Lovie Smith leads his 2009 Chicago Bears squad into the franchises 89th regular season without any of the offensive leaders from his 9-7 2008 squad; QB Brian Griese traded to Tampa Bay (in order to avoid paying a $300,000 bonus), WR Bernard Berrian was allowed to sign a 6-year $42 million contract, and RB Cedric Benson (released from the team for detrimental conduct). The team was left to fill slots via free agency and their own back yard. The team did manage to pick up RB Kevin Jones to fill Bensons slot. Look for the Bears to at least match their 2008 record and possibly shoot for a Wild Card playoff spot.

History

One of the most storied franchises in American Football History, the Decatur Staleys came into existence in 1919 as a company team established by A. E. Staley Company of Decatur, IL. By 1921 the franchise moved to Chicago and renamed the team the Chicago Staleys which lasted for one season. In 1922, the franchise again made a name change to the Chicago Bears, which has stayed to the present day.

The franchise has won nine league championships, eight NFL Championships and one Super Bowl. They have been Conference Champions four times and Division Champions 17 times and have appeared in the playoffs 24 times.