The Chicago Bears are coming into the 2013 season with very high expectations after hiring Marc Trestman and with Jay Cutler looking solid after last year despite some injuries, the team could be ready to get back to the playoffs.
The team went 10-6 last season and that wasn't enough for the playoffs or for Lovie Smith to keep his job, but I predict the Vikings will fall back and the Bears will be behind the Packers in the division for a wild card spot. Cutler will rely heavily on Brandon Marshall again and the team needs him to be at his best again after making 118 catches last season and the team also expects Alshon Jeffery to be much better as well.
The team has Matt Forte at running back and after ranking 29th in the league in passing yards per game, they are looking to be much more productive this season. Last year the team ranked eighth on defense in both passing and rushing yards allowed per game and they will need to keep that up. The team has a tough scheduled with a Week 8 bye and after starting with the Bengals, the Vikings, Steelers and Lions will be next before the Saints, Giants and Redskins to start the year.
Last season Marshall was one of the most productive players in the NFL, making 118 catches for 1,508 yards and 11 touchdowns and this season Trestman is hoping for the same production from him, but also some work from the other players on the roster. Earl Bennett has been a disappointment and the coaching staff is expecting big things from Alshon Jeffery.
The play and health of running back Matt Forte will play a big part and the team will also have to focus on the offensive line consistency, including from rookie Kyle Long. The Bears went 10-6 last season, but they missed the playoffs and that was enough to lose Smith his job despite taking the franchise to the Super Bowl against the Colts. If Marshall isn't healthy this season, it could be a tough year for the Bears and for Cutler.
The Bears ranked 29th in passing yards per game while dealing with an uneven offensive line and having someone like Jeffery breakout alongside Marshall will do wonders for the team. Forte is a dual threat and with Trestman overhauling the offense, the Bears could be explosive. Marshall had his hip checked out again after having surgery on it in the offseason and was back to practice on Monday. His return came after Marshall said to the media that he was frustrated in his recovery process and the front office said he will be ready to play the Bengals at home on Sunday at Soldier Field. Marshall showed last season that he is one of the most valuable wide receivers in football and Jay Cutler will be going to him often.