A busy (start? to the) offseason

In shockingly untypical Bears fashion, we went out at the start of the free agency period and signed two of the hottest players available in DE Julius Peppers and RB Chester Taylor, plus we added the blocking tight end the Mike Martz offense requires in Brandon Manumaleuna. We've given tender offers to our restricted free agents and signed promising FB prospect Eddie Williams to a one-year contract. The only players we have really severed ties with at this point are RB Kevin Jones and, more sadly, Adewale Ogunleye.

Ogunleye never really developed into the stud outside rusher the Bears envisioned when they traded Marty Booker and a draft pick to Miami for the rights to Ogunleye, but he was a thoroughly solid, dependable player his entire tenure here. He was a team captain, a leader, a good locker room guy, and his presence will definitely be missed.

He'll be missed for about five minutes, until Julius Peppers comes flying out of nowhere and registers his first devastating sack. Until that D-Line with a rejuvenated Tommie Harris and the most talented DE in the NFL team up with Alex Brown and Anthony Adams to strike some fear in the people around the league.

That is something that's been missing from the Bears defense. It was terribly apparent right away last season after Urlacher went down in that first game. Once Urlacher exited, there wasn't really anyone on that defense that struck fear into anyone's heart. A guy you put an eye on every single play to account for him. Sure, Lance Briggs is a great player. But there's just a menacing presence Urlacher brings to that squad that for some reason I don't see from Lance (although I love the guy's playmaking and his motor). Now combine the returning Urlacher with Peppers and an active, healthier Tommie Harris. I'd like to see us get another starter for the defensive backfield, but I think your going to see some real improvement on the defensive side of the ball this season.

That linebacking corps is going to be hot. The D-Line, with Peppers, should be much hotter than in the past. All that will, arguably, make the DBs better when opposing quarterbacks will have less time to make plays down field. But I'd still like to see a new body brought in to start back there. Either a corner or a safety.

I'll live with either, but I'd prefer the safety.