Chicago Sports Then and Now

Mike Martz will look to regain the magic of his days running the "Greatest Show on Turf."

Mike Martz is an offensive guru. He coached one of the most prolific offensives of all time in St. Louis, “The Greatest Show on Turf.” But he failed with San Francisco and Detroit, but it might have been because the players didn’t fit his scheme.

The key to his offense is the receivers and the offensive line. The Bears have some solid receivers in Devin Hester, Johnny Knox, Devin Aromashodu and Earl Bennett. I think with the right coaching and play calling they could be the best group in the league.

The offensive line could be the downfall for this team next season. With Chris Williams, Frank Omiyale, Olin Kreutz, Roberto Garza and Kevin Shaffer as the projected starters, I think they could be in trouble. When Williams was put into the lineup the line was much better, but the right side of the line is the real problem to me. Garza and Shaffer might not be worthy starters in the NFL anymore. Josh Beekman might be an option for the right guard position, but I think the Bears should look at the NFL Draft or free agency to find a solid lineman.

Mike Martz has the smarts and Jay Cutler has the arm, I really think it’s a good mix. Cutler needs the protection and time to get the ball down the field, but most importantly he needs to learn to throw the ball away.

Will the Bears be a much improved offense next season? The answer is most likely, but I don’t know if they will be a great offense. Mike Martz is the key to the success of not only Jay Cutler but also Lovie Smith’s job security. In the meantime Mike Martz should be very excited to work with this young group of up and coming stars mainly the quarterback Jay Cutler.

Jake Perper covers the Chicago Bears for Sports Then and Now. You can also check out his popular blog Bears Backer.