NFL Preview- Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears come into 2014 with the pain of knowing they let the North division slip from their grips last year and are looking to change that this season.  Marc Trestman returns to lead what looks like one of the unstoppable offense in the NFL, but can his re-worked defense do enough to stop opponents and overtake the division from Green Bay?

There is no doubt that Jay Cutler has established himself as the quarterback for the Bears.  With Josh McCown gone to become the starter for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the backup spot falls to Jimmy Clausen.  Cutler needs to stay healthy because it is unknown that Clausen will be able to carry the team as McCown did last year when Cutler went down.

Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffrey make up possibly the best 1-2 tandem at wide receiver.  Santonio Holmes has been added to give Cutler another option along with Josh Morgan.  Martellus Bennett has settled in as the top tight end in Chicago, and showed he has the talent to be among the best options at his position in the league.

Matt Forte is one of the top running backs in the game.  He excels at both running inside and out, providing pass protection when the play calls for it, and he is a great receiving option out of the backfield.  Rookies Ka'deem Carey and Senorise Perry and third-year RB Shaun Draughn make up the depth chart in the backfield.

Julius Peppers signed in Green Bay, so the Bears signed Jared Allen to lead the pass rush.  Jeremiah "Jay" Ratliff signed to solidify the interior of the defensive line.  Charles Tillman was re-signed as the top corner of the defense.  Kyle Fuller was drafted as the future at the position.  Kelvin Hayden was also brought in through free agency  to bookend the other corner position as Fuller is further develope.

Let's break down their 2014 season:

Week 1- Chicago opens up at home against Buffalo.  Bears win big and start 1-0.

Week 2- Bears travel to San Francisco to open up new Levi's Stadium.  They struggle against a strong defense and lose to drop to 1-1.

Week 3- They head to Metlife Stadium and face the Jets.  In a tough game, the Bears win and get to 2-1.

Week 4- Chicago host Green Bay in the league's oldest rivalry.  With homefield advantage, the Bears get the win and improve to 3-1.

Week 5- They head to Carolina and face a tough Panthers' defense and extremely talented Cam Newton.  Chicago takes a tough loss to drop to 3-2.

Week 6- Bears head to Atlanta and both teams showcase their talented WR duos.  "Peanut" Tillman forces a game-changing turnover to earn the win.  They are now 4-2.

Week 7- Chicago hosts Miami and win again.  Bears now 5-2.

Week 8- They travel to New England to face the Patriots.  The class of the AFC East plays gracious host before earning the late win.  Chicago drops to 5-3.

Week 9- Bye Week

Week 10- Bears renew their rivalry with the Packers again.  This Aaron Rodgers gets the win to split the season series.  Bears now 5-4.

Week 11- They host the Vikings and get themselves a nice bounce-back victory.  Chicago improves to 6-4.

Week 12- Bears host a very game Tampa Bay, but find a way to sneak in a close win and are now 7-4.

Week 13- Chicago heads to Detroit for Thanksgiving.  The Lions use their homefield to get the win in this holiday tradition.  Chicago falls to 7-5.

Week 14- A week later on Thursday Night, they host the Cowboys.  For the third straight year, the Bears get a big win over Dallas.  They're now 8-5.

Week 15- They host the Saints for an outstanding offensive shootout.  But New Orleans to have a bit more talent and win.  Bears now 8-6.

Week 16- In the return game against Detroit, Chicago gets the win at  home.  They stand at 9-6.

Week 17- Chicago travels to Minnesota to close out the season.  They get the win, but come just short of the division title at 10-6.

Chicago has plenty of talent on offense, and Cutler has the skills to be among the elite QBs in the game today.  Unfortunately, Cutler seems to lose interest at times and that leads to mistakes.  The offensive line also needs to protect Cutler to give him time to get the ball to his many playmakers and keep him healthy.  The defense is still good but are beginning to show their age; they might give a few more big plays this year.