Footballs

The deal for Cutler was 5 years ago. A variety of failed draft picks on the defensive side of the ball is why the Bears D is in a state of transition. If Vereen has been named the starter at FS its news to this Bears fan. You convieniently omitted mention of their rebuilt D-Line or their 1st round CB who will be the starting nickel DB. I know you want/hope for the Bears D to be bad, but truth is you don't know if they will or won't be...neither do I. What is known is that it's not last season anymore.

- Schwartz had a terrific front 4 at Detroit but the rest of the D was not much to write home about. He has a lot more overall talent to play with on the Bills. And as opposed to OL and WR, this is a proven bunch. I'm not trying to dispute that. I've seen multiple places where posters have pointed to the Lions sweep of Chicago last year as having some bearing on this year's game. There's even a thread on this message board dedicated to that point. - You are also falling into the same trap as you accuse posters here of doing. You are thinking addition of Allen, Houston and Fuller will instantly make the Bears D better. Allen and Houston are both proven, and better than the subtraction of Peppers. But there are question marks pretty much on every other group on D I don't think I am. All I said was that the Bears defense was going to different personnel wise, which is a fact. I did not say that automatically will make them better. In fact, I was careful to not make that statement as you are correct, I have no way of knowing that at this point. But yes, I do think if the Bears can keep guys like Briggs, DJ Williams, and Tillman healthy and on the field (always a ?) then that, coupled with the new guys will result in a better D. I mean, last year was the worst defensive team ever in Chicago. Does anyone really think they are going to stay like that? One key caveat - new personnel often means steeper learning curve. It might be that this team doesn't hit their stride until a few weeks into the year - or maybe they will never hit it. - Bears OLine is decent but injuries seem to be cropping up so we will see who takes the field in what physical shape True, but I think some posters are overplaying the O-line injuries. I have read or heard nothing that leads me to believe they will be down any starters come Week 1. Clearly though, a lot can change between now and then.

Schwartz beat the Bears twice last year ...and was 1-7 against them the previous 4 seasons.

Bear fan here. I'd like to respectfully address a few things I have seen stated in this thread, but also in other threads: I live a couple hours south of Chicago and listen to a fair amount of 670 am and 1000 am. I haven't been hearing the "easy win" comments. In fact, I haven't been hearing much, if any, week 1 game discussion at all yet. Schwartz was 3-7 against the Bears as Lions HC. Many of you are selectively choosing to focus only on last year. The Bears D is not nearly the same one that finished last season personnel-wise. Many of you seem to be banking on them making no improvements in their run defense, but at the same time assuming multiple facets of the Bills will be improved. Its a trap all fanbases fall into this time of year. The Bears O-Line allowed the 4th fewest sacks in the NFL last year - clearly not terrible. The biggest wildcard factor in the game is that it will be Week 1 and everyone is still sort of getting their feet under them. I would be less concerned about this game if it were Week 3 or later, but the fact that it is in Chicago (where they have dominated Week 1 games lately) makes me feel pretty good about their chances. Buffalo's WRs are not "on par" with Chicago's. One hasn't even played a regular season NFL snap yet. I know you are excited about their potential, but c'mon. Anyway, that's about it. No ill-will towards anyone that posts here, just thought I would provide an opposing viewpoint.