Ok, so we had last year's offensive line and, pre B Marsh and Alshon, the WR corps every year, but frankly, I don't recall a season with THIS many questions marks 6 days away from the opener. Let's play:
- Long Snapper - yes, Mannelly was a staple for 100 years, but think about it. The long snapper was signed on Saturday. After he'd been cut by the Bears already and Tampa. The guy they thought was the guy was released 8 days before the opener. With a new holder, I can see this being a problem. Robbie Gould hasn't looked great in pre-season. Having a new snapper and new holder could be the difference between a successful game tying/game winning field goal. I predict a game in which that will translate to a Bears loss.
- KR/PR - the Bears did not have a PR until a few days ago. A guy who was on the couch now has that job based on one - one - decent return against one of the doormats of the NFL. That's a major concern. The Bears brought in and tried a number of guys. None of them won the job (save for Holmes). At this point, I'm hoping for fair catches and that's all. Same for KR. A guy who very few thought would even make the 53 is now the #1 return man.
- ST - a mess all over. Yes, ST sucked last year. 8 of the 11 players are gone. Normally I'd think that's a good thing. I think they replaced shit with worse shit. Eric Weems sucked as a return man, but was quite good on coverage. As was Sherrick McManus (will see less ST time). Constanzo was decent. Jerry Franklin is gone. I simply don't feel great about this unit. Why should I?
- TE - Zach Miller going down hurt. Yes, he had one game, but it was a great one. Rosario is a guy. Mulligan is a nobody. I see two guys who are backups. Not guys who can run two TE sets.
- Safety - ah, safety. They chose not to address that clear need until the 4th round. Vereen had an opportunity to shine and apparently he didn't. One of the best ever (Wilson) was brought in but he doesn't have anything left. Mundy is a guy. Just a guy. Danny McCray was brought in as a core ST guy and is now listed as the starter. Conte was the guy everyone on Earth wanted gone and unfortunately, may be the best option at his position.
I won't say backup QB because most backup QBs suck. Claussen has started games and has some experience and seems to have command of the offense. I'm ok with him.
These bits make me very nervous are most likely the reason we are looking an 8-8 team in a difficult division and VERY tough NFC.
