As Bears camp opens, playoffs clearly on the line

Posted July 27, 2010 11:00 pm

By Bob LeGere

It won't be easy in NFC North unless four key areas show critical improvement

So, what happens if the Bears are better this year but still don't make the playoffs?

That's a very real possibility considering the impressive upgrade and free-agent haul of defensive end Julius Peppers, running back Chester Taylor and tight end/blocker Brandon Manumaleuna.

While those moves and other coaching staff changes were made to help improve last year's 7-9 team, they might not be enough to get the Bears into the playoffs in the tough NFC North, which also is home to the Minnesota Vikings (12-4) and Green Bay Packers (11-5), both of whom made the 2009 playoffs and could be just as strong this season.

While the NFC North could produce three playoff teams, the Bears could improve their record to 9-7 or 10-6 and still miss the postseason.

What then? Does Lovie Smith get to return for the final year of his contract in 2011? Does general manager Jerry Angelo get the heave-ho as well?

Those tough decisions can be avoided with a return to the playoffs, but to achieve that end result a lot of pieces have to fall in place, starting Friday afternoon when training-camp practices open in Bourbonnais for the ninth straight year. Here's a quick look at a few things the Bears need to ensure a trip to the playoffs:

• A bounce-back season from Brian Urlacher. Last year's dislocated wrist in the season opener came early enough that the six-time Pro Bowler should be full strength for training camp.

Ideally, a healthy Urlacher, even at 32, could bounce back all the way to his 2006 form, when he last went to the Pro Bowl. But the Bears would gladly settle for his '07 numbers, when he led the team with 158 tackles and had 5 sacks and 5 interceptions, one of which was returned 85 yards for a touchdown.

• A difference-making season from Peppers. Signing Peppers could end up costing the Bears as much as $91.5 million, and they didn't do that just to get a double-digit sack guy. He's reached that goal in six of his eight seasons, including last year when he had 101/2 sacks, and it's expected again.

That won't be enough because the Bears also expect the defensive end to elevate an entire defense, which has disappointed for the past three years.

The teammate most likely to be helped by a dominant season from Peppers is tackle Tommie Harris, who has had two mediocre seasons after three straight Pro Bowl appearances.

• Improvement on the offensive line. There has been no key personnel added since last season to this critical area. No free agents. No draft picks.

The Bears, however, are expecting a reconfiguration will bring better results.

Last year's left guard, Frank Omiyale, is moving to right tackle, creating and competition for the vacant left guard spot. And last year's opening day right tackle, Chris Williams, needs to play left tackle like the No. 1 pick he was in 2008. It's also hoped that off-season Achilles surgery will keep 13-year veteran Olin Kreutz pain free after he battled through the 2009-10 season at less than full strength.

• Jay Cutler must flourish in Year One of a new offense. Maybe it's asking too much for the offense and Cutler to gel in their first season under Mike Martz, but this is a rush job. If they fail, there might not be a Year Two.

Lesser quarterbacks than Cutler, Jon Kitna for example, have put up Pro Bowl-type numbers under Martz. That's what the Bears need from Cutler this season.

Chicago Bears training camp

Where: At Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, about 60 miles south of Chicago

When: Players are scheduled to report by midnight Thurday. First practice is at 3 p.m. Friday.

How long: There are 22 scheduled practices, 16 of which are open to the public, that will utilize the four football fields at ONU plus the football stadium. On Friday, Aug. 6, the Bears will practice at Soldier Field at 7 p.m. The final practice session at ONU open to the public is Thursday, Aug. 19 at 3 p.m.

Double check: All practice times and dates are tentative and subject to change, especially due to weather. Before you go, visit www.chicagobears.com for updates and changes.

Directions: Take I-90/94 south to I-57. Take I-57 south to the Bradley/Bourbonnais Exit (No. 315). Follow the exit ramp as it curves to the right onto Route 50 south. Turn right onto Armour Road. At the second traffic light, turn left onto Convent Street, which is also Route 45/52. There is a Speedway gas station on corner. Follow the curves past the side entrance to campus on the left and continue to the main entrance that is lined with 10 flags.

Cost: Admission and parking are free. Gates open one hour before the start of day practices and two hours before the start of the five night practices at Ward Field, ONU's stadium.

Crowds: Some practices last year attracted 10,000 fans.

What to do after practice: T.J. Donlan's is the favorite destination for thirsty fans who need to stretch their legs after watching practice. It is across the street from campus. Another popular destination is The Library, across the parking lot from Donlan's.

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