Most everyone knew that Lovie Smith’s biggest impact on the Chicago franchise would eventually come on the defensive side of the ball, but no one figured it would come at such an expense to the offense. The Bears were anemic last season offensively, ranking dead last in the league in points, yardage, and yards per pass attempt. The fact that they were even in contention for the playoffs at 5-7 after 12 games was a tribute to the grit and determination for which this franchise has become known. Now, a lot of the offensive woes can be explained by the season ending injury to QB Rex Grossman in week three, but having to turn to Chad Hutchinson and Craig Krenzel was somewhat symbolic of the struggles this team has endured in recent years at the quarterback position. On a good note, Smith was able to bring a fire to the defense that was missing in the past two years. In fact, despite losing FS Mike Brown and CB Charles Tillman to injury, that unit went from 22nd in the NFL in points allowed to 13th.

In reality, there were a lot of needs to address for Chicago in the offseason so it was surprising when the franchise used its first pick in the NFL draft on RB Cedric Benson of Texas. Benson is expected to be a solid pro, but RB Thomas Jones’ production in 2004 was one of the few bright spots for this team. He led the Bears in both rushing and receiving. The biggest addition made to the roster is WR Mushin Muhammad, who comes off a huge year with Carolina and replaces the disappointing David Terrell. Elsewhere, an encouraging move was made in the drafting of QB Kyle Orton of Purdue. He struggled a bit late in his senior year, but otherwise would have been much higher than a fourth round pick. With the history of QB troubles here, he could see the field in 2005.

There are several things working against a big season in Chicago, First, after a fine 6-2 home campaign in 2003, the Bears slipped back down to 2-6 at Soldier Field a year ago. Home field advantage has always been an integral part of Bears’ success. Secondly, this offense is perennially conservative and certainly doesn’t strike fear into anyone, and thirdly, the defense doesn’t have anywhere near the speed Smith enjoyed in St Louis. Its unlikely a major improvement will be realized in 2005.

2005 Key Information

StatFox Power Rating:12 (31 of 32)

2005 Schedule Rating: (22 toughest of 32)

2004:(SU 5-11)(ATS 6-9-1)

L3 years:(SU 16-32)(ATS 19-28-1)

Coach Lovie Smith:(SU 5-11)(ATS 6-9-1)

Trends by month

September

Chicago is 1-6 ATS at Washington (9/11)

Bears are 5-1 ATS as HF with revenge off NFC contest (9/18)

Coach Smith's team is 1-5 ATS off home win against Detroit (? 9/25)

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October

Chicago is 0-6 ATS away against team with <.333 (? 10/9)

Bears are 16-6 ATS as dogs in October vs. .500> opposition (10/16)

Loser in Lions game is 4-16 against the spread (10/30)

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November

Chicago is 19-8 ATS in November road games (11/6)

Bears are 1-5 ATS off 2 straight wins (? 11/20)

Tampa Bay is 6-0 ATS at home against Chicago (11/27)

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December

Chicago is 0-6 against spread vs. Pack at Soldier Field (12/4)

Bears are 18-7 ATS vs. teams that rush for >130 YPG (? 12/11)

Da Bears are 14-4 ATS at Minnesota (1/1)

Top Teaser Angle:

Chicago is 14-1 OVER the 6-pt. teaser total after 2 or more straight ATS losses

Top Money Line Angle:

Chicago is 0-10 (-12.5 units) against ML vs. teams allowing less then 260 YPG

Top Totals Angle:

Chicago is 6-0 UNDER off road loss of 14 or more points

Pre-Season O/U wins:

OVER 6.5 -115 @www.BetCris.com

Fantasy Player Must: Mushin Muhammad

Fantasy Player Bust: Bears' QB's