by Josh Johnson

Created on: February 05, 2007   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

Here are the three top reasons the Chicago Bears will fail to make the playoffs in the 2007-2008 season:

1) Lack of an offensive leader

Most teams count on the quarterback to be a leader both on and off the field. The Bears do not have that. Rex Grossman has not reached the level that he needs to be in order to become that leader. He has a huge problem with confidence, as can be found in listening to his interviews with the press. There was even a press conference this year where he looked as if he was going to cry. This lack of confidence is a big reason why Grossman fails to make good decisions with the football. He often tries to force throws, resulting in interceptions, which can kill any team's chance of winning.

2) An improved division

The NFC North has been arguably the worst division in football the past two years. For that reason, the Bears have been able to capture the division title easily. They were the first team in the league to secure a division title this year. At the end of this season, their closest divisional competition was an 8-8 team in the Green Bay Packers. However, next season will have a different outcome. The NFC North will be a much-improved division in 2007.
The Packers showed this December that they are capable of winning by going 4-1, including a four game win streak to close out the season, barely missing the playoffs. With the return of the face of their franchise, Brett Favre, along with the more experienced rookies of 2006 such as A.J. Hawk and Greg Jennings, the Packers will be the team to beat in the North.
The Minnesota Vikings have a new quarterback by the name of Tarvaris Jackson. In the Vikings' final few games of 2006, Jackson showed a spark that the team has been needing. A more mobile quarterback like Jackson will give time for the young receivers to get open. A better passing game leads to a better running game. The combination of the two will lead to the Minnesota Vikings competing with the Bears for second place in the division.
The Detroit Lions still have much improving to do, but with a top pick in the draft, they will be able to fill a position on the offense with a talented player such as Brady Quinn(QB), JaMarcus Russell(QB), or Joe Thomas(OT). Also, Roy Williams showed in the 2006 season that he is capable of being a top receiver in the NFL. No matter who the quarterback is, Williams will again put up good numbers in the 2007 season. Though the Lions will show much improvement, they will still finish fourth

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>