In the fourth and final installment of our “Chicago Bears Fantasy Football Preview” we take a look at the Chicago Bears defense and special teams
Previous Positions: Quarterback | Running Back | Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
The Chicago Bears enter the 2013 NFL season without a familiar face on the defensive side of the ball. That’s because longtime starting linebacker Brian Urlacher retired after the Bears offered him a minimal contract that he apparently didn’t like.
The Bears were one of the top defenses and special teams fantasy-wise last season as they dominated opponents early. They forced turnovers and returned a few of those for touchdowns.
They were a fantasy teams dream come true and fantasy opponents worst nightmare.
Now the Bears head into 2013 with a little bit of a new look. They have new faces on the defensive coaching staff and a few on the defense as well.
Not too much should change from the Bears but I wouldn’t expect a fantasy season like last years however. That was almost a once in a lifetime season for fantasy owners that you rarely see.
Yet the Bears sh0uld still be one of the top defenses to choose from in your fantasy draft.
The defensive line is anchored by Pro Bowlers Julius Peppers and Henry Melton who could provide solid sack numbers for your defense. If they can play solid, it could open up opportunites for the linebackers and secondary to create some turnovers.
This defense is built around forcing turnovers. Like we have seen in years past the Bears are excellent at stripping the ball away from their opponents and Charles Tillman is the master of it.
Tillman anchors a pretty solid secondary that features two Pro Bowl players from last year. Tillman and fellow corner back Tim Jennings.
Jennings produced a good year with nine interceptions and one going back for a touchdown. It’s going to be tough for him to duplicate that this year but Jennings is also a solid cover corner back as well.
On the special teams side there is a big question mark as to whether or not Devin Hester can make an impact in his return to full-time special teams.
Hester gives the Bears defense/special teams the threat for a touchdown almost every time he fields a punt of a kick. Those points are huge if you own the Bears in any league.
Robbie Gould should continue to be “good as Gould” for the Bears and your team. He’s a valuable kicker that will be drafted in the late rounds, unless you have that guy in your league that takes the kicker early.
In leagues that give you more points for distance, Gould is a hit or miss. He’s shown that he can hit from 50+ but doesn’t try too many in a season.
Projections:
Defense – 6 Total TD’s, 26 INT, 17 Fum, 42 Sacks
Robbie Gould – 23 Total FG’s, 2 miss, Long 54
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