Team Projections: Chicago Bears (1 Viewer)

[Unlucky]

I will be releasing my projections on a team-by-team basis, as I complete them. I will then post analysis here for discussion.

My Bears' Projections: http://www.phenomsff.com/projections/teams/chi.html

Until I figure out a way to post a viewer friendly version, you'll have to visit the link.

Key players:

Grossman: 277/500/55.4% for 3270/20 with 25 rushing yds

Benson: 348/1392/10 and 22/154/0

Clark: 40/480/5

Muhammad: 58/684/4

Berrian: 61/915/5

Analysis:

The running game is all Benson, all the time, if he can handle it. I like his 4.1 YPC - that's a good sign. I worry about his intangibles (seems like a wierd guy) but he's in a great situation, he does have talent, and now all he has to do is produce. Peterson is a capable backup, and could get more work if Benson falters.

Grossman once again leads a pretty potent passing attack. Muhammad is the possession guy, with plenty of speed around him. R. Davis and Bradley will get some looks, but I like Berrian to further emerge as the top weapon. Clark is solid, and Olsen will contribute some as well. However, there are just too many guys getting a piece of the pie for any to be fantasy studs.

I do like what I've been hearing about Grossman's dedication to studying and improving this offseason. I'm not sure his ceiling is that high, but eliminating some of the horrible games will do wonders for him.

The schedule is mediocre - some easy games, some tough ones.

 

[greenroom]

Any Idea on what Hester will bring to the offence?

 

[FF_Guru]

Any Idea on what Hester will bring to the offence?

basically be a mirror of what daunte hall did for KC. basically be a third down WR, who will run short pass rountes or be used in a reverse situation. once he is in the field it will be up to him to make plays. i personally don't see a lot of production from him, because the bears already have upcoming WR in mark bradley. i see more potential in him, then i do in hester.

 

[hephner]

Any Idea on what Hester will bring to the offence?

basically be a mirror of what daunte hall did for KC. basically be a third down WR, who will run short pass rountes or be used in a reverse situation. once he is in the field it will be up to him to make plays. i personally don't see a lot of production from him, because the bears already have upcoming WR in mark bradley. i see more potential in him, then i do in hester.

Agreed there. Doubt they'll be sending him over the middle or anything. They'll try to utilize him in the slot, probably see him on some WR screens (they use it quite a bit already), reverses like you side, some way for him to get the ball in space and do what he does best. Also, with his speed, I wouldn't doubt they'll have him try to stretch the field on occasion, although Berrian has already been established as the primary deep threat. Also, look for him to be used as a decoy at times. The word is out on Hester's game-breaking ability, so defenses will definitely be paying attention to him when he's on the field, which could help create some other openings.I'm pretty excited to see what kind of improvements the offense will make this year. Hopefully Grossman will limit his mistakes, and the WR corps will continue to improve, plus the addition of Olsen should create some mismatches.

 

[nygiants56]

Any Idea on what Hester will bring to the offence?

basically be a mirror of what daunte hall did for KC. basically be a third down WR, who will run short pass rountes or be used in a reverse situation. once he is in the field it will be up to him to make plays. i personally don't see a lot of production from him, because the bears already have upcoming WR in mark bradley. i see more potential in him, then i do in hester.

Agreed there. Doubt they'll be sending him over the middle or anything. They'll try to utilize him in the slot, probably see him on some WR screens (they use it quite a bit already), reverses like you side, some way for him to get the ball in space and do what he does best. Also, with his speed, I wouldn't doubt they'll have him try to stretch the field on occasion, although Berrian has already been established as the primary deep threat. Also, look for him to be used as a decoy at times. The word is out on Hester's game-breaking ability, so defenses will definitely be paying attention to him when he's on the field, which could help create some other openings.I'm pretty excited to see what kind of improvements the offense will make this year. Hopefully Grossman will limit his mistakes, and the WR corps will continue to improve, plus the addition of Olsen should create some mismatches.

Lately, the losing team in the SB has failed to make the playoffs the following season. Bears look to be headed down that road. Defensively, they've take some hits, losing Tank Johnson hurts. they couldn't stop the run in his absence last season.

 

[FF_Guru]

Any Idea on what Hester will bring to the offence?

basically be a mirror of what daunte hall did for KC. basically be a third down WR, who will run short pass rountes or be used in a reverse situation. once he is in the field it will be up to him to make plays. i personally don't see a lot of production from him, because the bears already have upcoming WR in mark bradley. i see more potential in him, then i do in hester.

Agreed there. Doubt they'll be sending him over the middle or anything. They'll try to utilize him in the slot, probably see him on some WR screens (they use it quite a bit already), reverses like you side, some way for him to get the ball in space and do what he does best. Also, with his speed, I wouldn't doubt they'll have him try to stretch the field on occasion, although Berrian has already been established as the primary deep threat. Also, look for him to be used as a decoy at times. The word is out on Hester's game-breaking ability, so defenses will definitely be paying attention to him when he's on the field, which could help create some other openings.I'm pretty excited to see what kind of improvements the offense will make this year. Hopefully Grossman will limit his mistakes, and the WR corps will continue to improve, plus the addition of Olsen should create some mismatches.

Lately, the losing team in the SB has failed to make the playoffs the following season. Bears look to be headed down that road. Defensively, they've take some hits, losing Tank Johnson hurts. they couldn't stop the run in his absence last season.

mike brown being injured all year added to this also. it takes more than one player to stop or contain the run.

 

[hephner]

Any Idea on what Hester will bring to the offence?

basically be a mirror of what daunte hall did for KC. basically be a third down WR, who will run short pass rountes or be used in a reverse situation. once he is in the field it will be up to him to make plays. i personally don't see a lot of production from him, because the bears already have upcoming WR in mark bradley. i see more potential in him, then i do in hester.

Agreed there. Doubt they'll be sending him over the middle or anything. They'll try to utilize him in the slot, probably see him on some WR screens (they use it quite a bit already), reverses like you side, some way for him to get the ball in space and do what he does best. Also, with his speed, I wouldn't doubt they'll have him try to stretch the field on occasion, although Berrian has already been established as the primary deep threat. Also, look for him to be used as a decoy at times. The word is out on Hester's game-breaking ability, so defenses will definitely be paying attention to him when he's on the field, which could help create some other openings.I'm pretty excited to see what kind of improvements the offense will make this year. Hopefully Grossman will limit his mistakes, and the WR corps will continue to improve, plus the addition of Olsen should create some mismatches.

Lately, the losing team in the SB has failed to make the playoffs the following season. Bears look to be headed down that road. Defensively, they've take some hits, losing Tank Johnson hurts. they couldn't stop the run in his absence last season.

I think you may be confusing Tank Johnson with someone else. Tommie Harris' absence is what really hurt the Bears D. Tank only missed two games last season: week 14 against TB, and week 15 against Detroit. The Bears D yielded a total of just 57 rushing yards against Tampa, and only 67 against the Lions in those two weeks, and they won both games. I don't think I would consider that "not being able to stop the run."Tank Johnson was an average defensive tackle. Sure his loss means they have to fill that hole on short notice, and with someone within (either Adams or Dvoracek, although Idonije might get some work as well).I don't see how losing Tank Johnson constitutes the conclusion that "the Bears seem to be going down that road" of not being able to make the playoffs. And don't forget, they play in the NFC North. The division should be improved this year, but it was one of the weakest in the NFL last year, and the rest of the division is still a year or two away from playoff contention, IMO. They still have question marks, such as DT, and of course, the Briggs situation (although he'd be crazy not to play this year), and then Grossman and Benson with something to prove on the offensive side, but they with their talent, especially on defense, they really should be a playoff team again in that division.

 

[The Kansas Comet]

Any Idea on what Hester will bring to the offence?

basically be a mirror of what daunte hall did for KC. basically be a third down WR, who will run short pass rountes or be used in a reverse situation. once he is in the field it will be up to him to make plays. i personally don't see a lot of production from him, because the bears already have upcoming WR in mark bradley. i see more potential in him, then i do in hester.

Agreed there. Doubt they'll be sending him over the middle or anything. They'll try to utilize him in the slot, probably see him on some WR screens (they use it quite a bit already), reverses like you side, some way for him to get the ball in space and do what he does best. Also, with his speed, I wouldn't doubt they'll have him try to stretch the field on occasion, although Berrian has already been established as the primary deep threat. Also, look for him to be used as a decoy at times. The word is out on Hester's game-breaking ability, so defenses will definitely be paying attention to him when he's on the field, which could help create some other openings.

I'm pretty excited to see what kind of improvements the offense will make this year. Hopefully Grossman will limit his mistakes, and the WR corps will continue to improve, plus the addition of Olsen should create some mismatches.

I think this is where Hester's greatest value on offense lies - when he is in there, the defense will have to account for him, as well as protect deep against Berrian. That will leave plenty of space for Muhammad, Bradley, Clark/Olsen, or a run. If Rex has gotten a clue this off-season, Chicago could be pretty darn dangerous on offense.

 

[RBM]

Any Idea on what Hester will bring to the offence?

basically be a mirror of what daunte hall did for KC. basically be a third down WR, who will run short pass rountes or be used in a reverse situation. once he is in the field it will be up to him to make plays. i personally don't see a lot of production from him, because the bears already have upcoming WR in mark bradley. i see more potential in him, then i do in hester.

Agreed there. Doubt they'll be sending him over the middle or anything. They'll try to utilize him in the slot, probably see him on some WR screens (they use it quite a bit already), reverses like you side, some way for him to get the ball in space and do what he does best. Also, with his speed, I wouldn't doubt they'll have him try to stretch the field on occasion, although Berrian has already been established as the primary deep threat. Also, look for him to be used as a decoy at times. The word is out on Hester's game-breaking ability, so defenses will definitely be paying attention to him when he's on the field, which could help create some other openings.I'm pretty excited to see what kind of improvements the offense will make this year. Hopefully Grossman will limit his mistakes, and the WR corps will continue to improve, plus the addition of Olsen should create some mismatches.

Lately, the losing team in the SB has failed to make the playoffs the following season. Bears look to be headed down that road. Defensively, they've take some hits, losing Tank Johnson hurts. they couldn't stop the run in his absence last season.

I think you may be confusing Tank Johnson with someone else. Tommie Harris' absence is what really hurt the Bears D. Tank only missed two games last season: week 14 against TB, and week 15 against Detroit. The Bears D yielded a total of just 57 rushing yards against Tampa, and only 67 against the Lions in those two weeks, and they won both games. I don't think I would consider that "not being able to stop the run."Tank Johnson was an average defensive tackle. Sure his loss means they have to fill that hole on short notice, and with someone within (either Adams or Dvoracek, although Idonije might get some work as well).I don't see how losing Tank Johnson constitutes the conclusion that "the Bears seem to be going down that road" of not being able to make the playoffs. And don't forget, they play in the NFC North. The division should be improved this year, but it was one of the weakest in the NFL last year, and the rest of the division is still a year or two away from playoff contention, IMO. They still have question marks, such as DT, and of course, the Briggs situation (although he'd be crazy not to play this year), and then Grossman and Benson with something to prove on the offensive side, but they with their talent, especially on defense, they really should be a playoff team again in that division.

The loss of Tank wont even be noticed.

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

Don't forget about the addition of Garrett Wolfe....he is the 3rd down back the Bears have been missing for years.

a healthy Mike Brown and Tommie Harris will go a long way on this defense.

 

[sholditch]

Any Idea on what Hester will bring to the offence?

basically be a mirror of what daunte hall did for KC. basically be a third down WR, who will run short pass rountes or be used in a reverse situation. once he is in the field it will be up to him to make plays. i personally don't see a lot of production from him, because the bears already have upcoming WR in mark bradley. i see more potential in him, then i do in hester.

Agreed there. Doubt they'll be sending him over the middle or anything. They'll try to utilize him in the slot, probably see him on some WR screens (they use it quite a bit already), reverses like you side, some way for him to get the ball in space and do what he does best. Also, with his speed, I wouldn't doubt they'll have him try to stretch the field on occasion, although Berrian has already been established as the primary deep threat. Also, look for him to be used as a decoy at times. The word is out on Hester's game-breaking ability, so defenses will definitely be paying attention to him when he's on the field, which could help create some other openings.I'm pretty excited to see what kind of improvements the offense will make this year. Hopefully Grossman will limit his mistakes, and the WR corps will continue to improve, plus the addition of Olsen should create some mismatches.

Lately, the losing team in the SB has failed to make the playoffs the following season. Bears look to be headed down that road. Defensively, they've take some hits, losing Tank Johnson hurts. they couldn't stop the run in his absence last season.

Losing Tank isn't going to hurt that much. It was Tommie Harris going down that really effected then run-stopping ability. If Dusty Dvoracek is ready to play, and they wouldn't have cut Tank if he wasn't, then they should be fine without him.

 

[The Kansas Comet]

Don't forget about the addition of Garrett Wolfe....he is the 3rd down back the Bears have been missing for years.a healthy Mike Brown and Tommie Harris will go a long way on this defense.

Good point about Wolfe - seems like Dennis Gentry was the last 3rd down back the Bears had. As far as Harris and Brown go, I agree about Harris - his health is paramount to the defense's success this season. But Brown? I hope he can stay healthy, but the Bears better not be planning on it - the guy's played 20 games the last 3 seasons. Getting him for a full season would be like a free agent signing at this point. The Bears are a scary defensive team with him in the secondary, but Brown's body has been betraying him too much.

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

Don't forget about the addition of Garrett Wolfe....he is the 3rd down back the Bears have been missing for years.a healthy Mike Brown and Tommie Harris will go a long way on this defense.

Good point about Wolfe - seems like Dennis Gentry was the last 3rd down back the Bears had. As far as Harris and Brown go, I agree about Harris - his health is paramount to the defense's success this season. But Brown? I hope he can stay healthy, but the Bears better not be planning on it - the guy's played 20 games the last 3 seasons. Getting him for a full season would be like a free agent signing at this point. The Bears are a scary defensive team with him in the secondary, but Brown's body has been betraying him too much.

The only other 3rd down back I can think of is Robert Green....and even he wasn't THAT effective.But you are correct about Brown's body betraying him, however the defense plays totally different with him out there. He is a leader and playmaker that brings that attitude to the defense. Almost due to percentages, he is due for a healthy season.

 

[pinequick]

Any Idea on what Hester will bring to the offence?

basically be a mirror of what daunte hall did for KC. basically be a third down WR, who will run short pass rountes or be used in a reverse situation. once he is in the field it will be up to him to make plays. i personally don't see a lot of production from him, because the bears already have upcoming WR in mark bradley. i see more potential in him, then i do in hester.

Agreed there. Doubt they'll be sending him over the middle or anything. They'll try to utilize him in the slot, probably see him on some WR screens (they use it quite a bit already), reverses like you side, some way for him to get the ball in space and do what he does best. Also, with his speed, I wouldn't doubt they'll have him try to stretch the field on occasion, although Berrian has already been established as the primary deep threat. Also, look for him to be used as a decoy at times. The word is out on Hester's game-breaking ability, so defenses will definitely be paying attention to him when he's on the field, which could help create some other openings.

I'm pretty excited to see what kind of improvements the offense will make this year. Hopefully Grossman will limit his mistakes, and the WR corps will continue to improve, plus the addition of Olsen should create some mismatches.

I think this is where Hester's greatest value on offense lies - when he is in there, the defense will have to account for him, as well as protect deep against Berrian. That will leave plenty of space for Muhammad, Bradley, Clark/Olsen, or a run. If Rex has gotten a clue this off-season, Chicago could be pretty darn dangerous on offense.

Do you guys see value in Hester if you have him in a league where the player is awarded special teams TDs? Mix a few special teams TDs in with a few offensive TDs--do you see that as a likely-enough scenario to warrant Hester some value?

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

Any Idea on what Hester will bring to the offence?

basically be a mirror of what daunte hall did for KC. basically be a third down WR, who will run short pass rountes or be used in a reverse situation. once he is in the field it will be up to him to make plays. i personally don't see a lot of production from him, because the bears already have upcoming WR in mark bradley. i see more potential in him, then i do in hester.

Agreed there. Doubt they'll be sending him over the middle or anything. They'll try to utilize him in the slot, probably see him on some WR screens (they use it quite a bit already), reverses like you side, some way for him to get the ball in space and do what he does best. Also, with his speed, I wouldn't doubt they'll have him try to stretch the field on occasion, although Berrian has already been established as the primary deep threat. Also, look for him to be used as a decoy at times. The word is out on Hester's game-breaking ability, so defenses will definitely be paying attention to him when he's on the field, which could help create some other openings.

I'm pretty excited to see what kind of improvements the offense will make this year. Hopefully Grossman will limit his mistakes, and the WR corps will continue to improve, plus the addition of Olsen should create some mismatches.

I think this is where Hester's greatest value on offense lies - when he is in there, the defense will have to account for him, as well as protect deep against Berrian. That will leave plenty of space for Muhammad, Bradley, Clark/Olsen, or a run. If Rex has gotten a clue this off-season, Chicago could be pretty darn dangerous on offense.

Do you guys see value in Hester if you have him in a league where the player is awarded special teams TDs? Mix a few special teams TDs in with a few offensive TDs--do you see that as a likely-enough scenario to warrant Hester some value?

I would in a league like that. From reports, he is running great routes so far. However, he isn't the most intelligent guy, so he won't be utilized for 50 plays a game. Only a few here and there, but as a spot starter, you never know. After this season, we will have a better idea of what type of player he could become.