Chicago Bears Information
The Chicago Bears, also known as the “Monsters of the Midway”, have been playing in the NFL since 1922. They have an astounding 13 former players that are now members of the Bears Hall of Fame. Among the biggest and most noteworthy names are Bronco Nagurski, George “Papa Bear” Halas, “Sweetness” Walter Payton, Gale Sayers, Dick Butkus, and Red Grange. The Bears have also won nine league titles (eight in the NFL) since their franchise started in the early 1920s. Six of the championships came from 1932-1946 with the other two being won in 1963 and 1985. The Bears have also won 15 division titles over that span and have made 23 playoff appearances. George Halas, one of the greatest Bears ever, had four separate stints as head coach of the Bears, and each time he won at least 76 games. Mike Ditka, one of the best players in the entire Bears organization, also became coach in the 1980s and led the team to six division titles and a wild card berth in his 11 years with the team. He also coached one of the greatest teams in sports history in 1985, a team that won the Super Bowl and even started a dance known forever as the “Super Bowl Shuffle”.
Lovie Smith is the new coach of the Bears coming into the 2004 season. Smith doesn’t have any head coaching experience, but he’s been around the NFL, making his name as a defensive coordinator in the league. The defense finished 14th in the league last season, but the offense finished a miserable 28th, so Smith will have his work cut out for him. The offense will likely be led by Rex Grossman, the second year player out of the University of Florida. Anthony Thomas will battle with newcomer Thomas Jones at the running back position while Marty Booker, Justin Gage, and David Terrell will likely be the top three receivers at the beginning of the season. Tight end Desmond Clark will present Grossman with another reliable target over the middle of the field.
Brian Urlacher has established himself as one of the top linebackers in the league, almost to the level of greats like Ray Lewis and Derrick Brooks. Urlacher is often seen going from one side of the field to the other to make an amazing play, then calmly getting back to his feet so he can do it all over again. Urlacher led the team in tackles in 2003 while Alex Brown recorded a team high in forced fumbles and sacks. Charles Tillman and Jerry Azumah each recorded a team leading four interceptions and Lance Briggs had the only return touchdown off his only interception.
In the 2004 NFL draft, the Chicago Bears made eight draft selections, but each of their eight picks has the potential to be a playmaker in the league at one point or another. With the 14th overall pick, the Bears selected defensive tackle Tommie Harris out of the University of Oklahoma. Harris was the leader of the best defense in the country and shouldn’t have a problem adjusting to the big time. Nathan Vasher, a cornerback out of the University of Texas, was taken with a fourth round pick and could help the team on both defense and special teams. Terry Johnson and Bernard Berriun were taken with the other picks of the first day. Johnson is another tackle out of Nebraska and Berriun is a wide receiver out of Fresno State. Craig Krenzel, a quarterback out of Ohio State University, has proven he can win at every level. He could be an adequate backup to Grossman in his first few years since he’ll be going through much of what Grossman went through last year.