Most of the offense is back intact, led by QB Jay Cutler. Of course he was last seen standing on the sideline of the second half of that NFC title game, drawing immense criticism for not playing through what looked like a minor injury (but wasn’t). The Chicago offense improved last season once offensive coordinator Mike Martz emphasized the run more and the Bears have a good one in Matt Forte. They also brought in former Cowboy Marion Barber as a power complement to Forte.

At receiver, Chicago is hoping that another former Cowboy, Roy Williams, can play like he did under Martz in Detroit. But Williams was a bust in Dallas and didn’t look good this preseason. The good news is that Devin Hester is starting to resemble a No. 1 threat and of course remains unparalleled as a kick returner (he will likely only do punts in 2011). The problem is that the offensive line allowed by far the most sacks in the NFL last year – Cutler went down nine times in a half vs. the Giants and suffered a concussion – and not a lot has changed. Former All-Pro center Olin Kreutz was let go and 2011 first-round pick Gabe Carimi will start at right tackle. Otherwise it’s mostly the same group of players from last season.

The Bears still have Pro Bowl linebackers Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs on defense, but they like much of that unit are starting to age. Julius Peppers was dominating in his first season in Chicago last season and the Bears are hoping to get him help up front by acquiring former Top-10 pick Amobi Okoye, formerly of Houston. Three of four starters are back in the secondary, which is very reliant on No. 1 cornerback Charles Tillman. An injury to “Peanut” could be devastating.

On Bodog’s NFL futures prop on whether the Bears will make the playoffs again this year, no is at -305 while yes is +275.

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