North: Following this Bears team won't be easy
When the Chicago Bears kick off the season on Sunday at home against the Green Bay Packers, I can honestly say I'll need a scorecard to name all the players on the roster.
Sure, there are the recognizable names of quarterback Jay Cutler, running back Matt Forte, offensive lineman Kyle Long and wide receiver Alshon Jeffery, but how about all those unrecognizable ones?
Back in the day, it seemed everyone could recite the starting lineup. That's no longer the case.
While this team is the youngest Bears group in four years with plenty of new meat, the new names also mean we're not sure if they can play.
Here are a few names from the blue and orange roster: running back Ka'Deem Carey, running back Jeremy Langford, tight end Khari Lee, linebacker Pernell McPhee and cornerback Demontre Hurst. Did you recognize all of the names? What about their numbers? I think you get the message.
There is a lot of inexperience and youth on this roster, but maybe that's not all bad.
Of course, other names on the roster are more familiar such as linebacker Jonathan Bostic and linebacker Shea McClellin, but they are part of a defense still searching for an identity.
However, I do expect the Bears to give a good account of themselves on Sunday against the Pack. Bears offensive coordinator Adam Gase has a good cast of characters on offense, but injuries to the first string on both sides of the ball will test the Bears, who lack depth.
The Packers come into this game with high expectations, but with star receiver Jordy Nelson out for the season with an injury to his right knee, the Bears could sneak by the Packers, who are actually favored by 6½.
Can the Bears shock the world with an opening victory at Soldier Field? Hey, no one knows for sure what new head coach John Fox has up his sleeve.
I do know that after general manager Ryan Pace was hired by chairman George McCaskey and president Ted Phillips, the most important change to the team was adding Fox, who brought a wealth of experience and playoff cache to this previously uninspired team.
The lack of leadership was quickly addressed, and now a major rebuilding process is underway, so the prospects of a winning season this year are iffy in a tough NCF division.
The Minnesota Vikings got better just by re-signing running back Adrian Peterson. The Detroit Lions, led by quarterback Matthew Stafford, have been quiet and are playing it low-key. The Green Bay Packers, with veterans on both sides of the ball and superstar quaterback Aaron Rodgers, look like the team to beat in this division.
I might be wrong, and I hope I am, but here's how I see it playing out. The Lions in first, followed by the Packers, then the Vikings, and the Bears in last place.
"See ya" this Sunday on the Drive 97.1-FM right after the game. I want to hear what you have to say.
Program notes:
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