PRESEASON POWER RANKINGS

NO. 3

CHICAGO BEARS

The Bears were the cream of the crop in a crowd of crap in the NFC last season, and there's no reason to think that the Bears won't be there again in 2007.

The defense returns virtually intact, but for the involuntary departure of defensive tackle Tank Johnson.  The offense is somewhat different, but potentially better. 

One key factor will be the ability of tailback Cedric Benson to shoulder the workload in the wake of the trade of Thomas Jones.

The development of quarterback Rex Grossman is the far bigger question mark.  League observers are split on whether Grossman can demonstrate greater consistency in 2007.  We tend to think that he will.

Helping his cause, possibly dramatically, will be rookie tight end Greg Olsen and converted cornerback Devin Hester, who could have a big of an impact on the passing game as he had on the team's return units in 2006.

Working to the Bears' advantage is a six-pack of games against a trio of trash teams in the NFC North, which will help the Bears force the road to the Super Bowl through Soldier Field, again.  And the Bears are hard to beat in that stadium, especially in January.

It all adds up to another Super Bowl appearance.  Whether that also means a Super Bowl victory remains to be seen.

Key departures:  RB Thomas Jones.

Key arrivals:  S Adam Archuleta.

Draft pick most likely to make an impact:  TE Greg Olsen.

Coach's current job security:  Four years.