Just a few years removed from a trip to the Super Bowl, the Chicago Bears have failed to make the playoffs the last two years. Entering training camp this summer, the new-look Bears have a lot of exciting additions, as well as a number of questions.

The biggest offseason acquisition for Chicago was that of the young veteran QB Jay Cutler. Cutler is an immediate upgrade over the carousel of quarterbacks that the Bears have used over the past several years, and brings with him a strong, accurate arm which earned him a Pro Bowl selection last season.

Chicago’s other big pickup was the signing of free agent left tackle Orlando Pace. The seven time Pro Bowler will be instrumental in helping give Cutler enough time to throw, along with center Olin Kreutz who has six Pro Bowl selections of his own.

One of the biggest questions heading into training camp however is who Cutler will have to throw to. The No. 1 receiver right now for the Bears is converted defensive back/return man Devin Hester, but beyond that the competition for the No. 2 and 3 spots remains wide open. Head coach Lovie Smith will have to decide between veterans Rashied Davis and Earl Bennett, and rookies Johnny Knox and Juaquin Iglesias. Either way Bears fans can expect tight ends Desmond Clark and Greg Olsen to be two of Cutler’s favorite targets in the upcoming season.

As long as Cutler can remain healthy, then the Bears offense should produce, especially with their stud running back Matt Forte and Kevin Jones in the backfield.
With an over-haul on the offensive side this offseason, the big question remains whether or not the defense can return to championship form.

The line backing core is still anchored by Pro Bowlers Lance Briggs and Brian Urlacher, but there is a question as to who will start at the strongside linebacker position. Newly-acquired Pisa Tinoisamoa is the favorite to win that starting job despite having played on the weak side in St. Louis.

The secondary however came under fire after last season after finishing 30th in the league in passing defense. Both safety spots are up for grabs entering training camp, with Craig Steltz, Kevin Payne and Josh Bullocks all vying for playing time.

The last big position battle comes at the nose tackle spot. Marcus Harrison is the projected starter at this point but he is pretty young and inexperienced and is definitely a weak point in the Bears defense.

Putting up points should come a lot easier for the Bears this season than last; the only question will be whether or not they can keep the opposition from scoring.