2004 record
5-11
2005 Prediction
4-12
Key additions
Rookie RB Cedric Benson, WR Muhsin Muhammad (released by Panthers), OT Fred Miller (released by Titans), K Doug Brien (released by Jets), rookie QB Kyle Orton
Key losses
OT Mike Gandy (free agent), RB Anthony Thomas (free agent), WR David Terrell (released)
Storyline
It's hard to figure out the Bears' front office. It signed RB Thomas Jones before last season, and he ran for 948 yards. So in this past draft, the team used its No. 4 pick to draft another halfback, Cedric Benson. This is the same front office that bemoaned not having a veteran backup last year, but didn't sign one during the off-season. Now, QB Rex Grossman is out for three months and the Bears might have to turn to a rookie. Oh yeah, and the Bears had the worst offense in football last year.
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Difference makers
● WR Muhsin Muhammad, 2004 Pro Bowler:
2004 stats: 16 games, 93 receptions, 1,405 yards (led NFL), 16 TDs (led NFL) and 3 receptions of 40 or more yards
● DE Adewale Ogunleye:
2004 stats: 12 games, 29 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles
● LB Lance Briggs (ex-Cat):
2004 stats: 16 games, 126 tackles, .5 sacks, 1 INT, 1 defensive TD
- Patrick Finley, Arizona Daily Star
Years:
Rookie • Teams:
Chicago
Height:
6-4 • Weight:
226 pounds
College:
Purdue
How he got the job:
After Chicago's No. 1 quarterback, Rex Grossman, went down with an ankle injury during a preseason game, the Bears turned to backup Chad Hutchinson - who performed miserably. The rookie was elevated to starting status Aug. 28 by coach Lovie Smith, in part for his performance in preseason games and in part for his penchant to get the job done when thrown into the fire.
