Chicago Bears: QB Not the Top Priority

Because the NFL season never ends, we present our 2009 Offseason Roadmaps for front offices to navigate through the summer.

The Bears surprised everyone by being a respectable football team in 2008. Most expected them to completely unravel, winning maybe three of four games. Instead, they took down the Colts in Indianapolis to kick off a winning season.

Along the way, though, they blew several key games and ended up severely disappointing their own fans by not winning a very winnable division -- not to mention one additional win would have garnered a wild card.

Looking ahead to 2009, there is a base of strong talent. There also doesn't seem to be any semblance of direction with this talent, and it seems like it could all fall apart at the drop of a hat. The coaching schemes on both sides of the ball, but especially the defense, were under fire all year from the fans and media alike. With some shifting around and the addition of Rod Marinelli to the staff, there's a chance things get turned around -- especially with Lovie Smith taking a more active role in his defense.

Matt Forte should remain a solid anchor to the offense for years, but the Bears need to figure out how to make Devin Hester relevant on special teams again. The defense was stout against the run, but embarrassing against the pass. Lance Briggs was a beast, but Brian Urlacher wasn't put in position to make many plays (according to him).

As I said, there are pieces here, but they need to be brought together carefully along with the proper additions.

Free Agents: All unrestricted - Mike Brown, Rex Grossman, Kevin Jones, Brandon Lloyd, Darrell McLover, Brandon McGowan, Fred Miller, John St. Clair, Cameron Worrell.

Draft Picks: 1(18), 2(17), 3(21), 4(20), 5(19), 6(19), 7(17)

Needs

1. Pass rush - When you lead the league in blitzes but finish in the bottom third in sacks, there's something wrong. While Alex Brown is an incredibly valuable run stuffer, he's got to be teamed with a speed rusher. Mark Anderson seems to have lost the magic from his rookie year, and Adewale Ogunleye's five sacks simply aren't cutting it. You need guys who can get to the quarterback without the aid of a blitz.

2. Wide Receivers who can catch the ball - Frankly put: The Bears receivers were collectively pathetic in 2008. Hester has the tools to become a good deep threat. Earl Bennett was drafted last year, but didn't get a chance to show his skills in '08. He needs a chance, but the Bears still need more. Whether it's a high-profile free agent like T.J. Houshmandzadeh, a huge trade acquisition like Anquan Boldin, or simply shoring up the position via draft, something needs to be done. The offense needs more reliable outside weapons. A taller possession receiver would be ideal, but, really, anyone who can catch the freaking football will do at this point.

3. Offensive line help - The '08 version wasn't quite the embarrassment the '07 group was, but they are still clinging to some old guys and desperately need to develop a youth wave alongside last year's top draft pick, Chris Williams. While Forte shined for much of the season, he fought through small holes most of the time and took a beating as a result. The team still didn't average four yards per carry. Drafting at least two offensive lineman to groom would be a nice start.

4. Defensive backfield help - With Mike Brown and Nathan Vasher likely on their way out -- actually, Brown's already done -- they are thin here. Adding at least one safety is a must, and a corner known for solid coverage wouldn't hurt. The Bears were killed on the quick slant all season because of inefficiencies in the cover-two scheme, so a corner who can jump that pattern but quickly adapt to an outside move is a must in this now-antiquated defense.

5. Quarterback - Well, it's the Bears, so I'm bound by contract to mention this position. This is definitely not the main priority in Halas Hall this offseason, nor should it be. Kyle Orton was rounding into a quality NFL quarterback before an ankle injury against the Lions. The rest of the way he was inconsistent, especially with the deep pass. If that was not due to his ankle problems, the Bears need a new quarterback, but I'm willing to give Orton the benefit of the doubt. Plus, the aforementioned needs far exceed the "need" to replace Orton at this point. Of course, Jeff Garcia is available. I certainly wouldn't be averse to such an acquisition. You know, to "push" Orton as his backup.