Bears

8/1/10 Chicago, IL - The Chicago Bears are back in business after a 3 year hiatus in which out of respect for previous owner Todd Andrews the team was moved to New York to become the Jets. Many in the league now didn't know Todd but he was a big part of the league for the short time that he participated. He made it possible for the first draft to be held in St. Louis where almost ever owner was in attendance. (The only owners missing were Chad Dersham of the 49ers and A.J. Matwiejow of the Bills, but he sent a rep in Jeremy Davis). It is in Todd's memory that we play the annual Todd Andrews Experience Flag Football game before each draft. Hopefully this Bears team can help carry on his legacy as he is the NML's "Papa Bear".

The new owner, Larry Connors, has actually built a fairly solid team, especially for being an expansion. Leading the team, if he decides to play this season, is Brett Favre. We all know that Favre is a great QB and a quality leader. He is exactly what this new team needs. Connors also drafted rookie QB Tony Pike who was thought of as one of the better quarterbacks in this year's draft. Once Favre does decide to retire, Pike should be able to step into his shoes.

Favre will have a big target to throw to in Terrell Owens and also Jeremy Shockey at the tight end. Let's not forget Marion Barber is the

starting running back as well. So far this expansion team sounds like a force to be reckoned with right? Not so fast. The offensive line is very suspect and as old as Favre is he won't be able to take much of a beating. This line will have to step up if this team is going to score any points.

On the defensive side of the ball the Bears aren't looking too bad either. Although he is currently in holdout status waiting for a contract, rookie DT Ndamakung Suh is going to be a beast who will dominate the line of scrimmage for years to come.

Veteran middle linebacker London Fletcher will be the leader of the defense and looks forward to working with newly acquired OLB Scott Fujita, "Scott is the real deal. Even though we're an expansion team, we're going to compete. And it's going to start on the first Monday night against the Power Bowl Champs."

Nate Clements is the number one corner, a position that will need its share of help from the safeties.

The one glaring weak spot for da Bears' defense is that of defensive end. Robaire Smith and Ryan McBean are jotted down as the starters for now.

Given all of the above the new Bears should do justice to the team of the past. They are in a fairly easy division having only the Lions as a true threat. The Bears will finish second and might just be the one expansion team that sneaks into the playoffs. You heard it here first!