While many of us are not shocked that the work stoppage didn’t impact the regular season, it will impact the free-agency period. Players will have a shorter window to sign contracts and teams are going to have less time to negotiate with potential signees.

It is no secret that the Chicago Bears need to improve depth at wide receiver, offensive and defensive lines and in the secondary. A backup running back and quarterback would be nice too.

As of today, I think the Chicago Bears will struggle to win seven games. However, this can change quickly if the Chicago Bears make a splash in free agency. Will this happen? It is my belief that Jerry Angelo has some things up his sleeve. He is going to be aggressive in free agency and bring in some much-needed help. With players like Brian Urlacher getting older, the window is becoming smaller and smaller. With one or two solid moves, the struggle to seven wins can be a 10 or 11 win team. Remember, this team darn near beat the Packers in the championship game.

There will be much more to follow in the up-c0ming days. But folks, we’re going to have football. Thank goodness for that…

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Despite age creeping up on some of the older players, they still played at a high level last season. Brian Urlacher continues his Hall of Fame Career and Julius Peppers is a beast. Lance Briggs continues to be one of the the most underrated players in football. Devin Hester returned to his scary form as a returner. Matt Forte became one of the best running backs in football. While the offensive line wasn’t amazing, it got much better towards the end of the season. J’Marcus Webb and Chris Williams developed into solid NFL linemen. Mike Tice is one of the top offensive line coaches in football, and he has a year under his belt to better understand his talent.

Jay Cutler will enjoy having the same offensive coordinator for two years. Instead of learning a new system the last three years, he has the same coach. Mike Martz does know offense, and I think this will benefit Cutler and company. Rod Marinelli is a great coordinator as well and had his unit playing strong.

While the Chicago Bears will not creep up on anyone this season, there is talent on this roster.

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Throughout the season, no matter how well the Chicago Bears played, there were many doubters and critics of the team’s success. Trent Dilfer and Bill Cowher regularly hated on this team. And yet, the Chicago Bears kept winning.

Of course, after beating heavy favorites Dallas in week two, the Cowboys weren’t any good despite being a Super Bowl contender. When the Chicago Bears defeated the Philadelphia Eagles and shut down Michael Vick, it was the turf at Soldier Field. A win over the New York Jets was a fluke as well. Might I also remind you that the Chicago Bears defeated the Green Bay Packers in week three and damn near knocked them out of the playoffs. The championship game helped prove how incompetent Lovie Smith can be at times.

Now, I take nothing away from the Green Bay Packers, but if the Chicago Bears actually would have had a respectable backup quarterback, perhaps the Super Bowl would have been a different game. In baseball, there’s always the belief that the baseball finds your worst defender when you’d least like it to…so the same thing happened during the championship game. How could Lovie Smith and company not recognize how horrible Todd Collins was? Why in the world wasn’t this addressed? The baseball found Collins, and the Chicago Bears were left holding their private areas.

Brian Urlacher is a beast. He had one of his best seasons and almost won the championship game for the Chicago Bears. Julius Peppers struck fear in offenses. These two really helped the Chicago Bears become a strong defensive unit. Devin Hester scares every opponent. He’s potentialy a big-play whenever the ball is in his hands.

Jay Cutler had his good and not-so-good moments. He’s a talented quarterback that does make mistakes. Matt Forte established himself as a legitimate NFL halfback. Devin Hester scares every opponent. He’s potentialy a big-play whenever the ball is in his hands.

So looking back on this team, what do I think? I believe that every NFL team that’s successful has a little bit of luck (see Detroit game and Calvin Johnson), some talent, catching opponents at the right time and intangibles. The Chicago Bears were guilty of all-of-the-above. And yet, a few bounces here and there may have been the difference of a trip to the championship game or a high draft pick. It’s always been my belief that good teams create their own breaks, and the Chicago Bears are just that…a good football team.

I enjoyed this season. The Chicago Bears made the final four. With a few tweaks here and there, I do not see any reason why this team couldn’t do it again. But this is the NFL, and things can change very quickly.

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Brian Urlacher is a freak of nature. There’s no weakness in his game. He’s an amazing cover linebacker and makes plays all over the field against the run. Sports Illustrated had the balls to call him the most overrated player in football, and they’re effing insane.

Lance Briggs would be the featured linebacker on most teams. He’s an excellent player in his own right. While he’s not Urlacher, he’s not too far behind.

Pisa Tinoisamoa is a good NFL linebacker. He’s fast and makes most tackles. The knock on Tinoisamoa is that he just can’t stay healthy. While the coaches seem to like Nick Roach, I’m not on his bandwagon as much.

Brian Iwuh and Rod Wilson are more special teams players, but Iwuh filled in well for Briggs when asked to do so.

This unit dominated in 2010. Urlacher was as good as he’s ever been. Briggs continues his amazing play. Tinoisamoa is underrated and the others fill in and contribute.

For the Packers fans out there, if Urlacher or Briggs were able to rush the passer like Clay Matthews III, you’d see what a real linebacker that actually supports the run can do. Additionally, the sack totals would be there too. Unfortunately, the Bears linebackers don’t get to “Madden” things up. If you want proof, watch the first week when Briggs shot the gap, sacked Shawn Hill while stripping the football. That’s proof kids…

I give this group an A+. As I said earlier, the best in football.

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Despite his amazing abilities and play-making skills, there are still some that doubt his place in history. I’m floored when people talk about his weaknesses. Sure, he can get blocked by tight ends, but as of late in his career, he’s even learned to shed those blocks. Let me get a little more extreme. Is Urlacher the best defensive player of his era? I’m starting to think he very well may be.

Let’s start with his ability in coverage. Urlacher is a great cover linebacker. He has the speed to keep up with any tight end and can also stay in stride with many wide receivers. Imagine a linebacker that can run down most ends? It’s even more impressive when you see him do it.

How about against the run? Urlacher is like a panther hitting the hole looking for a running back. Not only does he make plays, he can lay the wood to players. He will pursuit guys to the outside and finish plays. I’m still in awe of this ability to catch even the nimblest of backs in the open field.

What about rushing the passer? He’s not asked to do so as often as other linebackers, but the man rarely misses a quarterback. Ask Michael Vick who has said that he’s never been hit as hard as by Brian Urlacher. We’re not talking about a statue in Vick. So quite a compliment.

Finally, let’s talk about a leader. His teammates, coaches and opponents show him the utmost respect.

I’ve presented my case and I’m sure others will or won’t agree. It’s your constitutional right.

In a sad note, I want to send my condolences to Lovie Smith for the passing of his Mother at age 77. People may have issues with him as a coach, but he’s a class act and I’m sure made her proud.

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Let’s start of offense. While Jay Cutler and Matt Forte are two newer guys, Olin Kruetz has been the leader of the offensive line for a long time. While Mike Tice has done a wonderful job molding this unit, teammates will tell you that Kruetz is the one who gets in your face if he feels you’re not giving a full effort. He’s an effort guy and demands the same from his teammates.

I’ll never forget in his rookie season the Bears were playing against Washington. One of the Redskins taunted a Bear and Kruetz took a shot at the guy and was penalized. It was right then his reputation was beginning to be established. He’s a tough SOB and demands respect. We even saw that against Seattle last week. Toward the end of the game, he defended a teammate that was on the ground.

On special teams, Patrick Mannelly has been the long-snapper for a long time. He’s one of the best in football. He also covers kicks and sets the tone for this group. While he’s not as well known outside of Chicago, he’s one of the most respected Bears.

I’ve met Mannelly and seen the type of work he puts in off the field. I actually was rehabbing a broken ankle at the same gym where Mannelly trains. Holy crap! According to others in the facilities, he is always an extremely intense worker. If you don’t think that a guy who’s asked to do something maybe five times a game working his tail off doesn’t earn him respect, then you’ve got another thing coming. He wears a “C” for that reason.

On the defensive side of the ball, the list includes Brian Urlacher, Lance Briggs, Charles Tillman and Julius Peppers. These guys play at a high level and can all make game-changing plays. There’s a reason why this unit is strong and it is large part to talent and leadership.

In the defensive huddle, there are seven guys that played in the 2006 Super Bowl for the Chicago Bears and one that got there with the Carolina Panthers (Peppers). In other words, eight of the 11 starters won an NFC title. Think that doesn’t motivate you a little more to get back?

I haven’t even mentioned guys like Israel Idonije, Roberto Garza, Brad Maynard and Rasheed Davis. These are veteran role players that certainly make an impact as well. All of these guys have made a huge impact at a point of the season.

While I’m not discounting the leadership on the Packers, I feel its an edge for the Chicago Bears.

Follow me on Twitter at BearsHQ. If you haven’t seen it yet, here’s my son singing Bear Down Chicago Bears. I am so proud!!!

John: The Bears surprised some people this season with their winning the NFC North. What was the biggest reason they were able to be so successful?

Jonathan: Coaching. Let’s be honest, the Chicago Bears have solid coaches. The three coordinators are regarded as some of the best in the business and Mike Tice is a really good coach as well. He’s turned a horrible offensive line into a good one. I was pointing out to my father how fans want a “Ditka” like coach to scream and yell, but Lovie Smith always seems in control. His team reflects that attitude. Plus, let’s not discount the two possibly three Hall-of-Famers on defense. Finally, they’re running the damn football. Good things always happen when a team commits to the run.

John: The Bears defense returned to dominance this season. Who led the charge? Marinelli as D Coordinator? Acquisition of Peppers? A healthy Urlacher?

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Jonathan: All of the above. Plus don’t forget Lance Briggs and the emergence of some good defensive lineman.

John Devin Hester has regained, at least in my eyes, the title of most dangerous returner in the NFL after a few years of quiet. What’s different this season than the past two?

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Jonathan: It’s eighth wonder of the world why Hester struggled. If you asked me to guess, the team tried to have him too much and he finally has his role with this team. Plus, I think they’ve brought in some good special team’s players to help set things up.

John: Has Lovie Smith earned another contract extension?

Jonathan: Yes. He’s done an amazing job. Peppers said he came here because of Smith, and this team responds to his style. There are idiotic Bears fans that want Mike Singletary, and they’re on crack. I will admit I wanted him gone after last season, but he’s surrounded himself with a great staff and the team loves him.

John: Is there anything better than Packers/Bears with playoff implications in the final week of the regular season?

[picappgallerysingle id="10039509"]Jonathan: Nope. The networks are on the coasts, and they’ve lost track of how great this rivalry really is and always will be. You’re a good guy, but I hate your football team and want you to always hate the Bears. One idiot tried to sell me on the Redskins and Cowboys being a bigger one, and I’m still in shock. George Halas and Vince Lombardi are the Jedi Knights in heaven looking down and smiling. This is the NFL. It’s the way it should be. As I leave the game on Sunday, I hope to see a lot of disappointed Packers fans. Sorry folks.

Packers week is always fun. I really appreciate the help from John and the boys at Ol’ Bag of Donuts.

Follow me on Twitter at BearsHq and BlueDemonsLair. For the latest DePaul Blue Demons news and more, check out www.bluedemonslair.com. Please show me the love for the Big East’s Biggest Fan at www.mybigeastvolvo.com.

Adam: Lovie Smith has said he plans on playing his starters the full game Sunday. Unless Carolina beats Atlanta for probably the upset of the year earlier in the day, is this such a good idea against a team that needs to win at all costs?

Adam: Peppers, Urlacher and Briggs are all Pro-Bowlers to no one’s surprise, but who is this the MVP of the defense this year for the Bears?

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Jonathan: Wow, great question. I’ll say Peppers because he’s the obvious answer. However, Urlacher is the leader of the defense. Despite the numbers put up by Clay Matthews, I really think these two are more valuable.

Adam: Cutler has cut his turnovers in roughly half from last season, what do you think has been the biggest reasons for this?

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This was a lot of fun. I really appreciate having a working relationship with the enemy.

Follow me on Twitter at BearsHq and BlueDemonsLair. For the latest DePaul Blue Demons news and more, check out www.bluedemonslair.com. Please show me the love for the Big East’s Biggest Fan at www.mybigeastvolvo.com.

I had a chance to talk with my old friend Adam Somers from Ol’ Bag of Donuts (Green Bay Packers Blog). Tomorrow, my answers to the questions will appear from his blog. By the way, follow Adam on Twitter at Olbagofdonuts for the latest Packer news (OK, stop booing…he’s a realistic Packers guy).

Jonathan: Convince me that the Packers defense is better than I think…

Adam: Their secondary is very good with three Pro Bowl caliber players in Charles Woodson, Tramon Williams and Nick Collins. Because of that they are one of the best teams in the league in creating turnovers, which they had six of last week. Yes, their pass rush is less than desired outside of Matthews, but it is hard to throw on this team. Two weeks ago they held Tom Brady to roughly 160 yards passing. The isn’t the greatest against the run, but aren’t the worst either. Lack of depth in the front seven because of injuries have hurt a lot. So, I would say the main reason they are better than you think is their ability to create turnovers and pretty stout against the pass.

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Jonathan: What do the Packers need to do to get to the Super Bowl?

Adam: To be completely honest and a lot of our readers may not like this, but they need luck and a lot of it. Don’t get me wrong, I am behind this team 100% and think if things break their way they have a shot, but there might be too many if’s. They need to stay healthy because they are now starting guys who weren’t even with the team earlier this year. They also need to build on their slightly improved running game from the last two weeks. They need to generate some kind of pass rush opposite of Matthews, which may happen with the return of Cullen Jenkins. They need to be able to protect Rodgers. But, most importantly they need to win close games, something Mike McCarthy has struggled mightly with. I am not saying it is impossible to get to the Super Bowl as a #6 seed because it has happened before, but it will take a lot of things to go right. However, with a QB like Rodgers there is a chance.

Jonathan: You’ve been on the “Bears are a good team” bandwagon for a while…why do some experts still doubt this team?

Adam: I think because their really isn’t anything that stands out as great on this team besides their return game. The Bears’ offense isn’t great, but it is efficient, effective and has enough juice to make big plays when needed. The defense has some holes in the secondary, but still is a very good defense, but maybe not great. I also think their is still a lot of negative stigma around Cutler. He has played a lot better this year (can’t get much worse than last year), but still hasn’t won a lot of people over. A playoff win would definitely silence a lot of doubters.

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Jonathan: Who wins the NFC?

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While I am happy for these guys, I am wondering why Corey Graham was left off the roster. He’s bad a sensational year on special teams. If he played for the Steelers, there would be a parade for him. I’m just saying…

Follow me on Twitter at BearsHq and BlueDemonsLair. For the latest DePaul Blue Demons news and more, check out www.bluedemonslair.com. Please show me the love for the Big East’s Biggest Fan at www.mybigeastvolvo.com.