By Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune –
BOURBONNAIS, Ill. — They don’t hand out trophies based on flashy offseason moves and they don’t issue them as training camps commence in the summer.
But if you are evaluating the beginning of a season based on optimism, the Bears are in prime position for 2012 after arriving Tuesday at Olivet Nazarene University.
Coach Lovie Smith no longer has a glass that’s half-full — he’s carrying a pitcher and it’s overflowing as the coach prepares for his ninth season at the helm, a critical one under new general manager Phil Emery and coming off the familiar disappointment of missing the playoffs at 8-8.
(PHOTO: Chicago Bears head coach Lovie Smith talks to the press as players report to the Bears’ training camp at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Illinois, Tuesday, July 24, 2012.)
There’s no questioning optimism is at an all-time high during the franchise’s 11 summers here with the Bears even more upbeat than they were coming off the 2006 Super Bowl season when legitimate quarterback issues still plagued the franchise and the offense was short on game changers.
“Our roster coming into camp looks about as good as it has since I’ve been here,” Smith said. “We realize that. We embrace that.”
Smith scoffs at questions about pressure in what amounts to a win-or-else campaign. The club mandated Emery retain Smith, who is signed through 2013, but he will have full power to guide the organization as he desires at the end of this season.
It’s difficult to imagine the Bears missing the postseason for the fifth time in six years and Smith sticking around for a 10th season as he draws closer to the longevity of Mike Ditka, who was coach for 11.
The challenge before him, implied or otherwise, doesn’t seem to trouble Smith. He bubbles when he talks about this roster and what lies ahead. In a similar position entering the 2010 season, he delivered with a trip to the NFC championship game. Needing to win, isn’t new territory for him.
How giddy is he? Smith was asked how his relationship with Emery is and he laughed.
“That’s a heck of a question,” he said. “Real good. How’s that? Did you expect something else? Phil and I don’t get along or something like that? We’ve known each other long before Phil came here in a different role as our GM.”
You wouldn’t expect Smith to say anything differently, not after a busy offseason in which the team has made bold moves to build the offense around quarterback Jay Cutler. Wide receiver Brandon Marshall and the return of a happy and wealthier Matt Forte should make the Bears less reliant on Smith’s defense as a more balanced attack is needed to compete in the NFC North with the Packers and Lions.
The Bears have also added key depth with players like quarterback Jason Campbell and running back Michael Bush, and made multiple moves to beef up special teams. No one can accuse Emery of not doing all in his power to win with Smith. Players even acknowledge what is at stake.
“It’s a win-now league,” Cutler said. “Every year you’re expected to win and win big and go to the playoffs and compete for the Super Bowl. Lovie seems to be one of those guys they say is on the hot seat every year. We like having Lovie around and we’re going to do our best to keep him around here.”
In a 22-minute meeting with media, Emery made reference to championships six times and kept his focus on the big picture when asked about Smith and the future.
“As far as my expectations, it’s the same I place on myself,” Emery said. “Our goal is excellence and coming together to win championships. My expectation is to make steady progress toward those goals.”
Steady progress has to mean better than a third-place finish in the division. Emery evaluated the team when he arrived and deemed playmakers were missing. He has taken steps to add them.
Now, the Bears begin sorting through their parts in earnest with the regular season just 61/2 weeks off. It’s a year packed with pressure even if no one wants to admit it.
