The reason I'm optimistic, this year, is because Tom Thayer is finally optimistic. He hasn't been this optimistic since 05.

The reason for this optimism is surprising on one end and quite simple on the other. Simple reason: Ben Johnson. Thayer is the insider that knows what a solid program looks like and he claims to have seen none better than what BJ has established.(I believe him). Combine all that with year two of the offense and magic may become reality. Referencing everything from huddle control to the LOS, Caleb and the returning vets are in sync, while having the ability to correct the youngsters in real time. That will pay big dividends on penalty reduction and play success.

Penalties play a huge role as a drive killer for various reasons, from down and distance to rhythm to psychological let down. Plus, it gives the defense a chance to regroup and gain positivity. My expectation for this offense is to improve in yards, points, penalties and TOP.

The surprising reason for optimism is the additions to the DL. He says that they are all explosive off the ball and have sideline to sideline motors. At this point, I'll add my optimism. Tremaine Edmunds is no longer on the roster. I'm not calling him a bad football player. He simply didn't fit. All of our current Lb's are "hat in the hole" guys. If you know, you know. An improved run defense will be such an important factor in helping the pass rush. It's hard to measure how much the other team will be off the field but they'll need to convert on third and longer more than last year.

I'm not stating the D is going to be good and neither is Thayer. What I will say, is that I believe it will be solid enough to win. And remember, the trade deadline can sometimes throw a team over the top.

Im optimistic because of BJ and Caleb. In their second year together, they will put us in the top 5 scoring teams that will affect the D, less time on the field and teams having come back in a game.

I think the reason the defense was so bad last year is because of major injuries. We have more talent than the stats showed last year. Like Mongo said, adding all that speed and upgrade at DT will help us get more pressure on the QB. Bryant was a major blow, but the depth is better and will make that less important. Healthy DBs and more speed at LB, will have better results.

I liked DJ Moore a lot but we have more weapons than last year. The additions of speed. Raymond and Thomas is huge. With the development of Loveland and Burden and running the 12 and 13 sets, our offense will be hard to defend. Caleb will have a huge year.

Im cautiously optimistic because of a few things. This feels (to me) a little like 2019. The year after the surprising rise of Trubiksy and Nagy. I realize Johnson and Caleb are not them but I still cant get over this Déjà vu sensation.

I’m out in Colorado visiting family and started talking to a fellow Bears fan (while at the Coors brewery). His wish was for the Bears to have comfortable wins. Not as many of these cardiac wins like we saw last season. We agreed the schedule will be tougher this year and if Johnson is a man of his word, he’ll beat his opponents with the gas pedal pressed all the way.

And lastly my caution comes from being a life long Bears fan. I’m ready to shed that feeling of being let down. Let’s do this!

2 hours ago, Alaskan Grizzly said:

Im cautiously optimistic because of a few things. This feels (to me) a little like 2019. The year after the surprising rise of Trubiksy and Nagy. I realize Johnson and Caleb are not them but I still cant get over this Déjà vu sensation.

I’m out in Colorado visiting family and started talking to a fellow Bears fan (while at the Coors brewery). His wish was for the Bears to have comfortable wins. Not as many of these cardiac wins like we saw last season. We agreed the schedule will be tougher this year and if Johnson is a man of his word, he’ll beat his opponents with the gas pedal pressed all the way.

And lastly my caution comes from being a life long Bears fan. I’m ready to shed that feeling of being let down. Let’s do this!

The close games are very entertaining and make you realize why you like football. Energy rush

33 minutes ago, Stinger226 said:

The close games are very entertaining and make you realize why you like football. Energy rush

Sure but cocaine users can only use it so much before their heart explodes.

2 hours ago, Alaskan Grizzly said:

Sure but cocaine users can only use it so much before their heart explodes.

Bingo!