Bears OTA Reports Are Encouraging, But Meaningless

By Rob Winn in News on May 24, 2012 5:40PM

The Bears conducted their second OTA Wednesday, the first in front of local media, and nothing but the typical glowing stories emerged. Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall are happy to be back together, Mike Tice’s new offensive game plan should be more balanced and helpful to the offensive line and the defensive core is returning along with a few promising rookies. Unfortunately, right now every team is convinced they’re going to win the Super Bowl and the Bears did get better but they are still not the contender many think they are.

The new front office encouraged fans by addressing some of their deficiencies in the offseason. They traded for Brandon Marshall and drafted Alshon Jeffery to add two big, threatening wide receivers. They drafted Shea McClellin to become the speed rusher they need on the opposite side of Julius Peppers and third-round pick Brandon Hardin should be a solid option at safety if he can stay on the field.

However, the Bears ignored several glaring areas of need. The battle at left tackle seems like an exercise in futility between Chris Williams and J’Marcus Webb. Also, the departure of Anthony Adams leaves them with little depth at defensive tackle. Not to mention the entire defense is a year older and Brian Urlacher is coming off a severe knee injury.

But it’s May, for crying out loud. So let’s just agree that Cutler is going to throw for 5,000 yards, the defense is going to be stifling and this is the year that Devin Hester turns into a great wide receiver.

Okay, the last one might be a stretch even for May.