Bears open up camp
A long line of dark SUVs with tinted windows rolled down Interstate 57 Thursday.
It wasn’t the Secret Service — just the Bears heading to training camp.
Bears players reported to camp Thursday at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, where the team has trained each summer for the past nine years. Training camp will run through Aug. 20, with the team’s first practice scheduled for Friday afternoon. Practices are free and open to the public.
After a 7-9 season in 2009, the Bears know they need to turn things around quickly to avoid a major overhaul. But can they topple Minnesota and Green Bay in a tough division?
Here are 10 story-lines to keep an eye on as the Bears report to camp.
1. Will training camp take on a more desperate tone this season?
Urgency is in the air as the Bears set out to snap a three-year playoff drought. Coach Lovie Smith has guided the Bears to a 23-25 record since their Super Bowl season in 2006, and another so-so year could cost him his job. Maybe this is the year Smith dials up the intensity during camp.
2. How will the soap opera begin between Mike Martz and Jay Cutler?
For the Bears’ offense to succeed, Martz and Cutler will have to start on a positive note. They have said all of the right things leading up to camp, but the next few weeks could put those warm feelings to the test. When Cutler has his first rough practice, how will both men react?
3. Will any tangible changes result from Rod Marinelli’s move to defensive coordinator?
Smith relinquished his play-calling duties on defense after the Bears missed the playoffs for a third consecutive season. It will be interesting to see whether Smith truly backs off and allows former defensive line coach Marinelli to call the shots on defense. The guess here is no.
4. Can Julius Peppers fill the leadership void of Alex Brown and Adewale Ogunleye?
Peppers, who has 25 sacks in the past two years, is expected to bolster a defense that allowed 23.4 points a game in 2009. Critics say Peppers takes too many plays off. Can he step forward as a leader on a defensive line that includes Tommie Harris and Mark Anderson?
5. Who is this year’s Johnny Knox?
The Bears need another middle-round draft pick to emerge, especially because they had no selections in the first two rounds. Safety Major Wright and defensive end Corey Wootton should receive chances to prove themselves. Cornerback Josh Moore also could contribute.
6. Which familiar faces are in danger of missing the cut?
Several veterans will have to prove themselves anew. Wide receiver Rashied Davis turned 31 years old last week, and he caught only five passes for 35 yards last year. Running back Garrett Wolfe could be squeezed if the Bears like youngsters Harvey Unga and Kahlil Bell.
7. Is the Bears’ offensive line really that bad?
We’ll find out soon enough. Chris Williams had a full off season to prepare for his role as a starting left tackle, where he played well in five starts last year. Frank Omiyale likely will shift to right tackle, while Josh Beekman, Olin Kreutz and Roberto Garza could man the middle.
8. How will the team distribute carries between Matt Forte and Chester Taylor?
The Bears did not guarantee $7 million to Taylor to have him sit out. Expect the 30-year-old running back to push incumbent starter Forte for playing time in the backfield. Forte surpassed 100 rushing yards only twice last season, both of which came against Detroit.
9. How will Brandon Manumaleuna affect Greg Olsen’s role at tight end?
Olsen led the Bears with 60 receptions and eight touchdowns last year as Cutler’s favorite target in the red zone. But Martz is known for neglecting his tight ends in the passing game, and the addition of blocking tight end Manumaleuna could limit Olsen’s value.
10. Will the injury bug pay a visit to Bourbonnais?
Last season, the Bears emerged from training camp mostly unscathed. But in the season opener at Green Bay, linebackers Brian Urlacher and Pisa Tinoisamoa went down to bad injuries. The Bears can’t afford to lose a key starter in camp with so much on the line in 2010.
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