Too hot: Matt Forte
Matt Forte didn’t miss a beat during the lockout when he worked out feverishly in preparation for a contract year. The difference was noticeable the day he showed up for training camp. Entering his fourth season, Forte is sculpted like he hasn’t been before. Sure, he figured to have a shiny contract extension by now, but that hasn’t happened. Consequently, he’ll be an angry back and that’s probably a good thing for the Bears. He never has been known for breakaway speed, but he’s showing the burst and speed that’s going to make him difficult to stop in the open field. A big season is ahead.
Too cold: Roy Williams
Training camp was spent with others criticizing his conditioning and Roy Williams deflecting it by talking about his sarcasm. Forget the forecast of 70 to 80 receptions offensive coordinator Mike Martz made. The Bears need Williams to become a dependable target before considering him anything resembling a No. 1 wide receiver. It has been forever since the Bears have had someone an opponent has feared on third-and-8. With a big body, Williams has the ability to be that guy, but he needs to embrace the idea he can be a physical, possession receiver.
Just right: Julius Peppers
The player the Falcons and every other opposing offense will prepare for first is defensive end Julius Peppers. While he had eight sacks last season — only the third time in his nine-year career he has been in single digits — his impact was much greater. Peppers sets the tone for everything the Bears do defensively because, as Falcons coach Mike Smith pointed out, everything is predicated on a pass rush from the front four. His linemates must take advantage of the double teams he draws. He’s 31 and should be primed for several more dominant seasons.
