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Everyone is expecting nothing less than a division championship out of the 2006 Bears football team. There isn't a lot of change to talk about over last year's 11-5 team, as the Bears bring back every one of the 22 starters from a year ago. The team did gain a little bit of security with Brian Griese's signing. Rex Grossman has had plenty of trouble staying healthy and last season was a disaster for the passing game when the team had to rely on Kyle Orton. Defensively the team's only hole appeared to be at corner and the team upgraded their nickel and dime backs with a pair of Carolina Panthers in Ricky Manning and Dante Wesley. The team didn't have a first round draft choice this season and didn't pick up anyone who is going to make an immediate impact.

The 2006 Bears football team is hoping their offense can improve on their 29th ranking last year in yards and 16.3 points per game average. Grossman alone will be able to help those numbers and if he doesn't Griese has proved with the Bucs that he still is capable of leading a team to a strong record. Grossman is a confident, Brett Favre style quarterback who makes quick decisions has a cannon, and has a quick release. His growth will go a long way to the Bears being a Super Bowl contender. At running back the team has more than enough talent with Thomas Jones coming off a 1,335 year season and last year's 4th overall selection Cedric Benson getting some more time this year. The way the Bears like to play with defense and running the ball, it's important that these two horses produce. The wide outs are a concern for the Bears as Muhsin Muhammad is aging and under produced last season, but much of that blame can probably be laid on the quarterback.

If defense wins championships then the Bears are destined for greatness. Up front they have a three Pro Bowl caliber players in Adewale Ogunleye, Alex Brown, and Tommie Harris. These guys can get to opposing quarterbacks and stuff the run as well, causing plenty of problems for opposing offensive lines. The linebackers aren't a very deep group, but with Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs both making plays all over the field, there isn't much of a need to spell them. These two are going to make big plays and wreak havoc all over the field every week this season. The secondary is the weakest part of the defense with Nathan Vasher and Charles Tillman getting exposed by Carolina last year in the playoffs. Manning is probably capable of taking Tillman's starting role this year, and the Bears are going to need Mike Brown to remain healthy.

The Bears have big expectations and we feel like they are going to meet them. Looking at their schedule the big game is at New England in late November, as that could let the leauge know if this team is for real. The rest of the schedule is rather soft, with all the good teams visiting Soldier Field. This team is for real, and is our pick for reaching the Super Bowl out of the NFC.

About the Author

Jimmy Boyd is a documented member of the Professional Handicappers League. Read all of his articles at www.procappers.com/Jimmy_Boyd.htm