1. The Martz question
Lovie Smith wondered aloud how he could possibly be asked about the future of offensive coordinator Mike Martz on Wednesday. What’s surprising is how Smith wasn’t expecting to be asked about his longtime friend, especially given the circumstances of the season with the Bears eliminated from the playoffs. It’s the No. 1 storyline going with the franchise, and given the distractions surrounding Martz in the last six weeks, it won’t be surprising if he isn’t offered an extension. But that’s postgame business for Monday when Smith will have no choice but to field a string of questions about his offense.
2. Toub’s options
Another major concern is the status of special teams coordinator Dave Toub, who now holds leverage in negotiations because he will be the coaching version of a free agent. It remains to be seen if Toub will get a look as a head coach somewhere, but he should be in high demand by teams looking to overhaul their special teams. Any clubs with deep-pocketed owners that are bringing in new staffs could challenge general manager Jerry Angelo to buck up to keep Toub, one of four original assistants under Smith.
3. Backup plan
Josh McCown was thoughtful Wednesday when asked if he believes he has set himself up to be a backup for the Bears or another team next season. He said he’s just concerned about going out with a victory at Minnesota. McCown has two things you want to see in a backup: poise and athleticism. It’s impossible to say where the Bears would be if they had him all along, but for one game anyway the 32-year-old journeyman looked like he belongs among the top 64 quarterbacks in the NFL. Another decent showing and he should have work somewhere in 2012.
4. Eyes on the prize
Linebackers Lance Briggs and Brian Urlacher are optimistic the team isn’t far away from competing at the top of the conference again and they’re pointing to the fact the Bears were 7-3 before injuries crippled the offense. A year removed from competing in the NFC title game, the Bears have a solid nucleus in place, and that makes the coming months critical. Angelo is expected to return and the guess here is he takes an aggressive approach this offseason to address key needs on both sides of the ball. Think Briggs and Urlacher are wrong? Where would the team be if Jay Cutler and Matt Forte had remained healthy?
