Remember The 90's?: Re-Living Greatness

[young2rice]

Free Agent Results - TE


Opinion: A few top notch tight ends were available this year in the off-season but only a handful of those will actually be headed to new teams.

The top tight end available was likely Mark Bavaro (91 Ovr) of the New York Giants. The veteran tight end has dipped in production since his star days in the mid-80's with Phil Simms at quarterback, but so has the majority of the Giants offense after Simms retirement. Bavaro had 38 catches for 277 yards and 4 touchdowns last year despite missing a couple games due to injury. The Indianapolis Colts decided to take a gamble on the 30 year old returning to his high production by signing him as a free agent. Bavaro will bring a bruising style of play to the tight end position that the Colts desperately need. As a result they released Pat Beach (81 Ovr) their former starter who ended up signing with the Bears. Beach will replace released Bear, James Thornton (78 Ovr) who signed with the Patriots.

The next tier of tight end was led by Jimmie Johnson (88 Ovr) and Travis McNeal (88 Ovr) however both ended up re-signing with their original teams. Jimmie Johnson will return to the Washington Redskins after a surprising 1991 campaign that saw him become the Redskins leading pass catcher. Johnson led the Redskins with 65 catches on the year and was second in yards with 605 and had 4 touchdowns grabs. The Redskins obviously saw the need to keep Johnson as Art Monk retired and felt that loosing their top two pass-catchers would not be a good idea, so they tossed big money at Johnson and he agreed to return. Meanwhile Travis McNeal has come out of nowhere the past few seasons to become a top notch pass catching tight end. McNeal took advantage of the Seahawks pass-heavy offense and with Dave Krieg tossing him the football he managed to be the Seahawks 2nd leading receiver with 58 catches 506 yards and 2 touchdowns on the season. McNeal will return as the Seahawks tight end after re-signing in free agency with the team despite offers from Tampa Bay and New England. However McNeal will have to deal with a new quarterback as Krieg is headed to Detroit.

The Cleveland Browns added 34 year old veteran Pete Holohan (83 Ovr) to their squad. The Cleveland Browns suffered at the tight end spot when Ozzie Newsome retired after the 1990 season. The Browns ended up forcing Scott Galbraith to become what he was not, a heavy pass catching tight end. Galbraith struggled in the role and had 41 catches for 312 yards and 2 touchdowns, but was not suited for that position. As a result the Browns actively went into free agency and picked up Pete Holohan who was looking to fit into the right spot. Holohan left the Rams in 1990 and joined the Falcons in the off-season. However with the Falcons he was not utilized as much as he would've liked. Ge had only 18 catches for 125 yards before suffering an injury and having Gary Wilkins (77 Ovr) come in and replace him.

The Broncos had to released both of their backup tight ends in Clarence Kay (81 Ovr) and Orson Mobley (80 Ovr) to make cap room. The Broncos have a pelthora of tight ends available as they switched backup WR, Shannon Sharpe, to the tight end spot (87 Ovr) where it apepars he may become the team's new starter. Not to mention the Broncos also decided to draft rookie Johnny Mitchell (80 Ovr) who is expected to be a great receiving tight end if he can stay healthy. With these additions the Broncos had no need to Kay and Mobley. The Broncos hardly used their tight end last year in the passing game as Kay only accounted for 6 catches for 50 yards as the team's starting TE. Kay will have a much greater role in Atlanta where he is replacing Pete Holohan. Meanwhile Mobley will hopefully get his first chance to shine in Phoenix with the Cardinals.

Pete Metzelaars (78 Ovr) was released by the Bills only to sign a restructured contract with them and return to his spot. Meanwhile the Buccaneers picked up Falcons #2 TE, Gary Wilkins (77 Ovr) to replace Jesse Anderson (75 Ovr) who ended up signing wth the Cowboys. Meanwhile the last free agent pickup was by the New York Jets who nabbed Eric Kattus (73 Ovr) from the Bengals.

[young2rice]

Free Agent Results - OL


Opinion: Many top linemen were available for the taking in free agency this year and will help fortify numerous teams around the league.

A large reason for quality linemen in free agency was the Bengals. The Bengals surprisingly released some of their top linemen in LG Bruce Reimers (96 Ovr), LG Scott Kooistra (84 Ovr), RG Brian Blados (91 Ovr), and backup LT Mike Brennan (70 Ovr). Reimers ended up re-signing with the Bengals after turning down offers with the Bears and Saints as the Bengals had to make the decision to keep either him or Kooistra. Scott Kooistra ended up heading to the Chicago Bears. So the Bengals line isn't completely decimated. However Brian Blados ended up leaving to the Detroit Lions, so the Bengals signed ex-Eagle, Ron Solt (91 Ovr) as his equivalent replacement. Meanwhile Mike Brennan went to the Giants.

At left tackle Trevor Matich left the Jets to join the Rams offensive line meanwhile Eric Floyd (83 Ovr) was released and then re-signed by the Chargers. 25 year old Tony Mandarich (83 Ovr) left Green Bay with the hopes of starting in Pittsburgh. Meanwhile the Patriots let Danny Villa (83 Ovr) go to the Seahawks. John Hunter (75 Ovr) dropped from the Falcons to join the Raiders and the Falcons signed ex-ram Jeff Mickel (65 Ovr) as his replacement. Michael Utley (73 Ovr) left the Lions to join the Eagles and Tom Rehder (68 Ovr) signed with the 49ers to play a backup role.

At left guard Reimers was of course resigned by the Bengals as the best left guard available. Ralph Tamm (90 Ovr) was a big prospect at only 25 years old and he left the Patriots in hopes of greener pastures in Miami. 28 year old Brian Blankenship (77 Ovr) left the Steelers to go to New Orleans. Meanwhile finally Bob Kratch (77 Ovr) was resigned by the Giants.

At the center position the best player available was the Browns Mike Baab (89 Ovr) and he decided to try and get in the playoff hunt by joining the Denver Broncos. The Browns signed 25 year old free agent, Pat Cunningham (72 Ovr) as a replacement. Meanwhile ex-Charger Mark Rodenhauser (84 Ovr) found a new home with the Chiefs. The Chargers ended up signing Blair Bush (75 Ovr) from the Packers as ar eplacement, and the packers signed ex-Cardinal Kani Kauahi (75 Ovr) to replace Bush. This domino effect led to the Cardinals picking veteran ex-Falcon, Guy Bingham (72 Ovr) and the Falcons selecting ex-chief Frank Winters (71 Ovr). The Colts also surprised by taking former Bronco Keith Kartz (82 Ovr) to compete on their offensive line.

At the right guard position outside of Blados and Solt John Rienstra (86 Ovr) left the Steelers to try and make it in L.A. with the Rams. The Rams had to fill a hole where Duval Love (84 Ovr) left since he wanted to join the Broncos. Finally Bruce Collie (75 Ovr) signed a multi-year contract with the Cleveland Browns.

The right tackle position didn't have as much depth available as only two big names stood out in Tom Ricketts (88 Ovr) and Tootie Robbins (81 Ovr). Ricketts is only 25 years old and the former Steeler decided to join Brian Blados by heading to the Lions. Meanwhile Tootie Robbins has seen many years in the NFL at the age of 34 and appears he may end his career in Buffalo. Other roster-fillers, Kevin Robbins (68 Ovr), Paul Blair (66 Ovr), and Alan Veingrad (66 Ovr) were signed by the Bengals, Cardinals, and Patriots respectively.

[young2rice]

Free Agent Results - DE


Opinion: Continuing the trend of top-tier players available in free agency are the defensive ends.

At left end the Broncos started off by bolstering their pass rush into one of the better ones in the league by signing arguably the top two available left ends in Reuben Davis (90 Ovr) and Jacob Green (89 Ovr). Davis the ex-Buccaneer is only 27 years old but had a lackluster 1991 year that only saw him garner 4 sacks prompting the Buccaneers to not resign him. Meanwhile 33 year old veteran Jacob Green had a 51 tackle 6 sack year under his belt. With the acquisition of both of this top players the Broncos had no need to re-sign Warren Powers (85 Ovr) so they let him go and he quickly found a new franchise in the Washington Redskins. The Dolphins also joined in on the action by signing ex-Bill, Leon Seals (88 Ovr) to a contract. The Bengals fire sale of free agents continued as they let Skip McClendon (85 Ovr) go and he immediately signed with the Lions joining former Bengal teammate Brian Blados (LG). The final left end taken was New York Giant John Washington (75 Ovr) who luckily won't have to move as he ended signing with the other New York team, the Jets.

There were many more players available at the right end position this year, including one of the best to play the position. Long-time 49er, Charles Haley (99 Ovr) will be leaving the Super Bowl champs to attempt to find more rings in Pittsburgh. The 49ers ended up signing former Falcon, Aundray Bruce (82 Ovr) to replace Haley, but it's going to be hard to replace 119 tackles and 13 sacks. The Falcons signed Markus Koch (80 Ovr) as Bruce's replacement.

The Bengals fire sale continued as they released David Grant (88 Ovr) and the Rams immediately scooped him up. The Bengals also released backup Natu Tuatagaloa (75 Ovr) who the Raiders had join their squad. However the Bengals were not shy about signing ends as not only did they pick up left ends Reuben Davis and Jacob Green, but they also nabbed veteran 33 year old right end, Keith Willis (88 Ovr) from the Steelers. The Colts signed ex-Patriot Garin Veris (85 Ovr) who has emerged as a big-time defensive end after two solid surprise seasons. The Patriots signed Rod Saddler (83 Ovr) as Veris replacement. The Vikings let Thomas Strauthers (76 Ovr) go and the Eagles nabbed him to replace David Bailey (73 Ovr) who ironically ended up going to the Vikings.

[young2rice]

Free Agent Results - DT


Opinion: The big men in the middle of the defensive line made a big time showing in free agency as Pro Bowl quality defensive tackles were switching teams.

For the second year in a row pro bowler Keith Millard (92 Ovr) will be finding a new team. This time he left the Redskins in favor of the New York football Giants. Millard had a solid showing last year despite his drop in tackles with a 27 tackle 7 sack season in Washington. The Redskins ended up signing recently released San Diego Charger, George Hinkle (80 Ovr) as a fill in for Millard's departure. The Raiders decided to beef up their line by not only re-signing Scott Davis (87 Ovr) to a new contract, but picking up Cowboy Danny Noonan (83 Ovr) as well to play alongside Davis. Noonan had a big-time 33 tackles 11 sack season for the Cowboys and will hopefully bring that intensity to the Raiders. The Packers released and then resigned Shawn Patterson (81 Ovr) and the Broncos did the same with their defensive tackle, Andre Townsend (80 Ovr). Tim Newton (79 Ovr) left the Buccaneers to join the Cardinals and Jim Wahler (79 Ovr) left the Cardinals to join the Falcons. The Steelers tried to make some cap room by cutting Tim Johnson (79 Ovr) and replacing him with older Mike Pitts (78 Ovr) as Johnson ended up signing with the Patriots. Finally youngster Shawn Lee left the crowded Dolphins defensive line situation in hopes of some clarity in Kansas City with the Chiefs.

[young2rice]

Free Agent Results - LOLB


Opinion: A few surprise switches at the left outside linebacker spot and a couple of returning players highlighted this position in free agency.

Entering into his prime years Cowboy's LOLB, Jack Del Rio (92 Ovr) decided that he wanted to try to help another team as he ended up signing with the Bengals. Last years as a Cowboys he was 1 tackle away from leading the team with 114 on the season. The Cowboys ended up signing former Chief, Van Waiters (84 Ovr) as Del Rio's replacement.

The Green Bay Packers released young breakout star Anthony Bell (91 Ovr) before restructuring his contract and resigning him. The Bengals had to make room for Del Rio and released 28 year old Leon White (82 Ovr) who ended up signing with the Cleveland Browns. The Buffalo Bills said goodbye to Hal Garner (82 Ovr) as he went to party in Miami.

Brian Forde (76 Ovr) left the Saints to join the Giants, and Quintus McDonald (74 Ovr) left Indianapolis during the night to Tampa. Mark Busbabek won't be missed in Minnesota as he joins the Falcons and finally the Patriots let veteran 32 year old Ed Williams (74 Ovr) head south to the New Orleans Saints.

[young2rice]

Free Agent Results - MLB


Opinion: With 14 players over 80 overall the middle linebacker position was one of the easiest to upgrade this off-season. Including the addition of some holdout players there will be some interesting developments this upcoming season as these players changed the defenses of brand new teams.

One of the big stories last season was the hold out of 31 year old MLB, Johnny Rembert (93 Ovr) from the New England Patriots. The veteran was upset with the team and as a result they watched as Rembert held out for the season. Rembert must not have expected the Patriots to stick to their guns as they did and let him go the entire season without playing. It was inevitable that he would be released this year with the divide that was created between him and the franchise. In the meantime the Seattle Seahawks were willing to be the new home that Rembert was clamoring for. Surprisingly the Patriots also released last years starter, Ed Reynolds (88 Ovr) as they felt the 31 year old was asking for too much money. Reynolds ended up heading to the Chiefs.

The next best MLB available is entering into his prime years as Dino Hackett (93 Ovr) lef the Chiefs. The 28 year old will be signing with the Rams who have been struggling to find identity at the position for a few years now. The Rams decided to release Brett Faryniarz (82 Ovr) upon signing Hackett and he went to the Bills as a replacement for Ray Bentley (90 Ovr). The 31-year old Bentley wanted out of Buffalo and will see how he fits in Tampa Bay.

The Buccaneers cut both of their middle linebackers, Eugene Marve (90 Ovr) and Sam Anno (83 Ovr) since they felt like they wanted to have a chance of winning with other teams. Eugene Marve will be filling the hole that Johnny Rembert left in New England without the attempt at a hold out, meanwhile Anno will be addressing the Redskins needs as their backup MLB. With Marve replacing Rembert the Patriots needed somebody to replace Reynolds and they decided to go with ex-49er, Matt Millen (83 Ovr). The 34 year old veteran will most likely end his career there as he only has a few seasons left in his tank. The final MLB taken was 32 year old Rick Dennison (83 Ovr) who felt that his best chances were going to be with the Bengals this upcoming season as he signed a multi-year deal with them.

[young2rice]

Free Agent Results - ROLB


Opinion: The weakest availability at a linebacker position this free agency season was at the right outside linebacker spot. However a few teams will definately feel the impact of the losses and additions this position brought with it.

Easily the best ROLB available was Packer Scott Stephen (88 Ovr). Despite an injury last year Stephen still had a 70 tackle year for the Packers and will likely have an even better season with the Bengals this year as he joins Jack Del Rio to make a powerful outside linebacker attack on Cincinnati's defense. To make room for Stephen on the team the Bengals released Bernard Clark (71 Ovr) who remains unsigned in the free agent pool.

Kevin Murphy (82 Ovr) decided to leave a losing team in the Buccaneers in hopes of tasting victory with the Houston Oilers. Meanwhile the Lions dropped off Mark Brown (77 Ovr) to the Patriots. Kurt Larson (76 Ovr) spent all of last season sitting in free agency before this year when the Vikings decided to call upon his services. Finally Frank Stams (75 Ovr) left the Rams to join the Chiefs.

[young2rice]

Free Agent Results - CB


Opinion: As usual plenty of cornerbacks are available, including numerous talented players that surprisingly didn't find a home last seasons and had a year of their football careers taken from them. With 23 cornerbacks with an 80+ OVR rating there was plenty of talent shifted around the league.

One of the top 3 cornerbacks in the league, Eric Allen (99 Ovr), was a surprising release. Despite wanted to continue playing with the Eagles his contract demands just couldn't fit underneath the Eagles salary cap. So Allen fell victim to the monetary restriction and as a result was vaulted into free agency. Eric Allen had a 7 interception year last year and continues to improve year in and year out, but now he will be doing it in Green Bay. The Packers are already secure in their secondary with Jerry Holmes (90 Ovr) and Leroy Butler (88 Ovr) as well as Cris Dishman (90 Ovr). However Dishman was released by the team because of the opportunity to sign Allen. The Packers though were so secure at the position that they seemed to be the last team in the league that would make an offer to Allen. However Allen did get that offer and accepted it so he will be playing alongside Holmes and Butler automatically making the Packers cornerbacks the best combination of cornerbacks in the league.

Cris Dishman left the Packers and the 27 year old will be joining 26 year old ex-Cardinal, Jay Taylor (90 Ovr) in Los Angeles as both these corners join the Rams. With D.Henley (85 Ovr) still on the Rams roster these three now combine for another top notch secondary in the league. The Packers and Rams have both sky rocketed their secondaries with their talented free agent acquisitions. In order to sign both of these players the Rams did not resign 30 year old Jerry Gray (89 Ovr). Grat ended up joining the Saints.

The Giants picked up one of the better free agent corners in Sam Seale (90 Ovr) who was replaced by Melvin Jenkins (85 Ovr). Jenkins joins the Chargers after spending last season without a team. Sam Seale's addition to the Giants made 32 year old Everson Walls (90 Ovr) expendable as he was released and signed with the Buffalo Bills.

Robert Massey (89 Ovr) was a big time pickup for the Cardinals as they needed a replacement for Jay Taylor's departure. They also added Manny Hendrix (82 Ovr) who played for the Cowboys last season. Lewis Billups (88 Ovr) leaves the Falcons to join the Super Bowl champion 49ers and the Falcons fill Billups' hole with ex-Cardinal Marcus Turner (85 Ovr). Darryl Pollard (88 Ovr) leaves the 49ers after an injury-plagued season to go to Seattle.

The Jets signed Cedrick Mack as well as Leroy Irvin (83 Ovr). The 34 year old veteran corner left Detroit with the hopes of starting in New York. The Jets said goodbye to Tony Stargell (84 Ovr) who will join the Browns along with Michael Brim (84 Ovr) from the Vikings. Anthony Blaylock leaves the Browns to join the Raiders.

Charles Dimry spent last year without a team but the 25 year old 84 overall corner will re-join the Falcons. Eric Everett also was team-less but finds a home with the Steelers. Alan Grant left the Colts to be picked up by the Chiefs and lastley Carl Carter a former Bengal was released last season only to not spend any time on a roster in 1991. However the 27 year old returns to the Bengals after the off-year to help their secondary.

[young2rice]

Free Agent Results - FS


Opinion: One of the best free safties to play the game switches teams, along with three other 90+ overall players.

Obviously the best player to swtich this off-season at free saftey is Ronnie Lott (99 Ovr). The 33 year old veteran signed a 1 year deal with the 49ers after his 1990 contract was up and then this year signs a 1 year deal with the Los Angeles Raiders. Vencie Glenn (96 Ovr) continues to search for a home as he leaves the Redskins after only a single season to go to the Bills.

As a result the Bills cut veteran 32 year old Leonard Smith (93 Ovr) who signed with the Cardinals. Darrell Fullington (93 Ovr) brings his free saftey of the year winning play style to Washington to fill in where Vencie Glenn left off. Solomon Wilcots (86 Ovr) departs from Los Angeles to join the Steelers. Meanwhile Martin Bayless (83 Ovr) wants to see what Mardi Gras is like with the Saints.

The Super Bowl Champions pick up ex-Bronco, Kip Corrington (78 Ovr). However he is hardly a repalcement for Ronnie Lott so the 49ers secondary is going to be in big trouble this season.

Meanwhile what could potentially be a solid pickup down the road, rookie Kurt Schulz (75 Ovr) was released after being selected. This allowed the Broncos to swoop in and sign him where he could easily develop into a solid starting saftey in the a few years.

[young2rice]

Free Agent Results - FS


Opinion: A number of solid strong safeties were up for grabs and the majority of them actually got signed as the position seemed to be in high demand around the league.

One of the top strong safeties in the league is the Vikings Joey Browner (99 Ovr). But the 32 year old apparently wants to add a ring to his finger before he retired and he felt that Minnesota wasn't the place to do that right now. So Browner ended up taking less money to join the Bills in the hopes of heading to the big game. The Colts, Chiefs, Packers, and Saints all released their strong safeties only to resign them to restructured contracts in a surprising show of loyalty. Keith Taylor (90 Ovr), Kevin Porter (88 Ovr), George Greene (83 Ovr) and Bennie Thompson (80 Ovr) all rejoined those respective teams.

Dave Waymer (84 Ovr) felt that he did all he could do in San Francisco and the 34 year old will most likely end his career with the 49ers rival New York Giants. Terry Hoage (87 Ovr) left the Patriots for a bigger market in Dallas. The Vowboys cut 23 year old 1991 rookie, Stevon Moore (73 Ovr) who ended up signing with the Vikings.

Elliot Smith (79 Ovr) felt the Browns had a better shot to go the distance than the Broncos as he switches teams. Pat Eilers (77 Ovr) was Joey Browners backup in Minnesota and managed to find a new home in Detroit. Keith Bostic (76 Ovr) wen thte Steelers and Harry Colon (75 Ovr) left the Chiefs to replace Elliot Smith as the backup strong safety in Denver. The Final strong saftey picked was Herb Welch (74 Ovr) who was a 32 year old veteran backup with the Lions but will now backup for the Patriots.

[Aso]

Ronnie Lott is a Raider! They are superbowl bound.

[young2rice]

Free Agent Results - Kickers/Punters


Opinion: Some of the best kickers and punters found new homes this off-season as the underrated special teams positions continue to shuffle around the NFL.

Eddie Murray (99 Ovr) has proven his worth as a kicker of the years with the Detroit Lions. Murray has kicked his way to recognition as one of the league's best and that still hasn't changed. Last year Murray kicked 31 of 38 field goals (81%) and 35 of 35 extra points remaining one of the best in the league, however the 36 year old veteran felt the need for a change of scenery. The Cleveland Browns make a big but underrated picked up by signing Murray. Murray will most likely end out his career in Cleveland as his age continues to climb.

The Lions needed a replacement and they found it in Bills kicker, Scott Norwood (89 Ovr). Norwood is 6 years younger than Murray and still has a solid leg that should help the Lions team in numerous games this season. To replace Norwood the Bill shad to reach down for ex-Patriots Jason Staurovsky (81 Ovr). Meanwhile the Patriots pretty much signed a wash in former Cowboy, Ken Willis (81 Ovr).

The Buccaneers let go one of the team's few bright spots in kicker Steve Christie (93 Ovr). The 24 year old kicker is well on his way to being one of the league's best at his young age and will try to accomplish that as a Cincinnati Bengal. The Bengals let 35 year old long-time vet, Jim Breech (88 Ovr) go in favor of the younger and better Christie. But the Giants felt Breech still has what it takes and picked him up. The final kicker was ex-Oiler Teddy Garcia (80 Ovr). Garcia was released last season when the Oilers acquired Norm Johnson from the Seahawks. However no team inquired and Garcia ended up spending last season in the free agent pool, not signing to any team. This year however the Buccaneers called on his services to replace Steve Christie.

Veteran punter Brian Hansen (95 Ovr) will leave the Patriots to join the Steelers and replace Dan Stryzinski (86 Ovr). Meanwhile Dan Stryzinski will replace Hansen in New England in what was essentially a trade. Mark Royals (90 Ovr) was released and then resigned by the Buccaneers when they saw that they failed to sign Brian Hansen. Finally Don Bracken (83 Ovr) rejoins the NFL after a year off by signing with the Redskins as does Barry Helton (79 Ovr) with the Raiders.

[young2rice]

Ronnie Lott is a Raider! They are superbowl bound.

Hah well they were super bowl bound last season (1991) but unfortunately couldn't finish the job in the big-game. This might sway it in their favor if they have another surprising playoff run again next season.

[Aso]

Interesting to see who will be the starter between Billy Joe and Schreder.

[young2rice]

1992 Season In Preview
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Chicago Bears
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1992 Starters (Change from prev.season in Italics)
QB: Mark Vlasic (83)
HB: Neal Anderson (92)
FB: Brad Muster (90)
WR: Ron Morris (84)
WR: Herman Moore (79)
WR: Ed McCaffrey (79)
TE: Pat Beach (81)
LT: Jim Covert (89)
LG: Mark Bortz (89)
C: John Hilgenberg (96)
RG: Tom Thayer (91)
RT: Scott Kooistra (84)
LE: Trace Armstrong (83)
RE: Richard Dent (99)
DT: William Perry (86)
DT: Steve McMichael (81)
LOLB: Jim Morrissey (86)
MLB: Mike Singletary (99)
ROLB: Ron Rivera (84)
CB: Donnell Woolford (93)
CB: Wayne Haddix (89)
CB: Lamuel Stinson (88)
FS: Shaun Gayle (90)
SS: Mark Carrier (91)
K: Kevin Butler (89)
P: Maury Buford (87)

Additions (* = Rookie)
Releases/Retirements (* = Retired)
Previous Season Outcome: 10-6, Playoffs

Projected 1991 Outcome: The Chicago Bears cut a lot of fat in the off-season with the release of numerous backup players. The biggest loss was the retirement of offensive lineman Keith Van Horne and the decision to let Jim Harbaugh go.

The Chicago Bears added some depth to the team and found a good replacement for Van Horne in ex-Bengal Scott Kooistra. Kooistra will be changing positions in order to start at Van Horne's RT position. The Bears also added Pat Beach to the team as a tight end and he'll be the only other new starter for the Bears team this year.

Unfortunately for the Chicago Bears they had a lackluster draft, with the only bright spot really being the pickup of left tackle Ray Roberts for offensive line depth.

Last year the Bears went 10-6 and managed to make the playoffs. This year they should expect a similar performance as about 90% of the teams starters are returning. If they play their cards right though they may be able to advance further in the playoffs and contend for a Super Bowl.