Bruno Boys Fantasy Football

Entering 2009 there was excitement in the air for the Chicago Bears and their fans. The addition of Pro Bowl quarterback Jay Cutler was a big reason for that, with supporters believing he would lead them to a Super Bowl trophy and be one of the Bears all time great quarterbacks alongside the likes of Jim McMahon and Sid Luckman. Instead Cutler threw nearly just as many interceptions (26) as touchdowns (27) while leading the Bears to a disappointing 7-9 record.

Despite the interception numbers by Cutler that cost so many fantasy football owners, his touchdown totals plus yards (3,666) show how talented the gun slinger out of Vanderbilt is. While Cutler spread the ball around the field (a fantasy owners nightmare), he did make all his wide receivers better. Both Devin Hester and Earl Bennett had over 50 catches and over 700 yards while Johnny Knox and Devin Aromashodu each had their moments of greatness.

One player who did have a down year was running back Matt Forte. He totaled 1,400 yards on the season, but only scored four touchdowns. The top four pick in almost every fantasy league struggled with Chicago going to a more pass happy attack and it didn’t help when the Bears fell behind in games. Their defense had a crushing blow, losing Brian Urlacher in the first week of the season and never quite recovered. Their unit ranked in the bottom half of the league in fantasy football circles, with only 13 interceptions and 35 sacks all season.

KEY ADDITIONS

Julius Peppers (DE) – With the Bears not having a draft pick until the 3rd round of the NFL Draft, the team needed to spend money in the free agent market if they wanted to be competitive in 2010. There were several holes to fill and a need to get the defense back on track. One way to do that was to inject sacks and put more pressure on opposing quarterbacks while forcing turnovers. To do that Chicago signed one of the best defensive ends in the NFL in Julius Peppers, who was a terror for the Carolina Panthers. Peppers had double digit sack totals in six of his wight seasons in the league.

Chester Taylor (RB) – Another area the team decided to spend money was at running back, where they had no viable option outside of Forte. Chester Taylor is a great backup running back that can step in and carry the load. His skill set also fits into the offense of new coordinator Mike Martz. Although Forte will start, Taylor will take a bigger number of touches away from the former Tulane star than any other back has in the previous two seasons. Both running backs should be attractive in PPR leagues and although it has been said there could be a time share, Forte still has solid value as a low-end RB2.

Mike Martz (OC) – Plain and simple, Martz should only help the offense for the Chicago Bears. Jay Cutler will see his numbers rise and if he can cut down on his mistakes, Cutler could climb the upper echelon fantasy football starters by year end. His wide receivers will see a number of touches and it will be interesting to see who Cutler leans on as a go to guy. While it is anyone’s guess at this point, the lucky answer could pay big dividends in 2010.

KEY DEPARTURES

Alex Brown (DE) –  Brown wasn’t a difference maker on the Chicago defense, and he will be replaced by Julius Peppers, but he was a key contributor for eight years and did provide a lot of veteran leadership. During his career in Chicago, the pass rushing defensive end recorded 43.5 sacks and recorded 14 forced fumbles. During the off-season the Bears decided to part ways with Brown and he was signed by the defending Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints.

ROOKIE TO WATCH

Dan LeFevour (QB) – The Central Michigan product never imagined he would slip to the 6th round and be drafted by a team that already has its long term franchise product. LeFevour will now get a chance to sit and learn behind Cutler while taking in an offense designed by Martz. While it is highly doubtful LeFevour finds the field in 2010, perhaps any early season struggles by Cutler would force the hand of Lovie Smith to take a chance on LeFevour in desperation to keep his job.

Need help organizing your fantasy draft? We’ve got you covered….

NFC WEST:  ARI  |  STL  |  SF  |  SEA

NFC SOUTH:  ATL  |  CAR  |  NO  |  TB

NFC NORTH:  CHI  |  DET  |  GB  |  MIN

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GET YOUR COMMISH KIT DRAFT BOARD NOW

The Bruno Boys have once again teamed up with Commish Kit to sell fantasy football draft boards. The 2010 draft boards are available for purchase and you can pick one up here… DRAFT BOARDS

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