Chicago Bears 2009: Offseason Makeover Sparks Playoff Talk

When the Bears walked off the field at Houston’s Reliant Stadium last December 28 th , following a disappointing season-ending loss that left them 9-7 and out of the playoffs, little did they know what the offseason had in store for them.   Despite their usual low-key approach to free agency, the Bears reeled in arguably the biggest catch with the acquisition of Pro Bowl quarterback Jay Cutler, a move that both shocked NFL insiders and delighted Bears fans. The bold trade, engineered by Jerry Angelo forced Chicago to part with coveted first round picks this year and next, along with this year’s third rounder and starting quarterback Kyle Orton.     While seemingly wearing out his welcome in Denver and with new Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels, Cutler brings immediate hope for offensive improvement and breathes new life into a position Chicago has struggled with since the franchises’ early glory days of the 1940’s.   Fresh from a Pro Bowl ... (link)