Charles Tillman emerged as one of the division's best corners as a rookie in 2003, and he will match up against opponents’ No. 1 receiver most of the time. He is a big, physical corner who plays the run very well, and although he does not possess blazing speed, he should thrive in Smith’s cover-2 system. With Tillman taking over the No. 1 role, the Bears are allowed to move Jerry Azumah and R.W. McQuarters each back a slot, which should make each of them more effective.
Azumah has improved each of the past two seasons, and is a good fit at No. 2, and McQuarters should thrive as the nickel back. Veteran Todd McMillon and rookie Nathan Vasher give the Bears good depth at the position.
At free safety, Mike Brown is steady, but he hasn’t made as many big plays the last couple years as he did earlier in his career. However, he is a smart player and should excel in the cover-2 schemes Lovie Runs. Mike Green is a steady performer, but he lacks big-play ability for a strong safety. Third-year veteran Bobby Gray is more of a big hitter and has a legitimate shot at unseating Green.
Special Teams
Despite the fact that placekicker Paul Edinger was inconsistent on field goals last year and lacks the leg strength desired on kickoffs, the Bears still have one of the better special teams in the league. They cover kicks as well as anyone, and have possibly the best one-two punch on kick and punt returns. R.W. McQuarters is evasive on punt returns and did a very solid job in 2003, while Jerry Azumah emerged as one of the best return men in the game with a 29.0 yards per return average on kickoffs.
Overview
2004 is certainly a season of change for the Chicago Bears and a lot of playing time will be dedicated toward developing many of the younger players on the roster. With a new coaching staff and a new philosophy, there will be a period of adjustment and likely a lot of ups and downs. However, there is a lot of young talent on this team that rebounded nicely from a horrible start in 2003.
After turning it around to go 7-9 last season, the Bears could be poised for a bit of a step backward as they build for the future, but with the continued development of Grossman and a solid running game, this team could match its record from last year or possibly improve by a game or two.
