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November 30th, 2009

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Chicago Bears Tickets - Busy Start To Free Agency

Last offseason, when the Chicago Bears acquired quarterback Jay Cutler from the Denver Broncos, people in the Windy City started talking Super Bowl. Cutler was dubbed as the most talented signal caller to ever wear a Bears uniform and the fan base had high hopes for the 2009 season. Unfortunately, things did not go as planned. Cutler struggled throughout much of the season, as did running back Matt Forte, and Chicago finished with a 7-9 record, good for third place in the NFC North.

The organization entered the offseason aware that it had some holes to fill. One thing that really held the team's defense back last season was the lack of a consistent pass rush. The Bears tried to rectify that problem last season when they acquired defensive end Gaines Adams from Tampa Bay, but the former fourth overall pick was unproductive and tragically passed away this past January. Their pass rush woes should now be solved, though, as the team inked free agent defensive end Julius Peppers to a six-year deal on the first day of the free agency period.

Peppers, blessed with tackle strength and safety speed, is one of the most physically-gifted athletes in the entire National Football League. The former number two overall pick had an incredibly productive eight years in Carolina, tallying double-digit sack totals in all but two seasons. His contract with Chicago will pay him more than $91 million dollars over the course of the six years, $42 million of which is guaranteed. Peppers is one of those athletes that defies the laws of what a human body should and should not be able to do. At 6'7" and 283 pounds, the speed and agility that he possesses is amazing. Those who purchase <a href="http://www.stubhub.com/chicago-bears-tickets/">Chicago Bears tickets</a> for the upcoming season will be wowed by his raw athleticism.

The Bears didn't stop with Peppers, though, acquiring running back Chester Taylor as well. The former Viking spent the last three seasons backing up Adrian Peterson in Minnesota after amassing more than 1,200 yards on the ground for the team in 2006. Taylor will join Forte in the backfield and should help take some of the pressure off the Bears' young runner. Forte entered 2009 with big expectations, but largely failed to live up to them. Taylor will provide Forte with more rest and will give the team another option in the passing game.

The team also landed tight end Brandon Manumaleuna via free agency. The former St. Louis Ram and San Diego Charger is known for his blocking prowess and should fit in very well in Chicago. The franchise recently hired Mike Martz, under whom Manumaleuna played in St. Louis, to be their offensive coordinator. There is some speculation that pass-catching tight end Greg Olsen could be traded this offseason, which would allow Martz to slide Manumaleuna into the starting lineup.

The Bears definitely have a lot of talent and could be a playoff contender in 2010. The three aforementioned free agent acquisitions will all help the team's chances in 2010 and Peppers most of all, but other players have to raise their level of play in order for this team to succeed. Cutler seemed to be figuring it out toward the end of last season, throwing eight touchdowns and one pick in the final two games combined, and there has been talk that Forte was hurt all year. If Brian Urlacher can return to form after missing most of the 2009 season and Cutler can cut down on his mistakes, among other things, the Bears could be a tough team to beat in 2010.

About the Author

Written by Morgan C. Dunn. <a href="http://www.stubhub.com/">StubHub</a> has sponsored this article. StubHub.com is a great place to get <a href="http://www.stubhub.com/chicago-bears-tickets/">Chicago Bears tickets</a>, as well as tickets for other sports teams, theatre performances, concerts and special events.

Does anyone have any great ideas for a Packer/Bear football party?

My parents and I are hosting a Packer/Bear football party and I'm just trying to get some good ideas for food, etc. Does anyone have any good ideas they would like to share?

bear kabobs, bear bbq, bear steak, bear burgers, bear meatballs.

basically anything that those meat Packers can kill and cut up for you. lol

can you who I will be cheering for?.

Seriously though. some of my best football parties involved:
buffalo chicken pizza,
taco bars
chili bars (with baked potatoes too)
giant sub sandwiches.
nothing wrong with good ole beer boiled grilled brats.
or turn the brats into a pizza, yum (better than sausage)
or you could do mini pizzas that everyone builds themselves.
cookies, always cookies. They are a portable dessert

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