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Football Tue Aug 04 2009
Bears Living Large
In 2008, the Chicago Bears ranked 11th in passing in the NFC, 11th in rushing and 13th in total yardage, dubious marks that are only partially attributable to a merely adequate quarterback and a less-than-impressive running game. Their offensive line must shoulder some of the blame, in light of the 29 sacks they permitted, ranking 10th in the NFC.
So despite all the hoopla surrounding the arrival of Jay Cutler at quarterback, he's only as good as the guys in front of him and the Bears front office is hoping to make that core even better. On Tuesday, the Bears picked up 6-4, 330 offensive lineman Maurice Miller off waivers after he was cut by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Miller joined the Bucs as an undrafted free agent and while he didn't fit their plans, the Bears' mancrush on big lineman make him an attractive option.
Miller will team up with a "rejuvenated" Orlando Pace, the 6-7, 325-pound, 13-year veteran who left the St. Louis Rams last season. He teams up again with head coach Lovie Smith, who was a coach with the Rams in 2001-03 and with Ohio State, Pace's college squad.
Should both of these behemoths find the hunger, Cutler and company could be looking at some big gains this season.
web design chicago / August 4, 2009 5:37 PM
Hopefully this will be the year!