Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears are an American professional football team. They are a member of the National Football League (NFL) National Football Conference (NFC) North Division. The Bears are located in Chicago, Illinois, and play their home games at Soldier Field. The Chicago Bears are also widely recognized in pop culture as “Da Bears”.
History
The Chicago Bears have won one Super Bowl (XX), and eight National Football League (NFL) championships (1921, 1932, 1933, 1940, 1941, 1943, 1946, 1963). In the 1920’s, due to the Bears’ aggressive tactics in signing college player Red Grange, the National Football League (NFL) created a rule that prevented teams from signing college players until their senior season.
Chicago Bears of the 70’s-80’s
Running back Walter Payton was drafted by the Bears in 1975. He went on to win the National Football League’s MVP award in 1977. In 1984, Payton surpassed Jim Brown’s National Football League (NFL) career rushing record to be the all time leading rusher. (Emmitt Smith surpassed Payton in 2002). Walter Payton is one of the most popular sports athletes in Chicago history, fans gave him the nickname “Sweetness” for his physical talent and honorable character.
In 1985, the Chicago Bears won Super Bowl XX in one of the most dominating seasons in National Football League (NFL) history. Infamous coach Mike Ditka made the Bears a physical defensive team. 350 pound William “Refrigerator” Perry anchored the defense along with stars defensive lineman Richard Dent, and Linebacker Mike Singletary.
Bears trade for Quarterback Jay Cutler
The infamous Jay Cutler trade may be known as the 2nd coming to the Bears franchise and loyal Bears fans. In early 2009, former Denver Broncos pro bowl quarterback Jay Cutler received notice that incoming head coach Josh McDaniels, (former offensive coordinator for the New England Patriots) was shopping around the league for a new quarterback to replace Jay Cutler. Josh McDaniels felt that Cutler’s style of play did not fit well in his offensive scheme. This angered Cutler, and when Josh McDaniels and the Broncos couldn’t strike a deal for a replacement quarterback, Jay Cutler demanded he be traded. The Chicago Bears offered the sweetest deal to the Broncos in order to trade for Cutler. The Bears stating quarterback Kyle Orton, a first round pick and a third round pick in the 2009 draft, and a first round pick in the 2010 draft for the “franchise” quarterback Jay Cutler. Ever since the days of Jim McMahon, and the 1985 Super Bowl champ Bears, the Bears Nation have felt they were always missing an elite quarterback to lead their team. This is why the organization beat out the Redskins, Buccaneers, Lions, Titans in bidding for Jay Cutler.
Chicago Bears 2009 Season
Jay Cutler is known for his rocket arm and pinpoint accuracy. The Bears organization hopes those skills compliment second year running back Matt Forte and his power running game. As a rookie in 2008, Matt Forte carried the load for the Bears offense running the ball and catching passes out of the backfield. He had an excellent rookie year despite defenses defending by loading eight men in the box and shadowing Forte. The Bears hope Cutler will be able to force the defense to defend the pass with the threat of his passing abilities. Cutler will be throwing to new wide receiver Earl Bennett, and defensive back turned wide receiver, Devon Hester. However, It is likely Cutler ‘s favorite target may end up being tight end Greg Olsen, a talented player from the University of Miami. Rookie speedster Johnny Knox may grow to be a favorite weapon for Cutler.
As always, the Chicago Bears enter 2009 with a menacing defense, a top 3 NFL front seven on defense. The captain of the team, linebacker Brian Urlacher sustained a dislocated wrist in the first game of the 2009 season against the Green Bay Packers. He will be out the entire season. Pisa Tinoisamoa, Saint Louis Rams leading tackler last year, signed with the Bears in the offseason and will pick up the slack. Up front, defensive end Adewale Ogunleye and defensive tackle Tommie Harris will have to keep pressure on opposing quarterbacks to help their questionable secondary. The Bears secondary is known as the weak spot of the defense. Rookie Al Afalava from Oregon State will be starting at strong safety, expect opposing offenses to take notice and try to take advantage of his rookie tendencies.
Nuccio DiNuzzo, Chicago Tribune / October 18, 2009
Chicago Bears 2009 Draft Picks
*Round 3 Jarron Gilbert, defensive tackle -San Jose State University
*Round 3 Juaquin Iglesias, wide receiver -University of Oklahoma
*Round 4 Henry Melton, defensive end -University of Texas
*Round 4 D.J. Moore, defensive back -University of Vanderbilt
*Round 5 Johnny Knox, wide receiver -Abilene Christian
*Round 5 Marcus Freeman, linebacker -Ohio State University
*Round 6 Al Afalava, safety -Oregon State University
*Round 7 Lance Louis, tight end -San Diego State
*Round 7 Derek Kinder, wide receiver -University of Pittsburgh
Hall of Fame
• Paddy Driscoll
• Bronko Nagurski
• George McAfee
• George Halas
• Link Lyman
• George Trafton
• Joe Stydahar
• Ed Healey
• George Musso
• George Blanda
• Danny Fortmann
• Walter Payton
• Gale Sayers
• Sid Luckman
• Mike Singletary
• Dick Butkus
• Bill Hewitt
• Bill George
• Clyde (Bulldog) Turner
• George Connor
• Harold (Red) Grange
• Stan Jones
• Doug Atkins
• Mike Ditka
• Dan Hampton
• Jim Finks
• Guy Chamberlain
• Walt Kiesling
• Alan Page
• Jimmy Conzelman
• Bobby Layne
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