to the Atlanta Falcons,  Arizona Cardinals and San Fransisco 49ers.

The most yards Cutler threw for in a victory was 276 in the season finale against the Detroit Lions.

According to the Chicago Tribune,

“It appears the Bears are going to go to training camp with four quarterbacks after all, but the new addition will not be the experienced veteran that some had talked about.

The Bears have agreed to terms with free agent Mike Teel on a contract, and he is expected to sign his contract on Wednesday, a league source confirmed. The Bergen Record first reported the news.

They become his third team in two months as Teel was released by the Seattle Seahawks on May 21 and then claimed off waivers by the New England Patriots. They cut the Rutgers product three weeks ago.
The move has the fingerprints of new personnel director Tim Ruskell on it. Ruskell was the general manager in Seattle when the Seahawks drafted Teel in the sixth round in 2009. Teel spent last season on the Seahawks’ roster as the third quarterback but did not play. In the preseason, he completed 20-of-41 passes for 238 yards and three touchdowns. As a senior at Rutgers in 2008, Teel passed for 3,418 yards with 25 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.

The 6-3, 230-pounder joins a crowded group behind starting QB Jay Cutler. Caleb Hanie served as the backup last season and is entering his third year. The Bears drafted Central Michigan record setter Dan LeFevour in the sixth round.

The Bears will have to release a player to sign Teel. They will also have to release a player when they come to terms with running back Harvey Unga, who was chosen last week in the supplemental draft.”

The Bears made some noise in this years NFL supplemental draft by taking RB/FB Harvey Unga from BYU. The move will cost the Bears a seventh round pick in the 2011 NFL Draft.

Unga worked out for 20 teams on July 8th in Utah and the Bears were very interested in him. At 6’1″, 244 lbs, Unga has a frame built for an NFL fullback. It will be interesting to see how the Bears use Unga because he was very successful at BYU.

Unga had three straight 1,000 yard seasons, all included double digits touchdowns. Unga also had great success as a receiver out of the backfield at times. Unga became the school’s all-time leading rusher with 3,455 yards in his four years at BYU.

Unga led the Mountain West Conference last season with 1,087 rushing yards.

Unga entered the supplemental draft after being dismissed from BYU for violating the school’s honor code, allegedly for having pre-marital sex with his girlfriend.

This picks makes sense because Unga has so much upside, but the Bears are already pretty full at the running back position. With Matt Forte and Chester Taylor locks to make the team, Kahlil Bell, Garrett Wolfe and Brandon Minor will fight it out with Unga for the third and fourth spots. Unless the Bears use Unga at FB, where he would probably have the most success. If they used Unga as a FB, he could be a great goal line specialist.

Eddie Williams is the FB the Bears added to the roster in the offseason, maybe Unga can beat him out if not, Unga is a solid player to have develop on the practice squad.

Here’s what Unga had to say about being picked by the Bears:

”To be honest, I was surprised, they’re stacked up with running backs right now. They don’t need another back. I’m just going to come in there and bust my butt and make the best of the situation. I told them this is something they won’t regret and I’m a man of my word.”

Russ Lande of Sportingnews.com had this to say about Unga:

“In a season or two he should become a solid starting fullback who also contributes as a short yardage runner. To do so he must improve as a blocker.”

All quotes from Chicagosuntimes.com

Last season the Chicago Bears wide receivers showed a lot of potential. Johnny Knox was a fifth round pick out of Abilene Christian and Devin Aromasohodu spent a couple seasons on the Indianapolis Colts practice squad.They both excelled when they had a chance and this season their expected to do big things.

Now the two receivers will be a big part of the offense. Devin Aromashodu appeared in 10 games last season making 24 catches for 298 yards and four touchdowns. Aromashodu didn’t get playing time until week 14 against Green Bay. Aromashodu put up big numbers that game.  In, Week 16 against Minnesota, Aromashodu showed great potential by reeling in seven passes for 150 yards and the game winning touchdown in overtime.

The 26 year old Aromashodu, often goes by the name of D.A. or the “other Devin”, but this season he might become the best receiver named Devin for the Bears. FFToolbox.com ranks Devin Aromashodu as the highest Bears wide receiver at #34, they call Aromashodu a super sleeper which means he is a high risk or potential pick.

Johnny Knox on the other hand appeared in 15 games for the Bears. Knox actually took the spot of Devin Aromashodu during week one and showed his potential against Green Bay right from the start of the season. Knox caught 45 passes for 527 yards and five touchdowns. Knox also returned a kick for a touchdown and he showed great speed on kick returns that was he was named to the Pro Bowl.

A lot more is expected from Johnny Knox in his sophomore season. Knox and Hester are the starters right now, but Mike Martz will get the most out of all his receivers so who knows if the starter label will stick for Knox or Hester. The 24 year old Knox is ranked 49th on FFToolbox.com’s wide receiver list. Devin Hester is ranked 53rd behind both Devin Aromashodu and Johnny Knox.

If your playing fantasy football this season, don’t be afraid to draft a Chicago Bears wide receiver. Johnny Knox and Devin Aromashodu both have the potential to be starters on your team, if not they are great options of the bench. Don’t forget about Devin Hester, you never know what he can do.

When its your turn to draft don’t hesitate on a Bears receiver named Aromashodu or Knox because your not familiar with them, take the chance on these young guys, especially if your in a deep league.