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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While Devin Hester isn’t the only Chicago Bear that returns kickoffs, Danieal Manning and Johnny Knox also return kicks as well. Both have shown explosivness in that area as well.

With the current lockout and bad blood brewing between the NFL, players and fans, why make things even less exciting? I really believe owners are their own worst enemies.

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While these two don’t quite have the numbers of Hester, Danieal Manning and Johnny Knox were two of the best return men in football on kickoffs. However, Hester is one of those guys you drop everything you’re doing to see with the football in his hands.

Robbie Gould has been one of the most accurate kickers in the NFL. While he didn’t have his best season, he’s been a stabalizing force in that position for the Chicago Bears. For us Bears fans, we’ve lived through some horrific kickers and Gould really is one of the best. Brad Maynard is a solid punter who’s specialty is kicking it within the 20-yard line. However, it looks as if Maynard’s days with the Chicago Bears are coming to an end.

Patrick Mannelly deserves a shout-out as well. He’s been one of the league’s best long-snappers for many years now.

I give this unit an A. It would have been an A+ except there were times where they gave up returns and failed to create open holes.

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Johnny Knox was probably what many would have considered the number one receiver on the Chicago Bears. He nearly broke the 1,000 yard mark for receiving yards and proved to be a solid blocker when asked to do so. He did have some moments this year, but also failed to fight for some footballs and cost his team turnovers. Knox struggled with physical corners and wasn’t able to out-muscle guys for the football.

Devin Hester is a kick returner that occasionally caught passes. He had some great plays as a wide receiver, but struggled with his route-running and like Knox, could get outworked for the football. Hester is a threat and that allowed him to make some plays. But he isn’t here because of his wide receiving abilities.

Earl Bennett became a physical presence in the the short to intermediate passing area down the stretch. He did injure his leg and really wasn’t the same at the end of the season. Bennett’s best highlight was his block on the Seattle punter on one of Hester’s punt returns that sent the dude flying across Soldier Field.

Rasheed Davis is a special teams guro that actually caught a few passes this season. He’s a valuable guy and certainly gives you his best effort. But he’s here because of special teams.

Devin Aromashodu dropped a touchdown pass in week one and really fell into the dog house. Not only did he stink of the field with his play, but he mouthed off to the media. A no-no when you’re not very good.

Overall, I give this unit a C. I think they made plays but based on the level of talent, we got what was expected out of this group.

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This past off-season, Angelo cleaned house within his scouting department and brought in former Seahawk general manager Tim Ruskell to help with player scouting and evaluation. Obviously, there’s been a problem somewhere within the organization, and as my wife likes to say, poo flows downhill.

Regardless of these moves, I think it’s fair to evaluate Angelo based on him being the boss. I think it didn’t take a rocket scientist to find Julius Peppers. He showed guts giving up Kyle Orton and three draft picks for Jay Cutler and a fifth round pick that eventually became Johnny Knox. The Cutler trade will be his defining one for his tenure with the Chicago Bears.

I highlight these two moves because these are the highest profile moves he’s made. Frankly, his track record with free agents is sub-par at best. And that’s being unbelievably generous. Peppers really wasn’t much of a risk. He brought in train wrecks like Muhsin Muhammad and Adam Archuleta. The Archuleta move was particularly disturbing because he traded Chris Harris in anticipation of it. While Harris is back, it just didn’t make any sense to get rid of a good young safety for the worst one I’ve seen in my lifetime.

He’s made some good moves that haven’t been as publicized. The addition of Pisa Tinoisamoa and Anthony Adams were solid pickups on the defensive side of the ball. Offensively, Roberto Garza and Frank Omiyale have proven to be solid NFL offensive linemen. But, the whole Thomas Jones/Cedric Benson fiasco really marred him as a general manager. While Matt Forte may be better than both, the whole scenario just worked out poorly.

Being a general manager in the NFL is an extremely difficult job. Very little praise will come your way and the crap hits the fan when things fall apart. I’ve got two concerns with Angelo, its his evaluation of offensive talent specifically on the line and receiver positions.

While Chris Williams worked out respectably as a guard last season, he was drafted to be a tackle. That is the only high draft pick in many years the Bears have used on an offensive lineman. Granted, they traded a lot of picks the last two seasons, but the commitment wasn’t there before either. While I’m not pleased with the lack of offensive line depth or development, J’Marcus Webb may have been a steal as a seventh round pick. Kudos on that selection.

The Bears still don’t have anyone in the stable of receivers that strike fear in opponents. While there’s some speed, there’s not a lot of tough guys that will make a tough catch. Earl Bennett showed that potential towards the end of the season, but I’m not exactly ready to call him an elite receiver. This is something the Bears desperately need and fast. If Cutler is going to take that next step, he needs a top-tier wide receiver. Guys like Knox and Devin Hester will be great complementary receivers, but aren’t elite guys. As far as I’m concerned, bringing in an top receiver is priority number 1A this off-season along with improving the above-mentioned offensive line. Honestly, I’m not terribly confident in Angelo’s ability to do either one. Defensively, the Bears could use a better three-technique due to Tommie Harris’ decline in that role. But this isn’t as much of a priority as wide receiver and offensive line.

Basically, it comes down to wins and losses with any front office person (minus Jim Hendry). I feel as if I’ve given some fair and constructive feedback as a fan of Angelo’s performance. While I don’t think he’s a disaster, I’m not sure if he’s done enough to warrant sticking around when his contract expires. This will be his most critical off-season. Considering the type of season the Chicago Bears had this year, a few key additions may be enough to put them over the top.

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As much as I do not like the Chicago White Sox, I received a nice shout out from the guys at www.paleandhosed.com. They’re your one-stop shop for the latest and unbiased White Sox needs and notes.

Riley:  How much does it really matter that the Seahawks beat Chicago?  Does it have any impact or influence on the upcoming matchup?

Jonathan: Hell yes. The game against the Seahawks was the beginning of Mike Martz changing. He kept wanting this team to be “The Greatest Show on Turf” but instead the only thing on turf was Jay Cutler. The line was playing for crap and the Chicago Bears stopped running the damn ball.

Now, the Chicago Bears are a running team that sprinkles in passes when the situation calls for it. The offensive line is playing better. Plus, the defense is going to better than what you saw. Lance Briggs is healthy and the defensive line has gone through some personnel changes. Trust me, the Chicago Bears considered the Seattle loss as unforgivable. The opportunity to feel better about it comes possibly comes Sunday.

Riley:  Being a 12th Man, I have to ask:  How much of an impact does the crowd at Soldier Field have on the outcome of the game?

Jonathan: They do this BS in Chicago called “The 4th Phase”. We’re supposed to be wild and crazy. Honestly, and I know you’re not going to like what I’m going to say, I don’t buy into this crowd business. Look, great teams win because their great. The Seahawks beat the Saints because the Saints became one dimensional and forgot how to tackle (I picked you guys by the way…I thought the Saints were way to caught up in how bad Seattle was, and they weren’t prepared for that game at all). The way you get the crowd out of any game is running the damn football. I’m expecting the Seahawks to do that Sunday.

Riley:  The Bears finished the season winning 7 of their last 9 games.  They seemed to really gain momentum towards the end of the season.  How much does the loss in week 17 and a bye in the first round take away from that momentum?  Or does it only rest them up and make them better?

Jonathan: I have to give Lovie Smith a lot of praise for going with his starters against the Packers. Instead of being stubborn, he learned from his past mistakes that resting players doesn’t work. Look at what happened last week in your game. The Saints came in and looked sloppy because the previous week was used as a resting period. The Bears are healthy. They just got healthier and the coaches got were able to change some things.

The Green Bay loss was used as a testing ground. I went up to that game and I’ll tell you that in the first half, the Bears were the better team. The second half the Bears changed some things around and they really got away from what worked. Had the game mattered, I think they would have continued doing the things that were working.

This team was better after the regular season bye, so I’m thinking that they should adjust accordingly this time around.

Riley:  Which player will have the biggest impact on the outcome of the upcoming game?

Jonathan: The obvious answer is Devin Hester. The right answer is Matt Forte. Lofa Tatupu’s status is still unknown. If he’s out, Forte may have an even bigger game. I’ll also throw Earl Bennett in there as well.

Riley:  Which Chicago television icon is Chicago most proud of:  Oprah or Bozo?

Jonathan: Bozo. I’m 36. My mother had to write in for tickets before I was born so I could go to a show when I was like 6. It was a thrill meeting him.

Oprah annoys the shit out of me. And you can print that…

Riley: Prediction…

Jonathan: Well, now the big question…all this other stuff was talk. I’m liking but not loving the Chicago Bears. I’ll say

Bears 17 Seahawks 10

Good stuff as always…a warm thank you to Riley again. Follow his crew on Twitter at 12thmanrising.

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

I decided to do some investigative journalism and see exactly where the problem exactly lies. After reviewing my notes and watching game films, I’ve decided the fault here spreads through the offense.

While Johnny Knox had a fine season statistically, I found at least three occasions where Knox didn’t work for the football. On more than one occasion, he let a defensive back out-muscle him for the football. On another occasion, if you recall the Redskins game and DeAngelo Hall’s monster game. On one of his interceptions he returned for a touchdown, Knox just gave up on his route and didn’t react. This is something that Knox improved upon, but something that he’ll need to address. But, I’m a Knox fan and I love the way he commits to block. He just needs some more time to get better.

Devin Hester had an all-pro year as a returner and improved as a receiver. But, Hester ran several routes incorrectly and still at times lacks the instincts to be a top receiver. Most of his catches come on simple routes. While Hester doesn’t get muscled as often as Knox, he still doesn’t react as quickly as needed.

Don’t even get me started on Greg Olsen. Besides being a crappy blocker, he fails to get open. And when he does, its anyone’s guess what will happen next if he gets a pass. I’ve been on the Olsen being overrated bandwagon for a long time. The other tight ends are blockers.

The best fundamental receiver on the Chicago Bears is Earl Bennett. He doesn’t have Hester or Knox’s speed, but he’s a tough SOB and runs great routes. Notice that Cutler got better when Bennett established himself in the passing game. It’s not exactly a coincidence. They were college teammates and it has translated to the NFL. Watching Bennett work for the football as well as laying guys out on blocks is fun. I wonder if the Seattle punter will look around on Sunday?

Devin Aromashodu and Rasheed Davis round out the receiving core. Aromashodu just doesn’t quite click and Davis is a veteran who’s value is obvious on special teams and as an occasional receiver. Aromashodu has been in the dog house a long time since dropping passes including a touchdown against the Lions on opening day. Davis played more than normal the last few games and did a solid job.

Matt Forte is a great receiver out of the backfield. Chester Taylor will catch the ball as well. This helps Cutler as well.

So here’s my conclusion. The Chicago Bears need to run the damn football. That is the first place that cuts down on interceptions. For obvious reasons, its not a throw. But it pulls safeties out of coverage and helps his receivers to get more open. When Cutler establishes Bennett and Forte in the short-to-intermediate passing game, it opens up the deeper throws. If Olsen would man-up and actually catch the ball, that helps as well.

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.

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.

Jonathan: Has your perception of the Chicago Bears changed? Do you still think they’re a pretender or contender?

John: They are a contender. For the entire season, I, along with countless others, wanted to find a way to call the Bears pretenders. Week after week, they continued to surprise by finding ways to win. Sometimes it was because of luck (Detroit game with the Calvin Johnson non-catch in the end zone), sometimes it was because the opponent gave the game to them (Packers first meeting, when they penaltied the game away) but good teams figure out ways to win. The Bears have done exactly that.

Jonathan: If you think they’re a contender, what has changed your mind?

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John: Simple: they keep winning. Their ability to remain a healthy team has certainly helped, but I think the person that has done the most to keep them on the right path is Mike Martz. Somehow, he has managed to transform the offense from what it was in the beginning of the season (all throw) into a more low keyed offense. He has been able to reel in Cutler, keep him composed, minimize his turnovers, and keep the offense under control.

Jonathan: It appears to me that the Packers are a Jekyll and Hyde team. They look great one week and like crap the next. Is this fair?

John: Is it fair? In my opinion no. They have dealt with an inordinate number of injuries, and yet they are still in playoff contention. Now if you want to discuss the gameplan used in certain games, i will say that that has been hot garbage. There was no reason they should have lost to Detroit the way they did, and in successive weeks almost beat New England with a backup quarterback, then completely dismantle the Giants. They have been the victim of poor coaching decisions and game planning, which has cost them, at minimum, two wins this season (Dolphins and Lions).

Jonathan: What will the Packers need to do to be successful if they make the playoffs?

John: Run the offense properly. No Ryan Grant does not mean that they cannot run the ball. Not having Aaron Rodgers for a game showed they can still pass the ball. If McCarthy can resist the urge to go Air McCarthy, the Packers can go deep in the playoffs. They have the weapons to score from anywhere at any time-the Giants game showed that ability off perfectly.

Jonathan: Aren’t you glad the rivalry is back?

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John: Absolutely. The NFL is Packers/Bears, playing at the end of the season with playoff implications on the line. It has been a long time since this was the case. I don’t know if it ever went away, but this season has seen an intensification. I love it.

Thanks John. I appreciate his time. 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?