Blog Down, Chicago Bears

Remember way back when? The Bears were in the Super Bowl and their elite defense carried them there. It seems almost as long ago as the Cubs’ last World Series win. Fortunately for us, it wasn’t 1908 — it was 2006.

Safety Chris Harris and any defensive tackle that bothered to line up next to Tommie Harris (Boonie, Ian Scott, Tank) are the most notable defensive absentees from our Super Bowl run. Sure, you could throw Todd Johnson and Cameron Worrell in for giggles, but the last three drafts and free agent signings have produced enough quality special teams players to keep that unit among the league’s best for years to come.

Barring injury, the Bears will have the best defense in the National Football League in 2008. Notice, I didn’t say, “among the best” or “top 10”. I’m talking about the absolute, hands-down, top defense in the entire mother-effin’ NFL. (On a side note, I apologize if the point was, in any way, diluted by use of the word “effin’”).

Left End

Dan Bazuin has fully-recovered from the knee injury that kept him out of play in 2007. He is the type of high-motor, try-hard player that the Bears like. Draft pick Ervin Baldwin has drawn comparisons to Mark Anderson for his pass-rushing ability. Wale Ogunleye starts. Back-ups: Dan Bazuin, Ervin Baldwin.

Right End

Last year, Mark Anderson was given the starting job but a sprained knee put him on injured reserve as the regular season came to an end. Alex Brown was impressive in all the opportunities he received in the Bears’ regular-rotation scheme. The Bears rewarded him with a new contract through 2011. Regardless of who starts, both men will see plenty of playing time. Brown starts. Back-up: Anderson.

Tackle

Tommie Harris is about to be uber-rich, son. The perennial Pro Bowler will be a mainstay in Chicago and if he can walk, he will start. Dusty Dvoracek has played in one of the 32 games since he’s been a Chicago Bear. Now, my math ain’t too good but dat must be somethin’ like 3 %. The good news is he’s healthy now. Izzy Idonije has made the permanent switch to tackle and third-rounder Marcus Harrison could make an immediate impact. Anthony Adams and Matt “Catch a tiger by its” Toeaina played relatively well last season. Harris and Harrison start. Back-ups: Dusty, Toeaina, Izzy and Adams.

Weak-side Linebacker

The biggest surprise of the offseason had to be the re-signing of Lance Briggs. I had emotionally detached myself from him in preparation for his departure. Had he gone, I might have crashed my 1997 Geo Prizm into a pole and left the scene. Luckily, no other team was biting and now Briggs is all ours once again. Jamar Williams played admirably in Briggs’ absence last year. Briggs starts. Back-up: Williams and Okwo.

Middle Linebacker

Is he or isn’t he hurt? This will be the big question about Urlacher’s health going into the season. He underwent “minor” neck surgery and battled an arthritic back but says he’s fine. I believe him, I think. Either way, he’s the man. Urlacher starts. Back-up: I don’t even know.

Strong-side Linebacker

Hunter Hillenmeyer has been solid, if not somewhat spectacular, over the course of the last few years. He’s often lost in the shuffle with Briggs and Urlacher receiving the glory, but Hillenmeyer does a great job in doing what he’s asked; taking on blocks, shedding blocks and redirecting the play to his more celebrated counterparts. Hillenmeyer starts. Back-ups: Williams and Okwo.

Cornerback

Ricky Manning, Jr. has less of a chance than the poor chap he pummeled in the Denny’s parking lot of making it to the regular season. If his sub-par performance last year wasn’t enough, the emergence of Trumaine McBride and drafting of Zack Bowman should be reason enough to say “don’t let the door hit you in your ass on the way out.” Corey Graham impressed enough as a special-teamer last year to stick. Peanut Tillman and Nate Vasher start. Back-up: McBride, Bowman and Graham.

Free Safety

If Mike Brown stays healthy he will (fill in the blank). Reasonable options that cross my mind include: have a Pro Bowl season, be all over the field, decimate receivers coming through the middle and my personal favorite; carry the Bears to the Super Bowl. Mike Brown starts. Back-up: Danieal Manning.

Strong Safety

I love Craig Steltz and we will be a much better team because of him. Will he start right away? He could. But he’ll have to beat out Kevin Payne first. Payne played well in limited time and can contribute as a special-teamer, too. It’s a coin toss but I gotta go with my gut. Steltz starts. Back-ups: Payne and Brandon McGowan.

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Special Teams up next week. Nah, eff it: Gould, Maynard and Hester start.